Was pre-conquest England a civilised and sophisticated state?

Answer 1

Just giving my input based on the knowledge I have from AS medieval history.

The answer can be found in the fact that the Normans didn't really change anything after conquering; the Normans were adept at exploiting the success of others. William the Bastard (later "the conqueror") found, in my opinion, a sophisticated nation state when he invaded in 1066. England was a wealthy country, with well-established laws, administrative boundaries and financial customs. William kept the shires, sheriffs and earldoms and continued to raise taxes as Edward (The Confessor) had done, for his own means.

By the 11th century the contemporary idea of society was that of three levels; those who fought, those who prayed, and those who worked. The aristocratic class of landowners did not dirty their hands; they served the king in battle and in administration. The churchman had their hierarchy stretching from the pope in Rome, to the bishops, abbots, monks and the village priests. To further exacerbate the point, there where merchants, craftsmen and sailors. As we can see, society was well structured and developed.

To determine whether pre-conquest England was a sophisticated state we must examine and explore the organisation of finances. What emerged in England in the 10th and 11th centuries was an efficient system of taxation based upon sound currency. The minting of coins expanded considerably under West Saxon kings so that by 980's there were approximately 60 mints around the country. Royal control was absolute; every 5 years all coins in circulation ceased to be legal tender by royal decree and were to be handed in and exchanged. Moreover, the money was so sophisticated, the Anglo-Saxon monetary system of pounds, shillings and pence remained in use till 1971!