In late 1085 William ordered that a record should be made of all the land in England.  

• It was probably so he could decide how much rent or tax to charge his landowners.

• It may have been a record so William could easily check on his people - for example how many knights to demand from a certain baron.

• It may have been to help William see how England had changed since 1066.

• It may have been a 'register of title'.  This would mean it was an official record of who owned what.  Any arguments over land could be easily settled using the book.

• It may have been to help William find out what rights he could claim if a tenant died or was dispossessed as a traitor.

Last updated Wednesday, 02 July 2003