Production: Classes and Class Relations

Abstract

This chapter sets out the structure and the dynamics of production in eighth-century Northumbria. It starts by defining the concept of ‘social class’ that will be used throughout the book. The chapter also aims to establish what the main social classes are in this context, and their relation, as well as presenting the importance of the forces of production for such an objective. The discussion of relations of production will be mainly historiographical. In order to highlight the importance of the forces of production and to contextualize them in eighth-century Northumbria, a case study will be presented: this will be the site of Sherburn, North Yorkshire.