Shire

Definition

A shire was a historical term used in Anglo-Saxon England to describe a division of land that served as an administrative region. It was typically governed by a nobleman known as a 'shire-reeve' or sheriff, who oversaw law and order, tax collection, and local administration. Shires played a crucial role in the transition from Anglo-Saxon governance to the more centralized structure seen in Anglo-Norman England.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'shire' is derived from the Old English word 'scir', which means 'district' or 'division'.
2. Shires were established to facilitate local governance, allowing for more efficient management of justice, tax collection, and community affairs.
3. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, there were around 40 shires in England, each with its own distinct boundaries and characteristics.
4. The role of the sheriff was essential; they acted as the king's representative in the shire and were responsible for maintaining peace and order.
5. After the Norman Conquest, the concept of shires evolved, leading to greater centralization of power under the Norman kings, who continued to use shires as key administrative units.

Review Questions

• How did the role of the sheriff in a shire reflect the governance structure of Anglo-Saxon England?
  • The sheriff's role in a shire was pivotal as they acted as the king's local representative, overseeing law enforcement and tax collection. This position highlighted a decentralized system where local leaders managed day-to-day affairs while still being accountable to royal authority. The sheriff's authority helped maintain order and facilitated communication between the monarchy and the local populace, which was essential for governance during this period.
• In what ways did the establishment of shires impact local administration and governance in Anglo-Saxon England?
  • The establishment of shires significantly impacted local administration by creating structured divisions that allowed for more efficient governance. Each shire had its own governing body, which included a sheriff who enforced laws and collected taxes. This system helped streamline administrative tasks and fostered a sense of local identity, while also laying the groundwork for future developments in English governance during and after the Norman Conquest.
• Evaluate the significance of shires in understanding the transition from Anglo-Saxon to Anglo-Norman England.
  • Shires are crucial for understanding the transition from Anglo-Saxon to Anglo-Norman England because they illustrate how local governance was organized before and after 1066. The Normans built upon the existing shire structure but centralized authority under royal control. This evolution not only maintained administrative continuity but also reshaped power dynamics within England, influencing the development of local governance and legal systems that persisted throughout subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Hundred: A smaller administrative division within a shire, often responsible for local courts and taxation.

Witan:

An assembly of nobles and clergy in Anglo-Saxon England that advised the king and made important decisions, including those affecting shires.

Doomsday Book: A record compiled in 1086 under William the Conqueror that detailed landholdings and resources throughout England, including information about shires.