description Domesday Book Overview
The Domesday Book is a medieval English manuscript created in 1086 by order of William I. It represents the first comprehensive survey of England’s land and resources. The book meticulously documented ownership, assessed taxable wealth, and provided valuable administrative data concerning nearly every occupied area. Primarily intended for royal administration and taxation purposes, it remains an essential historical record for scholars studying medieval England, its government, and its economy.
help Domesday Book FAQ
Why was the Domesday Book commissioned?
King William I (William the Conqueror) commissioned the survey in 1085 to assess the wealth and property of his newly conquered English kingdom. He wanted to establish exactly who owed what taxes and to resolve disputes over land ownership.
How is the Domesday Book physically organized?
The record is divided into two main volumes: the "Little Domesday," which covers Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, and the "Great Domesday," which covers the rest of England. Information is organized by landholder rather than by geographical region.
Where is the Domesday Book kept today?
The original Domesday Book manuscripts are held in The National Archives at Kew in London. They have been carefully preserved there for centuries and are occasionally put on public display.
What exactly did the Domesday Book record?
The surveyers recorded a massive amount of data for each manor, including the amount of ploughland, the number of peasants, and the value of resources like mills and fisheries. It is so detailed that it even counts the exact number of pigs and sheep owned by landlords.
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