4.3 Economic activities and trade

Anglo-Saxon England's economy revolved around farming and animal husbandry. Most people worked the land, growing crops and raising livestock. Surpluses were traded or given to elites. The agricultural year followed a seasonal rhythm of plowing, sowing, and harvesting.

Craftsmanship and trade also played vital roles. Skilled artisans made metal goods, pottery, and textiles for local use and trade. The introduction of coins in the 7th century boosted commerce, allowing for more complex economic interactions and cultural exchanges.

Anglo-Saxon Economic Activities

Agriculture as the Primary Economic Activity

• Agriculture was the primary economic activity in Anglo-Saxon England with the majority of the population engaged in farming and animal husbandry
• The Anglo-Saxon economy was largely based on subsistence agriculture, with surpluses being used for trade or to support the elite classes
• The agricultural year was divided into seasons, with specific tasks such as plowing, sowing, and harvesting being carried out at different times
• The management of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, was an important aspect of Anglo-Saxon agriculture providing food, wool, and other resources

Craftsmanship and Trade in the Anglo-Saxon Economy

• Craftsmanship, including metalworking, pottery, and textile production, played a significant role in the Anglo-Saxon economy with skilled artisans producing goods for both local consumption and trade
• Trade, both internal and external, was an important aspect of the Anglo-Saxon economy facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences
• The introduction of coinage in the 7th century CE facilitated the growth of trade and the development of a more complex economy

Agricultural Production in Anglo-Saxon England

Land Ownership and the Open-Field System

• The Anglo-Saxon agricultural system was based on the open-field system, which involved the division of land into strips that were allocated to individual households
• Land ownership was hierarchical, with the king granting land to nobles and the Church, who in turn granted land to lower-ranking individuals in exchange for services and loyalty
• The majority of the population were peasants who worked the land as tenants or slaves, providing labor for agricultural production

Technological Innovations and Increased Productivity

• The introduction of the heavy plow and other technological innovations during the Anglo-Saxon period led to increased agricultural productivity and the expansion of cultivated land
• The use of iron tools, such as sickles and scythes, improved the efficiency of harvesting crops
• The development of water mills and windmills provided a source of power for grinding grain and other agricultural tasks
• Crop rotation techniques, such as the three-field system, helped to maintain soil fertility and increase crop yields

Crafts and Industries in the Anglo-Saxon Economy

Metalworking and Other Specialized Crafts

• Metalworking, including the production of iron tools and weapons, was a significant industry with skilled blacksmiths and other craftsmen working in towns and rural areas
• The production of pottery, both for local use and for trade, was another important craft industry with distinct regional styles and techniques emerging over time (Stamford ware, Thetford ware)
• Other specialized crafts included leatherworking, glassmaking, and the production of jewelry and other luxury goods (gold and silver brooches, drinking horns)

Textile Production and the Role of Women

• Textile production, including the spinning and weaving of wool and linen, was a major industry with women playing a significant role in the production process
• Wool from sheep was the primary material used in textile production, with linen made from flax being less common
• Women were responsible for spinning wool into yarn using drop spindles and weaving the yarn into cloth on vertical looms
• Dyes made from plants (woad, madder) and minerals (iron oxide) were used to color the textiles

Guilds and Occupational Organization

• The growth of towns and the increasing demand for goods led to the development of specialized crafts and industries in Anglo-Saxon England
• The development of guilds and other forms of occupational organization helped to regulate production and maintain standards of quality in craft industries
• Guilds provided a means for craftsmen to protect their interests, set prices, and ensure the quality of their products
• Apprenticeships and other forms of training helped to pass on skills and knowledge from one generation of craftsmen to the next

Trade Networks in Anglo-Saxon England

Internal Trade and the Growth of Towns

• Internal trade networks, including the use of rivers (Thames, Severn) and roads (Watling Street, Ermine Street), connected different regions of England allowing for the movement of agricultural produce, crafted goods, and raw materials
• The growth of towns and the development of markets and fairs facilitated trade and the exchange of goods, both locally and over longer distances
• Towns such as London, York, and Winchester became important centers of trade and commerce, with merchants and craftsmen setting up shops and workshops

External Trade and Cultural Exchange

• External trade networks, particularly with the Frankish Empire and the Viking world, brought luxury goods, such as silk and spices, into England as well as raw materials like fur and amber
• The control of trade routes and the taxation of goods were important sources of wealth and power for Anglo-Saxon kings and nobles leading to competition and conflict between different groups
• Trade with the Frankish Empire brought wine, glass, and other luxury goods into England, while English wool and metalwork were exported in return
• Trade with the Viking world, particularly in the east of England, brought Scandinavian influences into Anglo-Saxon culture, including new artistic styles (Ringerike style) and ship-building techniques

The Impact of Trade on Anglo-Saxon Society

• The impact of trade on Anglo-Saxon society was significant, leading to the growth of a merchant class, the spread of new technologies and ideas, and the development of a more complex and interconnected economy
• The Viking raids and invasions of the 9th and 10th centuries disrupted trade networks and had a significant impact on the Anglo-Saxon economy and society
• The growth of trade and commerce led to the development of new forms of social organization, such as merchant guilds and town councils
• The spread of Christianity and the growth of the Church were closely tied to the development of trade networks, with monasteries and other religious institutions playing a key role in the production and exchange of goods (illuminated manuscripts, metalwork)