The social structure of England during the Anglo-Saxon period was very different from that of Norman society. Each had its own values and ways of organizing people.
Anglo-Saxon Society:
Hierarchy: At the very top, there were kings. Below them were nobles known as thegns, followed by free peasants.
Land Ownership: Land was super important. It was often connected to loyalty and military service.
Roles: Women had certain rights. They could own land and had some say in their communities.
Norman Society:
Feudal System: This system was stricter. The king was still at the top, but then came powerful lords, knights, and at the bottom, serfs.
Land Redistribution: When William the Conqueror took over, he gave out land to his followers. This changed who had power.
Limited Rights for Peasants: Serfs had fewer rights and were more tied to the land they worked on.
In summary, the Normans created a more organized and strict system compared to the Anglo-Saxon society, which was more community-focused and flexible.
The social structure of England during the Anglo-Saxon period was very different from that of Norman society. Each had its own values and ways of organizing people.
Anglo-Saxon Society:
Hierarchy: At the very top, there were kings. Below them were nobles known as thegns, followed by free peasants.
Land Ownership: Land was super important. It was often connected to loyalty and military service.
Roles: Women had certain rights. They could own land and had some say in their communities.
Norman Society:
Feudal System: This system was stricter. The king was still at the top, but then came powerful lords, knights, and at the bottom, serfs.
Land Redistribution: When William the Conqueror took over, he gave out land to his followers. This changed who had power.
Limited Rights for Peasants: Serfs had fewer rights and were more tied to the land they worked on.
In summary, the Normans created a more organized and strict system compared to the Anglo-Saxon society, which was more community-focused and flexible.