The Domesday Book is one of the most important historical records in England, providing a comprehensive survey of land ownership and resources at the end of the 11th century. Here are key details about this remarkable document:
Background
- Commissioned by: William the Conqueror in 1085 to assess the extent of the land and resources he had acquired after the Norman Conquest.
- Purpose: To determine land ownership, the value of estates, and to establish a basis for tax collection and feudal service.
Content and Structure
- The Domesday Book comprises two volumes:
- Each entry typically includes:
- The name of the manor or landholding.
- The pre-Conquest and current owners.
- The value of the land in 1066 and at the time of the survey.
- The resources and assets of the manor, including livestock, mills, and other taxable properties.
Significance
- It provides an invaluable snapshot of medieval England, detailing the economic and social structure of the time.
- The book's name, "Domesday", reflects its comprehensive nature, implying that its judgments were as final and unchangeable as those on Judgment Day.
- It has been used in legal disputes over land ownership throughout history and remains a source for historians studying medieval England.
Current Location
Modern Use and Digitization
- It has been digitized and is accessible online, allowing researchers worldwide to study its contents without physically visiting the archives.
- The Domesday Book has inspired various cultural and educational projects, including television series and educational resources.
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