This volume presents a complete, authoritative translation of Domesday Book from the original Latin, together with an index of places and a glossary of terms used. Domesday Book was described by David Hume as the most valuable piece of antiquity possessed by any nation. Compiled in an astonishing 8 months the book was a complete audit of England in 1086 and it confirmed the redistribution of lands and property to the Norman friends of William the Conqueror, and the forfeit of everything for the English and Anglo-Scandinavian of the defeated kingdom. The political and historical significance of the book has been felt ever since; indeed it was last invoked in a court case in 1986 to settle a land dispute. The book got its name from one Richard Fitznigell, the 12th-century treasurer, who wrote: this book is called the English Domesday not because it passes judgement on any doubtful points raised, but because it is not permissable to contradict its decisions, any more than it will be those of the last judgement.