Domesday Book is the most famous English public record, and it is probably the most remarkable statistical document in the history of Europe. It calls itself merely a descriptio, and it acquired its name in the following century because its authority seemed comparable to that of the Book by which one day all will be judged (Revelation 20:12). We cannot be surprised that so many scholars have felt its fascination, and have discussed again and again what it says about economic, social and legal matters. But it also tells us much about the countryside of the eleventh century, and the present volume is the seventh of a series concerned with this geographical information. As the final volume, it seeks to sum up the main features of the Domesday geography of England as a whole.

Some of the remarks that might appropriately be made here appear in Appendix 21, which consists of an informal essay entitled ‘On the writing of Domesday Geography’. I would like now, however, to thank the Syndics and staff of the Cambridge University Press for their forbearance and skill. I must also thank Mr G. R. Versey who has not only drawn all the maps but who has given a very great deal of assistance at all stages of the work. The volume is inscribed to my wife, who made it possible.