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The Domesday Book (1086) is one of the most remarkable documents in English history. Commissioned by William the Conqueror, it was a comprehensive survey of virtually every piece of land in England. It provides an unparalleled snapshot of Norman England and demonstrates the extraordinary administrative power of the Norman state.
William ordered the survey at his Christmas court in Gloucester in 1085. He had three main reasons:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Taxation | William needed to know exactly what taxes were owed and whether he was receiving the correct amount. The survey would reveal anyone who was underpaying. |
| Land disputes | There were ongoing disputes about who owned what land following the upheavals of the Conquest. The survey would settle these disputes definitively. |
| Defence | In 1085, there was a threatened invasion from Denmark. William needed to know the military and economic resources available to him. |
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