Royal vill facts for kids

A royal vill was a special kind of settlement in Anglo-Saxon England. Think of it as a king's home base in the countryside. Kings and their families would travel around their kingdoms, and these royal vills were the places they would visit and stay.

These vills were very important. They helped the king manage different parts of his kingdom. Local people living near the vill would provide food and supplies to support the king and his household when they visited.

What Was a Royal Vill?

A royal vill was like a central hub for a specific area of the kingdom. It was known by different names, including royal tun or villa regalis. These places were not just houses; they were often small communities. They had large halls where the king could hold meetings, feasts, and meet with his people.

Why Did Kings Need Royal Vills?

In the early Middle Ages, it was hard to move food over long distances. Kings and their many helpers, soldiers, and advisors needed a lot of food! They couldn't just stay in one place because they would quickly run out of supplies.

So, kings had to keep moving. They traveled from one royal vill to another. Each vill was set up to provide everything the king and his group needed. This system allowed the king to rule his kingdom and collect resources without running out of food. It also helped kings connect with the people living in different parts of their lands.

What Did Royal Vills Look Like?

Archaeologists, who study old things, have dug up some royal vills. They found settlements with big timber (wooden) halls. These halls were used for important events like feasting and other social gatherings. They show us that these vills were busy and important places.

Famous Royal Vill Discoveries

Some well-known royal vills that have been excavated include:

• Yeavering in Northumbria
• Cowdery's Down in Basingstoke

These sites help us understand how kings lived and managed their kingdoms over a thousand years ago.