The Anglo-Saxon Army

What soldiers were there in Anglo-Saxon England?

Anglo-Saxon England had two key types of soldiers: the fyrd and housecarls.

What was the Anglo-Saxon fyrd?

The fyrd were the soldiers who went to fight in the king's army, if called upon. Each group of five hides had to provide one man for the fyrd, and the maximum term of service was 40 days.

• ❖ The fyrd were the soldiers who went to fight in the king's army, if called upon.
• ❖ The fyrd was disbanded after 40 days to make sure that men could return home to care for their farms and families.
• ❖ The select fyrd travelled England to fight for the king. These were usually well-trained, well-equipped thegns and their followers.
• ❖ The general fyrd was made up of men who fought only in their local area.
• ❖ By 1060, communities could pay a fee instead of providing men for the fyrd. This could be used to hire soldiers instead.

What type of soldier was a housecarl in Anglo-Saxon England?

Housecarls were well-trained, well-armed soldiers who acted as bodyguards for important nobles. They were the professional backbone of the army.