This is a study of the major landholders of England and their estates during the reign of Edward the Confessor. It is the first comprehensive analysis of the lay landholders recorded in Domesday Book. Peter A. Clarke examines not only the great earls but also lesser lords with significant holdings, and the complex network of relationships based on land. As well as Domesday, Dr Clarke makes full use of all other available evidence, such as chronicles and charters, and skilfully builds a detailed and convincing picture of landholding and lordship in eleventh-century England. He assesses the impact of the Norman Conquest, contrasting conditions under Edward the Confessor with those of the Norman regime. Dr Clarke's work marks a significant advance in knowledge and understanding of medieval England, and its extensive and detailed appendices of landholders and their estates will form an invaluable reference resource.
Reviews
'Peter A. Clarke's book deserves to be welcomed as the first extended treatment of its subject, and as a work which demonstrates how much can be learnt about landowning society in pre-Conquest England ... his more detailed discussion of these landholders constitutes the most interesting part of the book.' Times Literary Supplement
It contains many valuable insights * Early Medieval Europe *
What the study is to be particularly valued for is he new perspective it provides on the major landowners who did not belong to the earlish families...Dr Clarke has marshalled much valuable material which will stimulate the asking of further questions * The Antiquaries Journal *
In recreating even a rough picture, Clarke has performed a valuable service, especially since his appendices allow the reader to see the precise basis of his reconstructions and to discern the judgements that went into them. * Albion *
The book is both interesting and useful. * American Historical Review *
The first comprehensive analysis of the lay landholders recorded in Domesday Book. * The Medieval World *
Clarke now makes a good proportion of the available evidence more accessible by bringing together in two massive appendices well over half the volume... Dr Clarke has provided a book that will be helpful to all interested in the comtinuing debates on the nature of late Anglo-Saxon society and the consequences of the Norman Conquest. * English Historical Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198204428
Author Peter A. Clarke
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Clarendon Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 219mm * 146mm * 31mm