Domesday Book

The Domesday Book is the name given to the Great Survey carried out on the orders of William the Conqueror after he became King of England. The survey contained a vast array of information on who owned what throughout the country and helped him raise money through taxation of his new subjects. The Domesday Book is one of the earliest public records in English history.

Take a look at the national archive site for extra information, games and videos on the Domesday Book. Look at the section on Interpreting the Domesday Book to understand how to decipher the language.

The Congress of Vienna

Europe's leading statesmen assembled at Vienna between 1814-1815 to decide upon the fate of the continent after over 20 years of conflict caused by the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Settlement aimed to maintain peace and security for Europe.

Take a look at this excellent animated map for an overview of the changes that took place during this period.

Remembrance Day

The First World War came to an end 92 years ago. Traditionally the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of each year is the time we remember all those who died in wars. Have a look at this video in memory of the soldiers who died in the conflict. it is accompanied by the Last Post. You'll also find a link explaining why the poppy is used as a symbol of remembrance and some poetry from the First World War.



Why the poppy?

For more information look at these links to previous posts on the Blog and an article on the BBC.
Harry Patch
Special Remembrance Day Service

Also worth looking at is the dramatised BBC clip on Wilfred Owen's famous war poem Dulce et Decorum est and John McCrae's In Flanders Fields.