William the Conqueror

William of Normandy was familiar with Portsmouth. In approximately 1070 he granted the Manor of Froddington (Fratton) to William de Warrene, and in 1086 William himself left Portsmouth Harbour for Normandy with his fleet. William was renown for his administrative prowess and at his instigation a survey of this new kingdom, commonly now known as the Domesday book, was completed. This identified Portchester Castle, already providing a safe haven in the harbour, and settlements in Buckland, Copnor and Fratton. The total population of Britain at this time was a mere two million, with around 50,000 living in what is now Hampshire.