Domesday Economy A New Approach to Anglo-Norman History

“Domesday Economy: A New Approach to Anglo-Norman History” by John McDonald, published by Oxford University Press in 1986, offers a fresh interpretation of the Domesday Book, which provides extensive details on ownership, income, resources, and fiscal responsibilities for nearly every manor in Norman England as of 1086. This edition, comprising 240 pages, utilizes modern economic theory and statistical techniques to reassess the intricate data of the Domesday Book, aiming to clarify the economic landscape of England during the pivotal years between 1066 and 1086.

Readers will find that McDonald, alongside co-author Snooks, presents a thorough analysis that addresses the complexities of manorial revenue and resources. By applying contemporary economic insights, the authors strive to illuminate the economic conditions of the time, contributing to the fields of history and economics. This work is particularly relevant for those interested in the economic history of Great Britain and the Middle Ages, as it sheds light on the intricate relationship between land ownership and economic activity during a transformative period in European history.