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Difficulty: HardThe Domesday Book and Feudalism

The Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, was a landmark in the administration of the Norman kingdom. Which of the following best captures its significance in maintaining the feudal hierarchy established by William the Conqueror?

  1. By recording exactly who held which land and what it was worth, the King could ensure that the military service and taxes owed to him by his tenants-in-chief were accurately fulfilled.Answer
  2. B
    The survey was used to redistribute land from the Norman nobility back to the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants to prevent further rebellions and promote equality.
  3. C
    It established a new system where the King no longer owned the land, but instead allowed peasants to claim absolute ownership in exchange for a fixed annual fee.
  4. D
    The book served as a comprehensive list of all men over the age of 16 who were eligible to vote for their local representatives in the King's Council.

Answer

The Domesday Book was significant because it recorded land ownership and value, allowing the King to accurately demand military service and taxes from his tenants-in-chief.
The correct answer explains that the Domesday Book was a vital tool for the King to manage his kingdom's resources. By documenting the value of land and who held it, William the Conqueror could precisely calculate the military service (number of knights) and taxes he was entitled to from his tenants-in-chief, thereby solidifying the feudal hierarchy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the purpose of the Domesday Book.
It was a detailed survey of England's land, people, and resources ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086.
Understanding the nature of the book is the first step to determining its role in society.
2
Relate the book to the feudal system's structure.
The feudal system was based on a hierarchy where the King granted land to nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty.
The survey provided the data needed to manage these reciprocal obligations.
3
Determine how the survey reinforced the King's power.
By having a written, authoritative record, the King could prevent disputes and ensure that every noble provided the exact amount of knights and tax revenue required.
The written record superseded oral tradition and strengthened the Crown's control over the nobility.

Key Concept

The use of administrative documentation (the Domesday Book) to codify and enforce feudal obligations (land for service).
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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The Domesday Book and Feudalism

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