to it now it is certain that he was not chosen Pope till the Year of our Lord 171 at the soonest or according to Eusebius's Chronicle till 176 and so Lucius's Conversion must have happened in the Time of Marcus Aurelius to which time the English Saxon Annals as also Bede himself with divers others of our Ancient Historians as well Foreign as English do refer it though Roger of Wendover and other Authors about the same Age refer it to Anno Dom. 184 which falls out in the Second or Third Year of the Emperour of Commodus which seems most likely if it were ever done at all But that there was never any such King seems to some learned Men very probable since Gildas makes no mention of any such thing but says the time of Christ's being first Preached in this Island was as early as the first Conquest of it by the Romans besides which the Monks who have since new drest up this Story not only make him to have been King of all Britain but to have settled Christianity in all parts of his Dominions and instead of Flamens and Arch-Flamens in the chief Cities as London York c. to have placed the arch-Arch-Bishops and Bishops in their rooms which is impossible to be true since the Title of Arch-Bishop was not then known in the Church nor could Lucius settle Christianity all over Britain which was then either under the power of the Romans or else what remained unconquered was absolutely Heathen and Barbarous at the time of this supposed conversion But however I think we may safely follow Arch-Bishop Usher and Doctor Stillingfleet in allowing the common Tradition of King Lucius and that he had Regal Authority under the Romans in some part of this Island since the two Coins seen by the said Arch Bishop the one of Gold and the other of Silver with the Image of a King on them and the Letters LVC with a Cross do sufficiently evidence it But in what part of Britain he governed whether as Successour to Prasutagus among the Iceni or else was King of the Belgae or was Successor to Cogidunus over the Regni in those parts that we now call Surrey and Sussex I will not take upon me to determine thô I rather incline to the last being Dr. Stillingfleet's Opinion for the Reasons and Conjectures he gives us in the same Chapter but as for the Letters pretended to have been writ by Pope Eleutherius to King Lucius thô they are inserted among the Laws of K. Edward the Confessor and are also to be found in an old Book of the Constitutions of the City of London I shall not trouble you with the Contents of them since they plainly discover their Imposture to any Man at all versed in Antiquities I have no more to add concerning this King but that the Grisons make him to have been their Apostle and to have first preached the Gospel in their Country and shew his Tomb at Cloir to this Day which can by no means agree with our British as well as English Historians who all suppose that he dyed in his own Country without any Children But to return again to the civil History of Britain we further find that under the Emperour Commodus Britain as well as other Countries was much infested with Waâs and Seditions for Xiphiline in his Epitomy of Dion relates that the British War was the greatest of all others because the Britains having broken through the Wall which divided their Territories from that of the Romans had laid wast many places and had cut off the Roman General together with his Army whereupon Commodus terrified with this Rebellion sent Ulpius Marcellus against them who was a sober and modest Man and lived after the rate of a Common Souldier he was also Stout anâ Magnanimous in his Warlike Expeditions but thô he was not to be corrupted with Money yet was not at all complaisant in his Conversation but as for the other examples this Author gives us of his great Vigilance and Temperance they are so trivial that they do not merit any particular relation and I could have wisht that Xiphilin his Epitomator would have been more sparing in his Character and larger upon the Actions of this great Man for all he tells us further of him is that he did very great mischief to the Barbarous People in Britain for which he was very near being made away by Commodus because of his Vertue yet that nevertheless he let him alone Britain being again brought to Obedience by so worthy a Commander after he was recalled began to fall into more dangerous Commotions for Aelius Lampridius in his Life of this Emperour tells us That now stubbornness began to break into the Roman Camp and the Military Discipline of the British Army being relaxed the Souldiers began to refuse to Obey Commodus and would have set up another Emperour against him for Perennis who was than in highest power with his Prince removing Senators set Men only of the equestrial Order to Command the British Army which being made known by their Lieutenant Perennis was declared a publick Enemy by the Souldiers for as Dion farther relates the Army in Britain mutinying against Perennis sent no less than 1500 of their own number into Italy to represent their Grievances at Rome and being admitted to the Emperour's presence they told him that the reason of their coming was to let him know that Perennis had conspired against him and endeavoured to make his Son Emperour to which Commodus giving credit at the Instigation of Cleander immediately delivered up Perennis thô then Praefectus Pretorii to the power of the Praetorian Bands whom he then commanded who soon dispatched him but Commodus listed those 1500 who were sent out of Britain among those Bands who were his Guards Perennis being thus dispatched Commodus sent Hââvius Pertinax afterwards Emperor in to Britain though he was then employ'd against the Parthians who when he came hither did what he could to hinder the Soldiers from Sedition who would rather have had any other Man for their Emperor than Commodus and especially Pertinax himself yet he then underwent the Censure of an envious Person because he was said to have accused Antistius Burrbus and Aristius Antonius to Commodus of affecting the Empire so that though he quell'd some Seditions in Britain yet he escaped a great danger being almost kill'd in a Mutiny of one of the Legions and left for dead among the slain which Fact though Pertinax severely revenged it upon the Mutineer yet afterwards he asked leave to be dismiss'd of his Government alledging that the Legions were displeased with him for holding them too close to Discipline Having thus received a Successor he was after some time made Proconsul of Africa After Pertinax Clodius Albinus a Man of great Birth and Valour was made Lieutenant of Britain He had before got himself a great Reputation whil'st he govern'd Gaul but routing
afraid least by the Miracles that were now wrought his Mind might be puffed up by vain Glory Therefore that he ought still to remember that when the Disciples returning from their preaching with joy said to their Heavenly Master Lord in thy name the Devils be subject unto us they presently received a rebuke rejoyce not for this but rather rejoyce that your Names are written in Heaven Bede also tells us That Pope Gregory about this time sent King Ethelbert many noble Presents together with a Letter full of good Advice and Instructions Exhorting him to cultivate that Grace which he had received by the especial providence of God to make haste to propagate the Christian Faith among his Subjects to increase the fervency of his own Faith by furthering their Conversion to destroy the Worship of Idols to establish the Manners of his Subjects in the purity of Life by Exhorting Encouraging and Correcting them and by shewing himself as Example of good Works that so he may find his Reward in Heaven Then proposing to him the Example of Constantine the Emperour who had freed the Common-Wealth from Idols to the Worship of our LORD Jesus Christ advising him to hearken to and perform the good Advice which should be given him by Augustine the Bishop and that he should not be troubled in Mind if he should see any Terrours or Prodigies from Heaven contrary to the ordinary course of the Seasons as Tempests Famine and the like since the Lord had already foretold that such things should happen before the end of the World then concludes with wishing a more perfect Conversion of the whole Nation and that God would preserve and perfect him in the Grace he had begun and after a course of many Years would receive him into the fellowship of the Saints above These Letters bear the same date with the former and so must be wrote in the same Year I have dwelt the longer on these things to let you see that the primitive Christian Temper had not yet left the Bishops of the Roman Church thô infected with some Superstitions Let us now return to our Civil History from which we have so long digressed About this time when Ethelbert and his People were wholly taken up in Acts of Piety Ethelfrid still govern'd the Kingdom of Northumberland who being a Warlike Prince and most ambitious of Glory had wasted the Britains more than any other Saxon King of his time winning from them divers large Territories which he either made Tributary or planted with his own Subjects whence Adian as Bede or Aedan or Aegthan as the Saxon Chronicle calls him growing Jealous of Ethelfred's great Success came against him with a great and powerful Army to a place called Degsa-stan or Degstan and was there routed losing most of his Men but in this Battel Theobald the Brother of Ethelfrid was slain that part or wing of the Army which he commanded being unfortunately cut off yet nevertheless the loss was so great on the Scotish side that no King of the Scots durst any more in hostile manner march into Britain to the time that Bede wrote his History which was above a Hundred Years after He also tells us That this happned in the first Year of the Reign of the Emperour Phocas Buchanan in his Scotch History writes that this Ethelfrid assisted by Keawlin whom he mistiles King of the East instead of the West-Saxons had before this time fought a Battel with this Adian wherein Cutha Keawlin's Son was slain but neither the Saxon Chronicle nor any of our English Historians mention any such thing for this Cutha as appears by the said Chronicle was slain in the Year 584. fighting against the Welsh The number of Christians beginning now to multiply not only in Kent but other Countries Augustine found it necessary to ordain two other Bishops Mellitus and Justus sending Mellitus to Preach the Gospel to the Kingdom of the East Saxons which was divided from that of Kent by the River Thamesis over which Nation Sebert the Son of Richala the Sister of K. Ethelbert then Reigned thô under his Authority for he had then the supreme command over all the Nations of the English Saxons as far as the Banks of Humber but when this Province had by the preaching of Mellitus received the Gospel of Christ K. Sebert also baptized Ethelbert caused the Church of St. Paul to be built at London where Mellitus and his Successours should fix their Episcopal See But as for the other Bishop Justus Augustine ordained him Bishop in the Kingdom of Kent of a certain little City then called Rofcaester now Rochester being about Twenty Miles from Canterbury in which King Ethelbert built the Church of St. Andrew and bestowed good endowments on it Hitherto Augustine had laboured only to convert Infidels but now he took upon him by vertue of his Archiepiscopal or rather Legatine Authority which the Pope had conferr'd upon him over all the Bishops of Britain properly so called to make a general Visitation of his Province and coming as far as the borders of Wales being assisted by the power of King Ethelbert he summoned all the British Bishops of the adjoyning Provinces to a Synod at a place called in Bede's time Augustines Ake or Oak then Scituate on the confines of the Wecti now the Diocess of Worcester and the West Saxons supposed to be somewhere on the edge of Worcester-shire and began to perswade them by brotherly Admonitions that they would maintain the Catholick Unity and also joyn in the work of Preaching the Gospel to the Infidel Nations For there was then a great difference between them about the Rule of keeping Easter which Bede tells us The Britains did not keep at a right time but observed it from the Fourteenth to the Twentieth Day of the Moon which Computation is continued in a Cycle of Eighty Four Years which account being somewhat obscure I shall for the clearing of it set down what the learned Bishop of St. Asaph hath given us upon this subject in his Historical Account of Church Government already cited in the last Book where he takes notice that this Cycle of Eighty Four Years which was also called the Roman Account so lately as in Pope Leo's Time the Scots and South Picts used the same Cycle from the time of their Conversion and so did the Britains without any manner of alteration but about Eighty Years after the rending in pieces of the Roman Empire the Romans having left off the use of that Cycle took up another of Nineteen Years which though it was better in many respects yet was new in these Parts and made a great difference from the former and when the Romans had used this new Cycle another Eighty Years coming then to have to do with these Northern Nations who were yet ignorant of it they would needs impose the use of it upon them as a necessary condition of their
went to destroy the Idol Temples the People at first thought him mad because it was not lawful for their Priests either to bear Arms or ride on Horse-back But as soon as Coifi came to the Idol Temple he commanded those that came with him to burn and utterly destroy it and the place where it stood was shewn in Bede's time lying not far from York Eastward near the River Darwent being then called Godmundingham where this Priest by thus demolishing the Altars of his former Gods made some Amends for his teaching Men to adore them But the Year following King Edwin with all his Noblemen and a great many common People of his Kingdom received Baptism the King himself being baptized at York on Easter Day in the Church of St. Peter which he had commanded with all speed to be built of Wood for that purpose in which City he also settled the Episcopal See Paulinus being the first Bishop there but not long after the King had received Baptism he himself took care to build a large and noble Church of Stone round about the former which was still left standing till the other was finished but before the Walls of it could be raised the King being killed left the Work to be perfected by Oswald his Successor So Paulinus continued during all the rest of this King's Reign which was about the space of 6 Years to preach the Word of GOD in that Kingdom in which Church there were also baptized divers others of Note as Osfrid and Eadfrid the Sons of King Edwin both which his former Wife Quenburga the Daughter of Ceorle King of Mercia had brought forth in their Banishment There were likewise afterwards baptized divers others of the King's Children by his last Queen who not long after dying were buried in York Minster Besides these there were baptized Iffi the Son of Prince Osrid and several other Noblemen and it is reported that the People's Desires to receive Baptism were then so fervent that when on a time Paulinus came with the King and Queen to a certain Town of the King 's called Adefrin he there spent a Month in doing nothing else but Catechising and Baptizing those that came to him from far and near to that end for after his Instructing them they were strait baptized in the River Gleni which he made use of as being convenient for that purpose These Things were transacted in the Province of Bernicia but in that of Deira where he used to remain most commonly with the King he baptized in the River of Swale for in that present Infancy of the Church Oratories and Fonts were not yet erected But in the Country of Done he built a Church which was burnt not long after by the Pagans when they killed King Edwin These Things thô happening in several Years Bede here relates all at once But to return to Civil Affairs This Year Cynegils and Cwichelm Kings of the West-Saxons fought with Penda King of Mercia at Cirencestâr where also a League was made between them H. Huntington is larger in the Relation of this Fight and tells us that when both Armies had fought from Morning till Sun-set neither of them giving Ground the next Morning perceiving they should be both ruined if they stood another Fight they treated of a Peace and so parted Friends It were to be wished that the Monkish Writers who have left us the only Relations of these Wars would also have told us the particular Causes and Grounds on which they were madâ for want of which we are left to guess in general that Revenge or Ambition the common Incentives to War among Princes did also produce these we now treat of but within two Years after as the Saxon Annals relate Eorpwald King of the East-Saxons was baptized This Bede relates to have been done by the Persuasion of King Edwin who after the Death of Redwald had the Kingdom of the East-Angles voluntarily delivered up to him by the People of that Province but he out of Gratitude to his old Benefactor permitted his Son Eorpwald quietly to hold that Kingdom tho as his Tributary who now casting away his Idols was baptized together with many of his Subjects His Father King Redwald had been also baptized in Kent by the means of King Eadbald tho in returning home he was again perverted by his Wife and some others of her Superstition from the true Faith so that he had at once in the same Temple one Altar for Christ and another for Devils But King Eorpwald not long after his receiving the Faith was slain by one Richbert a Heathen but who he was or why he did it is not told us so that the Kingdom for three years returned to Paganism until Sebert Brother to the last King a most Learned and Christian Prince obtained the Crown who whilst his Brother lived being banished into France did there receive Baptism of which as soon as he began his Reign he made his Subjects also Partakers But to this Prince we shall speak more largely anon About this time Paulinus also preached the Word to the Province of Lindissi now Lincolnshire and converted the Governor of Lincoln whose Name was Blecca with all his Family to the Christian Faith In which City he built a Church of Stone of curious Workmanship whose Roof being fallen down either by length of Time or Hostile Incursions the Walls were only standing in Bede's time And concerning the Propagation of the Christian Faith in this Province a certain Priest and Abbot of the Monastery of Barteneu told Bede That he himself was baptized by the Bishop Paulinus together with a great Multitude of people in the River Trent near a City then called Tiowulfingceaster where it was we know not King Edwin being present of whom Bede also tells us That in his time a Woman with a Child in her hand might have gone from Sea to Sea and that the King at certain Fountains near the Highways caused Drinking-Pots of Brass to be set upon Posts for the refreshment of Travellers which none either out of Love or Fear would presume to meddle with he also caused to be carried before him when he went through the streets a sort of Banner which the Romans called Tufa and which the English then called a Tuff About this time too Pope Honorius succeeded Boniface in the Roman See and as soon as he heard that the Nation of Northumbers had received the Christian Faith by the Preaching of Paulinus he sent him an Archiepiscopal Pall together with Exhortatory Letters to King Edwin persuading him to persevere in the Faith which he had received which Letter you may find at large in Bede wherein it also appears that Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury and Paulinus of York had this Trust lodged jointly in them That whensoever one of them died the Survivor should immediately consecrate another Archbishop in his stead for not long before Archbishop Justus deceasing Honorius had been elected in
for they soon sent him Aidan a Man of great Meekness Piety and Moderation only Bede finds âault with him That he had Zeal but not according to Knowledge in that he observed Easter day according to the custom of his own Nation and that of the Picts of which I have sufficiently spoken already But so soon as this Bishop came to him he gave him a place for his Episcopal See in the Isle of Lindisfarn where he himself desired it which place is Pena-Insula except when the Sea quite overflows that neck of Land which joyns it to England But this King took care by hearkening to the Instructions of this good Bishop to propagate Christ's Church in his Kingdom which during his Reign extended over both Deira and Bernicia being then both united into one and it was often observed as an unusual spectacle that whil'st the Bishop Preacht who being a Scot did not speak English so as to be well understood the King being present and with his Courtiers and Officers having learn't the Scotish Tongue during the time of his banishment would himself interpret the Bishops Sermon to them and many Scotish Priests coming into those Provinces of Britain where King Oswald Reigned began to Preach and Baptize those that believed so that now Churches were built in divers places to which the People assembling rejoyced to hear the Word of God there were also given by the King several Lands and Possessions to build Monasteries for they were chiefly Monks who now came hither to Preach for Bishop Aidan was himself a Monk sent from the Monastery of the Isle of Hye of which we have said enough in the last Book But of the Humility and Piety of this Bishop Aidan Bede gives us a very large account in several instances of it for he seems to have been an excellent pattern for succeeding Bishops and Clergy Men to follow For he tells us That all who travelled with him I suppose in his Visitation or Conversions were they professed Monks or only Lay Bretheren were obliged to bestow their time either in reading the Scriptures or else in learning the Psalms by heart but to let you see how much more Humility and Condescention are able to prevail than Pride and Austerity Bede tells us That the King of the Scots first sent another Bishop to King Oswald who being of a very rough Austere Temper could therefore do but little good among the English so that being forced to return home again he laid the fault upon their Rude Irreclameable Dispositions whereupon the Scotch Clergy being grieved at hiâ return called a Synod to consider what was best to be done in this case when Aidan who was then present told this Bishop That he thought he had been too harsh and severe to his Ignorant Auditors and had not according to the Apostle's Rule first given them the Milk of milder Doctrine till by degrees they should be able to receive and digest the more perfect and harder precepts of God's Word which as soon as they heard they all turn'd their Eyes upon him and resolved he should be sent to Convert the Ignorant unbelieving English because he was endued with Prudence the Mother of all other Vertues thô he was not wanting in those also The same Authour also gives us as high a Character with many Examples of the great Humility Affability and Charity of King Oswald as that being once at Dinner it was told him There were a great multitude of Poor People at his Gate desiring Alms whereupon he immediately sent them a large Silver Dish full of Meat from his own Table and order'ed the Dish afterwards to be broken into small pieces and distributed among them upon this Bishop Aidan taking him by the Right Hand said thus Let this Hand never corrupt which saying gave occasion to the Miracle whether false or real I shall not now dispute concerning the incorruptibility of King Oswald's Right Arm which Bede hath given us so many strange Relations of and that it was preserved uncorrupt in the Church of Peterburgh in his time Of this King he also tells us That by his Industry the Provinces of Deira and Bernicia which had been almost in perpetual Discord were now as I may say united into one People so that he received all the Nations and Kingdoms of Britain under his Protection He was Nephew to King Edwin by his Sister Acca and it was fit that so great a Predecessour should have one of his own Blood to succeed him But we shall proceed now to the Conversion of the West-Saxons which the same Author thus relates At this time the Nation of the West-Saxons which were anciently called Gewisses received the Christian Faith in the Reign of Cynegils by the preaching of Byrinus an Italian who being ordained Bishop by Asterius Bishop of Genoua by the Order of Pope Honorius came into Britain and thô he had promised the Pope to preach the Gospel in the most inland parts of the Island where it never had been heard of before yet landing in the Country of the West-Saxons and finding them to be altogether Heathens he thought it better to preach the Gospel there than to seek further which when he had done for some time and that the King being sufficiently instructed was to be Baptized with his People it happened that Oswald the Victorious King of the Northumbers was there present and received him coming out of the Font as his Godfather intending also to make him his Son-in-Law and then both Kings joyned in conferring on the said Bishop a City which was called in Latin Dorinea now Dorchester in Oxfordshire there to fix his Episcopal See but divers Years after when many Churches had been built and much People converted to Christ by his means he at last deceased and was buried in that City for so Bede stiles it thô it be now but a poor Country Town Will. of Malmesbury adds to this Relation of Bede That King Cynegils was quickly perswaded to submit to the preaching of the Bishop but that Cwichelme his Brother and Partner in the Kingdom did for some time refuse it till being admonished by Sickness that he should not neglect the Salvation of his Soul he was at last baptized and the same Year died which is confirmed by the Saxon Chronicle under the Year following thô omitting the Baptism of Cynegils it only mentions that of Cwichâlme adding That the same Year he departed this Life and that Bishop Felix preached the Faith of Christ to the East-Angles This Felix was a Burgundian the first Bishop in Dunwich in Suffolk where he founded his Episcopal See His Conversion was thus Sigebert having succeeded his Brother Eorpwald in the Kingdom of the East-Angles and having whilst he was banished into France by his Brother's Jealousie there received Baptism did now by the Assistance of Bishop Felix erect a School like those he had seen in France where Youths might be taught Letters having
recovered his Kingdom and proved the greatest of the West-Saxon Kings that had reigned hitherto as shall be in due time related But Bede tells us That after this King had been some time restored there came out of Ireland a certain Bishop called Agelbert a French Man who offered himself to the King to preach the Gospel whose Learning and Industry when the King understood he offered him the Bishoprick of that Province and consenting to the King's Desires he remained there Bishop several Years till the King finding he could not learn English and growing weary of his bad Pronunciation introduced another Bishop one Wini of his own Nation over his Head who had been ordained in France and so dividing the Province into two Diocesses settled the latter in his Episcopal See at Winchester at which Agelbert being offended because the King had done it without his Knowledge and Consent he returned into France and there accepting of the Bishoprick of Paris died an old Man but not many Years after his daparture Wini being driven from his Bishoprick retired to Wulfer King of Mercia and buying of him the Episcopal See of the City of London for a Sum of Money sate there Bishop as long as he lived thus Simony crept very early into the English Saxon Church So the Kingdom of the West-Saxons was no small time without a Bishop whereupon King Cenwalc being afflicted with great losses in his Wars sent Messengers into France to Bishop Agelbert desiring him to return and reassume the Bishoprick he had left but he excused himself that he could not return being already engaged in another Charge yet to comply as far as he could to the King's desires he sent him his Nephew Elutherius a Priest to be ordained Bishop if he pleased who being Honourably received by the King and People and having been ordained Bishop by Theodorus Arch-Bishop of Canterbury did for many Years Govern alone the Diocess of the West-Saxons This thô happening in a course of some Years is by Bede related as one continued Story This Year Cenwalc King of the West-Saxons gave Cuthred his Cousin Three Thousand Hides of Land near Aescasdune now called Aston near Wallingford This Cuthred was the Son of Cwichelme and he the Son of Cynegils But two years after Aegelbyerth a Bishop who came from France after Byrinus undertook the Bishoprick of the West-Saxons as has been already related at large by Bede This Year K. Oswin was slain xii Kal. of September And within twelve days afterwards died also Aidan the Bishop But the manner of this King's Death is by Bede thus related That King Oswin who succeeded K. Oswald his Brother had from the beginning of his Reign a Consort or Sharer of the Royal Dignity of the Northumbrian Kingdom called Oswi the Son of Usric of the Posterity of King Edwin whilst Oswin govern'd the Province of Dâira for Seven Years with great Happiness and Love of his Subjects But Oswy who reigned in the Kingdom of Bernicia would not long maintain Peace with him 'till at last fresh Dissentions still arising between them he destroyed Oswin by Treachery for both their Armies now lying near each other as ready to fight when Oswin saw that being weaker in Force he was not able to wage Battle with him who came against him with a much greater Army he judged it better to lay aside all Thoughts of fighting and to preserve himself and his Men for some better Opportunity So he sent home his Army from a place called Wilfers Dun and himself retired with only one faithful Follower to lie concealed in the House of Earl Hunwald whom he supposed to have been faithful to him but it proved far otherwise for by him he was betray'd and there slain by the Command of K. Oswi together with his faithful Servant Tondhere in the ninth year of his Reign at a place called Iâgerlingum This Fact of King Oswy as it was detestable to all Men so it afterwards proved most hateful to himself who repenting of it built there a Monastery to expiate the Crime and to pray as well for his own Soul as for that of the King he had kill'd This King Oswin was a Man of a beautiful Aspect tall of Stature affable and very bountiful all which excellent Endowments both of Mind and Body procured him such Reputation that he was generally beloved and many Noble Persons out of all the English Provinces thought themselves happy if they could get into his Service but above all his Humility and singular Modesty were most remarkable whereof Bede gives us this Instance K. Oswin had bestowed an excellent Horse upon Aidan that charitable B of Lindisfarne but the Bishop when a poor Man ask'd an Alms gave him the Horse with all the rich Furniture upon him The King hearing of this as they were going to Dinner said to him My Lord Bishop Why would you give that Noble Horse that I bestowed upon you for your own Saddle to a poor Man Have we not many worse Horses and other Things which would better serve the Poor instead of this Horse I made choice of for your own riding The Bishop instantly replied Sir What do you say Is that Son of a Mare more dear to you than the Son of GOD With that they went to Dinner the Bishop took his Seat but the King being newly come in from Hunting fate down by the Fire with his Attendants but remembring what the Bishop had said he rose suddenly up and giving his Sword to his Servant ran hastily to the Bishop and falling down at his Feet besought him not to be angry affirming he would never after speak or concern himself whatever he gave to the Children of GOD. The Bishop being wonderfully amazed and rising hastily from his Seat raised him up telling him he was very well pleased if he would but sit down to Dinner and be chearful The King then at his Request began to be merry but the Bishop to be sad in so much that he shed Tears of which his Priest taking Notice and in their own Language being the Scottish which neither Oswin nor his Servants understood demanded the Reason I know saith he that the King will not live long for till now I never beheld an humble King whence I apprehend that he will speedily be taken away from us for this Nation is not worthy of such a Governor Not long after this Prelage of the Bishop was fulfilled in the Murther of Oswin as you have heard But Aidan lived 'till the twelfth day after his Death and then died himself on the last of August Of the Miracles of which Bishop Bede gives uâ too long and ãâã incredible Account either to be believed or inserted here This Year Cenwal King of the West-Saxons fought at Bradenford near the River Aftâne in Wiltshire but it is pity that our Annals had not told us against whom he fought which I cannot find in any Author thô it is
