Starter source 1

Black figure on illuminated initial from Abbreviato of The Domesday Book Catalogue Ref: E36/284 f.19

This document was made in the thirteenth century, to help officials of the King’s Exchequer when consulting the original Domesday Book.

 

Discuss the following questions: 

  • Describe what can you see in this source. 
  • When do you think it was made? Why do you think this? 
  • Who do you think the man is? 
  • How is he dressed? 
  • Do you think he is important? Why/ why not? 
  • Why might the person who created this source, have drawn a Black man on this page? What can it tell us about the people living in Britain at this time? 

  

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