Note 251 — PART I TERRITORIAL STUDIES (continued 2)

I have never seen any attempt at a real explanation of the great difference both in scope and in excellence between the two volumes, or indeed any reason given why the Eastern counties should have had a volume to themselves. For a full appreciation of the contrast presented by the two volumes, the originals ought to be examined. Such differences as that the leaves of one are half as large again as those of other, and that the former is drawn up in double, but the latter in single column, dwarf the comparatively minor contrasts of material and of handwriting. So, too, the fullness of the details in the second volume may obscure the fact of its workmanship being greatly inferior to that of the first. Of its blunders I need only give one startling instance. The opening words of the Suffolk Survey, written in bold lettering, are 'Terra Regis de Regione' (281b). I have no hesitation in saying that the last words should be 'de Regno'. Indeed, the second formula is found on 289b, as 'Terra Regis de Regno', while on 119b under 'Terra Regis', we read 'hoc manerium fuit de regno'. So also in the Exon Domesday 'Terra Regis' figures as 'Dominicatus regis ad regnum pertinens'.251 The muddled order of the tenants-in-chief for Norfolk and for Suffolk—where laymen precede the church252 —is another proof of inferiority, but only minute investigation could show the hurry or ignorance of the scribes.