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GCSE History · key term
Highly trained professional warriors who formed the core of an Anglo-Saxon king’s army and fought on foot, often using large battle-axes.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Paper 2
Revise: Military AspectsHarold’s army combined housecarls, highly trained professional warriors, with the fyrd, men called up for military service. Housecarls fought on foot and were particularly dangerous in close combat with their large battle-axes. Fyrd soldiers varied in training and equipment; many carried spears and shields.
Paper 2
Professional warriors who served kings and earls in Anglo-Saxon England.
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For defence, kings and earls maintained housecarls, professional warriors. The king could also call out the fyrd, a military force raised when soldiers were needed. Thegns and their followers supplied an important part of this force, and shires had obligations to provide men.