Burhs contribution to unity

Question 1

How did burhs contribute to unity within the economy?

Answer 1

Created something of a market-based economy supported by a new monetary system with well-disseminated coinage, confirming to people across Alfred’s territory who their king was and his power = greater wealth in the country

Question 2

How did burhs contribute to unity within administration?

Answer 2

• Brought people together, gave them a sense of being in control of their own affairs (commerce/trade etc. going on in their local burh)
• Burghal hideage lists them as a national network, not simply shire by shire
• All burhs supported by a standardised system of law and order in Alfred’s law code

Question 3

How did burhs contribute to unity within the kingdom’s defence?

Answer 3

• Burhs worked as part of a connected network to ensure defence of the kingdom - each burh worked alongside the others (they would provide aid and host refugees if a neighbouring burh was attacked)
• Listed on the burghal hideage as an interconnected national system - every hide had to produce one man to garrison their local burh

Question 4

How did burhs contribute to unity within the church?

Answer 4

• Burhs could function as local religious centres with cathedral status for the surrounding area - commonality of religion and the localities could travel to their burh to worship alongside others
• The charter for Worcester provides evidence for Alfred working alongside churchmen (ie. Bishop Werferth) to bring new territories into his economic network