The Domesday Book: A Comprehensive Record of Medieval England

What is the Domesday Book and why was it ordered?

The Domesday Book was a census ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086. Why did he order this census?

Answer:

William the Conqueror ordered the Domesday Book census in 1086 to record the wealth and resources of England.

Explanation: William the Conqueror, who became the King of England in 1066 after the Norman Conquest, ordered the Domesday Book census. The Domesday Book, completed in 1086, was a comprehensive survey of landownership and resources in England. William initiated this census to assess and document the wealth and assets of his newly acquired kingdom. The Domesday Book provided valuable information about landholdings, livestock, and population, serving as a crucial administrative and taxation tool during his reign. It remains an essential historical record for understanding medieval England.