Anglo Saxons in 7th-11th Century By Sofia Ponos And Hana Mahle

Social Structure In Anglo Saxon times there were three classes Thanes- the rich land owners, that enjoyed hunting have feasts and gave gifts to there followers. Churls- the middle class some churls were very well off but most were poor. Thralls- the slaves who were owned by Thanes and had no freedom. Churls “rented” land from thanes and paid the rent with crops.

Kinship Family ties were very important to the Anglo Saxons (England at the time.) If someone in a family was killed, their relatives could avenge them. Although there was another option - you could pay money. This money was called wergild. Wergild varies on a persons rank. Wergild for killing a Thane was more than for killing a churl. If wergild was not paid relatives could seek revenge.

Farming The majority of Anglo Saxons were farmers. Though the farming was very primitive. Farmers made just enough to feed them selves, there family and not much more. Farmers could not grow enough to keep there animals alive so they slaughtered them when the winter came, and salted there meat.

Food Grains- wheat, barley, and rye. Vegetables- peas, cabbage, parsnips, carrots, and celery. Fruits- apples, raspberries, blackberries, and sloes. They raised goats cattle pigs and sheep.

Food The Anglo Saxons were very fond of meat and fish. But only the thanes could afford to have a luxury like meat. Ordinary people ate a dreary diet of bread cheese and eggs.

Clothing The men wore a shirt with a tunic and breeches. They also wore cloaks held in place with brooches. Some men wore wool leggings held in place with garrets.

Clothing The women wore a long linen garment with an tunic. They also wore mantles. Both men and women used combs made of bone or antler.