2.1.5

Anglo-Saxon Towns

Test yourself

Anglo-Saxon Towns

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

Illustrative background for TradeIllustrative background for Trade ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Town and countryIllustrative background for Town and country ?? "content

Town and country

  • Each shire had a principal town, known as the burh. This was the main fortified town in the 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

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

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium