ealdgarths

Ealdgarths were a significant social and economic group in Anglo-Saxon England. The term itself, derived from Old English, roughly translates to "old enclosure" or "ancient dwelling place," suggesting a connection to established settlements and land ownership. Ealdgarths typically represented individuals who held a certain amount of land and were therefore considered freemen. Their status was distinct from both the nobility and the unfree peasant population. They were expected to provide military service to their lord or king and were often involved in local administration and justice. The size of an ealdgarth's holding could vary, but it was sufficient to support themselves and their families, and to contribute to the wider economy. Their existence played a crucial role in the social hierarchy of Anglo-Saxon society, acting as a buffer between the aristocracy and the lower classes, and contributing to the stability and functioning of the kingdom. Their rights and responsibilities were defined by custom and law, and their presence underpinned the agricultural and military systems of the era.