Anglo-Saxon England

Question 1

What was England’s population in 1000?

Answer 1

Between 1,700,000 and 2,000,000 and about 90% of people lived in countryside

Question 2

What were the trends in crime and punishment in the Anglo-Saxon period?

Answer 2

1. Power of the king grew, penalties were increasingly decided by him
2. Role of the Church increased, interested in giving those who had committed sins a chance to save their souls
3. The use of capital punishment increased to help boost the visible power of the King

Question 3

How did King Ethelred get more control over the kingdom?

Answer 3

1. During his reign, there was ongoing conflict in the border areas between Scotland and England
2. In c1000, he attacked some Viking settlements and stopped counter-attacks by making alliances with Normandy.
3. This gave him more control.

Question 4

How did the role of Anglo-Saxon kings change?

Answer 4

1. Previously, communities had their own laws so the system relied on local customs
2. Authority of Anglo-Saxon kings increased
3. Increasingly accepted that the King would make and enforce laws.
4. He relied on advisor’s but it was responsibility to keep the king’s peace.

Question 5

How was crime in towns and the countryside?

Answer 5

1. Towns like Lundenwic and Eoforwic were growing in importance
2. This was because of settled populations, trade contacts with Europe and coined money to make trade easier
3. In these larger communities, it was easier to commit crimes
4. However, most people lived in countryside easy to identify

Question 6

What were Anglo-Saxon views on law enforcement?

Answer 6

1. Role of community was important
2. God was the final judge
3. The social status of groups should be clear in law

Question 7

What was the community’s role in law enforcement?

Answer 7

1. Victim’s responsibility to seek justice, community still helps
2. By the 10th century, English shires had been divided into hundreds
3. 10 men aged 12 and over, one man from each hundred and tithing had to meet regularly with the king’s shire reeve
4. Had to mainly stop cattle-theft
5. Hue and cry.

Question 8

Religion and Law Enforcement:

Answer 8

1. Oaths hearing took place in public and accused could swear their innocence
2. Trial by hot iron and water, healed well innocent
3. Cold water- sink water has accepted you innocent

Question 9

Punishment:

Answer 9

1. Wergild-compensation for loss of life. Prince 1500 shillings, Yeoman 100 shillings and serf 40 shillings
2. Hanging
3. Maiming
4. Gouging an eye
5. Stocks and pillory-public disorder