The Domesday survey was the most detailed record of property compiled anywhere in Europe during the 'Middle Ages'. We therefore now know more about England in the 11th century than any other part of Europe.

It was conceived by 'William the Conqueror' during Christmas 1085, after conquering England, William wanted to know just how much it was worth.

The survey had two aims i) To get maximum revenue from land tax
                                     ii) To provide information for the efficient administration
                                         of the feudal system

It was carried out during 1086, 20 years after the Norman conquest and showed that there were hardly any rich English land owners left. It was a land ruled by French men, especially William's favourite Normans.

Each Shire was visited by 'Royal Commissioners' and each village had to reply to a list of questions e.g. i) Identity of land owner
                             ii) Size and use of land
                            iii) Number and status of its farmers and its value.

The accuracy of these replies was judged in local Shire Courts by Juries made up of the Priest; the Reeve (Lords Manager) and six villeins (high class peasant), which were equal numbers of Englishmen and Normans. The information was condensed and tabulated Shire by Shire.

The survey caused considerable resentment and in some places riots. It received its name in the 12th century, signifying that, like the day of judgement there could be no appeal from its verdict.

The survey was recorded in two volumes, which were held in the treasury in Winchester. Little Domesday, the first volume, dealt with the counties Norfolk; Suffolk and Essex. The second dealt with the remainder. The four northernmost counties plus London and Winchester were not included.

The 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicles' state "So very thoroughly did he [William] have the enquiry carried out that not even one ox or one cow or one pig escaped notice".

The two volumes of the Domesday Book are now kept in the Public Record Office in Kew, London.

                 PORTSMOUTH IN THE DOMESDAY BOOK