About the author

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anglo-Saxon law, the body of legal principles that prevailed in England from the 6th century until theNorman Conquest

(1066). In conjunction with Scandinavian law and the so-called barbarian laws (leges barbarorum) of continental Europe, it made up the body of law called Germanic law. Anglo-Saxon law was written in the vernacular (просторічний) and was relatively free of the Roman influence found in continental laws that were written in Latin. Roman influence on Anglo-Saxon law was indirect and exerted primarily through the church. There was a definite Scandinavian influence upon Anglo-Saxon law as a result of the Viking invasions of the 8th and 9th centuries. Only with the Norman Conquest did Roman law, as embodied in Frankish law, make its influence felt on the laws of England.

Anglo-Saxon Law and Order

By Michael Wood

About the author

Michael Wood is the writer and presenter of many critically acclaimed television series, including In the Footsteps of... series. Born and educated in Manchester, Michael did postgraduate research on Anglo-Saxon history at Oxford. Since then he has made over 60 documentary films and written several best selling books. His films have centred on history, but have also included travel, politics and cultural history.

The Anglo-Saxon kings were adept at framing laws (вироблення законів) that reflected their authority. But they had the sense to take local customs into account when doing so.

§ 1. Regional sensibilities

§ 2. Regional customs

§ 3. Racial tension

§ 4. The oath of loyalty

§ 5. Law and order

§ 6. Coins

Part1

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