Historian A: David Carpenter – Economic Perspective

"David Carpenter argues that the Domesday Book was primarily a tool for economic control. It allowed William the Conqueror to assess and maximize tax revenues from his new kingdom. By having detailed records of landholdings and resources, the Normans could efficiently collect taxes and solidify their power. Carpenter emphasizes that this financial control was crucial for establishing Norman dominance and maintaining stability in England after 1066. The Domesday Book was thus a strategic economic instrument that helped the Normans manage their new realm effectively."

Historian B: Anne Duggan – Social Perspective

"Anne Duggan contends that the Domesday Book was also a social document that reflected Norman efforts to control the population. It recorded details about landholders, villagers, and peasants, revealing the social hierarchy and Norman dominance over the Anglo-Saxon population. Duggan believes the survey was used to monitor and suppress potential rebellions by understanding social structures. Therefore, the Domesday Book served not just economic purposes but also as a means to control and reshape society, ensuring Norman authority over all levels of the population."