The Reasons for Domesday

I think that the main understanding of the Domesday Survey that it was William the Conqueror's "stock-take" to see how rich he had become after invading England.

Historians are thankfull as Domesday was one of the first accounts of who owned what and where they were located in the country. After Conquest William has "rewarded" his companions with land in England. This land was often previously "owned" by the English aristocracy that existed before the invasion. However, there were cases where the original Lords retained their land.

In the 20 years between 1066 and 1086 there were many "political" manouvers. Who was the "Tenant in Chief" or Lord of a Manor in 1086 may not have been the original "owner" throughout this period. William was not even in the country during this time and was back in Normandy defending his position there, he probably saw England as a resource that he could draw on if he needed to defend his newly acquired real-estate.