What is the Domesday Book?
Q: What is the Domesday Book?
A: The Domesday Book is a record of all taxable land in England, together with information about its worth, that was completed in 1086 for William I of England (also known as William the Conqueror).
Q: Who led the groups collecting information for the Domesday Book?
A: Each group was led by a Royal Commissioner.
Q: What language were the answers to questions written down in?
A: All answers were written down in Latin.
Q: Why did William I want to create the Domesday Book?
A: William I wanted to know details of the land he had conquered and get rent money from his knights and barons.
Q: Are major cities like London and Winchester listed in the Domesday Book?
A: No, major cities like London and Winchester are not listed in the Domesday Book, perhaps because of their size or because they could not be taxed.
Q: Does the Domesday book give names of people living at that time?
A: No, it does not give names of all people living at that time - it only lists heads of households who might supply men to fight in his army and who he could get rent from. It left out Londoners, monks, nuns and anyone living in castles.
Q: Are small villages included in The Domesday Book?
A: Yes, small villages are included in The Domesday Book but some may have been missed due to their size or other factors.
