1.1.6

Towns

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Anglo-Saxon Towns

England was one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. Towns were the centre of Anglo-Saxon life.

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Trade

  • England had strong trading ties with other countries around the continent.
  • Trade centred around towns in England.
  • Trade had to be carried out within the burhs, where it could then be controlled and taxed.
  • The king had a sophisticated system for collecting taxes from towns. This benefited the crown, the nobles and the Church, which shared the proceeds from the tax.
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Town and country

  • Each shire had a principal town, known as the burh. This was the main fortified town in a region. Having a fortified town made it easier to defend against the Vikings when they attacked.
  • People who lived outside the town could also hide, protected inside the burh if the region was attacked.
  • 10% of English people lived in the towns during the 11th century.

Jump to other topics

1Anglo-Saxon England & The Norman Conquest, 1060-66

2William I in Power: Securing the Kingdom, 1066-87

3Norman England, 1066-88

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