Hundreds

Definition

In Anglo-Saxon England, 'hundreds' referred to administrative divisions within kingdoms that facilitated local governance and organization. Each hundred typically consisted of several villages and was responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and managing local justice. This system played a vital role in the formation and development of the seven major kingdoms and later in the unification of England under leaders like Alfred the Great.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hundred system emerged as a way to manage land and people more effectively, helping rulers exert control over their territories.
2. Each hundred had its own court where local disputes were settled, allowing for a decentralized form of justice.
3. As kingdoms unified, the importance of hundreds increased because they provided a framework for administrative efficiency and resource management.
4. Under Alfred the Great, the concept of hundreds was further developed to strengthen local governance against Viking invasions.
5. Hundreds played a key role in establishing local identities and communities that were essential for the later formation of a unified England.

Review Questions

• How did the hundred system contribute to the administrative organization of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms?
  • The hundred system allowed for effective local governance by dividing kingdoms into manageable units. Each hundred encompassed several villages, which helped rulers administer justice, collect taxes, and maintain order more efficiently. This structure not only facilitated better resource management but also helped establish local identities that were crucial for the cohesion of each kingdom.
• Discuss the role of hundreds in the context of Alfred the Great's efforts toward unifying England.
  • Under Alfred the Great, hundreds were crucial in organizing local administration to strengthen defenses against Viking incursions. By enhancing the administrative functions of hundreds, Alfred was able to establish a more cohesive governance structure that allowed for quick responses to threats. This decentralization empowered local leaders while still maintaining overall control, which was vital for fostering unity among the disparate regions of England during his reign.
• Evaluate how the transition from independent kingdoms to a unified England affected the structure and function of hundreds.
  • The transition from independent Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to a unified England led to significant changes in the structure and function of hundreds. As political authority centralized under a singular monarchy, hundreds became essential tools for administration across the newly formed nation. They facilitated consistent governance, tax collection, and legal proceedings throughout England, enabling the king to exert influence over previously independent regions. This integration helped forge a collective English identity while maintaining local governance structures that reflected regional needs.

Related terms

Shire: A shire was a larger administrative division in Anglo-Saxon England, often encompassing multiple hundreds and serving as a key unit of governance.

Witenagemot: The Witenagemot was an assembly of nobles and clergy that advised the king and helped in decision-making, influencing the governance of hundreds.

Borough: A borough was a self-governing town within a hundred, often granted certain rights and privileges that allowed for local autonomy.