Commissioned by King Edward I in the 13th century, the Hundred Rolls were a vast and ambitious investigation into land ownership, local rights, and royal abuses across England. Often referred to as a second Domesday Book, this sweeping survey was designed to strengthen royal authority — and expose corruption at every level.
Covering towns, villages, and hundreds (the medieval administrative districts that gave the inquiry its name), the records offer a rare glimpse into everyday life, feudal obligations, and the balance of power between the Crown, Church, and local lords.
In this section of Histories & Castles, we explore the background, purpose, and lasting impact of the Hundred Rolls. Discover how these documents offer a unique window into medieval society — one that continues to inform historians and captivate the curious.
The origins and aims of the Hundred Rolls
How they differed from the Domesday Book
Key entries, findings, and what they reveal
Edward I’s strategy to reassert royal control
Insights into medieval justice, land rights, and governance
Step into the record books of medieval England and uncover the stories that bureaucracy left behind. The Hundred Rolls may be overlooked — but they hold centuries of hidden truths.
The Hundred Rolls were a comprehensive survey ordered by Edward I in 1274. This survey aimed to investigate abuses of power by local officials and ensure the enforcement of royal justice.
The Significance of the Hundred Rolls and the Statutes of Westminster Read Post »
The Hundred Rolls was a comprehensive survey designed to expose corruption and inefficiencies among local officials.
The Hundred Rolls: Unveiling Corruption in Medieval England Read Post »
The Hundred Rolls were initiated in 1274 as part of Edward I’s broader strategy to assert control over his kingdom and ensure justice.
The Hundred Rolls: A Landmark in Medieval English Administration Read Post »
