Thegns were a class of noble warriors in Anglo-Saxon England, serving as local leaders and landowners. They were granted land by the king or higher nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty. Thegns played a crucial role in the feudal system, helping to maintain order and defend their territories. Typically, thegns were responsible for managing their estates and overseeing the peasants who worked the land. They often held judicial powers and could administer local laws. The status of a thegn was significant, as it placed them above commoners but below earls in the social hierarchy of Anglo-Saxon society.