The Late Middle Ages
We find the Norman Commissioners, in Domesday Book, busy recording facts about the still existing parish:
“The bishop (Winchester) holds Harwelle in the demesne of his bishopric. Bishop Stigand held it in TR.E. (the reign of Edward) (it was) then (assessed) at 15 hides; now (it is assessed) at 10 hides. There is land for 8 ploughs (caruca + 8 oxen). On the demesne are 2 ploughs; and there are 18 villeins and 5 cottars with 6 ploughs. There are 4 serfs and a mill worth (de) 30 pence, and 45 acres of meadow.”
Dee Holes says
Could we add some explanations of the archaic terminology to aid understanding of the text for the layman?
Webmaster says
Agree. However, the principle of the book section is that the original text is presented just as it was in the book. Anyone who is able to help explain the archaic terminology is encouraged to add comments or write an additional article for the History Notes section.
Dee Holes says
Fair enough!