Year 10 - History
The significance of Domesday Book
British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils study an aspect of British medieval history in depth. They learn about the social, economic, religious and political events that influenced the lives of those who lived in this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the significance of Domesday Book.
Key Notes
- In 1085, William ordered a survey to detail the possessions of his new kingdom of England.
- The survey was compiled in 1086, and the two volumes of records became known as Domesday Book.
- Historians do not fully agree on the purpose, but Domesday Book gave William a very detailed account of landholding.
- Domesday may also have provided William with an accurate account of the tax and soldiers his new kingdom could provide.
- Domesday increased William's royal authority: the capacity to seize and distribute lands, and to charge accordingly.
Vocabulary To Learn
- survey: a survey is an examination of specific details, opinions, behaviour, etc., made by asking people questions
- manor: a manor is a unit of land overseen by a lord - a lord's large manor house is also a feature
- geld: geld is the name of a tax traditionally used to defend England against (Viking) invasions
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- People think the survey and Domesday Book are one and the same thing.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In 1085, William ordered a survey to detail the possessions of his new kingdom of England. The survey was compiled in 1086, and the two volumes of records became known as Domesday Book.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'survey'
a survey is an examination of specific details, opinions, behaviour, etc., made by asking people questions.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: People think the survey and Domesday Book are one and the same thing. Correction: In fact, the survey was ordered in 1085, and later compiled into what became known as Domesday Book.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Anglo-Saxon society Study Guide
- Bishop Odo of Bayeux Study Guide
- Change and continuity in Norman England Study Guide
- Claimants to the throne in 1066 Study Guide
- Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England Study Guide
- Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin Study Guide
- Motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
- Reasons for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms Study Guide
- The Anglo-Norman Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon monarchy Study Guide
- The Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Study Guide
- The feudal system in Norman England Study Guide
- The Harrying of the North Study Guide
- The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance Study Guide
- The Norman aristocracy Study Guide
- The Northern and East Anglian rebellions Study Guide
- The revolt of the earls in 1075 Study Guide
- The submission of the earls in 1066 Study Guide
- The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson Study Guide
- William I and his successors Study Guide
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