Learnings: The Witan

The was made up of aristocrats from both secular and religious backgrounds; there were noblemen and archbishops, ealdormen and abbots. Depicted in this illustration at the ruler's side, the Witan acted as his counselors. Their advice was meant to ensure that the ruler's laws were just and worthy.
The presence of the Witan meant that lawmaking was a group activity. As with any group project, the better the team worked together, the better the final product. If the king and the Witan had a difficult relationship, the system could break down. For while the king could summon the Witan, the Witan could also summon the king. If a king was ignoring the Witan and their advice, the Witan might challenge his laws. The king and the Witan needed to find a healthy balance of power between them so that laws could be passed quickly and efficiently.
Category:Discovery Tour: Viking Age