Changes Under the Normans - Society
History: KS3, topic 1.13.14
Aristocracy and Society
The Anglo-Saxon aristocracy and the society beneath it looked different to the Norman model which replaced it.
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.
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.
Slaves
- 10% of Anglo-Saxons had been slaves. The Normans disagreed with slavery and freed many of them.
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.
Test yourself on Changes Under the Normans - Society
How did the role of thegns change under the Normans?
How did life change for peasants under the Normans?
What did the Normans do with slaves?
What was the name given to 'free peasants' under the Anglo-Saxons?