William was born to an English mother and a Norman father, a member of one of the first generations following the [[Norman Conquest]] in 1066. He entered the [[Benedictine]] [[monastery]] Malmesbury early in his life and remained there until his death. He was offered the [[Abbot|abbacy]] of Malmesbury around 1140, but refused. | William was born to an English mother and a Norman father, a member of one of the first generations following the [[Norman Conquest]] in 1066. He entered the [[Benedictine]] [[monastery]] Malmesbury early in his life and remained there until his death. He was offered the [[Abbot|abbacy]] of Malmesbury around 1140, but refused. |