Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
137
•
1 Dec 2025
•
roseee
@rosee_t
Ever wondered how a thousand-year-old society managed to function without... Show more
Think of Anglo-Saxon society like a pyramid - the king sat at the top, owning vast amounts of land and controlling the army, taxes, and laws. Just below him were the earls, the most important aristocrats who ruled entire regions called earldoms on the king's behalf.
The thegns formed the wealthy middle class, owning more than five hides of land (that's quite a lot!) and living in proper manor houses with towers and private churches. They'd rent out smaller farms to make money whilst living comfortably.
Most people were ceorls - free peasant farmers who could actually choose which lord to work for, though they still had to do set amounts of work. At the bottom were slaves, making up 10% of the population and treated as property that could be bought and sold.
Key Point: Unlike later medieval systems, Anglo-Saxon society was fairly fluid - people could move up and down the social ladder with luck and hard work.
Medieval England wasn't one unified country but a patchwork of different kingdoms, each with its own ruler and customs. The major kingdoms included Wessex in the south, Mercia in the midlands, and Northumbria stretching up towards Scotland.
East Anglia controlled the eastern regions, whilst smaller kingdoms like Sussex and Kent held strategic positions in the southeast. These kingdoms constantly fought, formed alliances, and competed for power.
The Danelaw covered much of northern and eastern England, where Viking settlers had established their own legal system and customs. This meant the king of England didn't actually control half his own country - a massive problem that weakened royal authority.
Remember: England in this period was more like modern-day Germany - lots of separate states that sometimes worked together and sometimes fought each other.
Understanding how Anglo-Saxon kings maintained control helps explain why some succeeded whilst others failed spectacularly. Royal power rested on five key foundations: military strength, land ownership, taxation rights, law-making authority, and control over money.
Edward the Confessor demonstrated several impressive strengths as king. His deep religiousness earned him respect from the Church and common people alike, whilst his reputation as a fair law-maker helped maintain peace across his kingdoms.
Edward also proved himself militarily capable, leading successful battles and maintaining a powerful fighting force. This combination of spiritual authority and physical strength made him genuinely respected by his subjects.
The king's greatest burden was demanding military service and taxation from landowners - duties that powerful nobles often resented and sometimes refused to fulfil.
Study Tip: For exam questions about royal power, remember that medieval kings needed both respect and fear to rule effectively.
Despite his strengths, Edward faced serious problems that would eventually destabilise his reign. Half the country remained under Danelaw, meaning Viking legal customs still dominated large areas where Edward's authority was practically meaningless.
Earl Godwin of Wessex became Edward's biggest headache, using his immense power to pressure the king into making decisions that favoured Godwin's family. When they fell out in 1050, Godwin was temporarily exiled.
However, Godwin returned in 1051 leading an army, forcing Edward to restore him to power - imagine how humiliating that must have been for a king! This incident showed everyone that Godwin could challenge royal authority and win.
The Earl of Wessex controlled so much territory and wealth that he rivalled the king himself, creating a dangerous power imbalance that weakened Edward's position significantly.
Key Insight: Even successful medieval kings were only as strong as their ability to control powerful nobles - lose that control, and you lose your throne.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
roseee
@rosee_t
Ever wondered how a thousand-year-old society managed to function without modern technology? Anglo-Saxon England had a surprisingly organised system that kept everyone in their place - from powerful kings down to enslaved people. Understanding this social hierarchy is key to... Show more
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Think of Anglo-Saxon society like a pyramid - the king sat at the top, owning vast amounts of land and controlling the army, taxes, and laws. Just below him were the earls, the most important aristocrats who ruled entire regions called earldoms on the king's behalf.
The thegns formed the wealthy middle class, owning more than five hides of land (that's quite a lot!) and living in proper manor houses with towers and private churches. They'd rent out smaller farms to make money whilst living comfortably.
Most people were ceorls - free peasant farmers who could actually choose which lord to work for, though they still had to do set amounts of work. At the bottom were slaves, making up 10% of the population and treated as property that could be bought and sold.
Key Point: Unlike later medieval systems, Anglo-Saxon society was fairly fluid - people could move up and down the social ladder with luck and hard work.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Medieval England wasn't one unified country but a patchwork of different kingdoms, each with its own ruler and customs. The major kingdoms included Wessex in the south, Mercia in the midlands, and Northumbria stretching up towards Scotland.
East Anglia controlled the eastern regions, whilst smaller kingdoms like Sussex and Kent held strategic positions in the southeast. These kingdoms constantly fought, formed alliances, and competed for power.
The Danelaw covered much of northern and eastern England, where Viking settlers had established their own legal system and customs. This meant the king of England didn't actually control half his own country - a massive problem that weakened royal authority.
Remember: England in this period was more like modern-day Germany - lots of separate states that sometimes worked together and sometimes fought each other.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding how Anglo-Saxon kings maintained control helps explain why some succeeded whilst others failed spectacularly. Royal power rested on five key foundations: military strength, land ownership, taxation rights, law-making authority, and control over money.
Edward the Confessor demonstrated several impressive strengths as king. His deep religiousness earned him respect from the Church and common people alike, whilst his reputation as a fair law-maker helped maintain peace across his kingdoms.
Edward also proved himself militarily capable, leading successful battles and maintaining a powerful fighting force. This combination of spiritual authority and physical strength made him genuinely respected by his subjects.
The king's greatest burden was demanding military service and taxation from landowners - duties that powerful nobles often resented and sometimes refused to fulfil.
Study Tip: For exam questions about royal power, remember that medieval kings needed both respect and fear to rule effectively.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Despite his strengths, Edward faced serious problems that would eventually destabilise his reign. Half the country remained under Danelaw, meaning Viking legal customs still dominated large areas where Edward's authority was practically meaningless.
Earl Godwin of Wessex became Edward's biggest headache, using his immense power to pressure the king into making decisions that favoured Godwin's family. When they fell out in 1050, Godwin was temporarily exiled.
However, Godwin returned in 1051 leading an army, forcing Edward to restore him to power - imagine how humiliating that must have been for a king! This incident showed everyone that Godwin could challenge royal authority and win.
The Earl of Wessex controlled so much territory and wealth that he rivalled the king himself, creating a dangerous power imbalance that weakened Edward's position significantly.
Key Insight: Even successful medieval kings were only as strong as their ability to control powerful nobles - lose that control, and you lose your throne.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology