Thomas of Monmouth: detector of ritual murder

Thomas's "Life" of William which records the accusation that Jews were guilty of ritual murder is the first medieval accusation, a myth which spread and caused the death of many Jews in different areas and influenced Luther and Hitler among others. Much evidence seems to point to the events surrounding the death of William of Norwich, which took place in 1144. Many of those who have written on blood libel believe this to be the first documented instance of such an accusation.