Ealdorman

In the established from the 9th to the 11th century Anglo-Saxon- Danish rule order in early England was the Ealdorman (English alderman, Latin form Comes ) at the top of Shire ( = county), the most important administrative unit of the former Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Together with the respective bishop, he was chairman of the county court and in command in case of war, the levy of the county, which he described as powerful landowners reinforced through often extensive personal following.

He also belonged to the Witenagemot, the Council of the Great of the country to. As Witan he was a consultant in all important questions of kingship and exerted influence on the election of a king of. The Ealdorman always belonged to the high nobility and was even often related to the royal house. He was named after a royal official who was employed by the king in his office, but could also be re- released by this. In the late period often several shires were grouped under a Ealdorman so that this position was increasingly upgraded until they under King Knut almost to the rank of duke ( nord. Jarl derived Earl ) obtained.

One of the most ealdormen / Earls is probably Harald Godwinson of Wessex, later Harold II

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