c. 1090-c. 1143

English historian whose writings are a major source of information regarding the Anglo-Saxon period and the subsequent Norman invasion. His first notable work was Gesta regum Anglorum (c. 1125), an account of England's kings modeled on the writings of the noted English historian Bede (c. 672-735). He followed this with Gesta pontificum Anglorum (c. 1126), and Historia novella, which covered events in England up to 1142. Among the other items of historical or geographical significance mentioned in William's work were tales of a British king who served as the model for the legendary Arthur, as well as a reference to a shrine to St. Thomas in India.