relates Swebriht King of the East-Saxons died this Year Eadbriht or Egbert the Son of Eatta who was the Son of Leodwald began to Reign in the Kingdom of the Northumbers and held it One and Twenty Years Egbert Arch-Bishop of York was his Brother who were both buried in the City of York in the same Church-Porch But it there is an over-sight in these Annals for this Eadbriht above mentioned must be the same with Eadbriht under the former Year This Year also according to Simeon of Durham Swebright King of the East-Saxons died Ceolwulf late King of Northumberland died this Year according to Mat. Westminster in the Monastery of Lindisfarne Also as Simeon of Durham relates Nothelm Arch-Bishop of Canterbury deceased but the Saxon Annals defer his Death two Years longer This Year Acca Bishop of Hagulstad deceased who as the same Author relates was had in great Reverence not only during his Life but also after his Decease for his great Sanctity and supposed Miracles King Ethelred deceased and Cuthred his Cousin succeeded in the Kingdom of the West Saxons and held it 16 Years This King made sharp War against Ethelbald King of the Mercians and that with various Success as H. Huntington tells us sometimes making Peace and then again renewing the War This Year also Nothelm the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury deceased and Cuthbriht was Consecrated in his stead as was also Dun Bishop of Rochester after the Death of Eadulph ' This Year also the City of York was burnt together with the Monastery as Simeon has it Now was held the great Synod at Cloveshoe where were present Ethelbald King of the Mercians and Cuthbert the Arch-Bishop with many other wise Men. Where this Cloveshoe was is now very uncertain since the Name is wholly lost some suppose it to have been Cliffe in Kent near Gravesend but it is not likely that Ethelbald being now the chief King of England would permit this Council to have been held out of his own Dominions so that others suppose it to have been Abingdon in Berkshire which was anciently called Secvesham where as the old Book of that Abbey tells us was anciently a Royal Seat of the Kings and where there used to be great Assemblies of the People concerning the arduous Affairs of the Mercian Kingdom But thô we are more certain of the Decrees of this Council than of the Place where it was held yet since it was a meer Ecclesiastical Synod and no great Council of that Kingdom and that its Decrees were chiefly made in Confirmation of the Charter of King Withred concerning free Elections to Monasteries in Kent according to the Directions of the Archbishop of Canterbury I shall refer you to the Canons themselves as they are to be found in the Decem Scriptores and Sir H. Spelman's British Councils and shall only take notice of this one that now Bishops were first ordered to visit their Diocesses once a Year This Year Ethelbald King of the Mercians and Cuthred King of the West Saxons fought against the Britains H. Huntington tell us That these two Kings now joyning their Forces brought two great Armies into the Field against the Welsh-men who not being able to defend themselves were forced to flie leaving great Spoils behind them so both the Kings returned home Victorious According to Florence of Worcester Wilfred the second Bishop of York of that Name died after he had fate 30 Years Also this Year according to the Annals Daniel resigned the Bishoprick of Winchester being worn out by Age and Hunferth succeeded him and they say the Stars seemed to fall from Heaven But Simeon of Durham calls them with more probability such Lightnings as those of that Age had never before seen About this time also according to Simeon there happened a great Fight between the Picts and the Britains I suppose he means those of Camberland for no other Britains lay near the Picts This year Bishop Daniel above-mentioned deceased after he had been 43 years Bishop ' This year Selred King of the East-Saxons was slain But by whom or which way is not here said This Selred was Sirnamed The Good and reigned 38 years Switheard King of the East-Angles dying Elfwold succeeded him as the Chronicle of Mailros relates This Year also was held the second Council at Cloveshoe under Cuthbert Arch-Bishop of Canterbury there being present beside the Bishops Abbots and many Ecclesiasticks Ethelbald King of the Mercians with his chief Men and Ealdermen In which besides many Decrees concerning the Unity of the Church and for promoting Peace which you may see at large in Sir H. Spelman's First Volume of Councils and after the reading of Pope Zachary's Letters to the People of England to live more continently These among other Decrees were likewise passed viz. 1. That the Reading of the Holy Scriptures be more constantly used in Monasteries 2. That Priests receive no Reward for baptizing Children or for other Sacraments 3. That they learn the Creed and the Lord's Prayer in English and are likewise to understand and interpret into their own Tongue the Words of Consecration in the Celebration of Mass and also of Baptism c. This year Cynric Aetheling that is Prince of the Blood-Royal of the West Saxons was slain and Eadbriht King of Kent died after six Years Reign and Ethelbryht the Son of King Withred succeeded him This Cynric was he whom H. Huntington relates to be Son of Cuthred King of the West Saxons who thô young in Years was a great Warriour for his time yet perished in a sudden Sedition of his own Souldiers but where he does not say Simeon affirms That Elfwald King of the East Angles now dying Hunbeanna and Albert divided that Kingdom between them but what relation they had to the late King he does not tell us This year Cuthred King of the West Saxons in the 12th Year of his Reign fought against Ethelune that couragious Ealderman H. Huntington calls him a bold Earl who moved Sedition against his Lord and thô he were inferiour in the number of his Souldiers yet maintained the Fight a great while by his sole Courage and Conduct but while he was ready to get the Victory a Wound he then unfortunately received so disabled him and disheartened his Men that the King's being the stronger as well as the juster Side did thereby prevail Also the same Year according to Simeon of Durham and the Chronicle of Mailros Eadbert King of Northumberland led Kynwulf Bishop of Lindisfarne Prisoner to the City of Beban who it seems had some ways rebelled against him for he then also caused the Cathedral Church of Lindisfarne to be besieged The same Year as Bede's Continuator relates Eadbert King of Northumberland made War upon the Picts and subdued all the Country of Kyle with other Territories joyning them to his own Dominions This Year according to the Saxon Annals King
and the Charter of that King to the Abby of Croyland is confirmed under the Rule of St. Benedict and is supposed by Sir H. Spelman in his Councils to be a great Council of that Kingdom because it bears date in the Week of Easter when they were Assembled about the publick Affairs of the Kingdom at which time as also at Whitsontide and Christmass the great Men of the Kingdom were wont of course to attend at the King's Court to consult and ordain what should be necessary for the common Good when also the King used to appear in State with his Crown upon his head which custom of holding great Councils was also continued after the Norman Conquest to the middle of the Reign of Henry the Second as Sir H. Spelman learnedly observes in his Notes at the end of this Council This Year according to the Peterburgh Copy of the Saxon Annals Ceolred Abbot of Medeshamstead and his Monks leased out to one Wulfred the Land of Sempigaham perhaps Sempingham in Lincoln-shire on Condition That after his Death it should again revert to the Monastery he paying in the mean time a Yearly Rent of so many Loads of Wood Coals and Turf and so many Barrels of Beer and Ale and other Provisions with Thirty Shillings in Money as is there specified at which Agreement Burherd King of the Mercians who had now succeeded Beorthwulf was present together with Ceolred the Arch-Bishop with divers other Bishops Abbots and Ealdormen I have inserted this to let you see the form of Leasing out the Abbey Lands in those Days and which it seems required the Solemnity of the Common Council of that Kingdom to confirm it The same Year also according to Florence Berthulph King of the Mercians deceased and Burhed succeeded him Who this next Year together with his Wites that is the Wise Men of his Great Council desired King Aethelwulf that he would assist them to subdue the Northern Welshmen which he performed and marching with his Army through Mercia made the Men of North-Wales Subject to King Burhed but of this the Welsh Chronicles are silent This Year also King Aethelwulf sent his Son Aelfred to Pope Leo to Rome who there anointed him King and adopted him for his Episcopal Son It is much disputed among some of our Modern Historians of what the Pope anointed Alfred King whether of any present or else future Dominions But since an ancient Manuscript in the Cottonian Library containing an History of the Kings of England says expresly That he was anointed In Successorem Paterni Regni and that we do not read of any Territories King Alfred enjoyed till after the Death of his Brethren it is most reasonable to understand it in the plain Literal Sense as it is here set down not only in these Annals but in Asser's Account of this King's Life and Actions that the Pope anointed him King as a Prophetical Presage of his future Royal Dignity And the same Year Ealcher with the Kentish-men and Huda with the Surrey-men fought with the Danish Army in the Isle of Thanet and at first had the better of them but there were many killed and drowned on both sides and both the Ealdormen or Chief Commanders perished Also Burhed King of the Mercians now married the Daughter of King Ethelwulf Asser relates the Marriage to have been kept with great Solemnity at a Town of the King 's called Cippenham now Chipnam in Wiltshire This Year the Danes winter'd in Scepige or Sheppie and the same year King Aethelwulf discharged the Tenth part of his Land throughout his whole Kingdom of all Tribute or Taxes for the Honour of God and his own Salvation This being the famous and solemn Grant of King Aethelwulf concerning Tythes requires a more particular Relation and therefore I shall here give you the Words of the said Grant at large I Aethelwulf King of the West Saxons with the Councel or Consent of my Bishops and Chief Men c. have consented That a certain Hereditary Part of the Lands heretofore possess'd by all Orders and Degrees of Persons whether Men or Women Servants of GOD i. e. Monks or Nuns or meer Laicks shall give their Tenth Mansion and where it is least the Tenth Part of all their Goods free and discharged of all Secular Servitude and particularly of all Royal Tributes or Taxations as well the greater as the less which they call Wittereden which signifies a certain Fine or Forfeiture and that they be free from all other Things as Expedition building of a Bridge or fortifying of a Castle c. And that they may the more diligently pour out their Prayers to GOD for us without ceasing we do in some part discharge their other Service These Things were done in Winchester in the Church of St. Peter in the Year of our LORD's Incarnation 855 the Third Indiction on the Nones of November before the great Altar in Honour of the Glorious Virgin Mary the Mother of GOD St. Michael the Arch-Angel and St. Peter Prince of the Apostles as also of our blessed Father Pope Gregory all the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of England being present and subscribing to it as also Beorhed King of Mercia together with the Abbots Abbesses Earls and other chief Men of the whole Kingdom with an infinite multitude of other Believers who all of them have witnessed and consented to the Royal Grant but the Dignitaries have thereunto subscribed their Names But as Ingulph relates King Aethelwulf for the greater firmness thereof offered this Charter at the Altar of St. Peter at Rome but that the Bishops received it in the Faith of God and transmitted it to be published throughout all the Churches in their several Diocesses Thô this Grant of Tithes is mentioned by the Annals as to be made before the King 's going to Rome yet it appears by the Date as also from Asser and Ingulph not to have been done till after his Return from thence which makes Sir H. Spelman conjecture and not without good Grounds that this Grant was twice made once before his going to Rome it being there confirmed by the Pope and was also regranted by a Great Council of the Kingdom after his Return as appears by the Charter here recited I have been the more exact in reciting this Law concerning Tythes both because it gives us the form of passing an Act in the great Council of the Kingdom at that time and who were the Parties to it as also because this was the first general Law that was ever made in a Mycel Synod of the whole Kingdom for the payment of Tythes thô I do not deny but there had been before some particular Laws of King Ina and King Offa to the same effect yet those could only oblige the West Saxon and Mercian Kingdoms The next Year also according to Florence and Asser's Chronicle K. Aethelwulf went to Rome carrying Aelfred his youngest and best beloved Son along with him but
wrote but the wonder will be much abated when we consider that he had the King's Purse at his command besides those of other people who then looked upon such Works as meritorious But to return to our Annals Elfeage whose sirname was Goodwin succeeded Athelwald and was consecrated 14. Kal. Novemb. but was enthron'd at Winchester at the Feast of St. Simon and Jude R. Hoveden tells us he was first Abbot of Bathe and then Archbishop of Canterbury but at last was killed by the Danes being a man of great Sanctity of Life Also the same year Howel ap Jevaf Prince of North-Wales came into England with an Army where he was fought with and slain in Battel but the place is not mentioned This Howel having no Issue his Brother Cadwalhan succeeded him This year according to the Saxon Annals Aelfric the Ealdorman was banish'd the Land Mat. Westminster stiles him Earl of Mercia and says he was Son to Earl Alfure but neither of them inform us of the Crime for which he suffered that Punishment King Ethelred laid waste the Bishoprick of Rochester and also there was a great Mortality of Cattel in England William of Malmesbury and R. Hoveden do here add much light to our Annals That the King because of some Dissentions between him and the Bishop of Rochester besieged that City but not being able to take it went and wasted the Lands of St. Andrew i. e. those belonging to that Bishoprick but being commanded by the Archbishop to desist from his Fury and not provoke the Saint to whom that Church is dedicated the King despised his Admonition till such time as he had an Hundred Pounds sent to him and then he drew off his Forces but the Archbishop abhorring his sordid Covetousness is there said to have denounced fearful Judgments against him though they were not to be inflicted till after the Archbishop's death This year as the Welsh Chronicles relate Meredyth Son to Owen Prince of South-Wales entred North-Wales with what Forces he could raise and slew Cadwalhon ap Jevaf in a Fight together with Meyric his Brother and conquered the whole Countrey to himself Wherein we may observe how God punished the wrong which Jevaf and Jago did to their eldest Brother Meyric who being disinherited had his eyes put out for first Jevaf was imprisoned by Jago as Jago himself was by Howel the Son of Jevaf and then this Howel and his Brethren Cadwalhon and Meyric were slain and lost their Dominions This year Weedport that is Watchet in Somersetshire was destroyed by the Danes About this time as appears by the Charter in the Monast. Angl. p. 284. the Abby of Cerne in Dorsetshire was founded by Ailmer Earl of Cornwall near to a Fountain where it was said that St. Augustine had formerly baptized many Pagans And where also long after Prince Edwold Brother to St. Edmund the Martyr quitting his Countrey then over run by the Danes lived and died an Hermit But it seems from the Manuscript History of Walter of Coventry this Abby was only enlarged by this Earl Ailmer having been built some years before by one Alward his Father a Rich and Powerful Person in those Parts Goda a Thane was killed and there was a great Slaughter But the same Author last mentioned writing from some other Copy of Annals relates this Story another way That this Goda being Earl of Devonshire together with one Strenwald a valiant Knight marching out to fight the Danes they were both there killed but there being more of them destroyed than of the English the latter kept the field But to return to our Annals This year Dunstan that Holy Archbishop exchanged this Terrestrial Life for a Heavenly one and Ethelgar Bishop of Selsey succeeded him but lived not long after viz. only One Year and Three Months This is that Great Archbishop called St. Dunstan who was the Restorer of the Monkish Discipline in England and who made a Collection of Ordinances for the Benedictine Order by which he thought the Rule of that Order might be more strictly observed in all the Monasteries of England Edwin the Abbot I suppose of Peterborough deceased and Wulfgar succeeded him The same year also Bishop Syric was consecrated Archbishop in the room of Ethelgar abovementioned and afterwards he went to Rome to obtain his Pall. This man is commonly written Siricins but his Name in English Saxon was Syric or Sigeric About this time according to the Welsh Chronicle Meredyth Prince of North Wales destroyed the Town of Radnor whilst his Nephew Edwin or as some Copies call him Owen the Son of Eneon assisted by a great Army of English under Earl Adelf spoiled all the Lands of Prince Meredyth in South-Wales as Cardigan c. as far as St. Davids taking Pledges of all the Chief Men of those Countries whilst in the mean time Prince Meredyth with his Forces spoiled the Countrey of Glamorgan So that no place in those parts was free from Fire and Sword Yet at last Prince Meredyth and Edwin his Nephew coming to an agreement were made Friends But whilst Meredyth was thus taken up in South-Wales North-Wales lay open to the Danes who about this time arriving in Anglesey destroyed the whole Isle This year Gipiswic was wasted by the Danes this was Ipswich in Suffolk and shortly after Brightnoth the Ealdorman was slain at Maldune All which mischief Florence of Worcester tells us was done by the Danes whose Captains were Justin and Guthmund when the Person abovementioned fighting with them at Maldon there was a great multitude slain on both sides and the said Earl or Ealdorman was slain there so that the Danes had the Victory The same year also according to the Annals it was first decreed that Tribute should be paid to the Danes because of the great Terror which they gave the Inhabitants of the Sea-Coast The first Payment was Ten thousand Pounds and it is said Archbishop Syric first gave this Counsel To which also R. Hoveden adds That Adwald and Alfric the Ealdormen join'd with him in it but which as William of Malmesbury well observes served only to satisfy for a time the Covetousness of the Danes and being a thing of infamous example a generous Mind would never have been prevailed upon by any violence to have submitted to for when the Danes had once tasted the sweetness of this Money they never left off exacting still more so long as there was any left but they now met with a weak and unwarlike Prince most of whose Nobility were no better than himself and so as the same Author farther observes they were fain to buy off those with Silver who ought to have been repell'd with Iron This year Oswald that blessed Archbishop of York departed this life as also did Ethelwin the Ealdorman The former of them Simeon of Durham tells us had the year before consecrated the Abby Church of Ramsey which the latter had newly founded and
brought Anlaf with great Honour to the King to Andefer that is Andover in Hampshire then King Aethelred received him at his Confirmation from the Bishop's hand whereupon Anlaf promised him which he also performed that he would never again infest the English Nation And as Florence farther adds he now returned into his own Countrey So it seems the Kingdom was rid of Anlaf but what became of Sweyen or Sweyn the Annals do not tell us for we hear no more of him till Anno 1004 as you will find by and by So that whether he went away with Anlaf or commanded those who infested the Kingdom the next year is uncertain But perhaps we may to this time refer that which Adam of Bremen relates of this King Sweyn who having made War upon his Father Harwold the Great whom he outed of his Kingdom and Life together was afterwards himself overcome and expelled his Kingdom by Aerick King of Sweden thus justly rewarded for his horrid Crimes he wander'd up and down without relief Thrucco the Son of Haco then Prince of the Normans rejected him as a Pagan and Ethelred the Son of Edgar he calls him Adalred remembring what mischiefs the Danes had brought on England with scorn repell'd him So that at length he was entertained by the King of the Scots who taking compassion on him gave him free Quarter for Fourteen years together But so enraged was he at the repulse given him by the King of England that ever after he studied all he could how to plague and afflict that Countrey one while by his own particular Forces and another by the assistance of others How true this Story is we cannot affirm the Affairs of the Northern Nations as to those Times being involved in so great an obscurity However we thought it not amiss to give it you as suiting with the Fortunes and Inclinations of this man which proved so great a Plague to this our Countrey that he seems to have been acted by some extraordinary Passion whether of Ambition or Revenge or both together But to return to our Annals This year also Richard the Elder Duke of Normandy died and Richard his Son succeeded him and reigned One and thirty years ' This year appeared a Comet Also the same year as Simeon of Durham relates Aldune Bishop of Lindisfarne removed the Body of St. Cuthbert which had for above an Hundred years remained at Cunecaeaster that is Chester in the Bishoprick of Durham to the place where the City of Durham was afterwards built it being then altogether uninhabited Here Bishop Aldune built a small Church of Stone dedicating it to St. Cuthbert and a Town being here shortly after built it was called Durham ' The Kingdom had rest this year as also the next but The Danes sail'd round about Devonshire to the mouth of the River Severne and there took much Plunder as well among the North Welsh as in Cornwall and Devonshire Yet here it seems that North-Wales was mis-put in these Annals instead of the South for no part of the Severn Sea borders upon North-Wales But after this the Danes going up as far as Wecedport or Watchet they did much hurt both by burning the Houses and killing the Inhabitants whereever they came After this they sail'd round Penwithsteort i. e. the Point called the Land's-End toward the South Coast and sailing up the River Thames went with their Ships as far as Hildaford now Lideford burning and killing whatever they met as they passed along They also burnt the Monastery of Ordulph which had been lately built by him at Aetesingstoce now Tavistock in Devonshire and carried a very great deal of Plunder along with them to their Ships This year also Aelfric the Archbishop went to Rome to obtain his Pall. Then the Danes turned toward the East up the mouth of the River Frome and there marched as far as they would into Dorseta i. e. Dorsetshire where an Army got together against them but as often as the English fought with them so often were they by some misfortune or other put to flight so that the Danes still obtain'd the Victory After this they quarter'd in the Isle of Wight but fetch'd their Provisions from Hamptunseire and Southseax Also this year according to Caradoc's Chronicle the Danes landing again in South-Wales destroyed St. Davids and slew Vrgeney Bishop of that See And now Meredyth ap Owen Prince of North-Wales deceased leaving one only Daughter who was married to Lewelyn ap Sitsylt afterward in her Right Prince of North-Wales But after the death of this Prince Owen Edwin his Nephew above-mentioned as the Manuscript Chronicle relates possessed himself of South-Wales and reigned there some years This year the Danes sail'd up the River Thames and from thence went into the Medway to Rofceaster where the Kentish Forces met them and there was a very sharp Dispute but alas they presently gave place to their Enemies and fled because they had not assistance enough so that the Danes kept the field and then getting Horses rode whereever they pleased spoiling and laying waste all the Western part of Kent Then it was ordained by the King and his Wise Men that an Army should be forthwith raised against them both by Sea and Land but when the Ships were ready they delayed the time from day to day oppressing the poor people that served on board and if at any time the Fleet was ready to sail it was still put off from one time to another so that they suffered the Enemies Forces to increase and when the Danes retired from the Sea-Coast then our Fleet was wont to go out so that at the last these Naval Forces served for no other end but to harass the People spend their Money and provoke the Enemy This year as Simeon of Durham relates Malcolm King of the Scots with a great Army wasted the Province of the Northumbers and besieged Durham At that time Waltheof Earl of the Northumbers being very old and unable to fight with the Enemies enclosed himself in Bebbanburgh whilst Vthred his Son a Valiant Young Man assembling an Army out of Northumberland and Yorkshire fought with the Scots and destroyed in a manner their whole Army insomuch that the King himself very hardly escaped After this he made choice of a certain number of slain Scotchmen's Heads the best adorn'd with Hair he could get and gave them to an Old Woman to wash allowing her for each Head a Cow for her pains these Heads when wash'd he set upon high Poles round about the Walls of Durham King Ethelred being informed of this Action sent for the Young Man and as a Reward for his Valour not only gave him his Father's Countrey but added to it that of Yorkshire Upon this Vthred returning home dismissed his Wife the Daughter of Aeldhure Bishop of Durham but because he cast her off contrary to his Promise he surrender'd up to her Six Mannors which the Bishop her Father
Historian l. 3. p. 114. l. 4. p. 151. Lived and died a Monk in the Monastery of St. Paul at Girwy now Yarrow l. 4. p. 194. Where born and bred his course of Life and Writings which gave him the Title of Venerable Id. p. 222. Own'd himself beholding to Nothelm when a Presbyter of the Church of London for divers Ancient Monuments relating to the English Church Id. p. 223. Bedicanford now Bedford where Cuthwulf fought against the Britains and the Towns he took from them l. 3. p. 146. Surrendred to King Edward the Elder l. 5. p. 320. Belinus Son of Dunwallo said to make the four great Ways or Streets that run cross the Kingdom and not the Romans built the Gate called Belin's gate our now Billingsgate and said to be the first Founder of the Tower of London l. 1. p. 13. Bells The first Tuneable Ring of Bells in England was in Croyland-Monastery set up there by Abbot Turketule l. 6. p. 12. Benedict the Father of all the Monks in what year he died but long before his death he founded his Order in Italy l. 4. p. 167. Sirnam'd Biscop made Abbot of the Monastery of St. Peter in Canterbury Id. p. 194. His Death with some short account of his Life Id. p. 205. Consecrated Pope upon the death of Stephanus expell'd and who made Pope in his room l. 6. p. 88. Benedictines the Monks of that Order l. 4. p. 167 168. Placed in the Nunnery at Bathe by King Edgar Id. p. 196. Turn out the Sicular Chanons at Worcester Id. p. 200. The Abbey of Winchelcomb in Gloucestershire by whom founded for 300 of these Monks Id. p. 242. St. Dunstan made a Collection of Rules for this Order l. 6. p. 22. Vid. Monks and Chanons Secular St. Bennet's in Holme a Monastery founded by King Cnute in Norfolk for Benedictines l. 6. p. 54. Bennington now called Bensington l. 3. p. 145. A Battel fought there between Cynwulf and Offa and who got the better l. 4. p. 230. Beonna Abbot of Medeshamsted leases Lands to Cuthbright upon Condition Id. Ib. Beormond when consecrated Bishop of Rochester l. 5. p. 248. Beorne when he was King over the East-Angles l. 4. p. 228. Beorne the Ealdorman burnt in Seletune by the Governors of Northumberland l. 4. p. 231. Beorne King Edmund's Huntsman murthers Lothbroke one of the Danish Royal Family l. 5. p. 272 273. Beorne Earl Cousin to Earl Sweyn how made away by him on Shipboard and where buried l. 6. p. 75. Beornred when he usurped the Kingdom of the Mercians l. 4. p. 227. Burnt the fair City of Cataract in Yorkshire and he himself is burnt the same year Id. p. 229. Beornwulf or Bertwulf or Beorthwulf King of the Mercians and Archbishop Wilfrid held two Synods at Clovesho Fought with Egbert and was beaten and afterwards slain by the East-Angles l. 5. p. 253. Was routed with his whole Army by the Danes Id. p. 261. Held the Council of Kingsbury who were present at it and what done there Id. Ib. His Death and who succeded him Id. p. 262. Berferth Son of Bertwulf King of Mercia wickedly slays his Cousin Wulstan l. 5. p. 261. Berkshire anciently called Bearrockshire l. 5. p. 274. l. 6. p. 32. Bernicia and Deira two Kingdoms of Northumberland united into one l. 4. p. 178. All the Low-Lands of Scotland as far as the English-Saxon Tongue was spoken were anciently part of the Bernician Kingdom l. 5. p. 249. Bertha the King of the Franks's Daughter married to King Ethelbert l. 3. p. 145. Brought a Bishop over with her to assist and strengthen her in the Faith l. 4. p. 153. Bertulf King of the Mercians honourably receives Egbert King of the Northumbers and Wulfher Archbishop of York whom the Northumbers had expell'd l. 5. p. 277. Beverlie in Yorkshire anciently called Derawnde l. 4. p. 202. Beverstone in Gloucestershire anciently Byferstane l. 6. p. 77. Billingsgate the ancient Port of London and what Customs to be paid there upon unlading l. 6. p. 43. Vid. Belinus Birds A great Fight and Slaughter of Birds in the Air l. 4. p. 192. Birth Supposititious Vid. Harold the Son of Cnute Birthwald Archbishop of Canterbury who succeeded Theodore was buried in the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul l. 4. p. 162. Formerly an Abbot of Raculf now Reculver in Kent near the Isle of Thanet but not consecrated Archbishop till nigh three years after his Election His Character Id. p. 205. He and King Alfred held a Synod about Bishop Wilfrid who was therein excommunicated Id. p. 206. Is reconciled to the Bishop tho King Alfred is not so Id. p. 207. His Death being worn out with Age and Infirmities Id. p. 220. Bishops how to be ordained in the English Church l. 4. p. 156. How to behave themselves towards one another and towards those that are not under their Authority Id. p. 157. Of London to be chosen by his own Synod but to receive the Pall from the Pope Id. p. 157 158. When the Primitive Christian Temper had not left the Bishops of the Roman Church Id. p. 159. Two Bishops in one Diocess viz. One had his See at Dunmoc now Dunwich in Suffolk and the other at Helmham in Norfolk l. 4. p. 193. By a Bishop's Son was meant his Spiritual not Conjugal Son for they were not married in the Saxon times Id. p. 209. Ordered in the Synod of Clovesho to visit their Diocesses once a year l. 4. p. 224. Five Bishops ordained in one day by Archbishop Plegmund and over what Sees but it was by the Authority of the King and his Council l. 5. p. 314. Blecca with all his Family converted to the Christian Faith builds a stone-Stone-Church of curious Workmanship in Lincoln l. 4. p. 175. Blood When it rained Blood for three days together l. 1. p. 12. l. 4. p. 202. Milk and Butter turned into somewhat like Blood l. 4. p. 202. The Moon appeared as it were stained with Blood for a whole hour l. 4. p. 222. Boadicia the Wife of Prasutagus a British Lady of a Royal Race violated with Stripes and her Daughters ravished l. 2. p. 47. Being left a Widow she raised an Army and makes a gallant Speech to them l. 2. p. 49 50. But being overcome and her Army utterly routed she poisons her self Id. p. 50. Bocland King Alfred's Thirty seventh Law concerning it l. 5. p. 295 296. Edward the Elder 's second Law of any one's denying another man his Right therein l. 5. p. 325. That is Land conveyed to another by Deed to whom it was forfeitable l. 6. p. 58 60. Bodotria Vid. Glotta Boetius Hector his great Error concerning the last War between the Romans and the Britains l. 2. p. 101 102. Bolanus Vid. Vectius Bonagratia de Villa Dei his Epistle to the Black Monks of England Wherein is shewn the Antiquity of the University of Cambridge l. 5. p. 318. Bondland that is the Ground of Bondmen or Villains l. 4. p. 230.
Books into which I have divided this Volume I will now proceed to acquaint you with the rest of my Authors from whom I have collected it nor will I give you only their Names which has been done by so many already but a brief Censure of them and their Works and in what Time they wrote being such as lived either before or after the Conquest Of the former sort there are but few since from Bede to Asser. Menev. there flourish'd no general Historian for William of Malmsbury himself confesses that after Bede all liberal Studies more and more declining those that followed spent their Lives in Idleness or Silence yet during even that Period there were some Writers of this kind viz. certain Monks in the greater Monasteries whose business it was to set down in short by way of Annals the most remarkable Passages of their own Times in their own Language nay Learning was in that King's Reign fallen to so low an Ebb that even King Alfred tells us in his Preface to the Saxon Version of Gregory's Pastoral That in the beginning of his Reign there were few on this side Humber who could understand their own Prayers much less turn a piece of Latin into English and where then were our supposed flourishing Vniversities AND I shall here begin with Asserius Menevensis who was so called because he was a Monk of Menevia or St. Davids This was he who being sent for by King Alfred out of Wales assisted him in his Studies and besides taught his Children and others of the Nobility Latin after this King Alfred sent him with others to fetch Grimbald out of Flanders into England and after the Schools were opened at Oxford the latter there professed Divinity and the former Grammar and Rhetorick as you may find in the Annals of Hyde cited in the ensuing History THIS Monk being Learned above the Age in which he lived first wrote the Annals that go under his Name which having long continued in the Cottonian and other Libraries in Manuscript have been lately published by the Learned Dr. Gale in his last Volume of Historians printed at Oxon. After these Annals it is certain Asser also wrote the whole History of King Alfred's Life under the Title of de Gestis Regis Aelfredi which were first published by the Reverend Arch-bishop Parker in Saxon Characters according to the Copy now in the Cottonian Library and was also again put out by Mr. Camden in another Edition at Frankford But it must be confessed there is some difference between these two Copies concerning the Vniversity of Oxford which is taken notice of in this Work in its proper Place but that the Annals abovementioned were written before his History of King Alfred's Life is plain for he there refers you to those Annals which he has also inserted in the Life almost word for word But tho the former of these is continued to the Death of King Alfred and the latter as far as the 14th Year of the Reign of K. Edward the Elder yet it is evident that he himself wrote neither the one nor the other after the Year 893 being the 45th of King Alfred's Age and this appears from the Life it self in which the Author particularly mentions it nor could he extend the Annals any farther because they were written before he wrote the Life This I observe to let the Reader understand that whatever he finds farther in the Annals or Life the Substance of both which I have given him in this Volume were continued by some other Hand and as for the Annals they sufficiently declare it for towards the latter end under Anno Dom. 909. you may meet with this Passage hoc Anno Asserius Episcopus Scireburnensis obiit which was no other than our Author himself yet this must be farther observed of him that he was so extreamly negligent in his Account of Time that he begins the first Year of King Alfred's Reign sometimes at one Year of our Lord and sometimes at another so that no Man can tell by him when it commenced BVT why he left off Writing so many Years before King Alfred died and never finish'd his Life though he survived him nine Years I confess I know not unless being preferred about the Time when he had finish'd it to the Bishoprick of Shireburne he left the King's Service and going to reside at his own See had other Business on his Hands than Writing And that the same Asser who taught King Alfred was also by him made Bishop of Shireburne appears from this King's Preface to the Saxon Translation of St. Gregorie's Pastoral in which he tells you he was assisted by Plegmund his Archbishop and Asser his Bishop to whom the said King in his Will after the Archbishop and some other Bishops bequeathed a 100 Marks by the Title of Asser Bishop of Shireburne from whence it is manifest that the same Person who was King Alfred's Instructor was also Bishop of Shireburne which Bishoprick was certainly bestowed on him after he had done Writing since tho he mentions the Abbeys of Banwell Ambresbury and Exceter to have been bestowed upon him by the King yet he is utterly silent of his being made Bishop which he would not surely have omitted if he had been then so preferred but how long he held this Bishoprick we can say little positively because we do not find when it was first given him but as for the time of his Death not only the Annals that go under his Name but the Saxon Chronicle also places it under Anno 909. So that I think there can be no reasonable cause to doubt of that BVT what should lead such a careful Chronographer as Florence of Worcester into so great a Mistake as to place this Bishop's Death under Anno 883 I know not unless he had some other Copies of the Saxon Annals by him than are now extant but the Fasti of the Saxon Kings and Bishops publish'd by Sir H. Savil at the end of William of Malmesbury and other Writers are guilty of the like Mistake making this Asser to have succeeded Sighelm Bishop of Shireburn and to have died Anno 883 whereas it appears from our Annals that Sighelm whom William of Malmesbury makes to be the same Person with the Bishop abovementioned this very Year carried King Alfred's Alms to Rome and afterwards went himself as far as India however this Mistake of Florence as also the pretended Authority of our Welsh Chronicle hath as I suppose led divers other Learned Men and particularly Bishop Godwin and Arch-bishop Usher into a Belief of two Assers both Bishops the one of whom died Anno 883 and the other to have been Arch-bishop of St. Davids and to have succeeded Novis who according to the Chronicle of that Church publish'd in the 2d Volume of Anglia Sacra died Anno 872 and there immediately follows under Anno 909 Asserius Episcopus Britanniae fit which must certainly be an Errour in
the Monk that wrote this Chronicle for Asser himself in his Life of King Alfred tells us of Hemeid Prince of South-wales That Nobis Archiepiscopum Propinquum meum me expulit viz. from the Church of St. Davids which word Nobis the Learned Dr. Gale reads Novis and so makes it good Sense that otherwise seems Non-sense in the printed Copies The false reading of which Word as well as this Chronological mistake of Florence abovementioned led Bale into the belief that the Arch-bishop above-mentioned must have been that Asser whom Caradoc's Chronicle publish'd by Dr. Powel makes to have died Anno Dom. 906. and which Authority led the Lord Primate Usher into that small Mistake in his Index Chronologicus at the end of his Britan. Eccles. Antiquitat of supposing this Asser to have been the Author of the History of King Alfred and not he who was Bishop of Shireburn AND the right reading of this word Nobis in Asser also proves the falshood of that Welsh Annal but now mentioned for if Novis was expell'd his Bishoprick not long before Asser was sent for by King Alfred which was about Anno 885. then Novis could not be dead in Anno 872. as that Chronicle makes him nor yet could Asser succeed Novis Anno Dom. 909. for then there would have been a Vacancy of near 40 Years in that See whereas the Saxon Annals rightly place the Death of our Asser Bishop of Shireburn under this very Year SO that upon the whole Matter it is the Judgment of the Reverend and Learned the now Lord Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry That there never was but one Asser who was also Bishop of Shireburn and that as for this Asser Bishop of St. Davids he had never any Being in Nature but in the Brain of some ignorant Monks who would for the Honour of their Church have made this Asser to have been Bishop not only of St. Davids but of Britain contrary to the Truth of all Chronology as well as Matter of Fact I have no more to remark of this Asser but that Ingulph not only says he was Bishop of Shireburn but also Abbot of Bangor which I find not related by Asser himself nor by any other Author and therefore I look upon it as a Mistake either in Ingulph or his Transcriber in writing Bangor instead of Banwell which was one of those Abbeys that Asser says King Alfred bestowed upon him FROM this Asser to Ethelwerd who calls himself Quaestor i. e. Treasurer and wrote in the beginning of the Reign of King Edgar being descended from the Saxon Blood-Royal by King Alfred his Great-Grandfather there flourished no Historian nor are we indeed so much the better for him as I could wish for unless it be in the right settling of the Reigns and Deaths of some of our Saxon Kings who lived not long before him about which the several Copies of the Saxon Annals do differ there is not much to be learnt from him but what is in the Annals themselves or else in the last mentioned Author from both which one may perceive that he had borrowed the most part of what he there writes So that partly from the affected Obscurity of his Stile and partly from the bad Copy from which it was printed being that which is now in the Cottonian Library in many Places we do not understand his meaning but as far as we are able to do it we have given you a true Account of what he has added to this History BVT either from the Laziness or Ignorance of the Monks who were almost the only Writers of that Age from the Time that Ethelwerd left off to some Years after the Conquest we meet with no Historians except Osbern and another Monk that is Anonymous the former of whom writing the Lives of St. Dunstan and St. Alphege has afforded us some Passages relating to this History as has also the latter in his Life of St. Dunstan which is still in Manuscript in the Cottonian Library But as for Osbern he is published in the first Volume of Anglia Sacra And from these that Age gives us none unless the Author whose Name we know not that wrote that short Account of the Times immediately preceding the Reign of Edward the Confessor called Encomium Emmae until Ingulph Abbot of Croyland finished the History of that Abbey about the latter end of the Reign of William the First And tho he did not take upon him to write a History of more Affairs than those of his own Monastery yet he hath by the by interspersed many considerable Passages relating to the Publick Transactions of this Kingdom which I likewise have here inserted FROM him to Eadmerus we find no Historian and He only relating the Ecclesiastical History during the Reign of William the First and his Sons William Rufus and Henry is of no use to us in this Volume here published IN the beginning of the Reign of Henry the First we find a most Laborious and Diligent Chronologer viz. Florence of Worcester who continuing and enlarging the History of Marianus Scotus hath among the various Transactions of the rest of Europe given us at the end of almost every Year out of the Saxon Annals an exact Account of the Affairs of England to which he hath also added divers very curious Memoirs and Illustrations of his own and besides what is printed there is also in Manuscript in the Bodleian Library a fair and perfect Copy of this Author which once belonged to the Monastery of St. Edmundsbury to which I have been much beholding not only for some things concerning that Abbey but also for several choice Passages relating to this our History which are neither to be found in the printed Editions of this Author nor any where else that I know of therefore where-ever the Reader shall meet with any thing cited from Florence which is not found in Print he may be assured it is in that Manuscript under the Year there set down in the Margin this I mention that the Reader may not be startled if he does not find the Passage I cite in the printed Copies since I had not always time to compare them together FLORENCE was immediately followed by Simeon of Durham who did not only Copy from him but also added several Remarkable things particularly relating to the Northumbrian Kingdom as well before as after it came under the Government of Earls Tho Mr. Selden in his Preface to the Decem-scriptores will not allow this Simeon to have been the Author of this Work but that he was a Plagiary and stole it from Turgot a Monk of the said Church who was also afterwards ordained Bishop of St. Andrews in Scotland and Simeon only adding some things to it of his own took the whole Honour to himself his History reaches no farther than 1129. but was continued by John Prior of Hagulstad to Anno 1154. TO whom we may adjoin Richard a Monk of the same Monastery
talked of Scotish Annals that were kept in the Isle of Jona or Ilcomhil and of their famous Book of the Abbey of Pasely from whence Hector Boethius pretends to have derived the principal Matters that make up the first part of his History Nay what will become of their most creditable Writer John Fordun who bottoms much of his History on the Legends of S. Brendane and others NOR is there any difference that I know of between these Books now mentioned and our Saxon Annals but that these are to be seen I mean the Originals in our Libraries and are also published both in Saxon and Latin and are here translated into English in this ensuing History whilst theirs are not and if Hector Boethius ever saw them is more than we can be sure of since a most Reverend Doctor and now Bishop of our Church hath produced very good Reasons to render it highly suspicious that there never were any such Books at all and if so I wonder what will become of the Credit of all their Antient Scotish History and their long Bedroll of Kings before Fergus the Second AS for the rest of this Author's Objections I shall be very short in my Answers to them THE third of which is that our Authors are not to be credited because they are English-men If this were of any weight I might turn his own Cannon upon him and tell him no more are his Writers who deny this Homage because they are Scots-men and if neither are to be believed I would fain have any Learned Gentleman of that Nation to shew me a Foreign Historian who lived near those Times that denied there was any such thing AS for his last that they were Enemies it is yet more trivial since I have here made use of no Authorities but what were written before the Conquest when there was no War at all between the two Nations but rather a strict Amity or League against their Common Enemy the Danes or else from Florence of Worcester and William of Malmesbury Authors that lived and wrote as hath been already shewn in the very Times when those Homages they mention were done which whether they were for Scotland it self or else for Northumberland and Cumberland which they then held of the Kings of England shall be further considered in my next Volume if God shall permit me to finish it BVT I desire the Reader to take notice that finding the English-Saxon Chronicle to be very dry in many places it giving us only an account of the Succession of their Kings and the Battles they fought against one another without ever telling us what were the Grounds of their falling out the Monks of those Times for want of Civil Affairs or as we call them those of the Cabinet filling up their Annals only with Fighting and Devotion I saw it necessary for me to pursue in great part the Method that Bede had laid down throughout the whole Work and to insert some things relating to Ecclesiastical Affairs to make this History more useful as well as diverting to all sort of Persons AND therefore being sensible of the near Conjunction of the Civil with the Ecclesiastical State which were often united into one Mycel-Synod or Great Council of the whole Nation wherein were made not only Civil Laws but also Ecclesiastical Canons or Constitutions respecting Religion and Discipline as well as Reformation of Manners I have set down both the one and the other whenever I thought they contained any Matter of more than ordinary Notice and as for those Synods or Councils which were wholly Ecclesiastical though I have not always expresly given you all the Canons they made yet I have not failed to refer the Reader for his farther Satisfaction to that rich Treasury of this kind of Knowledg Sir Henry Spelman's first Volume of Councils TO which I have likewise not only added the Succession of some Bishops and Abbots as far as I have found them in the Saxon Annals but have inserted from William of Malmesbury and other Writers whatever I could find relating to them or any other of the same Order remarkable for Learning or Piety especially the Arch-bishops of Canterbury and York whose Successions I have often supplied from other Authors wherein the Annals were silent NOR have I omitted the Foundations of the greater Monasteries as I met with them in the Annals no more than the other Foundations of the same kind set down in Monasticon Anglicanum yet still confining my self to such of them as were valued at 500 l. per annum or more at the time of their Dissolution And I hope no Man that is a Lover of Antiquity or the Honour of his Nation will look upon this as needless any more than the Foundations of our two famous Universities of which I have here given you the earliest Accounts I can find NEITHER do I suppose it will prove tedious if I have here likewise put down the Stories of some Miracles related by Bede and other Monks since I have done it with Moderation and where the Contexture of this Work would have seem'd Lame and Imperfect without it and I only give them you just as I find them leaving every one to make what Judgment he pleases of them I confess I am not satisfied that divers of those Relations swallowed by Bede and other Authors of Note are true they having been since discovered by Men of great Learning and Judgment to carry evident Marks of Forgery along with them such as is that of Joseph of Arimathea his Preaching the Gospel in England which hath been examined with great Accuracy by the Reverend and Learned Dr. Stillingfleet now Lord Bishop of Worcester in his Origines Britannicae so that though I have both from him and others said somewhat upon that Subject yet I must still refer the Reader to the Book it self if he desires farther Satisfaction either in gratifying his Curiosity or informing his Judgment BVT to the foregoing Relations I must needs here add that of the Martyrdom of St. Alban which though the Learned Author last named in his second Chapter of his said Book hath with great Learning proved it if not true yet at least probable I hope he will not take it amiss if I farther examine the Certainty of this Story for notwithstanding it be set down in the old Roman Martyrologies and his Suffering here is also mentioned by Constantius Presbyter who lived above one hundred Years before Bede from whom I have borrowed this yet I must Ingenuously confess I do not see how it can consist with the Ecclesiastical or Civil History of those Times in which it is supposed to have happened For Bede places the Suffering of St. Alban during the Persecution of Dioclesian and after the Recovery of Britain from the Vsurpation of Allectus WHEREAS it is evident from Chronology that Carausius the Vsurper having Anno Dom. 286. rebelled against the Roman Emperors held Britain under his Power for near seven
Courts I come now to the chiefest next to that of the Great Council of the Kingdom viz. that which was called Curia Domini Regis Because oftentimes as Sir Wil. Dugdale informs us the King himself sate here in Person having several Justices à latere suo residentes as Bracton expresseth it and in his Absence the Ealdorman or Chief Justiciary of all England supplied his Place CONCERNING this Court tho we have not many Memorials left of it before the Conquest yet it was certainly at that Time in Being since it seems to have been then the Great Court of all Appeals as well Criminal as Civil long after the Conquest before the Court of Common-Pleas was taken out of it for here it was that K. Alfred is supposed to have re-heard and examined the false Judgments of his inferior Judges in the Hundred and County-Courts and here it was also that he condemned above forty of them to be executed in one Year for their erroneous Sentences in Matters of Life and Death as you will find in the Mirror of Justices I need say no more of this Great Court whose Power now resides in that of the King's-Bench and Common-Pleas neither the Chancery nor Exchequer having then any Being the former of which commenc'd long after the Conquest and the latter was erected by King William the First I have but two Observations to make concerning our Antient English Saxon Courts of Justice the FIRST of which is that strict Union there then was as well in the Folk-mote and County-Court as in the Hundred-Court between the Ecclesiastical and Civil State in both which the Bishop and the Sheriff sitting together all Causes both Spiritual and Secular were equally and at one time dispatched to the great Ease and Satisfaction of the Subject who were taught by the Bishop in the Folk-mote what was their Duty towards God and the Church as they were by the Ealdorman or Sheriff what Common Laws they were bound to observe in order to their Honest and Peaceable Living one among another a Custom which when reading of Books was not generally in use among the Laiety was absolutely necessary for the acquainting them with their Duty in imitation of which I suppose our Common Charges at Assizes and Sessions are continued to this Day THE SECOND is the great Ease the Subject must needs find in having Justice administred to him in smaller Actions in the Court of Decenary or Tything even at their own Doors or else in Appeals and greater Actions at the Court of the Trihing or Lathe from whence they might remove it to the County-Court and if they thought themselves aggrieved there then they might bring it before the King himself or his chief Justiciary in the Great Court abovementioned An Admirable and an Excellent Constitution this whilst the Laws of England were few easy and plain before the Partiality and Corruption of Countrey Juries came in and the bandying and Factions of Rich and Powerful Men in the Countrey against each other together with the vast varieties of Determinations of Cases in Law had rendered those inferior Courts not only perplexed but unsafe and vexatious to the Subject I come now to the Supream Court of the whole Kingdom called in Saxon the Wittena-Gemot or Mycel-Synoth in Latin Magnum or Commune Concilium Regni the Great or Common-Council of the Kingdom consisting of the King and the three Estates which we now call our Parliament which Court the Author of the Mirror of Justices expresly tells us That King Alfred ordained for a perpetual Custom that twice in the Year or oftner in Time of Peace if Business so required they should assemble at London to treat of the good Government of God's People and how Folks should be restrained from Offending and live in Quiet and should receive Right by certain Antient Usages and Judgments c. From whence you may observe that in this Author's Time viz. that of Edward I. it was held for Law That the great Council of the Kingdom antiently met of Course twice in the Year without any express Summons from the King and this it seems was afterwards altered to thrice in the Year viz. at the three great Feasts of Christmass Easter and Whitsontide when the King met his Estates with great Solemnity wearing his Crown upon all solemn Days of Entertainment and when the Feasting was over they fell to dispatch the publick Affairs as Sir H. Spelman well observes THESE stated Councils which were then held ex More as our Historians term it i. e. according to antient Custom continued long after the Conquest as shall be farther shewn hereafter but if this Council happened to meet at any other extraordinary Time then the King 's special Summons was requisite as you may find in Ingulf under Anno Dom. 948. where he tells us King Edred summoned the Arch-bishops Bishops and all the Proceres and Optimates i. e. Chief Men of the Kingdom to meet him at London at the Purification of the Virgin Mary Whence we may observe that this Summons was thus issued because this Council was extraordinary as not being held ex more at any of the usual great Feasts abovementioned CONCERNING the Original of this great Assembly since Sir Robert Filmer in all his Works and particularly in his Patriarcha and Dr. Johnston in his Excellency of Monarchical Government Would have this as well as all our other Liberties and Privileges to have been only Royal Abatements of Power and gracious Indulgences and Condescensions of our Kings for the Benefit and Security of the Subject who were pleased to condescend to call some Persons of each of the three Estates it being left to their Discretion whom to summon and whom not and tho many of our Kings have made use of such great Assemblies to consult about important Affairs of State and by their Consent and Approbation to make Laws as well as at their Prayers and Petitions to redress their just Grievances yet they owed their being to our first Monarchs since till about the time of the Conquest there could be no General Assembly of the Estates of the whole Kingdom because till those Times we cannot learn it was entirely united into one but it was either divided into several Kingdoms or governed by several Laws I confess this looks at first like a specious Hypothesis and may serve perhaps to prevail upon some ignorant and unwary Readers who will not or cannot give themselves the trouble of searching to the Bottom to find out the Truth of things But I desire the Favour of those who believe and maintain this Opinion to answer me these few Queries FIRST How it came to pass that in all the Kingdoms of Europe erected out of the Ruines of the Roman Empire as well as those that were not but yet had been constituted according to the same Gothick Model the like General or Great Council of Estates consisting of the same Degrees
666. for Stephen Heddi expresly tells us in his Life Reges deindè Concilium cum sapientibus suae Gentis post spatium inierunt quem eligerent in sedem vacantem c. Responderunt Omnes uno Consensu Neminem habemus meliorem digniorem nostrae Gentis quà m Wilfridum Presbyterum Abbatem Then the two Kings i. e. of Northumberland after some time held a Council with the Wise-men of their own Nation to consider whom they should choose to fill up the vacant See c. and they all unanimously answered We have none fitter nor more worthy in our Nation than Wilfrid the Presbyter and Abbot and thereupon being presently elected he was consecrated Bishop THE next Authority of much what the same time you may find in an antient Manuscript-Life of St. Erkenwald in the Cottonian Library where are these words Contigit autèm Episcopus Londonicae sedis Cedda migravit ad Dominum consensu verò Sebbae Regis vocabulo universae plebis vir Domini Erkenwaldus in Cathredrâ Pontificali sublimatus est i. e. but it happened that Cedda Bishop of London deceasing Erkenwald that holy Man by the Consent of King Sebba and the Nomination of all the People was promoted to the Episcopal Throne BUT long after this as a Nameless Author of the Manuscript-Life of St. Dunstan informs us he was made Bishop after this manner viz. Postea Anno 958. factus est magnus sapientûm Conventus in loco qui vocatur Bradanforde eo omnium ex electione ordinatus est Dunstanus ad Episcopum Wigornensem To wit that afterwards scilicet in the Year 958. a Great Council of the Wise-men of the Kingdom was held at Bradanforde and there by the Election of them all Dunstan was advanced to be Bishop of Worcester c. and then the King finding how well he discharged that Trust the same Author tells us that he committed to him the Church of London then void by the Death of its Pastor or Bishop THIS Nomination of the King 's must be understood in the same sense with that which went before as well as with what immediately follows viz. that Brihthelm Arch-bishop of Canterbury being depriv'd a little after he retired to his Monastery and then Rex scilicet Edgarus ex Divino respectu Sapientûm Consilio constituit Dunstanum ad suâm praedicta Ecclesiae Sacerdotem King Edgar both from a Divine respect and from the Counsel of his Wise-men constituted Dunstan chief Bishop of that Church THE next Example we have is that of St. Wulstan Bishop of Worcester who as it is related by a Monk of that Church in his Manuscript-Life of that Saint about Anno 1170. being sent for on purpose to be made a Bishop he gives us the manner of his being elected thus Sanctus ergò ad Curiam exhibitus jubetur suscipere Donum Episcopatûs contrà ille niti se tanto honori imparem cunctis reclamitantibus clamitare adeò concors populus in unam venerat sententiam ut non peccaret qui diceret in tot corporibus in hoc duntaxat negotio unam conflatam esse Animam This holy Man being called before the Great Council for so Curia in this place is certainly to be understood he was commanded to accept the Gift of a Bishoprick but he endeavoured all he could to wave the Acceptance of it alledging that he was altogether unfit for so great an Honour but the whole Assembly not admitting his Excuse they all unanimously came to this Resolution that one should not have told a Lie who had said in this particular Affair that one Soul had animated so many Bodies SO that it was not without very good Cause that Matthew Paris tells us concerning this Bishop's Election there concurred Plebis Petitio Voluntas Episcoporum Gratia Procerum Regis Authoritas HAVING thus given you so many good Authorities from antient Manuscripts and approved Historians of the Power of those Great Councils in the Election of Bishops I shall only add a few more from our Saxon Annals THE first is under Anno 970 which relates that then Oskytel Arch-bishop of York deceased who had been by the Consent of King Edward the Martyr and all his Wise-men consecrated Arch-bishop of that See THE next is under Anno 994. and there we read that Sigeric the Arch-bishop deceasing Aelfric Bishop of Winchester was elected in his room on Easter-day at Ambresbury by King Aethelred and all his Wise-men from whence it appears that not only the King but the Great Council of the Kingdom had a share in this Election I could give you also several Instances in the said Annals of divers Abbots elected in the same Assemblies to the greater Monasteries but I hope what I have done already is sufficient to my present Purpose and therefore shall leave it to the Reader 's Judgment to consider whether when these Annals and Historians inform us that Rex constituit such and such a Man to be Bishop or Arch-Bishop of such or such a See it is not to be understood in the same Sense as we have already observed from Mr. Washington's said Treatise that when this or that King is said to have made such or such a Law it is still to be understood as made in Parliament I shall now say somewhat of the same Great Council's Power in the Deprivation of Bishops of which I shall not trouble you with many but they shall be such Examples as are of undeniable Authority THE first is from Osbern in his Life of Arch-Bishop Dunstan lately printed in the first Volume of Anglia Sacra concerning the Deprivation of Arch-Bishop Brihthelme abovementioned in these words Bryhtelmus post paucos suscepti Pontificatus dies cogitans quod ad tantam rem minùs esset Idoneus jussus à Rege Omni populo discedere discessit atque ad relictam nuper Ecclesiam non sine Verecundia rediit i. e. Bryhtelme within a few Days after he had received his Bishoprick not thinking with himself that he was fit for so great a Charge being commanded by the King and all the People to quit it departed and returned to the Church he had lately left though not without Shame BUT that John of Wallingford was very well satisfied that this Arch-Bishop was deprived by the Lay as well as Spiritual part of the Great Council appears by his Chronicle where having set forth his unfiâness by reason of his too great Easiness and Softness of Temper he proceeds thus Rex Edgarus eadem via quâ ascenderat fecit eum descendere nam Concione super hoc eodem facta objecit Bryhthelmo plura Capitula nimiam ipsius remissionem morum argumenta condictione Assensu Baronum suorum ad curam Solius Dorcasinae Ecclesiae relabi fecit that is King Edgar made him to go down the same way he got up for a Council being called for this very Matter he objected several Articles against this Bryhtelme shewing his too
great Easiness and Remissness in Discipline and thereupon by the Appointment and Assent of his Barons he caused him to retire to the Cure of his former Church of Dorchester By which it is evident that this Author living in the Reign of Henry the Third was very well satisfied that the Temporal as well as the Spiritual Barons were concerned in this Deprivation I was likewise from the Authority of the Saxon Annals as also of William of Malmesbury about to have here also added the Deprivation of one Siward who is reported by the Annals An. 1043. to have been privately Consecrated to the See of Canterbury with the King 's good liking by Arch-bishop Eadsige and who then laid down that Charge and of which Siward William of Malmesbury farther tells us that he was afterwards deprived for his Ingratitude to Arch-Bishop Eadsige in denying him necessary Maintenance but since there is no such Person as this Sââard in the Catalogues of the Arch-bishops of Canterbury and that upon a more nice Examination I find in the Learned Mr. Wharton's Treatise De Successione Archiepis Cantuar. that this Siward who was also Abbot of Abingdon was never Consecrated Arch-Bishop but only Chorepiscopus or Substitute to Arch-bishop Eadsige who was then unable to perform his Function by reason of his Infirmities which upon a review of this Passage in William of Malmesbury I find also confirmed by him in calling him no more than Successor Designatus and who being put by for his Ingratitude was preferred no higher than to be Bishop of Rochester but this is denied by the abovecited Mr. Wharton who says expresly that this Siward Abbot of Abingdon and Substitute to the Arch-bishop was never Bishop of that See but died at Abingdon of a long Sickness before Arch-Bishop Eadsige So much I thought fit to let the Reader know because in this History under Anno 1043 being deceived by the express words of the Annals I have there made this Siward to have been Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and deprived for his Ingratitude to his Predecessor which I am upon better Consideration now convinced to have been a Mistake I shall conclude with our Saxon Annals which under the Year 1052. relate that Earl Godwin having in a Great Council held at London purged himself and his Sons of the Crimes laid to their Charge and being thereupon restored Arch-Bishop Robert the Norman his Enemy having just before fled away into his own Country was not only by a Decree of this Council banisâed but also deprived of his Arch-bishoprick and Stigand then was advanced to that See in his stead which certainly was done by the same Authority as deprived the former and if so then I think none can deny but that Power might also have deprived any other inferior Bishop and yet we do no where find there was any Schism in England among the Clergy at that Time because these two Primates of the Church had been deprived without their own Consent by the Lay as well as Spiritual part of the Great Council HAVING now finished all I had to say concerning the Power of the King and the Witena-Gemote in Ecclesiastical Matters I would not be thought to assert that they have the like Authorities in Matters of meer Spiritual Cognizance since I am very well satisfied of the Primitive Institution of the Episcopal Order from the first Preaching of Christianity in the Time of the Romans to the Restoration of it in this Island upon the Conversion of the Saxons which is not liable to be abrogated by any Temporal Power and which has been continued among the Britains or Welsh without any Interruption from thence even to our own Times BUT as for the Ecclesiastical Power it was at first settled under the two Arch-bishops of Canterbury and York who had then no Jurisdiction or Preheminence the one over the other the former being Primate of the Southern as the latter was of the Northern parts of England only I cannot but observe that the Church of St. Martin's without the City of Canterbury was till after the Conquest the See of a Bishop called in Latin Core Episcopus who always remaining in the Countrey supplied the Absence of the Metropolitan that for the most part followed the Court and that as well in governing the Monks as in performing the Solemnities of the Church and in exercising the Authority of an Arch-Deacon AND no doubt had also the Episcopal Powers of Ordination and Confirmation or else he could have been no Bishop I observe this to let you see that the English were not then so strictly tied up as not to allow of more than one Bishop in one City BUT since I have chiefly designed to speak of Civil Affairs I shall not here meddle with the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Bishops or their Courts or the Officers belonging to them but will leave them to those to whose Province it does more peculiarly appertain HAVING thus dispatched what I had to say concerning the Synods and Great Councils of the Kingdom in the Saxon Times I shall in the next Place treat of the English Laws before the Conquest and they were of two kinds viz. either the particular Customs or Laws of the several divisions of the Kingdom in which those Customs were in use or else such Additions to or Emendations of them as were made from time to time by the Great Council of the whole Kingdom concerning the Punishment of Crimes the manner of holding Men to their good Behaviour or relating to the Alteration of Property either in Lands or Goods with divers other particulars for which I refer you to the Laws themselves as I have extracted them from Sir Henry Spelman and Mr. Lambard their Learned Collections and some concerning each of these particulars I have given you in the following Work BUT to shew you in the first place the Original of the Saxon Customary Laws they were certainly derived from each of the Great Nations that settled themselves in this Island before the Heptarchy was reduced into one Kingdom but indeed after the Danes had settled themselves here in England we find they were divided into these three sorts of Laws in the beginning of Edward the Confessor's Reign according to the several parts of the Kingdom wherein they prevailed as 1. MERCHEN-LAGE or the Mercian Law which took place in the Counties of Glocester Worcester Hereford Warwick Oxon Chester Salop and Stafford 2. WEST-Saxon-Lage or the Law of the West-Saxons which was in use in the Counties of Kent Sussex Surrey Berks Southampton Somerset Dorset Devon and Cornwal I mean that part of it which spoke English the rest being governed by their own i. e. the British Laws 3. DANE-Lage or the Laws which the Danes introduced here into those Counties where they chiefly fixed viz. in those of York Derby Nottingham Leicester Lincoln Northampton Bucks Hertford Essex Middlesex Suffolk and Cambridg BUT as for Cumberland Northumberland and
derived from Or a Negative or Privative and Dal which signifies Distinction or Difference that is without any Distinction or Difference and imports a just impartial Judgment it was of two sorts by Fire or Water by Fire when the Person accused carried in his bare Hand a red-hot Iron some few steps which if it weighed but one Pound was called single Ordeal and so double or treble according to the Pounds the Iron weighed or when he walked bare-foot and blindfold over and between certain red-hot Plow-shares placed at a stated distance if in doing this the Party was burnt he was pronounced Guilty if not he was accounted Innocent Water-Ordeal was either when they cast the accused into Water and if they did swim were adjudged Guilty if they sunk Innocent or else their Hands and Arms were put sometimes up to the Wrist sometimes up to the Elbow in boiling-hot Water if they were scalded they were esteemed Guilty if not Innocent The Noble and Freemen were tried by Fire-Ordeal the Peasants and Servants by Water Ordeal A great Example of the former you will find towards the latter end of the sixth Book concerning the putting of Queen Emma Mother of Edward the Confessor to this Fire-Ordeal by Plow-shares upon suspicion of Incontinency with Ailwyn Bishop of Winchester but indeed this Story is very improbable for several reasons for first the Crime she stood accused of could be no more than simple Fornication which was then as well as now within the Cognizance of the Church and for which no higher Punishment than the common Penance was inflicted And further we find this Queen to have fallen into the King's Displeasure in the first or second Year of his Reign and being not long after restored to his Favour we do not read she was ever after questioned and as for Robert Arch-bishop of Canterbury who is said to have been one of her chief Prosecutors it is certain he was not consecrated to that See till about seven or eight Years after Besides all which Bishop Godwin in his Account of this Arch-bishop further proves from Florence of Worcester and William of Malmesbury that Bishop Ailwin was dead Anno 1047 a Year before ever Robert was made Arch-bishop and therefore this learned Author does wholly deny the reality of this Story But to return again to our Ordeal THE first mention made thereof as we meet with was at the Council of Mentz and afterwards in the Council of Triers but we have no Foot-step thereof in our English Laws till it was brought into this Nation by the Council of Berkhamstead under Bertwald Arch-bishop of Canterbury Anno 647 and it after became inserted into those of King Athelstan tho it was certainly in use before that time I have little more to add concerning this way of Trial by Ordeal but that it was under the Government of the Clergy who never permitted it to be put in Execution but when they were present And sometimes it was performed with the great Solemnity of receiving the Holy Eucharist especially if the suspected Person was of their Order and Function and if the Party was cast he was to suffer as Guilty THIS way of Trial by Ordeal continued long after the Conquest but at last it was forbid by the Pope's Decree and we have now no Remainders of it left unless it be in the Country Peoples trying of Witches who being tied with their Thumbs and Toes together and so flung into the Water if they sink are accounted Innocent if they swim Guilty but indeed if this Ordeal either by Fire or Water was performed by the help of the Devil one would wonder it should ever be introduced especially with such solemn Prayers and Preparations as you may find in Lambard's Explications of Law-terms and in Matthew Parker Arch-bishop of Canterbury his Antiquities of the British Church And on the other side if it was assisted by a Divine Power it is as wonderful how it came to be forbid by the Pope as wholly unlawful BUT besides these ways of Trial abovementioned upon more slight Suspicions our English Saxon Ancestors were used to content themselves with a Voyer dire or the Oath of the Party suspected and the concurring Testimony of other Men the first attesting his own Innocency the other attesting their own Consciences for the Truth of the former Testimony and therefore were and still are called Compurgators Their number was more or less and of greater or less Value according as the Offence or the Party suspected was of greater or less Concernment AND as for the way of Trial by single Combat or Duel tho some Writers suppose it to have been in use before the Conquest yet since I meet with no mention of it either in our Historians or Laws I shall defer discoursing of it till I come to the next Volume HAVING now dispatched this Head concerning Trials I 'll proceed to the Judgments and Penalties that were inflicted on Persons for several Offences And first I shall consider those against Almighty God as Sacrilege which you will find upon the first introducing of Christianity to have been appointed by the Pope as also by the Laws of King Egbert either in making satisfaction of nine times the Value or in case of Inability to pay that Sum in Stripes for not then nor long after was it punishable with Death for William of Malmesbury tells us that Theodered the good Bishop of London in the Reign of King Athelstan fell short of one thing viz. That he caused certain Thieves to be hanged who had robbed St. Edmunds Church in Suffolk and were there held by some invisible Power insomuch that they could not go away with what they had stolen but were all taken and executed accordingly for which piece of Severity he was much blamed THE next Offence was Working upon Sundays which by the Laws of King Ina was punishable by Fine if the Criminal were a Freeman and by Whipping if he were a Bond-Servant BUT as for Blasphemy Cursing or Swearing either they were Crimes the Saxons were not guilty of or else they inflicted no Punishments on those who were culpable of them for I find no mention of them in the Saxon Laws AS for the Offences against both God and Man I will first begin with Adultery and Fornication and these were Capital amongst the Saxons for by the Laws of Withred King of Kent if a Military Man should after that Council was ended despising the King's Law and the Judicial Sentence of the Bishop's Excommunication be taken in Adultery he should pay to his Lord an hundred Shillings But afterwards by the Laws of King Cnute a Wife found guilty of Adultery should have her Nose and Ears cut off and the Man was Fined or Banished and by those of King Alfred the Man convicted of Adultery with another's Wife should pay to the Husband so abused a Fine sutable to the Estate and Quality of
Mr. Camden derives the Names of Cimmerii and Cimbri whom be supposes to be one and the same Nation and by whom the ancient Galliâ was first Inhabited and from whom he brings the present Welsh called in their own Language Cymra which if true nothing is more certain and easie to believe than that this Island was first Inhabited at least as to its more Southern Parts from the Continent of Gaul as is delivered by Bede in his first Chapter as a current Tradition in his Time and Mr. Camden farther proves it out of Caesar's Commentaries For thô be there tells us that the Inland Parts of Britain were Inhabited by those who called themselves the Natives yet that the Maritime Parts were possessed by such who to make War and get Prey had passed over from Belgium and Gaul which were then called by the same Names as those People from whence they came Which may be also proved from other Arguments as their Affinity in Customs Language and Religion with those of Gaul as they are there described by Caesar and also by other Roman Authors Thô Tacitus in his Life of Agricola does not wholly agree with Caesar as to this Particular for he there tells us That the Northern Parts of Britain seem to have been Peopled by the Germans as the Eastern Coasts by their opposite Neighbours the Gauls and the South Part by the Iberi or Spaniards This he gathers from the different Complexion of the People the Northern Britains says he are Fair having large Limbs and long yellow Hair like the Germans but the Silures or Southern Britains were Swarthy and had curled Hair like the Spaniards whereas the Coast lying over-against Gaul agreed in Language Customs and in every thing else with the Gauls It was not from the Continent of Gaul alone that this Island was first Inhabited but also from Ireland and the North Parts of Germany or else from Scandinavia now called Sweden for Bede tells us in the First Chapter of his History That after the Brâtains the Picts came out of Scythia in long Ships and landed first in the North of Ireland but being there refused Habitation by the Scots who then possessed that Island they were advised to plant themselves in the North part of Britain which they then thereupon performed and when the Picts wanting Wives desired the Scots to bestow some on them they consented to it on this condition That when there was any dispute about the Succession to the Crown they should rather chuse a King from the Feminine than Mâsculine Line of their former Kings which is still observ'd says he among the Picts to this day Now that this Country which Bede here calls Scythia could be no other than the more Northern Parts of Germany or else Gothia now called Sweden at the farthest seems highly probable since the best Writers of the middle Ages do all agree that these parts were in those times called by the general Name of Sâythia And you may see Authorities sufficient for this cited by Arch-Bishop Usher in the 15th Chapter of his learned work Dâ Antiquitate Britannica um Ecclesiarum and by the reverend Dr. Stillingfleet now Lord Bishop of Worcester in his Origines Britannicae who allows Hector Boethius his Conjecture not to be be improbable who derives them from the Agathyrsi who came out of Sarmatia into the Cimbuca Chârsonesus and from thence into Scotland But that the Scots came into this Island many Ages after out of Ireland is also as certain Since Bede tells us in the same place that in process of time Britain receiv'd a Third Nation viz. of the Scots besides the Britains and Picts which Scots going out of Ireland under the conduct of one Reuda took those Territories which they have among the Picts either by terms or agreement with them from which Reuda even to this day they are called Daâreudini for Dal in their language signifies a share or portion which Reuda in what Age he lived and brought over this Colony out of Ireland since it hath bred a great dispute among our Modern Antiquaries I shall not take upon me now to decide But that the Scots came at first from Ireland is acknowledged by John Fordon and John Major their two eldest Historians extant the latter of whom tells us That as yet that is in his time almost half Scotland spoke the Irish Tongue which they had brought over with them from Ireland To return to the matter in hand it is evident from Bede that in his time God was served in five several Languages in this Island viz The English the British the Scotish or present Irish the Latin which they commonly used in Divine Service and the Pictish though what that Language was we cannot now tell for the Picts being totally subdued by the Scots and thereby incorporated into the body of that Nation that Tongue is quite extinct though if it had not been at least different in Dialect from that of the Britains it seems improbable that Bede who was so near a neighbour to them should mention it as a distinct Tongue from all the rest And yet notwithstanding by all the relicts we can now find of it in the Names of places in the South and West parts of Scotland they are purely British as Mr. Camden hath learnedly proved in his said Introduction and therefore since the name of Pict is indeed Latin and signifies no more than painted Men and that no Roman Author makes mention of them before Ammianus Marcellinus who lived about the end of the fourth Century and is the first who calls the Inhabitants of the Northern parts of Britain by the name of Picti distinguishing them into Dicalidonii perhaps it should be Deucaldonii and Vecturiones which the learned Dr. Lloyd late Lord Bishop of St. Asaph and now of Coventry and Litchfield in his Historical account of Church Goverment in Britain probably enough derives from the British Deucilyddion and Câwithwrion that is Southern Caledones or Borderers and Northern Men. It is probable that these Picts were no other than the remainder of those Britains who preserved their Liberty by resisting the Roman Arms and were at last divided from the Roman Britains by a Wall now called the Picts Wall the Vestiges of which are to be seen to this Day drawn between the mouths of the Rivers Tine and Eske to hinder their farther Incursions into those parts which were then under the Roman Empire But having said enough concerning this Island in general together with its first Inhabitants and their Languages It is now high time to come to our main design the History of that part of it called at this day England and which was in the Romans time divided into several Provinces or Governments as Britannia Prima Secunda and Maxima Caesariensis c. they may âe seen in the Antient Notitia of the Roman Empâre We must therefore in the first place ingenuously confess that till the coming in of the Romans there
are no certain or Authentick Histories remaining of any transactions before that time for Gildas who liv'd not long after the Saxons were first call'd into Britain freely owns that as for the Antient monuments of his Country whatever they were being either burnt by Enemies or carried beyond Sea by his banish'd Country men they were not then to be found therefore I shall wholly omit that fabulous Succession of Celtick Kings who are feigned to be derived from Samothes one of the Sons of Japhet whom they suppose to have planted Colonies first on the Continent of Celtica or Gaul and next in this Island and thence to have named it Samothea since they never had any existence but in the brain of Amnius de Viterbo and by him vented in his counterfeit Berosus which is long since exploded by all that are any thing versed in Antiquity But now I could heartily wish that we had any certain monuments of the History of this Kingdom which might justly supply their room but having no Authentick accounts left us of the British Kings that reigned in this Island till Julius Caesar's first Expedition hither I could willingly have excused my self from the drudgery of writing things so uncertain nay in diverse particulars utterly false were it not that most Authors who have already writ our History either in English or Latin have thought those long Successions of Kings not unworthy a particular Recital as supposing it scarce possible that a descent of above Sixty Kings together with so many transactions attended with such particular Circumstances as the making of War and Peace building of Cities and enacting Laws should be wholly Fabulous and Romantick or that the names of so many successive Princes should never have been derived from any real Persons For though it is true that Geoffrey of Monmouth is look'd upon as the chief if not only Author of the Story of Brutus and his Successours yet it is certain that he pretends in the Proem to his History which he dedicated to no less a Man than Robert Earle of Gloucester natural Son to K. Hen. the I. that he received an antient British History from Walter Arch-Deacon of Oxon which as he says he faithfully translated out of the British Tongue into Latin though William Neobrigensis who lived some time after this Geoffrey in the very beginning of his History writes thus of him In thesâ our days says he a certain Writer is risen who hath devised many foolish Fictions of the Britains he is named Geoffrey And a little after thus with hoâ little shame and with what great Confidence doth he frame his Lyes So that you may see his History began to be cryed out against almost as soon as it was published And yet for all this it is certain that Geoffrey was not the first Author of this Story of Brutus for Nennius who lived in the 8th Century and is also Intituled Gildas in some Copies in his History makes the Isle of Britain to be first inhabited by one Brito the Son of Hisicion the Son of Japhet or else from one Brutus it seems he did not know which whose Pedegree he derives from Aeneas by his Son Ascanius and who as he supposes reigned in Britain in the time that Eli Judged Israel and under whose Conduct the Britains in the third Age of the World first came into this Island which Calculation falls out right enough with our at present received Chronology But as for Sigebertus Gemblacensis a French Monk who lived about Twenty Years before Geoffrey tho' in some Editions he speaks of Bruâe with his Trojans arrival in Gaul and of his passage from thence into Britain yet it is certain they are none of that Author's words there being no such thing to be found in the truest Edition of his Chronicle published by Mirraes An. 1608. as the above cited Lord Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield in his learned Preface to his Historical account of Church Government in great Britain and Ireland hath fully proved But after him Henry Arch-Deacon of Huntington an Author of Credit who lived at the same time with Geoffrey ascribes the first habitation of this Island to Brutus the Son of Sylvius Grandson to Aeneas whom together with his certain Trojans he supposes to have come into Britain in the third Age of the World as the Scots did in the fourth into Ireland which he seems to have taken out of Nennius or some other ancient Author But this must still be confest that the whole relation of the Actions of Brutus and the Succession of all the Princes that followed him do all depend upon the Credit of Geoffrey and the truth of his traÌsaction and so was looked upon in the Age in which he published his History But to make this Brute to be a Trojan and to give him a Genealogy which is plainly contradicted by all the Roman Authors is that for which his History ought to be condemned Yet thus much may be said in Excuse of him and of all those Authors who have ascribed the Origine of the Britains to Brute that they have imitated the Vanity of the ancient Greeks and Romans who derived their Kings from some God or Heroe And have been followed in it not only by the Britains but the French and almost all other Nations of Europe since they began to write Histories of their Originals But since it is fit that we should give you some account though as short as possible of this Brute and his Successors I shall contract their History from Geoffrey of Monmouth into as narrow a Compass as I can Brutus who is suppos'd to have first Peopled Britain with Inhabitants of the Trojan Race is said to have been the Great Grandson of Aeneas by his Son Ascanius who killing his Father Sylvius King of Alba accidently with an Arrow was forced to fly his Country and going into Greece joyned himself with the remainder of those scattered Trojans he âound there and becoming their Leader made War upon Pandrasus the King of that Country to whom he sent this Message viz. That the Trojans holding it unworthy their Ancestors to serve in a Foreign Kingdom had retreated to the Woods choosing rather a Savage than a slavish Life if that displeased him then with his leave they might depart to some other Soile The particulars of which being tedious and fabulous are here needless further to be inserted But at last that King being by them made a Prisoner was forced to accept of terms of Peace the Articles of which were That Brute should Marry Inogena the King's Daughter and in Consideration of her Dower should have a Fleet given him with Liberty to transport all such as would be willing to follow his Fortunes The Marriage being thereupon solemnized Brute and his Trojans with a great Fleet betook themselves to Sea and within a short time landed on a deserted Island where they found a ruin'd City in which was a Temple and an Image of Diana
that Gildas as do divers other later Authors supposes the Gospel to have been first preached in the Island though by whom is also unknown no ancient Church-Historian making any mention of it And indeed there is much difference in the Accounts of latter Writers about it some attributing it to St. James the Son of Zebedee some of the Modern Greek Ecclesiastical Writers to Simon Zelotes or St. Peter others of them to St. Paul who is said to have Ordain'd one Aristobulus afterwards a Martyr to be a Bishop in Britain as you may see at large in the first Chapter of Archbishop Usher's Antiquities of the British Churches But though he there understands those Passages in Gildas where he speaks of Christ the true Sun 's affording his Rays i. e. the Knowledge of his Precepts to this Island then shivering with Icy Cold as if it referr'd to the very first Preaching of the Gospel in the Reign of Tiberius yet the learned Dr. Stillingfleet now Lord Bishop of Worcester hath very ingeniously shewn us in his learned Work called Origines Britanicae that the Word intereà in the mean time with which Gildas begins this Discourse is to be referred to the Times before-mention'd by him viz. that fatal Victory over Boadicia and the Britains by Suetonius Paulinus and the Slavery they afterwards underwent in Nero's Reign So that the Doctor supposes Gildas to speak of a double Shining of the Gospel one more general to the Roman World the other more particular to this Island The former he says was in the End of Tiberius's Reign the latter was interea in the time that is between Plautius's coming over in the Time of Claudius and the abovementioned Battel between Boadicia and Suetonius and this the Dr. thinks to be most probably the Time which Gildas has there pitched upon for the first Preaching of the Gospel in this Island Since therefore there is so great a difference between those Authors who have taken upon them exactly to assign the time when it was first Preached as you may find by the Citations given us by the said Archbishop it were to no purpose croud this History with those uncertain Relations and therefore I shall refer you to the said Learned Work if you shall desire any further Satisfaction To which period of Time may be also referred the Story of Joseph of Arimathaea's and his Twelve Companions coming to Preach the Gospel in Britain which thô it wholly depends upon some Legends and Traditions of the Monks of the Abbey of Glastenbury for no such thing is to be found in Gildas Nennius or any ancient British Author yet since they have been so commonly receiv'd it deserves a particular Notice thô the said Archbishop in the Book but now cited also tells us That he believes those Stories to be not antienter than the coming in of the Normans as smelling plainly of the Superstition of those latter Ages For Will. of Malmsbury in his Treatise concerning the Antiquities of the Church of Glastenbury is the first that mentions it when drawing its History from the Apostles he relates that St Philip coming into France to Preach the Gospel of Christ and being willing to spread it further chose Twelve of his Disciples over whom he set his dear Friend Joseph of Arimathaea and sent them to Preach the Word in Britain and that coming over hither in the Sixty-third Year after Christ's Passion he faithfully Preach'd the Gospel but a British King whom he does not name hearing things so new and unusual utterly refus'd to hearken to their Preaching nor would change the Traditions of his Forefathers yet because they came from far and shew'd great Simplicity of Life he granted them a certain Island to inhabit encompassed with Woods and Marshes called by the Inhabitants Iniswitriâ where by a Vision of the Angel Gabriel they built a small Church making the Walls with Wattles in Honour of God and the Virgin Mary where these Twelve Holy Men spent their Time in Devotions to God and the Blessed Virgin by Fasting and Praying These things he says he had received from a Charter of St. Patrick's as also from the Writings of the Antients but that Charter is by the Learned Dr. Stillingfleet prov'd to be a meer Forgery of the Monks of Glastenbury And as for ancient Writers thô Malmsbury there cites Freculphus as an Author who relates Philip's sending Joseph hither yet the Archbishop there shews us that this Author whom Malmsbury cites had only taken a Passage from Isidore's Book concerning the Fathers of both Testaments But in both those Authors it is only thus That Philip Preached Christ to the Gauls and Converted many Barbarous Nations lying near the Sea to the Knowledge of the Gospel but says not one word of Joseph's coming hither So that thô Cardinal Baronius hath placed this coming over of Joseph in his Annals and says That he took it from a Manuscript History of England which was in the Vatican Library yet the Archbishop proves in another Place that History to have been written in Modern Times So that all the Romish Writers on this Subject have barrow'd their Legends one from another as the first of them did from our William of Malmsbury The said Archbishop there likewise tells us as does also Sir Henry Spelman in the First Volume of his British Councils That in their time there was kept at Wells in the House of Sir Thomas Hughs Knight a brazen Plate which was formerly fastned to a Pillar of Glassenbury Church wherein was Engraven this Story with divers Additions too long to be here set down Therefore I refer you to the said Authors Works where you may find it word for word with the draught of it as it was taken from the Original where you may also see that he there conclude from the modernness of the Character as well as divers other Circumstances in the Inscription it self that it could not be above Three Hundred Years old and so plainly betrays the Forgery of those Monks who set it up and contriv'd the Story of St. David's Hand being pierced through with our Saviour's Finger as it stands related in the said Inscription But whosoever is not satisfied with this that is here set down but desires farther Satisfaction in the uncertainty of this Story of Joseph of Arimathaea may if they please consult the said Doctor 's above-cited Treatise where you will find all the Authorities that have been further made use of for this Story learnedly confuted The short Reign of Galba affords us nothing relating to British Affairs no more than that of Otho only that during this last Emperor's Reign Tacitus relates That whilst Trebellius Maximus govern'd Britain he âell into the Hatred and Contempt of his Army for his sordid Covetousness and that this Aversion against him was heightned by Roscius Caelius Legate of the Twentieth Legion an old Enemy of his insomuch that oftentimes by flight and hiding himself he escaped
Empire amongst his Three Sons Constantinus Constans and Constantius to the Eldest he gave Britain France and Spain with part of Germany but he not content with his share in the Empire though most considerable invaded the Right and Possession of his Brother Constans and was by him Slain he is reported to have been kill'd by his Brother's Generals near to the City of Aquileia in Italy Whereupon Constans his Brother seized upon his Dominions and together with his Brother Constantius though in Winter time sailed into Britain that they might quiet the Commotions of the Northern Britains as Libanius and Julius Firmicus witness but as for Ecclesiastical Affairs in this Emperour's Reign the Council of Sardica being called by these Emperours Anno Dom. 347 It is certain that the Bishops of Britain appeared there as is acknowledged by Athanasius in the beginning of his Second Apology against the Arrians But Magnentius whose Father was a Britain conspiring against this Emperour and having beset him in a Town in Gaul called Hellena as he was hunting thereabouts with a small Retinue there slew him whereupon though the Western Empire oâght by right to have fallen to Constantius yet Magnentius having possest himself of it and having drawn in the Britains to side with him in his Rebellion he maintained it for Three Years against Constantius the success at first was various but at last the heat of the Revolt being pretty well over and Constantius still by degrees increasing upon him he was no longer able to hold up his Head so that at last he slew himself at Lyons The peaceable possession of this part of Britain being thereupon left to Constantius About this time the General of all the Forces throughout Britain was Gratianus Sirnamed Funarius from his great strength in pulling a Rope from Four Men thô not long after this as Ammianus Marcellinus relates one Paulus a notary was sent into Britain that he might enquire what Military Men were engaged in the Rebellion of Magnentius many of whom he maliciously prosecuted carrying away like a Flood the Fortunes of divers Innocent Men imprisoning the Free-born Subjects and putting others into Irons and Fetters heaping together false Accusations against them by which severity he committed such great oppressions as cast an eternal blot on the Reign of Constantius who supported him in his Cruelties But one Martinus then Governing those Provinces as Praefect grievously lamenting the sufferings of these Innocent Men often beseeching him that he would spare them who when he could not prevail threatned that he would depart hence hoping that this malicious Inquisitor might at last cease from his so violent prosecution But Paulus fearing his trade might by this means decay being cruelly artificial in framing of Counterfeit Plots from whence he obtained this Sirname of Catena brought the Praefect himself into a participiation of those very dangers resolving to send him with divers Tribunes and Prisoners to the Empârour with which the Praefect being provoked endeavoured to Stab Paâlus but missing his pass he thrust the same Sword into his own body and so unfortunately perish'd this Honest Man who lost his life in trying to relieve the miserable Fortunes of others All which things being thus wickedly perform'd Paulus stain'd with Innocent Blood return'd to the Emperours Presence against whose coming with his Prisoners all sorts of Tortures and Executioners were prepared so that many of them were proscribed and Out-law'd some banished and others most cruelly put to Death But God some Years after justly punish'd this Villain when by the Command of Julian the Emperour he was burnt alive Sometime after this the Council of Arimium was called by Constantius being the most numerous that ever had yet appear'd as consisting of above Four Hundred Bishops both of the Eastern and Western Churches and in which Council by the Emperour 's long detaining the Bishops against their wills till they were quite tired out the major part of them was forced to subscribe the New Creed made not long before at the pretended Council of Syrmium wherein the Word Omoousios being omitted the Son of God was declared only to be Omoiousios i. e. of like substance with the Father I have been the more particular as to this Council in respect to the Bishops sent from Britain to whom as well as to the rest Sulpicius Severus tells us the Emperour allowed all sorts of Provisions which seemed undecent to the Aquitanian Gallick and British Bishops to accept of who therefore refusing the publick allowance chose rather to live at their own Charges only Three Bishops of Britain for want of Revenues were forced to make use of the publick stipend when they had refused a Contribution offer'd them by the rest thinking it more honourable for a publick Service to subsist on the publick Treasury than to be burthensome to private Men and this must be said in commendation of most of the Western Bishops that notwithstanding their being out Voted yet if Athanasius tells true in a Letter he writ to the Emperour Jovian the most part of them still persisted in the Faith profest by the Council of Nice But to return again to Civil Affairs from whence we have made too long a Digression about these times Alypius a Heathen was Lieutenant of Britain who afterwards bestowed much labour thô in vain to Rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem but the Year following this Council Ammianus Macellinus relates that the fierce Nations of the Scots and Picts combining together breaking the Peace wasted all places near the borders by a cruel Incursion so that the fear of it terrified the other Provinces already wearied out with a continued succession of so many Calamities But Julian then lately made Caesar who was afterwards Emperour Wintering then at Paris hearing this ill news was distracted in his Thoughts what to do fearing to leave Gaul to the Almans then preparing for War therefore he resolved to send Lupicinus at that time Keeper of the Arms and Warlike Stores into this Island to compose these Troubles being a Man Warlike and well skill'd in Military Affairs but of a haughty boasting humour Besides it was much doubted whether he were more Covetous or Cruel But having raised an Army of Light-armed Men to which were added the Herculians Batavians and many companies of Misians being now made General and arriving at Bononia having put all his Men on Board passed over with a prosperous Wind and landed at Rutipae now called Sandwich near Richborough Castle in Kent and from thence marched to London and there taking Council according to the exigency of Affairs made haste to meet the Enemy but what he did against them it is great pity this Author hath not told us all he says further of this Lupicinus being only this that when the Army had saluted Julian Emperour and that a War was like to happen with Constantius Lupicinus was feared thô absent
share In the Ninth Year of Gratian Maximus a Spaniard by Birth or Education at least thô most of our own Writers suppose him to have been Born in Britain and one who had long served in the British Wars being now General of the Roman Armies assumed the Imperial Purple being either discontented that Theodosius the Younger who had served with him in Britain had been prefer'd before him to the Empire or as Orosius reports being constrained thereunto by the Souldiers who hated and despised Gratian. The first Essays of his usurp'd power were indeed employ'd to the good and preservation of this Island for the Scots and Picts who with their Inroads continually wasted the Roman Territories he subdued and drove back the former into their own Country Ireland the latter beyond the Picts Wall and indeed all the Scotish Historians do now acknowledge that the Scots were so beaten and quelled by Maximus that with their King Eugenius they were forced to quit Britain and did not return again to renew their Kingdom in Britain till above Twenty Years after if they were here at all before that time which many of our best English Antiquaries utterly deny as I shall shew further when I come to those Times But the Year following when Gratian had further provoked the Roman Souldiers who took it very ill that the Allans were listed for Souldiers Maximus taking hold of this occasion carried over his Army then much encreased with a multitude of British Youth and landing at the mouth of the Rhine were there joyfully received by the Roman Souldiers in Belgia and Germany where he made Triers the seat of his Usurp'd Empire whence he is by called Gregorius Turonensis Trevericus Imperator and then saith Gildas spreading one of his Wings as far as Spain the other into Italy with the very terrour of his Name he brought under his Subjection the yet unconquer'd Germans Against this Usurper Gratian raised what Forces he could of Mercenary Allans which the Romans and especially the Moores taking for a fresh affront as if those Barbarians had been prefer'd before them in Courage and Fidelity they deserted him and went over to his Enemy so that Gratian being quickly put to Flight by the Forces of Maximus was forced to flye with Three Hundred Horse towards the Alpes Maximus thô glad of this advantage yet thought it not safe to let him escape so he dispatched after him Andragathius then his Magister Equitum or General who following him with all speed with some Light Horsemen overtook him near the Bridge of Singidunum and there killed him by which Act he Establish'd Maximus in his Usurp'd Empire This is the account which Zosimus gives us of this Action I know other Writers make a long relation of a Wile that Andragathius invented to make the Emperour believe that the Empress his Wife was coming to see him which he believing and coming to the Litter where he thought she was Andragathius leaping out of the sudden Murders him But this dos not seem so likely as the former Account Zosimus gives us of it for if Andragathius were stronger as without doubt he was What need was there of this device or who can believe that the Emperour should have no account of his Wives Motion nor of the Enemies coming in her stead All things thus succeeding according to his wicked desires having setled Gaul and cashier'd those Officers who had sided with Gratian his Son Fl. Victor having been declar'd Caesar and his Partner in the Empire to which he required or rather demanded of Theodosius to be admitted which was for the present consented unto by him since he was not in any capacity to resist him so he received from him the Title of Emperour and his Image was sent to Alexandria and set up in the publick Market-place to be reverenced according to the custom of those Times Maximus having thus by Treason and Murther made himself Master of so great a part of the Western Empire he now pretended a great concern for the Catholick Religion and by that means drew many Pious Bishops into an acknowledgment of his power and therefore to shew his Zeal he Sentenc'd Priscillia and other Hereticks of his party to Death who being Condemn'd in the Council of Bordeaux and appealing to his Tribunal were by him Sentenced to be beheaded although disswaded from it by St. Martin that good Bishop of Tours alledging it was sufficient that they were excommunicated by the Catholick Church to which in matters of Faith they were only answerable These were the first that were ever executed by any Christian Prince for meer matters of Faith which practice as it was only fit for such a Tyrant and Usurper to have begun so it had been well for the Church if Lawful Princes had not been too much led away by the intemperate Zeal of some Church-men to imitate so cruel an Example Neither did Maximus rest contented with what he had already got but then making War upon the Emperour Valentinian drove him out of Italy who thereupon was forced to fly Constantinople where he earnestly solicited Theodosius to undertake his quarrel who at last thô with some difficulty granting his request with all his Forces marched against the Tyrant who then lay secure at Aquileia and in two Batles overthrew him and not long after being besieged in that City his Souldiers finding his Affairs in a desperate Condition to make their own Peace delivered him up to Theodosius who by Three days after order'd him to be beheaded Whereupon Andragatius his Lieutenant who was then at Sea hearing this ill News cast himself head long out of the Ship and so was drownded and thereby prevented that publick Execution which he so justly deserved for thus murthering his Sovereign I have insisted the longer upon the Actions of Maximus not only because he first begun his Usurpation in this Island but also to let you see that great and prosperous Villanies do often meet with that punishment they deserve as well to the acters as contrivers But I cannot quit the Reign of Maximus without taking notice of that notorious invention of Geoffery of Monmouth who makes Dionotus Duke of Cornwall to whom Maximus at his departure committed the Government of Britain to have sent over his own Daughter Ursula with no fewer than Eleven Thousand Noble Virgins for her Attendants besides Sixty Thousand others of meaner Condition to Conan Duke of Britain on whom he with like truth supposes Maximus had before bestowed Armorica Ursula was to be the Wife of Conan himself and the rest to be bestowed upon the Britains who came over with him of which Virgins a great part perished by Sea and the rest being taken by Guanurs King of the Huns and Melgas King of the Picts were either killed or made Slaves Yet this Fable as improbable as it is has been greedily swallowed by Card Baronius who cites no better an Author than our
be uncertain yet between the Years 402 and 406 Pelagius a British Monk whose Welsh Name is supposed to have been Morgan as being of the same signification with the Latin Name of Pelagius broached his Heresie for absolute Free will without the assisting Grace of God which Opinion was afterwards condemned by divers Councils in France and Africa and was also confuted by St. Augustine About which times also flourished Festidus a learned Bishop if not an Arch-bishop of Britain who writ a Pious Treatise De Vita Beata and who by some late Romish Writers hath been accused of Pelagianism from which imputation he is justly vindicated by the said Reverend Dr. Stillingfleet in his above cited work Nor did this Island remain long free from this Pelagian Heresie for he having as it is supposed perverted divers of his Country-men abroad they afterward returning home brought it over and dispersed it here and was especially propagated by one Agricola the Son of Severian a Pelagian Bishop as Bede informs us who farther says that the Britains when they would by no means receive so perverse a Doctrine that blasphemes the grace of Christ nor yet were able by disputing to refute so settled an Errour they took a safer course to send for aid in this spiritual warfare from the Bishops of France for which cause a great Synod being there assembled it was proposed who was most fitting to be sent to succour the true Belief then assaulted when by the common votes of them all Germanus Bishop of Auxerre and Lupus Bishop of Troyes were chosen to go and confirm Britain in the Catholick Faith who when they had received the command of that Church passed the Sea and landed here though not without great danger from Storms which Bede supposes to be raised by the Devil and which he also says were to be lay'd by the Prayers of Bishop German as soon as they landed they were joyfully received both by the Clergy and People to whom they forthwith preached not only in the Churches but also in the High-ways and Streets whereby the Faithful Christians were confirmed and many Hereticks brought back to the Truth at which the Heads of the Heretical party being very much concern'd though they lay for a great while private yet at last fearing their silence would be interpreted as a quitting of their cause a publick disputation was agreed upon between them which was as some of our Authours relate at Verulam where the Hereticks appeared in a splendid garb and encompassed with a great number of Followers so that there met a great multitude of People on both sides to be as well Spectators as Judges where in the first place Germanus and Lupus allowed their Adversaries a full liberty of disputing which took up much time to little purpose then the Bishops with a Torrent of proofs drawn from the Holy Scriptures bore down all before them backing their Reasons with Divine Authorities whereby the Pelagians being non-plus'd had nothing to reply so that the People being the Judges could scarce refrain their Hands from them and testified their resentment by their great clamour against them Nor did these Bishops think this enough but as Bede further relates from one Constantius who lived within Fifty Years after this was done they thought fit likewise to confirm their Doctrine by Miracles for a certain Magistrate bringing his Daughter of Ten Years Old being Blind offer'd her to the Pelagians to be cured who refusing to undertake it the Bishops were desired to do it who as this Authour relates after Prayers to God restored the Girl to sight by the Application of certain Saints Relicts to her Eyes whereupon the People were so astonished that banishing all Errour from their Minds they followed the Doctrine of these Holy Bishops who it seems were not however very fond of these Relicts but as the same Authors have it opening the Tomb of St. Alban at Verulam buried them all therein to the intent that one Grave might contain the Bones of all those Saints collected from so many several Regions who being equal in merit the same Heaven had also received this done Germanus only took away in exchange a small lump of Earth which was yet stained with the Blood of the Martyr I shall pass over the rest of the real or pretended Miracles of these Bishops though related by Bede as being of less moment and come to that famous Victory which he from the same Authours relates to have been obtained by their means which was thus That not long after their coming the Picts and Saxons made a fierce Invasion upon the Britains who marching out against them and mistrusting their own Forces sent to Germanus and his Collegue to help them reposing more confidence in the Spiritual strength of those Two Holy Men than in their own Thousands so these Bishops being arrived their presence in the British Camp seem'd not less than if a whole Army had come to second them It was then the time of Lent and the People instructed by the daily Sermons of these Pastors came flocking to receive Baptism to which purpose a place in the Camp was made up of Green Boughs like a Church against the Day of the Lords Resurrection the Army being there Baptized march'd out to Fight and contemning the Defence of Arms only expected Divine assistance the Enemy hearing how they were imploy'd seem'd assured of the Victory when Germanus who also had intelligence of their approach undertook to be their Captain and riding out with some select Troops to discover what advantages the place might offer happen'd on a Valley encompassed with Hills through which the Enemy was to pass and placing there an ambush warned them that what words they heard him pronounce aloud the same they should all repeat with an universal shout the Enemy march'd on securely and German Thrice aloud cryed Halelujah which being answered by the Souldiers with a sudden noise and clamour was also much encreased by the Ecchoes from the Neighbouring Hills and Woods the Scots and Picts startled hereat and supposing it the shout of a Mighty Army flung down their Arms and fled and for hast many of them were drowned in that River they had newly passed The Victory thus obtained without fighting yielded the Britains great store of spoil and procured to Bishop German greater Authority and Reputation than before The place of this Fight is reported to have been near a Town called Guiderac in the British Tongue but in the English Mould in Flintshire and the place is called Maes German that is German's Field to this Day But there are two Objections to be made against the Truth of this Relation The first is how the Britains could fight against the Saxons before their arrival here under Aingist which was not till above Twenty Years after Secondly how the Britains who had been Christians for above Three Hundred Years should need to be new Baptized To the former of
these Objections Arch-bishop Usher in his Ant. Brit. Ecclesiae gives us a satisfactory answer viz. That before the coming in of the Saxons to settle here it appears that they made several Incursions by Sea as hath been already proved from divers Authorities and further Paulus Diaconus in the Relation of this story expresly says That whil'st these Bishops were here a strong Army of Scots and Picts Invaded Britain But as for the rest of the Miracles and Actions of Germanus and Lupus in Britain since they are only related by Nennius and some of our English Monks from certain Legends of little or no Credit as written long after those Times I shall wholly omit them only could wish that the Writers of this Story would have given us as exact a Relation of Civil Affairs in this Island as they do of those concerning the Religion of this Age that we might have known what Kings or Governours the Britains had from the time of the last departure of the Romans to the making of Vortigern King the want of which no doubt was a great encouragement to Geoffery of Monmouth to forge so many Fictitious Princes during this interval But for the other Objection it is I confess somewhat harder to be answer'd some Modern Writers suppose that in that sad Confusion and Corruption of Manners that happen'd after the departure of the Romans a great many of the Britains turned Idolaters or else which is most likely were Christians but in Name and so had never been Baptized at all till now I shall now conclude with the rest of the Ecclesiastical History of these Times This Year as our Saxon Annals from Prosper's Chronicle relate Palladius the Bishop was sent by Pope Coelestine to the Scots to confirm their Faith or as Bede in his Epitome Lib. 1. cap. as well as in his Epitome at the end under the Year CCCCXXX expresses it almost in the words of Prosper viz. Palladius was sent the first Bishop by the said Pope to the Scots believing in Christ but in one of the Copies of the Saxon Annals now in the Cottonian Library it is thus This Year Palladius was sent by Pope Coelestine to Preach Baptism i. e. Christianity to the Scots in which it agrees with Nennius who speaking of this matter says That this Bishop was first of all sent by the said Pope to convert the Scots to Christ But being hinder'd from God by certain Tempests departed from Ireland and arrived in Britain and there died in the Country of the Picts in which he is also followed by Probus and Joseline in their Lives of S. Patrick who thô they agree that Palladius was sent to Convert Ireland yet differ from him in the account how he came to fail in his design laying the fault upon the obstinacy of the Irish who would not receive his Doctrine but they both agree with Nennius that thereupon he left Ireland and dy'd in the confines of the Picts This difference in these Copies hath bred a great dispute between the English Antiquaries on the one side and the Scotish Historians and Antiquaries on the other the former supposing from the Authority of Nennius and the above cited Copy of the Saxon Chronicle besides that of the Irish Annals that the Scots were not converted to Christianity till the Year above mention'd and consequently were not made Christians so early as their Historians relate which Opinion hath been strenuously asserted by Arch-bishop Usher in his Britan. Eccles. Antiquitat as also by the Bishop of St. Asaph now Bishop of Litchfield in his Historical account of Church Goverment and been also further improved by the learned Dr. Stillingfleet now Bishop of Worcester in his Antiquity of the British Churches who all conclude that the Scots were converted to Christianity long before their planting in Britain which they suppose not to have happen'd till about the end of the Fifth or the beginning of the Sixth Century Against which Opinions though asserted by so many learned Men Sir George Mackenzy late Lord Advocate of Scotland hath Written two Treatises which he calls a defence of the Royal-line of Scotland in the former of which written against the said Bishop as well as the latter against Dr. Stillingfleet he alters the state of the Controversie from an Ecclesiastical to a Civil dispute making it a crime of loese Majesty so much as to question the reality of the Kings of Scotland before Fergus the Second but omitting the Proofs that he produces for the Antiquity of the Scotish Kings before that time as also what he writes for the Scots Conversion as performed in Scotland and not in Ireland being beyond the bounds of our History I shall leave the Reader for his farther satisfaction to peruse those Treatises if he think fit being writ with great Wit and Smartness But since I found the time of Palladius's being sent by the Pope to the Scots mentioned not only in Bede but in our Saxon Chronicles I could not well omit putting it down yet without taking upon me positively to determine whither the Scots of Scotland or those of Ireland are there meant since I confess the Words are Ambiguous and the Copies differ as I have already shewed But the Year after Palladius's being sent to the Scots whether in Ireland or Scotland the Saxon Annals tell us that Patrick was sent by the same Pope Coelestine to Preach Baptism i. e Christianity to the Scots Although I find in the Notes of upon Nennius p. 129 a Chronicle noting Anno Dom. 475 Venit S. Patricius ad Hiberniam Now that these were the Scots of Ireland is agreed on by all yet this Controversie is made more intricate by what Ranul Higden writes in his Polychron l. 4. c. 33. Celestinus Papa misit S. Patricium ad Hiberniam Convertendam Palladium Romanum Diaconum ad Scotos Convertendos Anno Scil. Pontificatus sui IX And also by what is found in a Manuscript Copy of Dicetus thus Celestinus Papa ad Scotos Palladium Primum mittit Episcopum Postquam ad eosdem ab eodem Celestino missus est S. Patricius filius Conches Sororis S. Martini Turonensis For which last Notes I must own my self obliged to the Learned Doctor Gale but on the other side if the Scots to whom Palladius is said to have been sent were not the same with those in Ireland but the Scots than living in Scotland it must then be confessed that the promiscuous use of the Name of Scotia sometimes for Ireland and sometimes for Scotland and of Scoti sometimes used by Bede and other Writers of those times for Irish Men and sometimes for Native Scots have so confounded the Histories of both these Nations that no Man without other Circumstances can tell when they mean the one or the other But since the Ecclesiastical History of Britain in these Times is very obscure and deficient there being so little to be found concerning it either in Bede or
whose Metropolis is Hamburgh so that this Country was the farthest part of Old Saxony Herewith agreeth the Anonymus Geographer of Ravenna writing thus of the Saxons The Saxons came into Britain under their Prince by Name Ansehis i. e. Hengist And then in another place having spoke of the Frisians After them saith he are the Saxons and on the back of them certain Islands then followeth the Country of the Nortmanni which is also called Dania Those Islands Ptolemy calls Insulae Saxonum And therefore it was not Westphalia as Theodorit Engelhus Wernerius Lairius Albert Kanez and others of the Moderns have supposed yet the Archbishop does not deny but that in following Times that Country as well as Frizeland might be also possest by the Posterity of the ancient Saxons but was then rather that which is now the Dutchy of Holstein comprehending Dithmars Stormar and Wagria in breadth from Sleswick to the City of Hamburgh seated in the further part of Old Saxony and in length is extended from the West of the Eastern Sea or from the German Ocean to the Baltick Gulph having Old France next adjoyning to it then lying between the Mouths of the Elb and Rhine for as Ammianus Marcellinus teacheth us the Franks then reached as far as the River Rhine yet so that they had the Saxons next Neighbours to them and Julian in his Oration in Praise of the Emperour Constantius calls both these Nations the most Warlike of all those that inhabit beyond the Rhine and Western Ocean Here give me leave to add what the Learned Dr. Stillingfleet now Lord Bishop of Worcester in his Antiquity of the British Churches has given us on this Subject Chap. 5. where he tells us that Mr. Camden is of another Opinion who in the Introduction to his Britannia saith That the Saxons originally came from the Cimbrick Chersonese in the time of Dioclesian and after passing the Elb they partly went into those Parts of the Suevi which is since called Saxony and partly into Frisia and Batavia from whence he saith All the Inhabitants of the German Shore who used Piracy at Sea were called Saxons by whom he understands the People from Jutland to Holland for which he produces the Testimony of Fabius Ethelwerd's Chronicle one of the Saxon Blood-Royal who saith That the Saxons lived upon the Sea-Coast from the Rhine as far as Denmark But Ammianus Marcellinus makes them in his time to border upon the Parts of Gaul which is much behither the Bounds of Jutland Holstein or Sleswick And the same Author farther says That the Chamavi whom he makes a part of the Saxons had the Command of the Rhine that Jutland made Peace with them because without their leave Corn could not be brought out of Britain as also Eunapius Sardianus saith That the Saxons in Julian's time had the Command of the Rhine Nor was this only a sudden Incursion since in Valentinian's time when Ammianus wrote they still bordered upon Gaul Ubbo Emmius a Learned and German Historian gives this Account of the Saxons and their Neighbouring Nations who inhabited on the North Parts of Germany That the Fristi dwelt from the middle Stream of the Rhine about Utrecht to the River Amasus or Eemas from thence to the Elb lived the Chauci divided into the Greater and Lesser by the Weser a great part of these leaving their Native Soil joyned with the Sicambri on the Rhine who from their affecting Liberty were called Franks beyond the Elb were the Saxons and the Cimbri the Saxons being pressed by the more Northern People or for their own Conveniency came Southwards and took possession first of those Places where the Chauci dwelt and by degrees prevailing over all the other People who joyned with or submitted to the Saxons they were called by their Name and among the rest the Fristi from whose Coasts he supposes the two Brothers Hengist and Horsa to have gone into Britain and returning thither carried over a far greater Number with them not so much to fight as to inhabit there therefore he thinks it most probable that Hengist and Horsa by their descent were originally Saxons but that the greatest part of the People who went over with them were rather Frisians than Saxons which he proves not only from the greater facility of Passage from the Coast of Friseland and the Testimony of their own Annals but from the greater Agreement of the English Language with theirs than with the Saxon or any other German Dialect and also because Bede reckons the Frisians among those from whom the English Saxons are derived and Wilfrid Wickbert and Willibrod all preached to the Frisians in their own Tongue as Marcellinus in his Life of Suidebert relates But this Author saith further That the Affinity of their Language continues still so great that from thence he concludes many more to have gone out of Friseland into Britain than either of the Saxons Jutes or Angles But to all this our Learned Primate answers That Hengist and Horsa might be truly called Frisians there being a Frisia in the Southern Parts of Jutland which Saxo Grammatieus calls the Lesser Frisia and is parted by the Eidore from the Country of the Angli on the East and the Saxons on the South yet even Ubbo Emmius quits the Point upon Bede's Genealogy and grants they were really Saxons as being derived from Woden from whom the Race of Kings of many of those Northern Parts are descended But yet for all this it may probably be that thô these Princes were not Native Frisians themselves yet some of those Nations that followed them and were in a large acceptation called Saxons might come from Friseland and the rest of the Sea-Coast as far as Old Saxony properly so called I omit what other German Authors have said upon this Subject because I would not be tedious but whoever desires farther Satisfaction herein may consult the Reverend Doctor above-mentioned to whom I must own my self beholding for what I have now said concerning the Countries from whence the English Saxons originally came But as for the Original of these Saxons that now came into Britain there is a much greater Dispute Cluverius in his ancient Germany as also our Country-man Verstegan in his Treatise called A Restitution of decayed Intelligence Chap. 2. would needs have them to be derived from the Germans which is denied by the Learned Grotius in his Prolegomena to the Gothic History as also by Mr. Sherringham in his Treatise De Anglorum Gentis Origine where he undertakes to prove that they were a Branch of the ancient Getae who were the Posterity of Japhet and coming out of Scythia into Europe first fixed themselves under the Conduct of one Eric their King in the ancient Scandinavia or Gothland which is now called Sweden and Norway and from thence some Ages after under the Conduct of Berig another of their Kings sent out Colonies into all the Isles of the Baltic Sea and
