Domesday Book, 1086

Transcription –

In Wilaveston hundred

Isdem Nigellus tenet Gravesberie. Dunning tenuit. Ibi II. hidæ geldabilies. Terra est III. carucatæ. In dominio est una & II servi, III. villein & II. francigenæ, & unus bordarius, cum I. carucata inter omnes. T.R.Edwardi, valebat xxv., solidos, & post. x solid. Modo xx. solidos.

Translation –

In Wilaveston hundred

The same Nigel holds Gravesberie, Dunning held it. There are two hides that pay geld. There is three carucatæ of land. In demesne there is 1 and 2 slaves, and there are 3 villeins and 2 Frenchmen and 1 bordar with 1 carucata between them all. At the time of King Edward it was worth 25 shillings and afterwards 10 shillings. Now 20 shillings.

Interpretation –

In Wilaveston (Wirral) Hundred

Nigel de Burcey now holds Gravesberie (Greasby). Before 1066 it was held by Dunning. The amount of taxable land is two hides. In total there are three carucatae of land. One carucata is possessed by the lord, and on it there are two slaves. There are three villeins [high class of peasant], two Frenchmen and one bordar who possess one caracuta of land amongst them. Before 1066 the village had a value of 25 shillings. The destruction caused by quelling civil unrest (following the 1066 invasion) reduced the value to 10 shillings. Now (i.e. 1086) the value had risen to 20 shillings.