Year 10 - History
Domesday Book
British Depth Study: Norman England, c1066–c1100
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Study Guides
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 kingship Study Guide
- Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- Battle of Stamford Bridge Study Guide
- Changing laws in Norman England: Forest law Study Guide
- Continuity and change in Norman government Study Guide
- Daily life in Norman England Study Guide
- Edward the Confessor, the Godwins and William of Normandy Study Guide
- Edward the Confessor's death and the claimants to the throne Study Guide
- Establishing control: motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
- Establishing control: new earls and earldoms Study Guide
- Justice and the legal system in Norman England Study Guide
- Key figures in the government of Norman England Study Guide
- Land and inheritance in Norman England Study Guide
- Lanfranc's reforms Study Guide
- Life in towns in Norman England Study Guide
- Life in villages in Norman England Study Guide
- Norman reforms of English monasticism Study Guide
- Reasons for William's victory in 1066 Study Guide
- Revolts against William I, 1067-1075 Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon Church Study Guide
- The built environment of Norman England Study Guide
- The Harrying of the North, 1069-70 Study Guide
- The king and the Church in Norman England Study Guide
- The Norman Church Study Guide
- The Norman feudal system Study Guide
- The Reform Papacy Study Guide
- The submission of London in 1066 Study Guide
- William's consolidation of power Study Guide
- Work and diet in Norman England Study Guide
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