Perhaps instead of looking forward, the English Commoners were looking back, to pre-Norman England. Then the Witan decided who would be the King. From a group of earls, thanes, and others who had risen to power by the art of their ability to make war for the Crown. England at that time was still bedeviled by others seeking the throne, who were not Anglo-Saxons. The rule was softer on the people. Those who were in ruling authorities tended to be strong fighting men, but also men of their word.

Only such a man would have been able to bring forth the people to back him, because they knew he would lead them well. Not really till the Civil War in the 1640's, did such ideas again return to the people.