GECNAWAN THOU GEWEORTH- TO KNOW YOUR WORTH: EXAMINING VARIATIONS OF WERGILD IN ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND: 600 C.E.-850 C.E.
Kelse Merrill
Literally translated, Wergild is an Anglo-Saxon word that means “man-price.” can broadly be defined as the compensation owed for injury of another. grew exponentially between formation first written law code and those followed. The later laws emphasized both material wealth well land ownership in settlement disputes. They also integrated oaths into legal system. Later wergild gave more power to king within society, allowed secure revenue through additional means, protected population from decimation, prevented needless feuding over murder assault, act a judge some cases. Furthermore, various social boundaries strengthened divide earls freemen. kings who came after conversion Christianity modified conform their needs specific traditions. importance these modifications are represented lies fact they continue impact England’s history centuries. structure, emphasis placed on land, would lasting characteristics England help make William or Normandy’s administrative conquest successful. Portions Norman administration were already present visible early codes, such king, landowner worker relations, value money.