William of Malmesbury

William of Malmesbury (Latin: Willelmus Malmesbiriensis; c. 1095 or '96 – c. 1143) was the foremost English historian of the 12th century. Hollister ranked him among the most talented English historians since Bede.

William was born about 1095 or 1096 in Wiltshire. His father was Norman and his mother English. He spent his whole life in England and his adult life as a monk at Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire, England.

“What task could be more agreeable than to tell of the benefits conferred on us by our ancestors, so that you may get to know the achievements of those from whom you have received both the basis of your beliefs, and the inspiration to conduct your life properly?”