 The manor of "Bedeford" was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as held at some time in chief from William the Conqueror by the great Saxon nobleman Brictric, but later held by the king's wife Matilda of Flanders (c. 1031 – 1083).There were then 30 villagers, 8 smallholders and 14 slaves in Bideford.The unabbreviated Latin text of the entry, and a translation, follows