The photo is of the original record in the 1086 AD Domesday Book,
which is preserved in two volumes of 760 and 900 pages respectively in
the Record Office in London. The Latin of the original entries is
contracted and therefore quite puzzling to read.
The translation is as follows:—
The same William [William FitzAnsculf, who held large estates in eleven
counties, and whose castle was at Dudley] holds Northfield. Alfwold
held (it). There are 6 hides. In the demesne is 1 plough
and a priest and 7 villeins and 16 bordars and 6 cottars with 13
ploughs and 5 more ploughs could be (employed) there. There are 2 serfs
and 1 bondwoman. The wood is half a league long and 3 furlongs in
width. It was worth 8 pounds in the time of Edward (the Confessor); now
100 shillings. The same William holds Frankley and Baldwin holds (it) of
him. Wulfwine held (it). There is 1 hide. In the demesne is 1 plough.
There are 9 bordars with o ploughs and 2 serfs. The wood (land) is 1
league long and half (a league) in width. It was worth 40 shillings in
the time of Edward; now 30 shillings.