enjoyed that Principality in his own Right or whether he had it by Election our Author will not take upon him to determine because the Truth was very obscure only it was certain that thô he was descended of an Ancient and Royal Family yet by his Great and Noble Qualities he added much to the greatness of his Birth and that being invincible in War he tempered the Severity of Kingly Majesty with his own natural affability To return now to the affairs of the West Saxons Anno 552. After Five Years Cynric fought against the Britains at a place which is called Searebyrig i. e. Old Sarum and put the Britains to flight then follows a Repetition of his Pedigree as far as King Ethelbert who was the first Christian King which shews that these Annals were continued by several hands at several times long after those Kings lived About this time some British Chronicles place the Death of Malgoclunus or Mailgwn Gwined thô Mr. R. Vaughan a Learned Welsh Antiquary would rather understand this of his Civil than Natural Death that is to his resigning the Crown and professing himself a Monk as Gildas in his Epistle saith he did For it is certain he lived and reigned long after and he is in the Welsh Annals reckoned as the Supreme or sole King of the Britains being as it seems after the breach of this Vow Chosen by the Welsh Nobility and People to that Dignity some Years after So that divers of the Welsh Chronologers begin his Reign over all Wales and Cumberland from this very Year thô Humphrey Lluyd in his Description of Britain out of an ancient British Law-Book begins it about the Year 560 which is most likely He is said by John Rosse in his History to have built Bangor near the River Menai where now is an Episcopal See But to return to our Saxon Annals This Year Cynric and Ceawlin his Son fought a Battle against the Britains at Berinbyrig now Banbury in Oxfordshire and put them to flight H. Huntington is very large in the Description of this Battle relating That the Britains having gathered together all their Forces to revenge the Losses they had received for five Years aforegoing marched as far as Beranbury where they drew up their Men in nine Divisions but the Saxons being drawn up in one great Body and setting boldly upon them having broken their Lances finished the Victory with their Swords which remained doubtful till night drew on Some Years after this viz. Ceawlin began also to reign over the West-Saxons in the room of Cynric his Father the same Year Ida dying Aella began to reign over the Northumbers His Pedigree likewise follows thô needless to be inferred but it terminates in Woden thô from another Ancestor than Ida's But you are here to observe That now the Northumbrian Kingdom became divided into two for this Aella reigned over the Kingdom of Deira while Adda the eldest Son of Ida reigned at the same-time over the Bernicians as Florence of Worcester testifies This Year also Ethelbert succeeded in the Kingdom of Kent which he held for 53 Years In his time Pope Gregory sent us Baptism that is made the English Saxons Christians in the 32d Year of this King's Reign This Year as Bede and also the Saxon Annals relate Columba the Priest or Presbyter came out of Ireland which in his Epitome he also calls Scotland to preach the Word of GOD to the Northern Picts that is those that were divided from the Southern by a large Tract of high Mountains for the Southern Picts had been already converted from Idolatry to the Christian Faith by Nynias a Reverend Bishop of the British Nation as hath been already declared But Columba came into Britain in the 9th Year of the Reign of Bridius the Son of Meiloch King of the Picts and having converted the said Nation to the Christian Faith received the Island of Hy therein to build a Monastery Then Bede after giving us a short Description of this Island and Monastery has this remarkable Passage viz. But this Island viz. Hy is always wont to have for its Governour the Abbot or Presbyter to whose Authority all the Province and even the Bishops themselves after an unusual Order ought to be subject according to the Example of their first Teacher who was never a Bishop but a Monk But the Saxon Chronicle is more express and says That there must be always in Hy an Abbot and not a Bishop and that all the Bishops of Scotland ought to be subject to him From the above-mentioned Passage in Bede some Writers have inferr'd That Bishops were not then thought so necessary since the Church of Scotland was able to subsist so long without them and the Abbot of Hy without being ordained Bishop exercised Episcopal Authority over those that were Bishops to which Arch-Bishop Usher in his before-cited Work De Britan. Eccles. Antiquit. answers That this Authority of the Abbots of Hy their exercising Jurisdiction over the Bishops of Scotland was a Superiority of meer Jurisdiction and not of Order and he there cites certain ancient Annals of Ulster to prove That this little Island had always a Bishop residing in it either in or near that Monastery Which is also further enforced in the Learned Bishop Lloyd's Historical Account of Church Government c. where he brings several Authorities to prove that this Columba received his Orders from Finean Bishop of Meath in Ireland before ever he came from thence and that if he refused being made a Bishop it was out of a pure Monkish Humility having from his Youth devoted himself to a Monastic Life but that he himself did own the Order of a Bishop to be above that of a Presbyter is urged from Adamannus his Successor who wrote his Life particularly mentioning Columba's refusing to break the Bread to be received at the Communion together with a concealed Bishop as two Priests used to do in their way of Consecration but would needs make him break it alone as a Bishop ought to do asking him Why he had endeavoured to conceal himself that they might give him due Veneration Which Words of Columba a Presbyter to a Bishop are supposed sufficiently to shew that he acknowledged the Episcopal Order superiour to his own and that the Scots ever acknowledged that Bishops were necessary for the Ordaining of others in the Ministery the said Bishop further urges from Bede who there tells us There was a Bishop of all that Province as also from another place in the said Author where he relates That when King Oswald becoming a Christian desired to have a Bishop from Hy. to plant a Church among his Northumbrians Aidan was sent to him having first received the Degree of a Bishop in the time when Segenius Abbot and Priest was over that Monastery and also that after he came into Northumberland he chose the Place for his Episcopal See in the Isle of
Lindisfarn where he was with his Clergy and there he was Abbot with his Monks who all belong to the Care of the Bishop where he was also succeeded by divers other Bishops till that Church being destroyed by the Danes the Bishop's See was removed to Durham I need say no more upon this Subject but shall refer the Reader to the said Learned Bishop's Dissertation to prove that no other Church-Government but Episcopal was ever setled amongst the Scots Picts or Saxons upon their Conversion to Christianity But that we may return again to our Saxon Annals Adda King of Bernicia dying this Year as Florence of Worcester and Mâtthew of Westminster relate one Glappa reigned in his stead two Years but who he was or how descended these Authors do not tell us The same Year died Maelgwn Guineth King of the Britains after five Years Reign over all that part of Britain that was left them This is according to the account of that Learned Antiquary Mr. Robert Vaughan thô Mat. of Westminster Dr. Powell and Sir John Price make him to have began his Reign long after viz. the former of these in 581 and the latter in 590 both which Opinions the said Mr. Vaughan Learnedly confutes in a Manuscript I have now in my possession but who succeeded Maelgwn Guineth as King of all the Britains since the Welsh Annals are silent I shall be so too for as to those Successors which Geoffery hath given him I have already said sufficient to destroy his Credit in this matter and Will of Newberie's Censure of him is not less sharp than true That concerning the Successors of Arthur he does not lie with less Impudence when he gives them the Monarchy of all Britain even to the 7th Generation The next year Ceawlin and Cutha his Brother beginning a Civil War fought with King Ethelbert and drove him back into Kent and killed two of his Commanders Oslac and Cnebba at Wibbendon now Wimbledon in Surrey This King Ethelbert as Will. of Malmesbury observes was in the beginning of his Reign a Scorn to the Neighbouring Princes for being beaten in one or two Battels he could scarce defend his own Territories But when in his riper Years he learned more Experience in War in a short time he brought under his Subjection all the Nations of the English-Saxons except the Northumbrians and that he might also gain the Friendship of Foreigners he became allied to the King of the Franks by the Marriage of Bertha his Daughter But of this King we hear no more for many years till his Conversion to the Christian Faith Glappa King of Bernicia dying Theodwulf succeeded him for one year But then he also deceasing Frâothwulf reigned after him for seven or eight years more We are beholding for the Succession of these two Kings to Florence of Worcester and Rog. Hoveden being omitted by all other Authors they are also more exact in distinguishing this Kingdom from that of Deira most of the rest confounding them together Cuthwulf the Brother of Ceawlin as it is in H. Huntington fought against the Britains at Bedicanford now Bedford and took four Towns viz. Lugeanburh now Loughborough in Leicestershire or else Leighton in Bedfordshire and Eglesburh now Ailesbury in Bucks with Bennington and Egonesham now called Bensington and Enisham in Oxfordshire About this time as is supposed for the Year is not set down in the Saxon Annals nor any other Historian began the Kingdom of the East-Angles under Vffa the Eighth from Woden tho it seems there were before him divers other petty Saxon Princes who had invaded and fixed themselves in the Countries we now call Norfolk and Suffolk for in one Copy of Matth. of Westminster which Mr. Twine had seen tho it be not found in our printed ones he saith That Anno 527. the Pagans came out of Germany and took possession of the Countrey of the East-Angles and tormented the Christians with all sorts of Cruelty but it seems this Vffa in Strength and Policy overpowering the rest of those Petty Princes got himself made sole King and governed with that Glory that H. Huntingdon tells us the Kings descended from him were called Vffings though how long he reigned is uncertain only that dying he left the Crown to Titul or Titillus his Son of whom likewise nothing is recorded and therefore Will. of Malmesbury takes no notice of these two Princes The first he speaks of is Redwald the Tenth from Woden whom he calls the greatest King of the East-Angles but since his Reign began after this Period I shall reserve the speaking further of him to the next Book To return to the Saxon Annals This year Ceawlin and Cuthwin his Son fought with and slew three British Kings viz. Commail Candidan and Farinmaile at a place which is called Deorham now Durham in Gloucestershire and then took three Cities Glewancester now Glocester Cirencester and Bathoncester now Bathe Who these three Kings were is very doubtful some suppose the first and second of them to be Cuniglasus and Aurelius Conan both mentioned by Gildas but for the third I cannot tell what to make of him there being no such King mentioned in any of the old British Chronicles so all that we can guess is that he was some Petty Prince whose Name is wholly omitted in the Welsh Annals or else mistaken in ours From the time of this Battel the Britains or Welshmen as the English call them being driven into that rough and mountainous Countrey we now call Wales lying beyond the Rivers of Dee and Severn made fewer Invasions into what we call England This year as the Welsh Chronicle called Triades relates being an Ancient Manuscript written near 1000 years ago the Battel of Arderydd was fought on the Borders of Scotland between Aeddan Vradog i. e. the Treacherous and Guendelew Son of Keidiaw British Princes of the North Parts of Britain on the one side and Reiderch-hoel i. e. the Liberal a British King of Cumberland on the other side and that upon a very slight occasion a Lark's-Nest and two Dogs In which Battel Guendelew was slain though his men fought and skirmish'd with the other Britains for Six Weeks to revenge his Death After which Fight Aedan being there overcome fled into the Isle of Man The like Story is related by Hector Boethius concerning the Battel between Aedan King of the Scots and the Picts upon the like occasion so that either the Scots borrowed it from the British History or else this had it from them though the former be the most likely But how this can agree with our Saxon Annals who make Adda King of Bernicia to have died Ten Years before I know not one of them must certainly be mistaken since there was but one King of Northumberland who was called Adda This year or the next King Freothwulf dying Theodoric the Son of Ida according to Florence of Worcester and Matth. Westminster
many as you can to the belief of your Religion And accordingly he allotted them their residence in the City of Canterbury which was the Metropolis of his Kingdom neither did he hinder them from the freedom of Preaching publickly to whom they would When they came to the place provided for them they began to imitate the Innocent Life of the Primitive Christians by applying themselves to continual Prayers and Fasting and especially to the Preaching the Word of God to all that would hear them despising the things of this World as superfluous being content with the bare necessaries of Life living exactly according to the Rules they taught others the success of which was That many believed and were baptized admiring the simplicity of their Lives as well as the Purity of their Doctrine There was near this City towards the East an old ruinous Church anciently Built in honour of St. Martyn whilest the Romans inhabited Britain in which the Queen was wont to perform her Devotions Here they first began to assemble and exercise their Spiritual Functions until the King being converted they obtained a full liberty of Preaching and building Churches But when the King by the pure Lives of these Holy Men as also by the Miracles they wrought as our Author relates became convinced of the Truth of their Doctrine and was thereupon Baptised many flocking in from all Parts to hear the Gospel and leaving their Heathanism joyned themselves to the Church of Christ so powerful a Motive is the Example of a Prince to his Subjects At whose Faith and Conversion the King extreamly rejoyced yet nevertheless would not compel any to receive Christianity only those that believed he cherished with a more tender regard for he had learnt from the Authors of his Salvation That the Service of Christ ought to be voluntary and not constrained neither did he defer long the giving his Teachers places fitting for their imployment in his City of Canterbury and confer'd upon them large Possessions But this was not done till some time after being confirmed in a great Council of his Kingdom as shall be shewn in its proper place But as soon as Augustine had by his Preaching converted the greatest part of the Kentish Nation he returned into France where he was ordained Arch-Bishop of the English Nation by Eutherius Arch-Bishop of Arles according to the commands they had received from Pope Gregory but upon his coming back into Britain he sent immediately to Rome Laurence a Priest and Peter a Monk to certifie the Pope that the Christian Faith was now received by the English and that he was now made Bishop desiring also his Opinion in certain Questions he thought necessary to be resolved To all which he speedily received such Answers from the Pope as were proper to the Question proposed some of which we have thought fit to insert into our History because they shew us what was the State of Religion in the Western Church when Augustine came over hither His first Question was how the Bishops should converse with their Clergy as also concerning those things that are Offered at the Altar by the Oblations of the Faithful And how many Portions there ought to be made of them And how a Bishop ought to behave himself in the Church To these things the Pope answered to this effect That as for Bishops how they ought to carry themselves in the Church the Holy Scriptures teach and especially the Epistles of St. Paul to Timothy in which he endeavours to teach him how he ought to behave himself in the House of God also that out of every thing that shall be Offered at the Altar there ought to be made four divisions viz. One for the Bishop and his Family for Hospitality and Entertainment of Strangers the Second for the Clergy the Third for the Poor and the Fourth for Repairing of Churches But as you are well skilled in the Monastic Rules nothing ought to be possessed by any Clergy-men in particular in the English Chârch which lately by God's Grace is brought to the Faith but you ought to imitate the Primitive Converts among whom none enjoyed any thing as his own of those things he possessed but all things were in common among them In the second Question Agustine desires to be inform'd whether Priests not able to contain may Marry And if they shall Marry Whether they must return to the Secular Life This Question Bede hath not but preposterously joins the following Answer to the first Question Yet Sir Henry Spelman hath added it out of the Paris Edition of Councils Anno 1518. Where the Answer of Pope Gregory is thus That if there be any of the Clergy out of Holy Orders that cannot contain they ought to Marry and still to receive their Stipends concluding great care ought to be had of the Stipends of the Clergy that they may be diligent in Service and that there was no occasion of making a long discourse concerning their keeping Hospitality when all the over-plus ought to be bestowed upon Pious and Religious uses The third Question of Augustine was this that since there is but one Faith Why are there divers customs of Churches One manner of saying Mass in the Holy Roman Church and another in those of Gaul To which Pope Gregory answered to this effect You know very well the custom of the Roman Church in which you were bred but it is my pleasure That if you can find either in the Roman Church or those of Gaul or in any other Churches any thing more pleasing to God carefully choose it and what things soever you can gather from any other Churches of Good and Pious Example bring them into the English Church for things are not to be belov'd for the places but places for the good things that are in them Augustine's fourth Question was What Punishment ought to be inflicted on him that commits Sacriledge The Pope's Answer to this Question being somewhat long I shall only give you the substance of it In the first place He distinguishes between those who commit Theft out of a wicked intent and those that offend out of necessity from whence it follows that some are to be punished with Fines others with Stripes and some more severely and when says he you proceed against any with more rigour than ordinary you must do it out of Charity not out of Anger because the punishment is inflicted to this intent that the party punished may be saved Then shews the end of such punishments from the Example of Fathers correcting their Children purely for their good though they love them very well he admonishes him to use a mean in chastising them and not without the Rules of Reason But if you ask how things taken from the Church are to be restored God forbid that the Church should receive any encrease for the loss of meer Earthly things or go about to make advantage of such trifles The three following Questions concerning in
what degrees of Consangâiâity Men and Women may Marry I shall omit as being impertinent to our purpose and shall proceed to the Eighth Question which is this If for the great distance of places Bishops cannot easily meet Whether a Bishop may be ordain'd without the presence of other Bishops The Answer of Pope Gregory is to this effect Certain it is That in the English Church wherein as yet there is no other Bishop but your self you can ordain a Bishop no other way than without Bishops for how can Bishops come from Gaul that may assist at the Ordination of a Bishop in Britain But we would have you so to appoint Bishops that they be not too far asunder from one another that there may be no hinderance but that at the Ordination of a Bishop others may be present and such other Presbyters also whose presence is requisite ought to have easie means of access when therefore Bishops shall be so ordained in places near one another the Ordination of a Bishop ought never to be without Three or Four Bishops assisting c. Augustine's Ninth Question was this How ought we to behave our selves towards the Bishops of Gaul and Britain The Pope's Answer was to this purpose for being somewhat long we shall also contract it In the first place The Pope allows him no Authority over the Bishops of Gaul any further than by Advice or Spiritual Admonition if they should happen to be guilty of any faults because they were no ways subject to his Authority and concludes thus But all the Bishops of Britain we commit to your Brotherhood That the Ignorant may be Taught the Weak by perswasions strengthned and the perverse corrected by our Authority The remaining Questions concerning Women with Child and other unnecessary if not immodest things I omit This Year also according to Florence of Worcester Ceolric King of the West-Saxons dying Ceolfus or Ceulphus succeeded him and Reigned Twenty Four Years This Year Redâald King of the East Angles dying his Son Eorpenwald Reigned in his stead as Mat. Westminster reâates But Bede proceeds to tell us That Augustine having settled his Archiepiscopal See at Canterbury rebuilt that old Church which had been first erected by the Christian Romans and having dedicated it in the Name of Christ our Saviour he appointed it as a See for himself and his Successours he likewise founded a Monastery towards the East not far from the City where also Ethelbert by his perswasion built the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in which the Bodies of St. Augustine himself and of all the other Bishops of Canterbury as also of the Kings of Kent should be interred Peter a Presbyter was made the first Abbot of this Monastery who was drown'd going on a Message into France but Augustine never lived to to finish this Church which was afterwards Consecrated by Arch-Bishop Laârence his Successour But the Reader is desired to take notice That according to a fair but indifferent ancient Manuscript concerning the Foundation of the Church and Monastery of St. Peter and S. Paul afterwards called St. Augustine's in Canterbury which is now preserved in the Library of Trinity Hall in Cambridge part of which is printed in Sir H. Spelman's Vol. of Councils it appears that though the Cathedral of Christ Church be first mentioned by Bede yet that according to the same Author it was not the first built but rather the Church of St. Pancrace which from a Heathen Temple was turned into a Christian Church where King Ethelbert himself was Baptized and upon the ground belonging to which the Church and Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul were first founded as hath been already related from Bede Augustine having about this time sent the Pope word that the Harvest indeed was great but the Labourers few he therefore sent him more Preachers of the Word among whom the chiefest were Mellitus Justus Paulinus and Rufinian and with them all those things which were necessary for the Service or Ornament of the Church such as Holy Vessels and Altar-Cloaths as also Sacerdotal Vestments together with divers Relicts and a great many Books he also signified to him in his Letters That he had sent him an Archiepiscopal Pall and thereby he gives him power to ordain Twelve other Bishops in several places all which should be subject to his jurisdiction only the Bishop of London was to be chosen by his own Synod and should receive his Pall from the Apostolic See for it seems the Pope then intended London for an Arch-bishoprick but as for York when converted he gives him power to ordain whom he pleased Bishop there who should likewise ordain Twelve Bishops more and should enjoy the honour of a Metropolitan yet so that as long as Augustine lived he should be subject to him but after his Decease he should not be at all subject to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury or any other Bishop only that he should have the precedence who was first ordained then exhorts him to transact all things by a common consent yet gives him a jurisdiction over all the Bishops of Britain that they might learn how to perform their duties as well by his Instruction as Example this Letter bears date in the Eighteenth Year of the Emperour Mauritius which falls out in the Year of our Lord Sixty with which also the Saxon Annals agree for under this very Year They place Pope Gregory's sending to the Pall to Arch Bishop Augustine with many holy Teachers to assist him Sometime after the sending these Messengers with these Letters the Pope also writ other Letters to Mellitus Wherein he gives him Instructions concerning the Temples of Idols which the Pope would not have pull'd down but only new Consecrated by the sprinkling of Holy Water and erecting of new Altars and as for the Oxen that used to be sacrificed to their false Gods he would have such kind of Solemnities so to be observed That on the days of the Dedication of their Churches or of the Holy Martyrs whose Relicts were there preserved Booths should be made up of boughs near the said Churches where having kill'd those Oxen that were formerly wont to be sacrificed they might make merry in giving God thanks since it was certain that it should be impossible to take away all vain and Superstitious customs at once out of Men's minds so prejudiced by long Education At the same time also the Pope returned an Answer to other Letters which Augustine had before wrote to him wherein having congratulated his great success in the Conversion of the English Nation and also taking notice of the great Miracles that Almighty God had done by him he tells him That though he may rejoyce in some measure for that Heavenly gift yet with such a joy as ought to be allay'd with fear for as he might rejoyce that the Souls of the English were through Miracles drawn to an inward Grace so he ought to be
Pope as well as the English did afterwards therefore it is most likely according to the Traditions given you in the Second Book that it was first preached and propagated here by some Apostle or Disciple of the Eastern or Asiatick Church And thô a late Romish Writer very much arraigns the Credit of this Manuscript as made since the Days of King Henry the Eighth and cavils at the Welsh thereof as Modern and full of false Spelling yet is not this any material Exception against it since the Welsh used in it is not so Modern as he would make it as I am credibly informed by those who are Criticks in that Language and as for the Spelling that may be the fault of the Transcribers And thô the Archiepiscopal See was then removed from Caer-Leon to St. David's yet it might still retain the former Title as of the first and most famous Place About which time Arch-Bishop Augustine is supposed by the best Chronologers to have departed this Life thô the certain Year of his Death is not to be found either in Bede or the Saxon Chronicle His Body was buried abroad near the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul till that could be finished and dedicated which as soon as that was done was decently buried in the Porch on the North-side of the Church in which were also buried all the succeeding arch-Arch-Bishops except two viz. Theodore and Birthwald who were buried in the Church because the Porch would contain no more but his Epitaph thô it mentions his being sent by the Pope to convert the English Nation and his being the first Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and that he died in the 7th of the Kalends of June in the Reign of King Ethelbert yet omits the Year of that King's Reign as well as that of our Lord in which he died I suppose because the Year of Christ was not then commonly made use of either in the Ecclesiastical or Civil Accounts of that Time but of this we shall treat further hereafter Under this Year Bede also places the Death of Pope Gregory the Great of whose Life and Actions he gives us a long Account to which I refer you but the Saxon Chronicle puts off the Death of this Pope to the next Year but I rather follow Bede as the ancienter and more authentick Author The same Year is also very remarkable for Civil as well as Ecclesiastical Affairs in this Island for now King Ethelbert summoned a Mycel Synod or Great Council as well of the Clergy as Laity wherein by their common Consent and Approbation all the Grants and Charters of this King whereby he had settled great Endowments on Christ-Church and that of St. Pancrace in Canterbury were confirmed which had been before the old ruinous Church of St. Martin without the City already mentioned but the Charters now made and confirmed by King Ethelbert in this Council are almost word for word the same with those he had made by himself before with heavy Imprecations against any who should dare to infringe them as you may see in Sir H. Spelman's First-Volume of British Councils where this Learned Author in his Notes farther shews us that these Charters above-mentioned are very suspicious of being forged in many respects as First That this King there stiles himself King of the English in general whereas indeed he was no more than King of Kent Secondly Because the Year of our Lord is expressed at their Conclusion which was not in use till long after Besides an old Manuscript of the Church of Canterbury says expresly That the Monks of the Monastery had their Lands and Priviledges by a long and peaceable Possession according to Custom until King Wightred Anno Dom. 693 made them a confirmation of all their Priviledges by a Charter under his Soul There are also other Exceptions against the Bull that is there recited to be Arch-Bishop Augustine's which you may see at large in those Learned Notes above-mentioned In this great Council or Synod among many other Secular Laws and Decrees these deserve particularly to be taken notice of the first Law assigns the Penalty of Sacriledge appointing what Amends is to be made for Things taken from a Bishop by a Restitution of nine times the value from a Priest by a Ninth and from a Deacon by a Threefold Restitution The Second Law is That if the King summon'd his People and any Man should presume then to do them Injury he shall make double Amends to the Party and besides shall pay Fifty Shillings to the King The Third Law is That if the King shall drink in a Man's House and there be any Injury done in his Presence the Party so doing it shall make double Satisfaction the rest that follow since they belong only to the Correction of Manners are omitted To these Laws Bede relates when he says That King Ethelbert amongst other good Things which he conferr'd upon his Nation appointed certain Laws concerning Judgments by the Councel of his wise Men according to the Example of the Romans which being written in the English Tongue were yet kept and observed by them to this time and then mentions some of those Laws to the same effect as they are already expressed This Year was fulfilled Arch-Bishop Augustine's Prediction upon the Britains for as Bede and the Saxon Annals relate Ethelfrid King of Northumberland now led his Army to Leger-Ceaster and there killed a great multitude of Britains and so was fulfilled the Prophecy of Augustine above-mentioned and there were then killed 200 Priests or Monks who came thither to prey for the British Army but in Florence of Worcester's Copy it was 2200 but Brockmaile who was to be their Protector escaped with about 50 Men. H. Huntington gives a more particular account of this Action and says That King Ethelfrid having gathered together a powerful Army made a great Slaughter of the Britains near the City of Legions which is called by the English Lege Cestre but more rightly by the Britains Caerlegion so that it is evident it cannot be Leicester as our common Historians write but West-Chester which lay near the Borders of King Ethelfrid's Kingdom where this Battle was fought This Author further adds That when the King saw those Priests or Monks of the Abby of Bangor who came out to pray for the Army ranged by themselves in a place of Safety having one Brockmaile for their Defender and that the King knew for what end they came thither he presently said If these Men pray to their GOD against us though they do not make use of Arms yet do they as âeally fight against us as if they did And so he commanded his Forces to be first turned upon them who being all cut off he presently defeated the rest of the Army without any great difficulty and he also agrees with Florence of Worcester's Relation of the number of the Monks there slain and accuses their Defender Brockmaile of Cowardice
who left the poor Monks whom he was to defend to be cut to pieces But William of Malmesbury relates this Matter somewhat otherwise thô he says expresly that this Fight was at Chester then in the hands of the Britains which when King Ethelfrid went about to besiege the Townsmen resolving to suffer any thing rather than a Siege trusting in their Numbers sallied out to fight whom when by an Ambush laid near the City he had easily overcome he then falling upon the Monks who were come in great Numbers to pray for the Success of the British Army of which says this Author there must certainly have been an incredible Number since even in his time there were left such vast Remains of Churches and Cloysters and so great a heap of Ruines as you can scarce says he find any where else The Place is called Bangor which was then an Abby of Monks but is now turned into a Bishoprick yet here our Author was mistaken for this Bangor where the Monastery was is in Flintshire not far from the River Dee whereas that which is the Seat of the Bishoprick is in Caernarvanshire not far from the River or Streight of Menai which parts that Country from the Isle of Anglesey But of all these great Ruines mentioned by Malmesbury there is now nothing left save those of the two principal Gates of this old City the one of which is on that side towards England and the other towards Wales being about a Mile asunder the River Dee running betwixt them But before we proceed further it is fit we enquire into the Truth of that Story of Geâffeây of Monmouth who will needs have Arch-Bishop Augustine to have perswaded King Ethelbert to incite Ethelfrid King of Northumberland thus to make War upon the Britains and to destroy these Monks as you have heard in which he is also followed by other later Writers and particularly by Nicholas Trivet an ancient Author in his History lately printed at Paris among the Collections of Monsieur Dachery as also by Arch-Bishop Parker Author of the Latin History De Antiquitate Ecclesiae Anglicanae and likewise in Bishop Jewel's Apology the former of which thô Bede hath expresly told us that Augâstine was dead long before this happened yet will have these Words of Bede to have been foisted in contrary to the old Saxon Manuscripts which is not so for it is found in them all thô not in the Saxon Version but besides the Respect which we ought to have for so good a Man as Augustine is supposed to have been and which inclines us to believe that it was not likely he should have a Hand in so cruel an Action I doubt not but to prove from other Arguments supposing this Passage of Bede not to be his that Augustine died about the Year 605 where I have already placed it In the first place therefore I shall not deny that William of Malmesbury in his First Book De Gest. Pontif. Anglor as well as divers other Historians of later Times suppose Augustine to have sate Arch-Bishop 15 and in some Copies 16 Years and then he must certainly have survived this Massacre of the Monks of Bangor but if I can prove they were mistaken in this Account all that had been said to prove Augustine guilty of it will signifie nothing For First Bede relates that Augustine being yet alive ordained Laurence for his Successor lest himself being dead the yet weak State of that Church if vacant thô for never so small a time might happen to suffer which it must be supposed he did when he found himself in a declining condition and not like long to survive Now that this happened in the Year 605 may be also proved by these Circumstances Bede hath already told us that Augustine in the Year 604 had ordained Mellitus and Justus Bishops immediately after which Relation follows that concerning Augustine's Death which he would scarce have mentioned there had not one followed the other within a short time and that it was so appears in the Manuscript Text of Adrian the Abbot of Canterbury who lived within less than 60 Years after and who obtained a Priviledge from Pope Deusdedit concerning the Free Election of the Abbot of that Monastery at the end of which there is this Passage Anno Dom. 605. died the holy Bishop Gregory IV o Idus Martii and in the same Year also Bishop Augustine VII o Kal. Junii with whom also agree Marianus Scotus and Florence of Worcester in their Chronicles the former of whom under Anno Dom. 605 hath these Words Augustine having ordained Laurence the Presbyter Arch-Bishop in his stead after a short time departed to the Heavenly Kingdom thô in Florence's Copy it is placed under the Year 604 which Difference might easily happen by the carelesness of Transcribers This is also observed by Will. Thorne the Historian and Monk of Canterbury from an old Book of the Life and Miracles of this St. Augustine that now is lost who in his Chronicle says expresly That many have erred concerning the Death of St. Augustine thinking him to have died Anno Dom. 613 The cause of which Errour is owing to the false Dates of some Chronicles who make him to have sate Arch-Bishop Sixteen Years whereas Bede in his second Book says That he ordained Mellitus and Justus to be Bishops a little before his Death and there gives us the same reason as I have already done with whom also agrees an ancient Anonymous Chronicle in the Library at Lambeth as also the short Annals of the Church of Rochester which contain the Successions of the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury both which place the Death of Arch-Bishop Augustine and the Succession of Laurentius in Anno Dom. 604 but of this you may see more in the First Volume of Anglia Sacra published by the learned Mr. Wharton deceased wherein you may also find a short dissertation on this Subject and to whom I own my self obliged for the light I have had towards settling this obscure Question Now having cleared Arch-Bishop Augustine's Memory of that Crime which is laid to his Charge I shall proceed to the Ecclesiastical History of this time Laurentius who succeeded Augustine in the See of Canterbury having seen the English Church not only foundâd but much encreased began about this time to bestow his Pastoral care not only upon the English and British Inhabitants of this Island but also upon the Scots who inhabited Ireland because he knew that at that time they as well as the Britains did not observe Easter according to the Nicene Canon the occasion of which Controversie I have already given you Therefore the new Arch-Bishop thought it fit to write an Epistle on purpose to the Irish Bishops wherein he exhorted them to maintain the Catholick Unity in the observation of Easter in which Letters this is remarkable That they are directed to all the Bishops per Universam Scotiam That is through out
all Ireland for so it was then commonly called for near Four Hundred Years after this and he therein complains of Draganus an Irish Bishop who coming over hither would not so much as Eat in the same House with him at which time also Laurentius wrote Letters not only to his fellow Bishops in Ireland but also to the British Clergy in Wales to the same purpose as the former but how well he succeeded therein the present time says Bede declares about which Year also Mellitus Bishop of London was sent to Rome to confer with Pope Boniface concerning the necessary Affairs of the English Church when the Pope held a Synod at Rome with the Bishops of Italy concerning the Life and Conversation of the Monks where he sate with them This Synod was held in the Eighth Year of Emperour Phocas and the Bishop at his return brought back the Decrees of that Council together with the Pope's Letters to Arch-Bishop Laurence and all the Clergy as also to King Ethelbert and the whole English Nation This Year also Sebert King of the East-Saxons Founded the Church and Abbey of Westminster and Mellitus the Bishop Dedicated it to St. Peter thô for what Order of Monks is uncertain since they were driven out after the Death of Sebert by his Successours who continued Pagans for many Years after This Year according to Florence Ceolwulf dying Cynegils began to Reign over the West Saxons for Thirty One Years being the Son of Ceolric who was the Son of Cutha who as we have heard was slain fighting against the Britains some Years before Cynegils and Cwichelme fought against the Britains at Beamdune now Bindon in Dorsetshire and there slew Two Thousand and Forty Six Men which Battel H. Huntington thus describes The Saxon and British Troops being drawn up in Battel Array the Fight immediately began when the Britains fearing the weight of the Saxon Battel Axes and long Launces turn'd their backs and fled so that the Saxons obtain'd the Victory without any great loss on their side and he also agrees pretty near in the number of the slain with our Saxon Annals This Cwichelme here mentioned is by Will of Malmesbury said to be Brother of Cynegils and to be by him taken as his Partner in the Royal Power But Florence of Worcester and Mat. Westminster do make Cwichelme to have been the Son of Cinegils thô the former Opinion be the more likely but let it be either of them it is certain that they were both of them Stout and good natured Persons who governed with that mutual Love and Concord as it was a wonder to the Age in which they liv'd so ought it to be an example to all future times Thô the Cathedral of Christ Church in Canterbury had been already built about Twenty Years yet it seems the Monastery adjoyning to it was not founded till this Year as appears not only from the Manuscript above mentioned once belonging to the Monastery of St. Augustine but also from Will of Malmesbury that in the time of Arch-Bishop Laurence and about this very Year that it was first replenished with Monks as appears by a Letter of Pope Boniface to King Ethelbert whereby he approves of and confirms the Foundation of the said Abby by the said Arch-Bishop which Letter though Will. of Malmesbury had promised to recite yet being by him forgot or else ommitted in our Printed Copies is to be found at large in the said Manuscript concerning which Monastery the afore-cited Author farther adds That though some had said that Arch-Bishop Aelfric had thrust out the Clerks i. e. secular Chanons out of that Church and had placed Monks in their rooms yet was it not at all probable since it appeared by the said Epistle of Pope Boniface that there had been Monks in the Church of St. Saviour from the first foundation of that Monastery in the time of Arch-Bishop Laurence who succeeded St. Augustine But it hath been denyed by Cardinal Baronius in his Annals as also by some later Antiquaries of what Order these Monks were whom Augustine and Laurentius placed in these two Monasteries above mention'd and that a late ingenious Authour in his Preface to a Treatise called Notitia Monastica hath questioned whether they were of the Benedictine Order since he rather supposes That the Benedictine Rule was scarce heard of in England till some Hundreds of Years after and never perfectly observed till after the Conquest but he should have done well to have told us what other Order they were of since the general Tradition in most of the Ancient English Monasteries of the Benedâctine Order was That they had observed that Rule from their first foundation And the Saxon Annals under the Year 509 do expresly affirm That St. Benedict the Father of all the Monks dyed that Year And he had long before his Death founded his Order in Italy and of which Augustine himself is supposed to have been and though I also acknowledge that all the ancient Monasteries of England were not at first of that Order since those that were founded in the Kingdom of Northumberland by the Bishops Aidan and Coleman followed the same Rule with the Monks of Ireland and Scotland viz. That of St. Basil which all the Eastern Monks did then and do to this day observe yet even these did about an Hundred Years after quit that Rule and follow the more Modern one of St. Benedict and therefore Stephen Heddie in his Life of St. Wilfred Bishop of York lately published by the learned Dr. Gale hath expresly told us That the said Bishop returning home into his own Country i. e. the Kingdom of Northumberland and carrying along with him the Rule of St. Benedict very much improved the Constitutions of God's Churches by which he meant the Monasteries of those Parts And therefore the Chronology once belonging to the Abby of St. Augustine's in Canterbury printed in the Decem scriptores after Will. Thornes Chronicle under Anno 666 upon very good grounds thus observes That this Year Bishop Wilfred caused the Rule of St. Benedict to be observed in England That is in the North Parts into which he then went for if that Rule had not been observed in the Southern Parts before How could it be said that he carried it out from thence along with him but to conclude there having been a dispute among the Roman Catholicks beyond the Seas about Seventy Years ago concerning this matter some of them affirming that all the ancient English Monks before the Conquest were of the Order of St. Equitus or else of some other Order whereupon those of the Benedictine Order wrote over to our Antiquaries in England viz. Sir Robert Cotton Sir H. Spelman Mr. Camden and Mr. Selden appealing to their Judgment herein From whom they received a Letter under all their Hands wherein they expresly certified that there was never any such Order as that of St. Equitus and further
affirm That there were only Two Orders of Monks in use amongst our Ancestours of the English Saxon Church One of those who followed the Rites of the Aegyptian Monks and the other of Benedictine's who came over with Augustine and so continued from that time to their dissolution under King Henry the Eighth to which Letter or Certificate all the said learned Persons above mentioned did put their Hands as appears by the Certificate it self which you will find Printed in Clem. Reyner de Appostolatu Benedictini in Anglia This though perhaps it may seem an impertinent digression to some yet I hope will not prove so to those who are lovers of Ecllesiastical Antiquities This Year Ethelbert King of Kent dyed who was the first English King that recâived Baptism Bede tells us That this King dyed above Twenty Years after his Conversion and was buried in St. Martin's Porch in the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul after whose decease Eadbald his Son succeeded to him in the Kingdom The beginning of whose Reign I shall give you out of Bede being much more particular than that in the Chronicle This King did not only refuse the Faith of Christ but also polluted himself with such Fornication which the Apostle says ought not to be heard of among the Gentiles in that he Married his Father's Wife by which wickedness he gave occasion to those to return to their former Heathenism who had embraced Christianity in his Father's Reign either out of Fear or hopes of Favour thô God's Judgments were not wanting to Correct this Infidel King for he was tormented with frequent fits of Frensie and the possession of an unclean Spirit but the Death of Sebert King of the East Saxons happening also about this time extremely encreased the present Storm of Afflictions for he left Three Sons Heirs to his Kingdom who all relapsed to Paganism having in their Father's life-time seemed Christians but now permitted all their Subjects the free licence of worshiping Idols and when they saw the Bishop Administring the Eucharist to the People in the Church they thus spoke to him in their Barbarous folly Why dost thou not give us this White Bread which thou wert wont to Minister to our Father To whom the Bishop replyed That they must first be washed in that saving Font in which their Father had been Baptised and then they might partake of the same Bread which though they deny'd to do yet would they not desist from requiring this Bread at his hands which he still refusing them they then plainly told him That if he would not yield to them in so small a matter he must not stay any longer in their Dominions and so commanded them to be gone who being thus expelled went thence into Kent to consult with the Bishops Laurentius and Justus what was best to be done on this occasion where it was decreed by common Consent That it was better that all of them should return into their own Countrey there to serve God with freedom of Conscience than to live without any Fruit of their Labours amongst such Barbarous Rebels to the Christian Faith thereupon Mellitus and Justus departed first and went into France there resolving to expect the issue of these things but not long after these Three Princes who had driven out a Preacher of the Truth and relapsed to the Worship of Idols marching out to Battel against the West-Saxons were all cut off together with their Army However though the Authors of this Apostacy were destroyed yet the common people being once inured to wickedness could not easily be brought back to the Faith of Christ. But when Laurentius was about to leave Britain to follow Mellitus and Justus he ordered a Pallet to be laid for him in the Church of St. Peter and Paul on which after many Prayers and Tears poured forth to God he laid down to take his rest where if credit may be given to Bede's relation St. Peter in whose Church he had spent great part of the Night in watching and Prayer appeared to him and to make the Vision more sensible gave him many stripes for thus offering to desert his Flock at sight whereof the King to whom next morning he shewed the marks of what he had suffered and by whom and for what cause relenting in great fear renounced his Incestuous Marriage and applied himself to the Christian Faith more sincerely than before together with all his People but the Londoners refusing again to receive their Bishop Mellitus this King had not so much power as his Father to force them to it whether they would or not yet nevertheless he with all his Nation from the time that he was thus re-converted to Christ endeavoured wholly to submit himself to the Divine Precepts and then near the Monastery of the Apostles built a Church in honour of the blessed Virgin which was consecrated by Archbishop Mellitus But to return again to Civil Affairs This Year also Edwin of the Blood-Royal of Northumberland having been forced to fly from Ethelfrid then King of that Countrey had wander'd for some Years as a banished Man through divers Kingdoms till at last he took refuge with Redwald King of the East-Angles beseeching him to save his Life from so cruel and unjust a Persecution who thereupon receiving him into his protection granted his Request but whilst he thus sojourned with King Redwald he had a Vision or Apparition which was the cause of his future Conversion and which though it looks very much like a Monkish Legend yet since it is related by so grave an Author as Bede I shall here from him set down So soon as Ethelfrid heard where Edwin was he sent Ambassadors to Redwald offering him a great Sum of Money to put him to death which being refused he still repeated and increased his offers twice or thrice threatning War if he were refused till at last the King being either prevailed upon by his great proffers or terrified by his threatnings yielded promising either to kill Edwin or to deliver him to his Ambassadors which when a certain Friend of Edwin's then near the King came to know the first hour of the Night he went in haste to his Chamber and calling him forth for better secresy revealed to him his Danger and offer'd him his Aid to make his Escape where neither Redwald nor Ethelfrid should ever find him But he not approving of that course as seeming dishonourable without more manifest cause to begin first to distrust one who so long had been his only Refuge chose rather to dye by his Hand than by any other more Ignoble Whereupon his Friend departing Edwin being thus left alone without the Palace-Gate full of sad and perplexed Thoughts discerns about the dead of Night a man approaching towards him neither by Countenance nor Habit to him known who after a short Salutation asked him Why at this Hour when all others were at Rest he alone sate so sadly waking on
his room who coming to Paulinus as far as Lincolne was there by him ordained Archbishop of Canterbury Cadwallo King of the Britains having been as Geoffrey of Monmouth relates conquered by King Edwin lost so great a part of his Kingdom that he was forced to fly into Ireland from whence soon after returning with a great Army of Irish he overcame Penda King of the Mercians in fight and then made him join his Forces against King Edwin All which is probable enough for Bede also tells us That Cadwallo this year rebelling against King Edwin together with Penda invaded the Kingdom of Northumberland when King Edwin raising an Army met them at a place called Hethfield now Hatfield in Yorkshire and there fought a bloody Battel wherein King Edwin himself was slain and his whole Army quite routed in which Fight Osfrid his Son a Warlike Young Prince also fell but Edfrid the Younger being compelled by necessity to surrender himself to Penda was afterwards by him murthered contrary to his Oath This happen'd in the 17 th year of King Edwin's Reign having till now been successful in all his Undertakings But there now ensued a very sad Destruction of the English Nation of the Northumbers since of these two Generals the one was a professed Pagan and the other though a Christian in Name yet shewed himself worse than a Pagan for Cadwallo altho he professed Christianity yet was so barbarous that he spared neither Age not Sex but put all to death with great Cruelty tyranizing for a long while over all those Provinces and seeming resolved quite to extirpate the English Nation nor did he shew any respect to Churches or other Sacred Places it being then the custom of the Britains in Bede's time to set at nought the Faith and Religion of the English-Saxons neither would they have any thing to do with them more than with Pagans But the Head of the slain King was brought to York and there deposited in the Church of St. Peter which he himself had begun and Oswald his Successor finished All things being thus in confusion in those parts and no Refuge or Safety any where to be expected Queen Aethelburga returned by Sea into Kent together with Paulinus the Archbishop and was there received with great Honour by King Eadbald and Archbishop Honorius she was conducted thither by Basse a Valiant Captain of King Edwin's who also brought with him Eanfrede the King's Daughter as also Vscfrea his Son and Iffi his Grandson by Osfrid whom their Mother afterward for fear of the Kings Eadbald and Oswald sent into France to King Dagobert to be brought up where they both died in their Infancy At which time also the Church of Rochester wanting a Pastor Romanus the Bishop having been drowned in going on a Message to Rome Paulinus at the request of King Eadbald and Archbishop Honorius took upon him the care of that Church which he held as long as he lived After the Death of King Edwin Osric the Son of Elfric his Uncle by the Father's side obtained the Kingdom of Deira who had been before received by Paulinus whilst Eanfrid of the same Blood-Royal as being the Son of Ethelfrid the last King before Edwin ruled the Kingdom of Bernicia so that during the Reign of Edwin all the Sons of Ethelfrid with many more of the Young Nobility of that Country lived in Exile either with the Scots or Picts by whom they were instructed in their Religious Rites whilst both these Kings last mentioned abjured the Christian Religion which they had before learnt and professed and relapsing to their old Idolatry were shortly after cut off by Cadwalla King of the Britains for the next Summer Osric having besieged him in a certain Town Cadwallo sallying out with his Men cut him off on a sudden with all his Army and then when he had ravaged the Northumbrian Provinces nor as a King but a cruel Tyrant and that at length Eanfrid came to him imprudently with only Twelve Select Knights in his Company to treat of Peace he put him to Death as he had done his Cousin before That Year saith Bede Is still at this day accounted unlucky and hateful to all good Men both in respect of the Apostacy of these Princes who renounced their Baptism as also for the Tyranny of this British King Whereupon it was agreed by those who computed the Reigns of the Northumbrian Kings to abolish the Memory of these Infidels and to cast this Year into the Reign of the Pious King Oswald who succeeding after the Death of his Brother Eanfrid and marching with a small Force but fortified by Faith in Christ routed Ceadwalla that Prince of the Britains with his vast Army which nothing could resist as he boasted and who was slain in a place which in the English Tongue is called Denisesbourn or Brook the place saith our Authour is shewn at this day and had in great Veneration where Oswald being to give Battle erected a large Wooden-Cross and he himself laboured in setting of it up which when he had finished he thus spoke to his Army Let us now kneel down and joyntly pray unto the Omnipotent and only true God that he would mercifully defend us from this proud Enemy for he knows that we undertake a just War for defence of our Nation and Religion The place is in the English Tongue called Heofenfield or Heavenfield lying near to the Wall which the Romans built from Sea to Sea which we now call the Pict's Wall The rest of Bede's Miracles concerning this place and Cross I omit as very incredible and Superstitious But before we leave this great Action of the Death of Cadwallo I cannot omit taking notice of the Confidence of Geoffrey of Monmouth who notwithstanding this express Testimony of Bede to the contrary will make this Cadwallo not only to have overcome Edwin and other Saxon Kings in divers Battles and to have forced them to submit themselves to him and do him Homage at London and that living and dying Victorious he was there buried and his Body being put into a Brasen Statue of a Man on Horse-back was set over Ludgate for a terror to the Saxons having Reigned Forty Eight Years all which is notoriously false for London had been part of the East-Saxon Kingdom for above One Hundred Years when this King was kill'd who did not Reign Twenty Years in all But the same King Oswald as soon as ever he came to the Kingdom desiring that all his Subjects might profess the Christian Faith sent to the Scotch Bishops for so I suppose the Words Majores natu in Bede are to be rendered among whom whil'st he was in Banishment he had together with his followers received Baptism desiring them that a Bishop might be sent him by whose Preaching the People whom he Govern'd might be grounded in the Christian Religion and receive Baptism nor was he long without an answer to his request
received Schoolmasters out of Kent but two Years after this King being weary of Worldly Affairs resigned the Kingdom to his Cousin Egric and became a Monk in a Monastery of his own founding Nor can I here omit taking notice that from Bedâ's thus mentioning King Sigebert's founding this School Polâdore Virgil and Leland conclude that this School was in Cambridge and that it gave Being to that University and all the reason they have for it is only because Cambridge was in the Kingdom of the East-Angles whereas neither Bede nor any other ancient Author specifies the Place where it was erected And so it might be any where else as well as in Cambridge or if there it was no better than a School to teach Boys the Latin Tongue And it is certain that in the time of King Alfred there was no School much less an University there But before I leave this King's Reign I cannot forbear mentioning what Bede there tells us That in his Reign one Furseus or Fursee came out of Ireland and preached the Gospel to the East-Angles converting many and confirming divers others in the Faith and having had a terrible Vision of the Pains of Hell did by the Assistance of King Sigebert erect a Monastery in a Town called Cnobsbury which afterward Anna King of the East-Angles enriched with noble Buildings and Revenues This Year is remarkable for Byrinus baptized King Cuthred at Dorceaster and at the Font received him for his Godson This Cuthred thô here called King yet was only a Prince of the Blood Royal the Title of Cyning being often given to those Princes in our Saxon Annals This Year Eadbald King of Kent departing this Life having reigned 25 Years left the Kingdom to Earcombert his Son who held it 24 Years and some Months The Saxon Annals say This King Eadbald had two Sons Ermeâred and Earcombert but Mat. Westminster I know not from what Author adds That the Younger craftily supplanted the Elder and got the Kingdom from him This Earcombert was the first English King who commanded Idols to be destroyed throughout his whole Kingdom and who also by his Authority ordained That the Forty Days before Easter now called Lent should be observed and that it should not be contemned appointed competent Punishments for those that should dare to transgress it This seems to have been the First Lent that was observed in England by a Law this King's Daughter called Earcongath or Earcongota being a Virgin of great Piety constantly served God in a Monastery in the Kingdom of the Franks founded by a noble Abbess in the Town called Brige now Bruges in Flanders for there being at that time not many Monasteries in Britain many who desired to undertake those Vows used to go over to the French Monasteries or else sent their Daughters to be taught and professed there chiefly in the Monasteries of Brige Cale and Andelegium The Saxon Annals here also mention one Ermenred to have been Brother to King Earcombert and to have begot two Sons Ethelbert and Ethelred who afterwards suffered Death by the Hands of Thunâre one of his Thanes whom the King employed in this cruel Execution When Oswald the Most Christian King of Northumberland had now reigned 9 Years taking in that Year in which the two Apostate Kings were killed who were left out of the Catalogue as has been already said he fought a great Battle with Penda the Pagan King of the Mercians in a place called Maser-Field now Oswestre in Shropshire and was there unfortunately slain in the 38th Year of his Age the Greatness of whose Faith and Devotion towards GOD appeared saith Bede by the many Miracles there wrought after his Death which being both tedious and improbable I omit and refer those that are Curious in such Matters to the Author himself but that they were long after generally believed appears by these Passages in the Saxon Chronicle viz. That his Holiness and Miracles were afterwards highly celebrated through the whole Island and that his Hand was still preserved at Bebban-burg uncorrupt For Penda had most inhumanly caused his Body to be dismembred and his Head and Arms being cut off to be set upon a Pole for a Trophie of his Victory The same Year also Penda King of Mercia making War against the East-Angles and still getting the better of them they urged Sigebert who had been formerly their King but was now retired into a Monastery to come out to Battle to encourage the Souldiers and so fetching him out whether he would or no as hoping that the Souldiers would be less apt to fly having with them one who had been so stout a Commander But he being mindful of his Vow carrying nothing but a Staff in his Hand was there slain together with Egric the present King and all the whole Army was routed and dispersed But Anna the Son of Eni of the Royal Stock succeeded them being an excellent Man but who also underwent the same Fate from this Pagan King as shall be shewn in due time This Year Cenwall or Cenwalc succeeded Cynegils his Father in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons and reigned 31 Years This King commanded the old Church of Winchester to be built which had been designed by his Father Cynegils thô he never lived to finish it but Hedda sate there as the first Bishop This King also gave to this Church and Bishoprick all the Lands lying about Winchester for the space of 7 Leucas or Leagues which Grant was also confirmed by King Kenwalk Note That at the first Foundation this Monastery was for Secular Chanons till the Year 963 that Bishop Ethelwold by the Command of King Edgar turned out these Chanons and placed Benedictine Monks in their rooms This Year Paulinus deceased at Rochester who had been first Arch-Bishop of York and afterwards Bishop in this City and was Bishop 21 Years 2 Months and 12 Days Oswin the Son of Osric the Cousin of Edwin was made King of Deira and reigned 7 Years The next Year In the room of Paulinus Arch-Bishop Honorius consecrated Ithamar a Kentish Man who was equal to his Predecessors in Learning and Piety Cenwalc was driven out of his Kingdom by Penda King of the Mercians Of which Bede gives us a more particular Account That refusing to receive the Christian Faith he not long after lost his Kingdom for having divorced his Wife the Sister of Penda King of the Mercians he had therefore not only War made upon him but was driven out of his Kingdom upon that account so that he was forced to retire to Anna King of the East-Angles with whom remaining 3 Years in Banishment he came first to the knowledge of and there received the true Faith for that King was a good Man and happy in a pious Issue ' This Year King Cenwalc was baptized And as William of Malmesbury relates after 3 Years banishment gathering fresh Forces
