Lancashire Domesday Book tenants-in-chief facts for kids
The Domesday Book was a very important survey of England. It was ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086 AD. This book helped King William understand who owned what land. It also showed how much land was worth. It listed the main landowners, called tenants-in-chief. For historic Lancashire, these lands were recorded as part of two bigger areas: Cestrescire (Cheshire) and Eurvicscire (Yorkshire).
When the Norman Conquest happened in England, the area that is now South Lancashire was part of Cheshire. This area was known as Inter Ripam et Mersam. It means "between the River Ribble and River Mersey". Today, this includes parts of Merseyside and Greater Manchester. The area that became North Lancashire was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire.
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Main Landowners in Historic Lancashire
The Domesday Book listed the most important landowners. These were people who held their land directly from the King. They were called tenants-in-chief.
Landowners in Historic Cheshire (South Lancashire)
One major landowner in this area was Roger de Poitou. He was a son of Roger de Montgomery. Roger de Poitou was a key adviser to William the Conqueror.
- Roger de Poitou received over 50 lands. These included places like Blackburn, Manchester, Salford, and Warrington.
- However, Roger de Poitou lost all his land in this area. This happened after he and his brothers rebelled against King Henry I in 1102.
Landowners in Historic Yorkshire (North Lancashire)
Most of the lands that now make up North Lancashire were held by King William himself.
- King William (who lived from about 1028 to 1087) was the first Norman King of England. He became King after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD. He was also the Duke of Normandy since 1035.
- His lands in this region included many places. Some examples are Lancaster, Preston, Blackpool, and Morecambe.
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