Assessing the condition of the Domesday Books from the visual to the molecular

Nancy Bell,Dorte V P Sommer,Kate Patten,René Larsen,Michael Drakopoulos,Tim Wess

doi:10.1186/s40494-018-0215-0

Abstract

This article presents a collaborative study to determine the condition within volumes of the Great and Little Domesday Book, held in The National Archives, UK. Advances in technology in both biochemical and biophysical analysis have allowed for the first time undetectable sub milligram sampling of the five-volume Great and Little Domesday Books at nine sites in total. Visual analysis was followed by microscopic fibre assessment, hydrothermal stability (shrinkage activity), amino acid analysis and microfocus X-ray diffraction. Based on the visual examination of 887 leaves in all five volumes of the Domesday Book, 587 leaves or 66% of the leaves exhibit a degree of surface gelatinisation due in part to humidification and pressing practices carried out as part of the many re-binding campaigns carried out over the centuries. Microfibre assessment indicated the percentage of damaged fibres detected varies from 56 to 100% in the samples taken, a correlation between the sum of oxidative sensitive amino acids and the observed damage of fibres was obtained. More than 1000 X-ray diffraction patterns collected showed a significant variation in amount of visible fibrillar collagen within each sample scan. Micro analysis performed here on corium collagen, means the results represent an average of the cross section of the structure of which the surface constitutes the smallest part. As the major part of damage is on the surface of the parchment leaves, the condition is likely to be worse than that reflected by the analytical results shown here. This evidence therefore prompted a re-think of the preservation protocols required to extend the usable life of the Domesday Book volumes. To this end, the preservation environment for the volumes is maintained at 40–45% relative humidity (RH) significantly lower than the recommended parameter of 55% RH.

Highlights

In 1085 William the Conqueror commissioned an extensive enquiry into the landholdings of England, the first of its kind for England, with the view to raising taxes
Within the leaves positively identified as calf and sheep, it was found the calf leaves to be more damaged in both Great Domesday 1 and Little Domesday, Norfolk Books (Table 3)
The visual assessment identified that the surface of more than half of the parchment leaves in the five volumes exhibit an extensively gelatinised surface, Great Domesday Book I, Great Domesday Book II

Summary

Introduction

In 1085 William the Conqueror commissioned an extensive enquiry into the landholdings of England, the first of its kind for England, with the view to raising taxes. The results of this extensive survey of landholding in England were compiled into what have come to be known as Great Domesday and Little Domesday Books, considered to be one of the most iconic English manuscripts. Bell et al Herit Sci (2018) 6:50 rebinding, thorough technical analysis of the materials and techniques used to make the Domesday Books was undertaken using tools of analysis available at the time, limited largely to visual examination since nonsampling techniques were few [2].

Objectives

Results

Conclusion