Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Domesday Book and Feudalism

The Domesday Book, commissioned by King William I in 10861086, provided a detailed account of the land and resources across England. How did the information in this survey help maintain the feudal system?

  1. It allowed the King to track exactly who held pieces of land and ensure they provided the required military service in return.Answer
  2. B
    It established a legal process for peasants to purchase land from the King and become independent owners.
  3. C
    It served as a handbook for knights to learn how to manage modern banking and international cash investments.
  4. D
    It provided a list of all Roman citizens who were required to return to Italy following the Norman Conquest.

Answer

The correct answer explains that the Domesday Book allowed the King to track land holdings and ensure the required military service was provided in return.
The correct answer accurately describes the synergy between the Domesday Book and the feudal system. By recording who held the land and its value, King William I could ensure that his 'tenants-in-chief' (nobles) fulfilled their side of the feudal bargain, which was primarily providing military service and armed knights for the King's defense.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the purpose of the Domesday Book (10861086).
It was a comprehensive survey of land, people, and resources in England.
The King needed to know the kingdom's wealth for taxation and military planning.
2
Relate the survey to the feudal system hierarchy.
The hierarchy was based on the King granting land to nobles in exchange for military service.
The system relied on knowing exactly who held what land to enforce these service obligations.
3
Evaluate how the survey data supported this structure.
By recording ownership and value, the King could verify that each lord was providing the correct number of knights and taxes.
Accurate records prevented disputes and ensured the King's military strength was maintained.

Key Concept

The relationship between administrative records (Domesday Book) and feudal obligations (land for service).
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

The Domesday Book and Feudalism

More questions from this topic