(William), a learned monk of Canterbury, of Norman extraction, but born of respectable parents in the city of London. He lived in the 12th century; and being attached to the service of archbishop Becket, was present at the time of his murder. In the year 1174, he wrote in Latin, The Life of St Thomas, archbishop and martyr; in which, as Becket was a native of the metropolis, he introduces a description of the city of London, with a miscellaneous detail of the manners and usages of the citizens: this is deservedly considered as a great curiosity, being the earliest professed account of London extant. Fitz-Stephen died in 1191.