Domesday: Britain's finest treasure

Domesday is Britain’s earliest public record. It contains the results of a huge survey of land and landholding commissioned by William I in 1085. Domesday is by the far the most complete record of pre-industrial society to survive anywhere in the world and provides a unique window on the medieval world.

Discover Domesday

Find out why and how Domesday was created, and how its legacy has been preserved.

Research guide

Learn how to access and understand the information within Domesday Book.

World of Domesday

Discover what life was like in 11th century England, from how society was ordered to what people ate.

For teachers and students

Explore our online resource about Domesday, with tasks and questions you can use in the classroom.

Read Domesday

domesday-the-complete-translation

Buy a complete, authoritative translation of Domesday, including a glossary and index of places.

Domesday Book – a brief material history

domesday-book

In addition to enormous intangible and historical value, Domesday is a precious object and work of art that elicits awe and curiosity.