Britain’s Domesday Book on show at castle built by King William the Conqueror

One of the most important documents ever written in Britain, the Domesday Book, went on display Saturday in the city of Lincoln.

It is the first time in living memory it has been shown outside of London.

The 2 million-word document was commissioned in 1085 by the king known as William the Conqueror following his invasion of England in 1066.

It lists the total taxable value of William’s new kingdom, giving what is said to be a unique picture of life in the country at the time.

The Domesday Book, one of the treasures of Britain’s national archives, is on public display at Lincoln Castle by King William on the site of a Roman fortress.

It is the centerpiece of an exhibition, which also includes another famous document in Britain, the Magna Carta signed by King John in 1215 outlining basic rights of people across his kingdom.

The documents are included in a Battles and Dynasties exhibition at the castle, running until Sept. 3, marking the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.

Jon Hogan from Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The Domesday Book has not been exhibited outside London in living memory. This is an unmissable chance for visitors to see the book within the grounds of a castle built by the same king that ordered the Domesday survey.”

Talking about other exhibits, Hogan said “It’s an extremely rare opportunity to be able to see three of the country’s most significant documents together, with Domesday alongside Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest.”

Jeff James, Keeper at Britain’s National Archives said: “There simply is no other document like the Domesday Book. It is our nation’s earliest, most important and most treasured public record, a work of the greatest historical significance.”

He said the book offers an insight into life and society in England more than 900 years ago. Enditem

Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh

Read Full Story