Domesday Book and Beyond: Three Essays in the Early History of England

A historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores key themes and documents related to early English law and society, particularly focusing on the significance and implications of the Domesday Book—a comprehensive survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085. The opening of the book presents a detailed introduction to the Domesday Book, describing its creation and its purpose as a tax record rather than a comprehensive legal document. Maitland discusses the methods used by royal commissioners to gather data regarding landholdings and the various classes of people that inhabited England during this period. He highlights the complexities of understanding the legal relationships and historical context of the land and its occupants, setting the stage for a deeper examination of feudalism and its societal ramifications in England.