Sometimes it could be decided that an earl be demoted to a theyne or vice versa. Which change does this describe?

• A. Earl to Theyne
• B. Theyne to King
• C. King to Slaves
• D. Ceorl to Earl

Answer: (A)

The change being tested is a drop in rank within the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. In this system, an earl ruled a county and stood high in authority under the king, while a theyne (theyn) was a free noble of lower status who held land and owed service but had less prestige and authority than an earl. Demoting an earl to a theyne shows a shift downward in status, often decided by the king or his circle for political or disciplinary reasons. This illustrates how status could be adjusted within the ruling class, not just inherited fixed positions. The other options describe promotions or more drastic shifts that don’t match the described downward move.