1.13.14

Changes Under the Normans - Society

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Aristocracy and Society

The Anglo-Saxon aristocracy and the society beneath it looked different to the Norman model which replaced it.

Illustrative background for ThegnsIllustrative background for Thegns ?? "content

Thegns

  • Thegns were local lords during the Anglo-Saxon era.
  • Under the Normans, thegns became tenants.
  • Normans inherited the land when the thegns died, not the thegns’ offspring (children). Thegns who disobeyed their Norman masters had their land taken away.
Illustrative background for PeasantsIllustrative background for Peasants ?? "content

Peasants

  • Under the Anglo-Saxons there were a large number of 'ceorls' (free peasants). This group became much rarer under the Normans.
  • Many peasants did not notice the difference between the years under Anglo-Saxon and then Norman rule.
Illustrative background for SlavesIllustrative background for Slaves ?? "content

Slaves

  • 10% of Anglo-Saxons had been slaves. The Normans disagreed with slavery and freed many of them.
Illustrative background for EarlsIllustrative background for Earls ?? "content

Earls

  • Earls and their earldoms were reduced in importance as they became much smaller.
  • As tenants-in-chief, earls were now dependent on the king.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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