The final part of my series on Saxon society.

As you would expect with any society that was characterised by a hierarchical class system there would be the top class who were defined by their wealth and by the power that they wielded. In the Anglo-Saxon world the upper class were known as the aethelings, who were principally the royal family. The king was the obviously the head of this very exclusive group and he would be joined by his queen, their children who would hold the ranks of prince and princesses, and any other immediate family members such as brothers and sisters who would hold the same rank but be differentiated by their position in line to inherit the throne.

The position of aetheling granted many privileges but it also bestowed certain responsibilities too. Aethelings were expected to support the king and queen and to lead the army on campaign. Military service was considered important as the cult of the warrior was a mainstay of Saxon culture and it also gave the ambitious a chance to prove their worth against the enemies of the people. Harold Godwinson, when he was Eorl of Wessex, built up a formidable reputation for himself as successful warlord defeating King Gruffydd ap Llwellyn of Wales at the command of King Edward of England.

The full post can be found here: The Social World of the Anglo-Saxons: The Aethelings and the Eoldermen