þeigns

Thegns were a social class in Anglo-Saxon England, ranking below the nobility but above the common peasantry. The term itself is derived from the Old English word "þegn," meaning servant or retainer. The status of a thegn was not solely determined by birth but was also a mark of service, particularly military service to a king or lord. A thegn was expected to provide military equipment and accompany their lord in warfare. The size of a thegn's landholding was often significant, typically at least five hides of land, which was a unit of land measurement. This land allowed them to support themselves and their retinue. Thegnage was a hereditary position to some extent, but it could also be acquired through royal grant or by demonstrating exceptional loyalty and capability. Their responsibilities extended beyond military duties to include administrative and judicial functions within their local areas. Thegns were bound by oaths of loyalty and were expected to uphold justice and order. As the Anglo-Saxon period progressed, the distinction between thegn and a lesser form of nobility, the *gesith*, became less clear, and the thegnage evolved into a more defined social stratum.

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