How did the Anglo-Saxons bring about law and order to Britain - Info Pack - Year 5

The Anglo-Saxons established a structured society in Britain around AD600, which was pivotal in bringing law and order to the land. This society was hierarchically organised with the king at the top, followed by the thanes, ceorls, and slaves at the bottom. Kings, often multiple within the five key kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, Kent, and East Anglia, commanded great respect and authority, with their rulings shaping the governance of the land. Despite occasional conflicts among these rulers, their word was law and their commands were to be obeyed by all within their realms.

Beneath the kings were the thanes, who were influential landowners and played a crucial role in maintaining order within their villages. They were the enforcers of the king's commands and had the authority to banish individuals who fell out of favour. The majority of Anglo-Saxons were ceorls, the working class who farmed the land or practised trades. Although they were protected by the thanes, they were also obliged to fight for them when required. At the very bottom of the societal structure were the slaves, who lived under harsh conditions and were owned by the thanes. This hierarchical system, with clear roles and responsibilities, was integral to the Anglo-Saxon approach to law and order in Britain.