Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Domesday Book and Feudalism

To ensure he had an accurate record of his kingdom's resources and land ownership, William the Conqueror commissioned a great survey in 1086. What was the primary purpose of this survey, known as the Domesday Book, in relation to the feudal hierarchy?

  1. To identify exactly who owned what land and what taxes or military service were owed to the King.Answer
  2. B
    To grant all peasants the right to own their own land independently of their lords.
  3. C
    To register every citizen for the first national elections to the House of Commons.
  4. D
    To record the locations of Roman forts to prepare for a new invasion from Italy.

Answer

The primary purpose of the Domesday Book was to provide an official record of land ownership, allowing the King to determine exactly what taxes and military services were owed to him under the feudal system.
The correct answer is correct because the Domesday Book was a legal and administrative record designed to list every piece of land in England, its value, and the person holding it. This allowed William the Conqueror to ensure that the noblemen (lords) were providing the correct amount of military service and paying the taxes required by their land grants.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of the 1086 survey.
The survey was the Domesday Book, commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest.
This establishes the timeframe and the authority behind the document.
2
Examine the relationship between the King and the land in the feudal system.
The King was the ultimate owner of all land, which he granted to noblemen in exchange for loyalty and service.
Understanding the hierarchy is essential to seeing why a record of ownership was needed.
3
Determine the administrative goal of a nationwide land survey.
A detailed inventory of every manor and its value allowed the King to calculate taxation and military obligations accurately.
This connects the document directly to the operation of the feudal government.

Key Concept

The Domesday Book as an administrative tool for the Feudal System
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

The Domesday Book and Feudalism

More questions from this topic