The significance of Domesday Book
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the significance of Domesday Book.
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
People think the survey and Domesday Book are one and the same thing.
In fact, the survey was ordered in 1085, and later compiled into what became known as Domesday Book.
Teacher tip
The Domesday Book is available online. Have students search for their local record to identify key details like who held the manor in 1066 and in 1085, the geld owed, and how many mills or enslaved people there were.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What language did the ruling elite speak following the Norman conquest?
Q2.How did the Norman conquest affect the economy of England?
Q3.What evidence is there of economic growth returning to England after the Norman conquest?
Q4.Complete this sentence: An example of continuity in Norman England’s society was that the majority of the population remained .
Q5.Why was the introduction of Norman Forest laws unpopular?
Q6.Which statement best reflects the Normans’ approach to Anglo-Saxon government systems?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which year did William order the survey that became Domesday Book?
Q2.Which of these were questions asked by the commissioners of the Great Survey?
Q3.Match the keywords to their correct definitions.
gathering specific details by asking people questions
a unit of land overseen by a lord
the name of a tax used to defend England against Viking attacks
Q4.Complete this sentence: in 1086 William summoned the tenants-in-chief to a grand ceremony where they paid .
Q5.Domesday was commissioned at a time when England faced invasion from which country?
Q6.Which of these do historians consider likely reasons why William ordered the Great Survey that became Domesday Book?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The significance of Domesday Book, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The significance of Domesday Book, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.