þegn

Definition

Þegn, pronounced as 'thayn', refers to a noble warrior or retainer in Anglo-Saxon England, who served a king or a lord and held land in exchange for military service. This term highlights the feudal structure of society during this period, emphasizing loyalty, duty, and the relationship between lords and their followers. Þegns were crucial in maintaining the social order and providing military support in times of conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Þegns were often given land by their lords as a reward for their loyalty and service, which established a bond of mutual obligation.
2. In battle, þegns were expected to provide armed support and demonstrate bravery, often fighting alongside their lord.
3. The position of þegn reflected the hierarchical structure of Anglo-Saxon society, where loyalty to one's lord was paramount.
4. Þegns played a key role in local governance, often overseeing the administration of justice and the collection of taxes within their granted lands.
5. The decline of the þegn's power came with the Norman Conquest in 1066 when many Anglo-Saxon structures were replaced with Norman feudalism.

Review Questions

• How did the role of þegn contribute to the military and social structure of Anglo-Saxon England?
  • Þegns played a vital role in both the military and social hierarchy of Anglo-Saxon England. As noble warriors, they provided essential military service to their lords, ensuring loyalty through personal bonds and shared interests. This relationship reinforced the feudal system where land ownership was tied to service, creating a stable social order that depended on mutual obligations between lords and their þegns.
• Discuss the significance of the bond between a lord and his þegn in terms of governance and local administration.
  • The bond between a lord and his þegn was significant for governance as it created a network of loyalty that helped maintain order within local communities. Þegns often took on responsibilities for administering justice and collecting taxes in their lands, acting as intermediaries between the lord and common folk. This decentralized approach allowed for more effective local governance while ensuring that lords could maintain control over their territories through trusted retainers.
• Evaluate how the evolution of the role of þegn changed after the Norman Conquest and its implications for Anglo-Saxon society.
  • After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the role of þeagn underwent significant changes as the new Norman rulers imposed their feudal system. Many traditional roles were supplanted or diminished, leading to the decline of the Anglo-Saxon nobility's influence. This transition resulted in a shift towards greater centralization under Norman lords, fundamentally altering the landscape of power dynamics and local governance in England, which had lasting effects on societal structures well beyond this period.

Related terms

Ealdorman: An ealdorman was a high-ranking nobleman or lord in Anglo-Saxon England, often serving as a regional governor or leader of a shire.

Witenagemot: The Witenagemot was an assembly of nobles and clergy in Anglo-Saxon England that advised the king and made decisions on important matters, including laws and succession.

Ceorl: A ceorl was a freeman of lower social status compared to a þegn, typically a peasant or farmer who did not possess the same rights or land as the nobility.