The spelling of the word "Domesday Book" is often confusing to spell because of its unusual historical origins. The word is pronounced /ˈdʊmzdeɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription which is written as "DUHMZ-day". The book was commissioned by William the Conqueror to record the landowners and their properties in England in the 11th century. It became known as the "Domesday Book" due to its significance and its finality, much like the biblical Day of Judgement. Despite the unusual spelling, it remains an important part of English historical records.
The Domesday Book is a historical record and survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085 and completed in 1086. It is one of the most important and comprehensive documents of medieval England and remains an invaluable source of information for researchers. The book was created to provide an accurate account and assessment of the wealth and resources of England, enabling William to govern effectively and determine taxes.
The Domesday Book contains detailed information about all major landowners, tenants-in-chief, and their possessions, including manors, villages, towns, and properties. It documents various aspects such as land ownership, population, livestock, cultivation, woodland, mills, different types of resources, customs, and taxes. The survey covers almost the entire country, excluding certain areas such as London and Winchester. Each piece of land was called a "hide" and its value, as determined by the surveyors, was recorded in the book.
The name "Domesday" is derived from the Old English term "dom" meaning "judgment" or "doom" and signifies the finality and comprehensive nature of the survey. The book has remained an essential source of historical information for medieval England, aiding historians in studying the social, economic, and geographic aspects of the time. Its meticulous documentation provides a unique insight into the structure and development of English society and serves as a testament to the administrative prowess of the Norman kings.
The anc. record of the survey of all the lands in the kingdom made in the reign of William I., and now in the Exchequer, consisting of two volumes, a greater and a less; in anc. times, a name for a register or cartulary of lands.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Domesday Book" is derived from the Old English word "dōm" meaning "judgment" or "statute", and the Middle English word "day" meaning "day" or "time". It was originally written as "Domesdei" in Middle English, with "Domes" referring to the English word "doom" or "judgment" and "dei" meaning "day". Over time, the spelling transformed, and "Domesday Book" became the standard form. This famous medieval document, completed in 1086, was a comprehensive survey and record of property ownership in England.