ORIGINES

Primary source · Hagiography (saint's life and collection of miracles)

Vita et passio sancti Willelmi martyris Norwicensis (The Life and Passion of William of Norwich)

Thomas de Monmouth / Thomas of Monmouth — Writing begun around 1150, several years after William's death; the last books are later (precise dating to be confirmed).

The only detailed account of the case. Thomas, a monk of Norwich cathedral priory who arrived after the events, presents William's death as a ritual murder committed by Jews in order to promote the boy's cult as a martyr. It is the source of nearly everything we think we know about the case — including elements that contradict its own thesis.

Author
Thomas de Monmouth / Thomas of Monmouth
Date
Writing begun around 1150, several years after William's death; the last books are later (precise dating to be confirmed).
Nature
Primary source
Document type
Hagiography (saint's life and collection of miracles)
Provenance
Unique manuscript, from the parish library of Brent Eleigh (Suffolk), later acquired by Cambridge University Library.
Held at
Cambridge University Library, MS Add. 3037
Original language
Latin
Edition or translation
Usable editions: Jessopp & James (1896); English translation by Miri Rubin (2014).
External link
No verified link yet.

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