William’s course of study at the abbey school
William’s course of study at the abbey school revealed the bent of his mind in the subjects he chose for special attention.…
Formation of the abbey library
Godfrey’s darling scheme was the formation of a library, and when at length he found time and means to attempt its execution, William became his most energetic assistant.…
William’s discovery of English history
Half Norman as he was by descent, it was natural that William’s first endeavor as assistant librarian should be to collect at his own expense some histories of foreign nations.…
Ealdhelm’s shrine and relics at Malmesbury
To the scholar Malmesbury was classic ground where every step brought William face to face with some memory of Wessex under the old royal house from which Ealdhelm sprang.…
The legend of John Scotus
On the left of the high altar, facing Ealdhelm’s shrine, stood a tomb believed in William’s day to cover the remains of John Scotus.…
Constantine the Greek at Malmesbury
On the hillside north of the abbey, scanty traces of a vineyard were associated with a yet more distant visitor, the mysterious Constantine who in the time of the Danish kings sou…
William’s search for an English historian
Under the influence of such surroundings William began his studies in English history but was brought to a standstill at the very threshold for lack of a guide.…
The origins of the Gesta Regum Anglorum
Unable to be satisfied with what he found written of old, William began to scribble himself, and thus produced his first historical work, the Gesta Regum Anglorum or *Acts of th…
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