a page charter of edgar new minster, winchester. unusually, charter in form of book.
charters have provided fundamental source material understanding anglo-saxon england complements anglo-saxon chronicle , other literary sources. used historians sources history of anglo-saxon england. kings gave land in charters. seeing land awarded, possible see extent of king s control , how exercised power. in 846, Æthelwulf of wessex granted land in devon charter, perhaps dividing spoils conquered territory among men.
charters give lists of persons attested document , possible see present @ king s court. detailed diplomas drafted scribe known Æthelstan show several welsh kings, including hywel dda, attended court of Æthelstan in late 920s , 930s. person s absence court can equally revealing: wulfstan i, archbishop of york 931 956, failed attest royal charters between 936 , 941, during time battle of brunanburh fought between Æthelstan , alliance of hiberno-norse king of dublin, olaf guthfrithson , scottish king, constantine. wulfstan rather independently-minded , absence west saxon court can linked possible participation @ brunanburh , later activity kind of kingmaker in york. possible trace man s career @ court through position in witness list, in case of eadric streona @ court of Æthelred unready in 11th century.
burdens due landowners king, such providing soldiers, resources , man-power, relieved in charters. gives historians opportunity examine aspects of anglo-saxon society.
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