In which year did King William I commission The Domesday Book?

The Domesday Book was commissioned by King William I, also known as William the Conqueror, in the year 1085. This significant record was created to assess the wealth and resources of his newly acquired territories in England after his conquest in 1066. The survey aimed to facilitate the efficient taxation of assets and to strengthen the control of the monarchy over the land. The thoroughness of the Domesday Book, documenting lands, livestock, and population, has made it an invaluable resource for historians studying that era.

While King William I ascended to the throne in 1066, that year marks the beginning of his reign rather than the creation of the Domesday Book. The years 1215 and 1492 belong to different historical events entirely, the former being associated with the signing of the Magna Carta, which had far-reaching implications for governance and rights in England, and the latter marking Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Thus, 1085 stands out as the correct answer, pinpointing the year when the Domesday Book was commissioned.