The Anglo-Saxon and
Medieval Periods
449-1485 A.D.
This Lesson Will Teach you about:
Impact of Christianity
Feudalism
Sociology of Medieval Europe
The Hundred Years War
The Anglo-Saxon Period
449-1066
Britannia (Great Britain) had
been abandoned by the
Roman Empire—the Roman
Army fled to protect the city of
Rome from invasion during the
early part of the 5th century.
The Anglo-Saxon Period
449-1066
Without protection,
the islands were
invaded by Germanic
peoples beginning in
the 5th century
(449A.D.)
 Primary Tribes:

–Angles
–Saxons
The Anglo-Saxon Period
449-1066
The “Britons” were led by a
Christian commander named
Arthur. Unfortunately, they were
unable to protect Britannia
 German tribes took over southern
& central parts Brittania forcing
the native people (Celtics) to the
north and west.
 Celtic culture & pagan religions
all but disappeared.

Interesting Fact:
The
Celtics reemerged in Boston,
Massachusetts (USA) in 1946
The Anglo-Saxon Period
449-1066
Because the Angles Tribe was the
predominant tribe in southern Britannia at
the time, the new settlement became
known as “Angle-land,” or England
(modern pronunciation).
Although the Angles were the dominant
tribe, scholars still refer to this period as
the Anglo-Saxon Period.
Lives of the Anglo-Saxons Changed
Over Time
 In
the beginning…
– Seafaring people
– Short
– Bleak
– Violent
– Pagan Religion
 After
Christianity…
– Strong belief in the
“Wyrd” (fate)
– Admired warriors
whose “wyrd” was
to prevail in battle
– Less violent
– More secure
– More civilized
– agriculturalists
Growth of Christianity
 Anglo-Saxons
began adopting Christianity
during late 6th century.
 Gaels (native tribe) spread Christianity to
Angles.
 Augustine establishes first monastery at
Canterbury in 597A.D.
 Within the next century, most people
became Christian.
Final Invasion of England
 Dispute
as to who would succeed the
throne in 1066.
 William, Duke of Normandy, attacks
Harold in the “Battle of Hastings” on
Christmas day 1066 A.D.
 William takes over throne and is
renamed William “the Conqueror.”
 Medieval Period begins.
The Medieval Period 1066-1485
 Introduction
of the
Normans (French:
“north men”) to the
region brought about
a lot of change.
 Brought over “French
practices.”
 Ushers in new
regime—beginning of
the Medieval Period.
Feudal System of Medieval Period
Definition—a political and economic system in
which the hierarchy was based on the king
owning all the land in the kingdom and
subdividing it.
 25%--The King lived on and owned (castles)
 25%--Dedicated to the Church (cathedrals)
 50%--Gets further subdivided to loyal nobles—
mostly Norman barons (manors).
– Normans supplied king with warriors on
horseback called knechts <Old Eng:
servant>

Feudal System Hierarchy
 King—owned all the land in the kingdom
 Nobles/Barons—”rented” subdivided
land by providing knights and
allegiance to the king.
 Knights—warriors for protection &
allegiance to the Nobles and Barons.
Serfs—the Anglo-Saxons that were
conquered by the Normans
became peasants bound to the
land the could not own.
Creation of new Judicial System
Henry II takes over and enacts new system
 Royal Courts throughout the country
 System of Juries
 Formation of English Common Law
– based on old practices, tradition, and values.
Discussion Question:


Why is the idea of a judicial system such a
revolutionary concept compared to the feudal
system?
Compare Henry’s system of government to modern
democracies. What are some similarities?


Chivalry
Wife of Henry II introduced ideals
of chivalry she brought with her
from France when she took over
as Queen of England.
Chivalry—code of honor intended
to govern knightly behavior.
– Honor and protection of
women, children, and most
importantly: CHRISTIANITY!
– Go on Holy Quests (Crusades)
in order to spread and
maintain Christian principles
and teachings.
Crusades
Richard I (“Richard the LionHearted”) spent much of 10year reign fighting Crusades in
France to protect Christianity.
 Brother John ruled during his
absence and was dubbed a
tyrant

– Subject of “Robin Hood” stories
Treasury had become bankrupt
from wars.
 “Magna Carta” signed in 1215
giving more power to barons.

– Step toward modern democracy.
End of Feudalism
Signing of Magna Carta in 1215 A.D. brought
about socioeconomic change.
 Commoners power increased as trade increased
with Western Europe and Asia.
 Merchants & Craftspeople formed Guilds.


– Set up rules for trading/economy
– Moderated prices in the market
– Wealth shifted from land ownership to mercantilism and trade.
Universities blossomed (Oxford)
The Hundred Years War 1337-1453
 On-and-Off
War Between England & France.
 “The Plague”—Black Death killed 30-40% of
England’s population
 Domestic “War of the Roses” to seat new
King.
 “Red Rose” wins out and seats as Henry VII.
 Seating of new King ends “Middle Ages”
(Medieval Period) in England.