Thomas's narrative

Evidence

Thomas's narrative

The manuscript proves that a monk was promoting this accusation around 1150.

Reading the evidence

A · Authenticity

Authentic: twelfth-century manuscript (Cambridge UL, MS Add. 3037).

B · Content

Thomas asserts that Jews killed William by imitating Christ's Passion. He writes to have William recognised as a martyr and to attract pilgrims.

C · Probative value

Proves that the accusation circulated around 1150. Does not prove that a ritual murder took place: the author witnessed nothing and gathers late testimonies.

Source

Primary source · Partly verified

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).

Open the source sheet →

Did Jews practise rites involving the murder of children?