Devoir de Philosophie

The Doomsday Book

Publié le 05/10/2014

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    The Doomsday Book       From the battle of Hastings in 1066 to the 13th century, the Norman kings took possession of England. In order to administrate his new country, king William asked his men to establish the Domesday Book. In what manner and what for has it been realized ? Firstly, we will look at how this book was made and secondly we’ll focus on it’s aim.     The Doomsday Book, also known as the Book of Winchester or the Great Survey, was commissioned by William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1085. He order...

« with the Norman administration of England and impose levies.

He wanted to know how much his kingdom was worth and how much taxation he could command.

It also ensured that all landholders and tenants swore allegiance to the Conqueror, it was a major exigency of the Feudal System.

The report showed the wealth of the country, but also the damages due to the different invasions England had undergone.

Indeed, many towns had fallen into disrepair.

Some were nearly depopulated.

The census proved of the highest importance to William the Conqueror.

The people said that the King kept  the Domesday book constantly by him, in order "that he might be able to see at any time of how much more wool the English flock would bear fleecing." But in fact, the object of the Domesday book was not to rob money, but to present a significant report of the financial and military resources of the kingdom.

The first draft was completed in 1085 and the final version of the survey was concluded in 1086.      In conclusion, The Domesday book was a census of William's newly conquered lands and possessions in England made in 1086 that enabled king William to administer levy taxes.. »

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