The Domesday Book was written as a record of the Great Survey of much of England and parts of Wales, commissioned by William the Conqueror. The survey was conducted in 1085, and the Domesday Book was completed in 1086. The book was compiled within about a year, with the initial inquest and survey results presented to William on August 1, 1086. The manuscript writing was likely completed by the summer of 1087, although some scholars argue the compilation could have extended somewhat later. In summary:
- The survey was commissioned in 1085.
- The main Domesday Book was completed in 1086.
- The manuscript was likely finished by 1087, the year William the Conqueror died, but the exact writing completion date is subject to scholarly debate.
This makes the Domesday Book a product of the late 11th century, specifically 1086-1087, with its name coming into use in the 12th century to reflect its finality like the Last Judgment.
