1.3 What was the Impact of Migrants c800-1500

Question 1

What was the most important tax in Anglo-Saxon England?

Answer 1

Geld

Geld was a land tax that played a crucial role in the taxation system of Anglo-Saxon England.

Question 2

What language did the Vikings speak that influenced English?

Answer 2

Old Norse

Old Norse contributed to the structure, grammar, and vocabulary of English, especially in place names and days of the week.

Question 3

What are some examples of English words derived from Old Norse?

Answer 3

• Place names ending in -by and -thorpe
• Names ending with -son
• Days of the week: Tyr-Tuesday, Woden-Wednesday, Thor-Thursday, Frigg-Friday

These examples highlight the linguistic impact of the Vikings on the English language.

Question 4

What role did the Chancellor have under William?

Answer 4

Oversee the writing up of official documents

William appointed Norman chancellors for this purpose.

Question 5

What is a Shire?

Answer 5

A division of land in Saxon England

Shires were fundamental administrative units in Saxon governance.

Question 6

Did William change the taxation system after the Norman conquest?

Answer 6

No

William maintained the taxation system but utilized the Domesday Book to increase tax revenue.

Question 7

What were ‘Hundreds’ in Saxon England?

Answer 7

Smaller areas within shires

Hundreds served as subdivisions for local governance and dispute resolution.

Question 8

What were Viking assemblies called?

Answer 8

Things

These assemblies used voting to make decisions and allowed women to participate equally.

Question 9

What is a Ransom?

Answer 9

A sum of money demanded for the release of a captive

Ransoms were common in various historical contexts, particularly in warfare.

Question 10

What administrative areas did the Vikings create in the Danelaw?

Answer 10

Thrithjungr

These areas eventually evolved into the ‘Riding’ divisions in Yorkshire.

Question 11

What societal changes occurred under the Normans?

Answer 11

• Landscape (castles)
• Land Ownership (replacement of English landowners)
• Church (Norman Bishops and stone Churches)
• Language (Old French)
• Laws (Forest Laws and Murdrum)

These changes significantly transformed English society.

Question 12

What is a Dowry?

Answer 12

Money, land, and/or goods given by a woman’s family to her husband’s family

Dowries were a common practice in many cultures as part of marriage arrangements.

Question 13

What role did Jewish migrants play in the economy?

Answer 13

Provided 8% of the wealth despite being less than 0.25% of the population

Their financial activities significantly impacted the economy.

Question 14

What was the transition from a Primary economy to a Secondary economy?

Answer 14

From gathering raw materials to manufacturing goods

This transition marked a significant shift in the economic structure of England.

Question 15

How did Jewish lending contribute to large projects?

Answer 15

• Financing castles under William I
• Funding Norwich Cathedral under William II
• Supporting wars and dowries during the reigns of Stephen and John I
• Financing Westminster Abbey under Henry III

Jewish financiers played a crucial role in major construction and military endeavors.

Question 16

What was one of the notable contributions of Jewish communities in England?

Answer 16

Assisting in the establishment of Merton College and funding poorer students for Oxford University

This highlights their role in supporting education and community development.

Question 17

What was the significance of the English Cloth trade?

Answer 17

Created wealth and promoted further expansion through taxes raised

The cloth trade was a critical component of the economy during this period.