William, author of the earliest extant description of London, was of Norman extraction, but born in the English metropolis during the first half of the twelfth century. He became a monk of Canterbury, and filled various offices in the household of Thomas à Becket. When that prelate was murdered, Fitzstephen alone of his numerous clerks and attendants did not fly, but was an eyewitness of the whole transaction. His Description of London originally formed part of another work, entitled The Life and Passion of Archbishop Becket. Stow, in his Survey of London, has appended a translation of Fitzstephen's work; but the best edition of it is that of Dr Pegge, London, 1772. Fitzstephen in his work shows a considerable acquaintance with the best Latin authors, and even a certain knowledge of the Greek classics. He is believed to have died in 1190.