Cheshire Domesday Book tenants-in-chief facts for kids
The Domesday Book was a huge survey ordered by William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England, in 1086 AD. It was like a giant record book that listed who owned land, how much it was worth, and what was on it, all across England. This helped King William understand his new kingdom after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This page focuses on the people who held land directly from the King in a place called Cestrescire, which we now know as Cheshire. Back then, Cheshire was bigger and included parts of what are now South Lancashire and most of Flintshire and Wrexham in north Wales.
In Cheshire, the Bishop of Chester had his own special area. Earl Hugh of Chester (and his followers) owned almost all the rest of the County.
Contents
Who Owned Land in Cheshire After the Norman Conquest?
After the Norman Conquest, King William the Conqueror gave large areas of land to his most important supporters. These people were called "tenants-in-chief" because they held their land directly from the King. They then had their own followers who managed smaller parts of the land for them.
The Main Landowners
Here are the most important tenants-in-chief for Cheshire listed in the Domesday Book:
- King William (around 1028–1087) himself held some land in Chester. He was the first Norman King of England, becoming king after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He was also the Duke of Normandy from 1035.
- The Bishop of Chester (St John) held land in Chester and eight villages, including Tarvin.
- The Canons of Chester (St Werburgh) were in charge of over 20 villages.
- Earl Hugh of Chester (around 1047–1101) helped King William's invasion of England by providing 60 ships. However, he did not fight in the Battle of Hastings.
Earl Hugh's Men
Earl Hugh of Chester had many important men who held land under him. These included:
- Robert son of Hugh who held 30 villages, mostly in the Duddeston area.
- Robert of Rhuddlan who held over 50 villages, including Prestayn. He was Earl Hugh's cousin.
- Robert the cook who held Hardgrave and Little Neston.
- Richard of Vernon who held 14 villages, including Audlem and Crewe.
- William Malbank who held nearly 50 villages.
- William son of Nigel who held 30 villages, including Knutsford.
- Haimo of Mascy who held 11 villages.
- Bigot of Les Loges who held Congleton, Mobberley, Nether Alderley, Sandbach and 10 other villages.
- Gilbert the hunter who held 20 villages, including Lymm and Tarporley.
- Ranulf of Mainwaring who held 19 villages.
- Reginald the sheriff who held Erbistock and Gresford. He also owned land in 70 other places in Shropshire.
Roger de Poitou
- Roger de Poitou held over 50 places, including West Derby, Leyland, Blackburn, Manchester, Rochdale, Salford and Warrington. He was the son of Roger de Montgomery and a key adviser to William the Conqueror. Later, King Henry I took all his land between the River Ribble and the River Mersey. This happened after Roger and his brothers tried to rebel against the King in 1102.
Images for kids
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Cheshire Hundreds in the Domesday Book
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Ancient hundreds of modern Lancashire
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Cover of the Winchester Domesday Book of the 12th century
See also
