Slavery in Medieval England: A Complex Reality
Medieval England, a period spanning over 1000 years, saw a complex and often misunderstood landscape of slavery. Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of slaves in early Medieval England were not people of African descent but rather other Europeans, specifically English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish individuals. This article delves into the nature of slavery, the international slave trade, and the eventual decline of slavery in England.
Slaves and Slave Owners in Early Medieval England
The concept of slavery in early Medieval Europe and England was significantly different from historical perceptions. Slaves were often taken during raids on neighboring kingdoms or regions, or individuals who fell on hard times chose to become slaves voluntarily to ensure they had something to eat. The Vikings, however, were notorious for their large-scale international slave trade, taking European slaves during raids and either bringing them to Scandinavia or selling them in Byzantium, North Africa, and the Near East.
The idea that all medieval slaves were black people is a misconception. Historical records and archaeological evidence suggest that the vast majority of slaves in early Medieval England were white Europeans. Some of these slaves were even of Celtic origin, such as Welsh, Scottish, and Irish.
The Vikings and International Slave Trade
The Vikings were the primary agents of large-scale international slave trading in early Medieval Europe. Their conquests and raids across Europe often resulted in the capture of thousands of slaves. These captives were either taken to Scandinavia or more commonly sold to Byzantium, North Africa, and the Near East. This practice by the Vikings reflects the prevalence and scale of international slave trading during this period.
The Decline of Slavery in Medieval England
By the turn of the 12th century, attitudes toward slavery began to change in Europe. The Popes started to condemn the enslavement of Christians, and the Normans implemented laws to phase out slavery in England within a few decades of their conquest. This shift in societal norms had a significant impact on the practice of slavery in medieval England.
While some might argue that Medieval England still had slaves, the evidence suggests that the practice was on the decline. The roles of individuals such as villeins and serfs became more akin to bound labor rather than slavery. Villeins had rights to engage in trade, possess and bequeath land, borrow and lend money, and even appear in manorial courts. They could also take their lords to court, had holidays, and could not be forced to work when they were sick or sold.
Christianity and the Slave Trade
It is worth noting that there were significant numbers of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the regions of modern-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has a rich history dating back to the 4th century. Even in the Early High and Later Medieval periods, interactions between African and European Christians were generally peaceful, with both groups recognizing the value of each other's faith.
While Europeans did not tend to enslave Christian Africans, the practice of enslaving African people was more common among Arab traders. The Arab Slave Trade, which operated in parallel with European activities, was well-documented and had a significant impact on African societies.
In conclusion, the practice of slavery in medieval England was a complex and evolving phenomenon. While white Europeans were often the slaves, the decline of slavery in the 12th century marked a significant shift in societal norms. Interaction between European and Christian African populations during this period was relatively peaceful, contrary to the portrayal of enslavement and harsh practices.