Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 1…
Full specification wording
Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 1 Anglo-Saxon government, economy and society: The economy and social system. Towns and villages. The influence of the Church.
The Anglo-Saxon economy and social system were deeply intertwined and predominantly agricultural.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Anglo-Saxon economy and social system were deeply intertwined and predominantly agricultural. Society was strictly hierarchical, ranging from slaves and peasant farmers (ceorls) at the bottom, to thegns (local lords) and earls at the top. Most people lived in rural villages, working the land in a subsistence economy, but a thriving exchange economy existed in growing towns (burhs), which served as fortified trading hubs with royal mints. The influence of the Church was absolute; it dominated daily life, provided the few literate clerks for government administration, and reinforced the social hierarchy by teaching that the king was divinely appointed. Bishops and abbots held vast estates, making the Church a major economic and political force.
What earns the marks
- Outlines the hierarchical social system, identifying key groups such as slaves, ceorls, thegns, and earls.
- Contrasts the agricultural subsistence economy of the villages with the trade and minting activities in the fortified towns (burhs).
- Explains the economic importance of towns as centres for international trade and the controlled minting of silver coinage.
- Details the pervasive influence of the Church in both daily spiritual life and national government administration.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Viewing Anglo-Saxon society as entirely rural.
Put it right by highlighting the economic significance and growth of trading towns (burhs).
Underestimating the social mobility of the era.
Put it right: Note that ceorls could become thegns if they acquired enough land (five hides).
Treating the Church as purely a religious institution.
Put it right: Bishops were powerful landowners and key political advisors in the Witan.
Exam tips
- Use the term 'burh' when discussing towns to show understanding of their dual role as trading centres and defensive structures.
- Highlight the connection between the social system and land ownership, as land was the primary source of wealth and status.
- When discussing the Church, mention its role in providing literate clerks for the king's administration to show its political influence.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 1 Anglo-Saxon government, economy and society: The economy and social system. Towns and villages. The influence of the Church. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In Anglo-Saxon society, which group made up the vast majority of the population and worked the land?
Listen
The Anglo-Saxon economy and social system were deeply intertwined and predominantly agricultural. Society was strictly hierarchical, ranging from slaves and peasant farmers (ceorls) at the bottom, to thegns (local lords) and earls at the top. Most people lived in rural villages, working the land in a subsistence economy, but a thriving exchange economy existed in growing towns (burhs), which served as fortified trading hubs with royal mints. The influence of the Church was absolute; it dominated daily life, provided the few literate clerks for government administration, and reinforced the social hierarchy by teaching that the king was divinely appointed. Bishops and abbots held vast estates, making the Church a major economic and political force. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Outlines the hierarchical social system, identifying key groups such as slaves, ceorls, thegns, and earls. Contrasts the agricultural subsistence economy of the villages with the trade and minting activities in the fortified towns (burhs). Explains the economic importance of towns as centres for international trade and the controlled minting of silver coinage. Details the pervasive influence of the Church in both daily spiritual life and national government administration. A common slip: Viewing Anglo-Saxon society as entirely rural. Instead, highlighting the economic significance and growth of trading towns (burhs). Exam tip: Use the term 'burh' when discussing towns to show understanding of their dual role as trading centres and defensive structures.
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