Historia ecclesiastica

Historia ecclesiastica is a significant historical work by Orderic Vitalis, an English monk who lived from 1075 to c. 1142. Written in Latin, it provides a detailed account of Anglo-Norman society during his lifetime.1

Vitalis began his historical writing by expanding on the work of William of Jumièges. Later, at the request of his abbot, he started a history of his monastery, which evolved into a broader history of the church and a chronicle of events from the birth of Christ. He meticulously revised his work until 1141, drawing upon contemporary historians and offering valuable insights into Norman, English, and French history between 1082 and 1141. His narrative is noted for its graphic descriptions and critical use of sources.1