 |
| Cyning (king) |
| Ealdorman (Earl after c.1000) |
| Hold / High-reeve |
| Thegn (thane) |
| Thingmen / housecarl (retainer) |
| Reeve / Verderer (bailiff) |
| Ceorl (churl, free tenant) |
| Villein (serf) |
| Cottar (cottager) |
| Þēow (thrall, slave) |
The Thingmen (Old English: Þingalið) was a unit in the service of the Kings of England during the period 1013–1051, financed by direct taxation which had its origins in the tribute known as Danegeld.[1] It consisted mostly of men of Scandinavian descent and it had an initial strength of 3,000 housecarls and a fleet of 40 ships, which was subsequently reduced. Its last remnant was disbanded by Edward the Confessor in 1051.[2]
In the 11th century, three courts outside Scandinavia were particularly prominent in recruiting Scandinavian troops:[3] Novgorod-Kiev (Kievan Rus') c. 980–1060,[3] Constantinople (the Varangian Guard) 988–1204,[3][4] and England 1018–1051.[3] Scandinavia was however also a recruiting area for attacks against England and this is why a defence needed to be organized by the Danish king Cnut the Great.[1][5][6] The Thingmen attracted Swedish mercenaries, and probably some Norwegian as well.[1]