Cassell's History of England, Vol. 1 (of 8) From the Roman Invasion to the Wars of the Roses
CHAPTER IV.
RISE OF WESSEX AND OF THE SOCIAL SYSTEM OF ENGLAND.
Ceawlin and his Successors--Cedwalla--Ina--Subjection to Mercia--Accession of Egbert--He subdues his Rivals--His Wars with the Welsh and Danes--Land-owning System--Local Assemblies--The Hundred Moot--The Shire Moot and its Business--Methods of Trial and Punishments--The Wergild--The Witena-gemot--Its Powers--The King--Class Distinctions--The Church 31