most likely to have been against the Mercians for Ethelward in his Chronicle says That Conwal about this time was engaged in a Civil War which must be understood with those of his own Country and the Mercians were his next Neighbours The next Year The Mid-land English or Mercians under Peadda their Eolderman or Governour received the Faith of Christ Which Conversion Bede relates more at large when speaking of this Peadda the Son of Penda as being a young Man most worthy of the Name of a King was by his Father set over a Province of that Nation Will. of Malmesbury calls it part of that Kingdom and that this Prince went to Oswy desiring Alfreda his Daughter to Wife but could by no means obtain her unless he together with his whole Nation would receive Baptism but he having heard the Preaching of the Gospel through the Hope of a future Immortality voluntarily professed that he would be a Christian whether he had married the Virgin or not being chiefly persuaded to receive the Faith by Alcfrid the Son of King Oswy who was his Friend and Relation having married Cymburge his Sister So that King was baptised by Bishop Finan together with all his Train in that famous Town of the King 's which Bede calls Admurum that is Walltown near the Picts Wall and taking with him four Priests to teach and baptise his Nation he return'd home with much Joy these Priests coming with the King into this Province preach'd GOD's Word and were as willingly heard and receiv'd and both the Noble as well as the inferior sort renouncing their Idolatry were baptised nor did King Penda himself prohibit them from preaching in his own Kingdom if they would if they would but rather hated and despised those whom professing the Faith of Christ he found not to perform Works suitable to it calling them miserable and contemptible Wretches who failed to obey that GOD in whom they believed These Things fell out two Years before the Death of King Penda About the same time the East-Saxons at the Instance of King Oswy again received the Christian Faith which they had formerly rejected having as you have heard driven away Mellitus their Bishop for Sigebert who was now King of that Nation having succeeded Sigebert Sirnamed The Little This Prince being a Friend to King Oswye and using to come sometimes to visit him into the Kingdom of Northumberland he was wont often to tell him That those could not be GODS that were the Works of Mens Hands but that GOD was an Incomprehensible Being Invisible Omnipotent and Eternal who governed all Things both in Heaven and Earth and would judge the World in Equity and that all those who would learn and do His Will should receive Eternal Rewards These and many other such Things when King Oswy had often inculcated with a Brotherly Affection at last by the Persuasion of that King and of divers of his Friends he also Believed and was baptised with all his Followers at the same place where Peadda had been Christned before viz. at Wall-Town above-mentioned King Sigebert being thus made a Christian returned to his own Kingdom only asking of King Oswy to appoint him some Teachers who might convert and baptise his Nation into the Faith of Christ so the King sent to the Kingdom of the Mercians and called back Cedda who had been before sent thither and giving him a certain Priest for his Companion sent him to preach the Word to the East-Saxons When these had passed through all places and had gathered a very large Church it hapned some time after that Cedda returning home went to Lindisfarne to confer with Bishop Finan who when he found the Work of the Gospel to have so well prospered under his Ministery calling to him Two other Bishops ordained Cedda Bishop over the Nation of the East-Saxons who thereupon returned into his own Province and finishing the Work he had begun with greater Authority Built Churches in many places and ordained Priests and Deacons who might help him in the Preaching of the Word and Baptism especially in a City which is called in the English Tongue Iâhancestir as also in that which is called Tylabury the former of which places was upon the Bank of the River Pent and the other is near the Thames now called Tillbury in which having gathered together a small company of Christ's Servants he taught them the Discipline of a Monastick Life as far as they were capable to receive it This Year according to the Saxon Annals Anna King of the East-Angles was Slain being overcome in Fight by King Penda of whom H. Huntington gives us but a slender Account only that Anna and his whole Army perished in a moment by the edge of the Sword so that scarce any of them remained This Year also one Bottulf began to Build a Monastery at Icanho supposed to be Boston in Lincoln-shire As also Honorius Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Deceased on 20. Kal. Octob. The same Year likewise according to Mat. Westminster Ercombert King of Kent Deceasing Egbert his Son Succeeded him in the beginning of whose Reign Aethelbert and Aethelred the Sons of his Unkle Ermenred being but Youths were cruelly Murdered by one Thanor the King's Servant without his privity whose Bodies were strangely discovered where they were buried by a Light from Heaven whereupon their Bodies were removed to the Monastery of Warinens The Miracles that followed in the doing of which I omit as incredible This Year King Penda was Slain at Winwidfeld with Thirty others of the Royal Blood Of which Battle Bede gives us a particular account That Oswi having long endured the Ravages and Devastations of his Country by the Inroads of King Penda and having had his strong City of Bebbanburg now Bamburrough Castle assaulted and set on Fire and thereby very near taking found himself too weak to resist and offering him many Rich Presents desired to buy a Peace which Penda proudly refusing and resolving nothing less should satisfie him than this King's destruction Oswi upon that turning his Gifts into Vows to God implored the Divine Assistance devoting his Daughter then but one Year Old to be a Nun and with Twelve Portions of Land whereof each maintained Ten Families to build and endow Monasteries So it seems his Vows proved more successful than his Treaties for hereupon he with Alfred his Son gathering a small Army therewith encountred and discomfited the Mercians having then Invaded and wasted the Northumbrian Kingdom thô they were Thirty times more in number and led by experienced Captains This Battle was fought near a place called Loyden now Leeds in York-shire besides this Ethelwald the Son of Oswald who ruled in Deira took part with the Mercians but in the Fight withdrew his Forces and in a safe place waited for the Event with which unseasonable Retreat the Mercians perhaps being terrified and misdoubting greater danger fled their Commanders together with Penda himself being almost all
Coleman that he was resolved to quit his Bishoprick and depart into Scotland to the Isle of Hye from whence he camâ rather than to comply with it from whence he also departed into Ireland here called Scotland where he built a Monastery in that Country and lived all the rest of his days and in which only English Men were admitted at the time when Bede wrote his History But after the departure of Coleman one Tuda who had been ordained Bishop among the Southern Scots was made Bishop of Lindisfarne but he enjoyed that Bishoprick but a very little while But after the Death of Bishop Tuda according to the Life of Bishop Wilfrid King Oswi held a great Council with the Wise Men of his Nation whom they should chuse in the vacant See as most fit for that holy Function when they all with one Consent nominated and chose Abbot Wilfrid as the fittest and worthiest Person to succeed him but being to be Consecrated he refused it from any Bishop at home because he look'd upon them all as Uncanonical being all ordained by Scotish Bishops who differed from the Roman Church about this Point of keeping Easter so that he would needs go over into France for Ordination where staying too long the King put Ceadda who had lately come out of Ireland into his Place which Wilfred upon his return much resenting retired to his Monastery at Ripon and there resided as also sometimes with Wulfher King of Mercia or else with Ecghert King of Kent till he was restored to his See Bede tells us that the above-mentioned Eclipse was followed by a sudden Pestilence the same Year which first depopulating the Southern Parts of Britain then proceeded to the Northern wherein Bishop Tuda deceased it also invaded Ireland and there took off many Religious as well as Secular Persons The same Year also according to Florence Ercombert King of Kent dying left that Kingdom to Egbert his Son Also Ethelwald King of the East Angles dying this Year Aldulf succeeded him About this time according to Bede Siger and Sebba succeeding Swidhelm in the Kingdom of the East Saxons being unsteady in the Faith and supposing the late great Pestilence to have fell upon them for renouncing their old Superstition relapsed again to Idolatry and rebuilt the Idol-Temples hoping by that means to be defended from the present Mortality but as soon as Wulfher King of the Mercians to whom this Kingdom was then subject heard of it he sent Bishop Jaruman to them who together with their Fellow-Labourers by their sound Doctrine and gentle Dealing soon reclaimed them from their Apostacy This Mortality is also partly confirmed by Mat. Westminster who the next Year relates so great a Mortality to have raged in England that many Men going in Troops to the Sea-side cast themselves in headlong preferring a speedy Death before the Torments of a long and painful Sickness thô this seems to be no other than the great Pestilence which raged the Year before unless we suppose it to have lasted for 2 Years successively The same Year also according to the Account of an ancient British Chronicle lately in the Possession of Mr. Robert Vaughan Cadwallader last King of the Britains having been forced by a great Famine and Mortality to quit his Native Country and to sojourn with Alan King of Armorica finding no hopes of ever recovering his Kingdom from thence went to Rome where professing himself a Monk he died about 8 Years after Now thô the British History of Caradoc Translated by Humphrey Lloyd and Published by Dr. Powel places Cadwallader's going to Rome Anno 680 which Mr. Vaughan in the Manuscript I have by me and which is already cited in the former Book proves can neither agree with the Account of the said old Chronicle nor yet with the Time of the great Mortality above-mentioned for Caradoc and Geoffery of Monmouth do both place Cadwallader's going to Rome in the Year of the great Pestilence which as Bede and Mat. Westminster testifie fell out in the Year 664 or 665 and therefore that learned Antiquary very well observes That as for their Calculation who prolong Cadwallader's Life to the Year 688 or 689 and place his going to Rome in Pope Sergius's time he thinks they had no better Warrant for it than their mistaking Ceadwalla King of the West Saxons who then indeed went to Rome and there died for this Cadwallader who lived near 20 Years before whereby they have confounded this History and brought it into a great deal of uncertainty whereas that ancient Appendix annex'd to the Manuscript Nennius in the Cottonian Library whose Author lived above 300 Years before either Geoffery or Caradoc doth clearly shew that this Monastery above-mentioned and consequently Cadwallader's going to Rome happened in the Reign of Oswi King of Northumberland who according to the Saxon Annals began to Reign Anno 642 and died Anno 670 and therefore no other Mortality ought to be assigned for Cadwallader's going to Rome than this in King Oswi's Reign Anno 665 for the Words of the said old Author are these Oswi the Son of Ethelfred reigned 28 Years and 6 Months and whilst he reigned there happened a great Mortality of Men Catwalater so he spells it then reigning over the Britains after his Father and therein perished Now the Case is clear if these Words in the Latin Et in ea periit have relation to Cadwallader as most likely they have considering Oswi lived 5 Years after the Year 665 wherein this Mortality raged then Cadwallader never went to Rome at all but died of this Plague but of this I dare not positively determine since the greater part of the Welsh Chronicles are so positive in Cadwallader's dying at Rome But to return to our Annals This Year Oswi King of Northumberland and Ecgbrith King of Kent with the Consent of the whole English Church as Bede relates sent Wigheard the Presbyter to Rome to be there made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury but he died almost as soon as he arrived So that Theodorus being the next Year consecrated Arch-Bishop was sent into Britain Of which Transaction Bede gives us this particular Account About this time also as Bede relates Wina Bishop of Winchester being driven from his See by King Kenwalch went and bought the See of London of King Wulfher This is the first Example of Simony in the English Church The See of Canterbury had been now vacant for above 3 Years for the Pope was resolved himself to Ordain an Arch-Bishop and at last at the Recommendation of one Adrian a Greek Monk who might have been Arch-Bishop himself but refused it the Pope chose this Theodorus then a Monk and a Native of Tharsus in Cilicia who being an excellent Scholar brought the knowledge of the Greek Tongue as also Arithmetick Musick and Astronomy in use among the English Saxons This Arch-Bishop immediately upon his coming into England made a thorough Visitation of
his Province and as Bede tells us surveyed all Things and ordained Bishops in fit Places and those Things which he found less perfect than they should be he by their Assistance corrected among which when he found fault with Bishop Ceadda as not having been rightly Consecrated he humbly and modestly replied If you believe that I have not rightly undertook the Episcopal Charge I willingly quit it since as I never thought my self worthy so I never consented to accept it but in obedience to the Commands of my Superiours But the Arch-Bishop seeing his Humility answered That he would not have him lay aside his Episcopacy and so he again renewed his Ordination according to the Catholick Rites From whence it appears that this Arch-Bishop then thought the Ordination of the English and Scotish Bishops who differed from the Church of Rome as to the time of keeping Easter to be Uncanonical and for this reason Bede here also tells us That Bishop Wilfrid was sent into France to be Ordained But as for this Bishop Ceadda Florence of Worcester informs us That he was now also deprived of his Bishoprick and Wilfrid restored to it as having been unduly Elected thereunto which thô Bede doth not tell us in express Words yet he confirms it in the very next Chapter where he tells us That Jaruman Bishop of the Mercians being now dead King Wulfher did not ask Arch-Bishop Theodorus to Ordain a new One but only desired of King Oswi that Bishop Ceadda the Brother of Cedda should be sent to him to take that Charge who lived privately at his Monastery of Lestinghen where he was then Abbot Wilfrid then not only Governing the Diocess of York and all the Northumbers but also Picts as far as King Oswi's Dominions extended But to return again to the Saxon Annals This Year King Ecgbert gave to Basse the Priest Reculf where he built a Monastery This was afterwards called Reculver in Kent Oswi King of Northumberland died xv Kal. Martij and was buried at Streanshale Monastery and Ecverth or Egfrid his Son reigned after him also Lothaire Nephew of Bishop Agelbert took upon him the Episcopal Charge over the West Saxons and held it 7 Years Arch-Bishop Theodorus Consecrated him He whom these Annals call Lothair was the same with Leutherius Bishop of Winchester Bede tells us further of King Oswi That being worn out with a long Infirmity he was so much in love with the Roman Rites that if he had recovered of the Sickness of which he died he had resolved to go to Rome and end his Days at the Holy Places having engaged Bishop Wilfrid to be the Guide and Companion of his Journey promising him no small Rewards for his Pains ' This Year was a great slaughter of Birds H. Huntington renders it a great Fight of Birds which seems to have been some remarkable Combat of Crows or Jackdaws in the Air of which we have several wonderful Relations in our Histories Mat. Westminster relates that the strange Birds seemed to flie before those of this Country but that many Thousands were killed This next Year Cenwalch King of the West Saxons died and Sexburga his Wife held the Kingdom after him for one Year Of whom William of Malmesbury gives this Account That this King dying left the Kingdom to Sexburga his Wife nor did she want Spirit or Courage to discharge all the Functions of a King for she straitways began to raise new Forces as also to keep the Old to their Duty to govern her Subjects with moderation and to keep her Enemies in awe and in short to do such great Things that there was no Difference but the Sex between Her and a King But as she aimed at more than Feminine Undertakings so she left this Life when she had scarce Reigned a Year about But Mat. Westminster says she was expelled the Kingdom by the Nobles who despised Female Government But what Authority he had for this I know not for I do not find it in any other Author whereas if what William of Malmesbury says of her be true it was not likely they should Rebel against so good a Governess who seems to have been the perfect Pattern of an Excellent Queen After the Death of King Cenwalch and as I suppose Queen Sexburga likewise Bede relates That the Great Men or Petty Princes of that Kingdom divided it among them and so held it for 10 Years in which time Eleutherius Bishop of the West Saxons i. e. of Winchester dying Heddi was Consecrated by Arch-Bishop Theodorus in his stead in whose time those Petty Princes being all subdued Ceadwalla took the Kingdom but this does not agree with the Saxon Annals About this time thô Bede does not set down the Year King Egfrid of Northumberland waging War with Wulfher King of Mercia won from him all the Country of Lindsey About this time also died Ceadda Bishop of Litchfield according to Ran. Higden's Polychron but Bede does not tell us the time of his Death thô he mentions it and there gives a large Account of the great Humility and Piety of that good Bishop and of the Pious End he made He is called by us at this day St. Chad. This Year Egberâ King of Kent deceased according to Bede's Epitome who as says Math. Westminster gave part of the Isle of Thanet to build a Monastery to explate the Murder of his Cousins whom he had caused to be slain as you have already heard The same Year was a Synod of all the Bishops and great Men of England held at Heartford now Hartford which Synod as Bede tells us was called by Arch-Bishop Theodorus where Wilfred Bishop of York with all the rest of the Bishops of England were either in Person or by their Deputies as Florence relates and in which divers Decrees were made for the Reformation of the Church the first and chiefest of which was That Easter should be kept on the first Lord's Day after the Fourteenth Moon of the First Month i. e. ãâã which thô it had been before appointed by the Synod at Streanshale above-mentioned yet that being not looked upon as a General Council of the whole Kingdom it was now again renewed the rest of them concerning the Jurisdictions of the Bishops and the Priviledges and Exemptions of Monasteries I pass over and refer you to Sir H. Spelman's First Volume of Councils for farther satisfaction But I cannot omit that it was here first Ordained That thô Synods ought to be held twice a Year yet since divers Causes might hinder it therefore it seem'd good to the whole Council that a Synod should be assembled once a Year at a place called Cloveshoe This Year also the Saxon Annals relate That Etheldrethe late Wife to Egfrid King of Northumberland founded the Monastery of Ely in which she her self became the first Abbess She as Bede tells us had been twice married but would never let either
of her Husbands enjoy her and at last with much ado obtained Leave of this King to quit his Palace and retire into a Nunnery which perverting of the Ends of Marriage was counted a great piece of Sanctity in those Times But the Monastery above-mentioned being burnt and destroyed by the Danes Anno 870 was afterwards re-edified by King Edgar as shall be in due time more particularly related Also Egbright King of Kent deceased and Lothair his Brother succeeded him This Year also according to Bede Bosa Bishop of Dunmoc being deprived by reason of his Infirmities two Bishops viz. Acca and Bedwin were placed in that Diocess one of whom had his See at Dunmoc now Dunwich in Suffolk and the other at Helmham in Norfolk ' This Year Aescwin began to Reign over the West Saxons Here also follows his Pedigree needless to be repeated for William of Malmesbury remarks no more of him than that he was supposed to be the next of the Royal Line as being the great Nephew of Cynegils by his Brother Cuthgils The same Year as Bede tells us in his Lives of the Abbots of Wiremuth and Girwy Abbot Benedict I suppose from his Episcopal Actions Sirnamed Biscop having before come over with Arch-Bishop Theodorus was by him made Abbot of the Monastery of St. Peter in Canterbury which he 2 Years after resigning and Adrian that great Scholar succeeding him he went again to Rome and then returning into Britain brought along with him many Books of Divine Knowledge and then applying himself to Egfrid King of Northumberland he obtained of him as much Land as served 70 Families lying near the Mouth of the River Wir in the Bishoprick of Durham where he began a Monastery in Honour of St. Peter but before it was finished he went into France and from thence brought Masons who built the Church of Stone after the Roman fashion and the Work being near finished he sent into the same Country for Artificers who understood the making of Glass which till then had been unknown in Britain wherewith he glazed the Windows of the Church and Monastery he had there built and thereby taught the English Nation the Art of Glass-making which says my Author hath proved so useful in making of Lamps for Churches and also other Vessels so necessary for divers Uses And because this Island nor yet France it self could then afford all the Ornaments requisite for the Altar he took care to fetch them from Rome whither he went for that purpose from whence again returning he brought a great many choice Books of all sorts together with divers Relicks of Saints and curious Pictures with which he adorned the Church he had built and he likewise received a Bull from Pope Agatho whereby the Monastery also by the Consent and License of King Egfrid was freed from all Secular Servitude But some time after Simeon of Durham says 8 Years King Egfrid being very well satisfied with what Benedict had done bestowed as much more Land upon him as then maintained 40 Families for the building of another Monastery at a Place called Girwy now Tarroâ near the Mouth of the River Tine which was built in Honour of St. Paul when also by reason of his frequent Absence and Employment in other Affairs he appointed one Easterwine his Kinsman Abbot of that of St. Peter and Ceolfrid a Monk of the same Monastery over that of S. Paul in which Charges they continued several Years under his Inspection till at last after the decease of Easterwine and another Abbot called Sigfrid Ceolfrid above-mentioned was made Abbot of both Monasteries which he Governed many Years untill He resigning that Charge went to end his Days at Rome but died by the way in France These Transactions thô happening in the space of about 40 Years I have here put together that you may have at once the History of these two ancient and famous Monasteries in the latter of which Bede himself the Author of this Account lived and died a Monk as shall be related hereafter About this time also thô Bede does not set down the Year Arch-Bishop Theodore deposed Winfrid Bishop of the Mercians for some Canonical Disobedience and ordained Sexwulf Abbot of Medeshamsted in his Room But to return to the Annals This Year Wulfher the Son of Penda and Aescwin Son of Genwulf fought at Bedanheafde and also King Wulfher deceased the same Year Where that Place was is uncertain thô some suppose it to be Bedwin in Wiltshire lying near Berkshire H. Huntington describes this Battle to have been very sharp but that the Mercian King inheriting his Father's and his Grandfather's Courage was somewhat superior yet that both Armies were terribly shattered and many Thousands slain on both Sides on which our Author makes this just Reflection That from hence it is worth while to observe how Vile the Actions of Men and how Vain those Wars are which Princes call Glorious Undertakings for when these Kings had brought so great a Destruction upon their own Nations both of them survived not long after For according to Florence's Chronicle King Wulfher deceased this Year having destroyed the Worship of Idols throughout his Kingdom and caused the Gospel to be preached in all Places of his Dominions and Ethelred his Brother succeeded him in the Kingdom whom William of Malmesbury describes to have been more famous for Devotion than Fighting unless when he shewed his Courage in a notable Expedition against Kent or else when he met and repell'd Egfrid King of Northumberland and forced him to return home recovering from him all Lindsey which Wulfher had taken away before thô with the loss of his Brother Edwin in that Expedition after which he spent all the rest of his Life in Peace About this time also according to Math. Westminster for Bede hath not set down the Years Erkenwald younger Son of Anna King of the East Angles was by Arch-Bishop Theodore ordained Bishop of London being a Man of great Worth and Piety This Year also according to Florence King Wulfher was first baptized but the Saxon Annals mention no such thing and therefore I wonder from whence he had it for it is quite contrary to what Bede relates concerning his being Baptized long before or else How could he be Godfather to Edelwalch King of the West Saxons who was Baptized near 20 Years before But I suppose Florence had it from some old Monkish Legend if not from the Roman Martyrology it self in which is related that incredible Story of King Wulfher's murdering of his two Sons Ulfwald and Rufin with his own Hands because they had been instructed in the Christian Faith by Ceadda Bishop of Litchfield And Mr. Stow in his Chronicle having found the same Story in an old Ledger-Book of that Church hath thought fit to insert it into his History placing the Year of their Suffering in Anno 668 when all our Historians do at that time relate him to have been a Christian. But this Book
adds further That the Queen Mother to these Princes caused them to be buried under a great heap of Stones and thereby gave Name to the Town of Stone in Staffordshire I thought good to take notice of this Romance because a greater Author viz. Mr. Camden himself hath also thought fit to put it into his Britannia from the Authority of a Manuscript Book once belonging to the Abby of Peterburgh But it is time to look back upon Ecclesiastical Affairs for now according to William of Malmesbury one Adhelm a Monk began to build the Abby of Malmesbury having before obtained a License for so doing together with a Grant of certain Lands called Madulfsburgh from Lutherius Bishop of Winchester the Place being so called from one Maildulf a Scotch Monk and Philosopher under whom Aldhelm had formerly studied who died at this Place where Maildulf had also begun a small Monastery but the few Monks that were there had no Means to subsist but by Alms until such time as this Aldhelm built it anew and got it Endowed by the Charity of Ethelred King of the Mercians Ceadwalla and Ina Kings of the West Saxons with other Noble Benefactors So that it soon became one of the greatest and richest Monasteries in England being at first called Madunesburg and afterwards Malmesbury About the same time also according to the old Book of the Abby of Abingdon in the Cottonian Librarie the Abby of Abingdon was founded by one Hean Nephew to Cissa a Petty Prince under Kentwin King of the West Saxons in Wiltshire and Berkshire the Place at first was called Sheovesham and the Foundation was for no more than an Abbot and 12 Monks but was afterwards much increased by the Charity of succeeding Kings being rebuilt by Abbot Ordgar in the Reign of King Edgar having been burnt and destroyed by the Danes in the time of King Alfred This Year also according to Bede Arch-Bishop Theodore consecrated Erkenwald Bishop of London who was in great Reputation for his Sanctity having before he came to be Bishop founded two Monasteries the one for Ethelburg his Sister at Berking the other for himself at Chertesey in Surrey This Year Escwin Bishop of the East Saxons departed this Life and Hedda took the Bishoprick of that Province and Centwin succeeded in the Kingdom of the West Saxons which Centwin was Son to Cynegils and he the Son of Ceolwulf Also Ethelred King of the Mercians wasted Kent Of which Expedition H. Huntington further relates That this King made War against Lothair King of Kent but he fearing that Valour so Hereditary to the Mercian Family kept out of sight and durst not meet him whereupon the King of Mercia destroyed the City of Rochester and passing through the Kingdom of Kent carried away a great deal of Spoil Bede adds further That he destroyed both Churches and Monasteries without any regard to Religion and so spoiled the Church and Palace of Rochester that Putta the Bishop of that See was forced to retire to Sexwulf Bishop of the Mercians and from him receiving the Possession of a certain Church there ended his Days in Peace This Putta is by Florence of Worcester and William of Malmesbury made the first Bishop of Hereford which Church it seems Sexwulf parted with to him thô Bede does not expresly mention it Also Eadhed was now ordained Bishop in the Province of Lindisse which King Egfrid had lately conquered from Wulfher King of the Mercians But when Ethelred Successour to Wulfher recovered that Province this Bishop retiring from Lindisse governed the Church of Ripon The same Year also Osric a petty Prince of this Country built a Nunnery at Bath which was afterwards turned to a House of Secular Canons but King Edgar turned them out and placed Benedictines in their Places This Year being the Eighth of the Reign of Egfrid King of Northumberland according to Bede and the Saxon Annals there appeared a Comet which continued 3 Months and arising toward Morning carried with it a large Tail like a Pillar in which Year also as Bede relates there arose a great Contention between King Egfrid and Bishop Wilfrid who was expell'd his Bishoprick and two others substituted in his Room over the Northumbrian Nation to wit Bosa who Governed the Province of Deira and Fatta that of Bernicia the former having his Episcopal See at the City of York and the other at Hagulstad being both of them preferred from being Monks Stephen Heddi the Author of St. Wilfrid's Life above-mentioned as also Will. of Malmesbury relate the Quarrel between King Egfrid and the Bishop to have proceeded from the Envy and Ill-will of Erminburge his Queen she making the King jealous of his Secular Glory and Riches and the great Retinue that followed him whereupon the King resolved to be rid of him so that presenting Theodore Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with great Gifts they perswaded him to come into that Province and together with three Bishops he brought with him who were not of the Northern Diocess they not only condemned but deprived Bishop Wilfrid being absent whereupon the Bishop went to the King and the Arch-Bishop and asked them What was the Reason that without any Crime alledged they had robbed him of his Estate that was given him by former Kings for God's sake But if this Author may be credited they gave him a very trifling Answer saying That they found no Fault in him yet would not alter what had been Decreed against him Whereupon the Bishop by the Consent of the rest of his Fellow-Bishops of his Province appealed to Rome But certainly these Bishops could not at that time be many for there were then no more in this Province than Lindisfarne and Whitern in the Picts Country Towards Rome he went the next Year but in his way thither landing in Frizeland he stayed there all that Winter converting the People of that Province And then proceeding in his Journey to Rome the Spring following where arriving he applied himself to the Pope and presented him with a Petition which being read before Pope John and the Synod at Rome he was by the said Pope and all the Bishops there present being 150 in Number Decreed to be restored to his Bishoprick but he could never prevail so far as to get this Council's Decree to be received as long as King Egfrid lived The same Year Bishop Wilfrid returning into England was received by Beorthwald Nephew of Ethelred King of the Mercians who then governed part of that Kingdom under his Uncle who hearing of it his Wife being the Sister of King Egfrid commanded Beorthwald immediately to dismiss him from whence he went to Centwin King of the West Saxons where staying but a little while he was also driven from thence because the Queen was Sister of Queen Erminburge Thus Stephanus Heddy in his Life of Bishop Wilfrid relates but it is to be doubted with too much Partiality on
Abbess deceased at Streanshale now Whitby in York-shire which she her self had Founded she was Grand Niece to King Edwin and having been converted by Paulinus had been almost ever since her Conversion a professed Nun first in the Monastery of Cale in France and was afterwards Abbess of divers Nunneries in England being esteemed a Lady of great Sanctity and Knowledge At this Monastery of Strean-shale which was then for Men as well as Women lived Caedmon the English Saxon Poet who is supposed by Bede to have been once Divinely inspired in his sleep to make Verses in his own Tongue upon the Creation of the World and ever after kept that faculty upon other Divine Subjects there are divers of his Paraphrases in Saxon Verse still extant upon several Stories in Genesis and Exodus but very hard to be understood by reason of the Obsoleteness of the Saxon Dialect They have been Printed at Oxford by the Learned Junius About this time also according to Florence the Kingdom of the Mercians became divided into five Diocesses and Tulfride a learned Monk of the Abbess Hilda's Monastery was elected first Bishop of Worcester but dyed before his Ordination But the ancient Chronicle of the Church of Worcester now in the Cottonian Library relates the Church of Worcester to have been first founded by Atheâred King of the Mercians and Theodore Bishop of Canterbury one Bosel being made the first Bishop of that See and sate therein Eleven Years There was then also founded a Colledge of secular Canons which so continued as the Chapter of this Church till Anno Dom. 991 when Bishop Oswald turned them out and put in Benedictine Monks in their Rooms About the same time also one Oswald Nephew to King Ethelred founded a College for Secular Canons at Pershore in Worcestershire which continued till King Edgar and Bishop Oswald Anno 984. brought in Benedictine Monks in their Places I may also add under this Year that pretended Bull of Pope Agatho's Privileges together with the Charter of this K. Ethelred which is reciââd in the Peterbârgh Copy of the Saxon Annals under Anno. 675 and is there related to have been about the same time confirmed in the Council at Heathfield above-mentioned whereby were grânted to the Monastery of Mâdeshaâisâe ad divers greât Immânities which Bull does not only confirm aâd those Privileges formerly granted by Pope Vitalian but there is also further added this that the Abbot should be the Pope's Legat over the whole Isle of Britain and that whatsoever Abbot was elected by the Monks should be immediately consecrated by the Archbishop of Cânterbury with divers other Things too tedious here to relate Which ãâã being recited in the Council above-mentioned was by thâm estâblished and confirmed which being done the King is said to have made a Speech reciting all the Lands he had given to the said Monastery and then having subscribed the Charter the Queen Adrian the Pope's Legat and all the Bishops and Abbots whose Names are there mentioned did so likewise under drââdful Curses upon those that should violate the Privileges above-mentioned But notwithstanding the so exact Recital and supposed Confirmation of this Charter in the Council above-mentioned we have very great Reason to suspect this Bull as also the Charter it self to have been forged long after by the Monks of Peterburgh for in the first place the Privileges granted to this Abbey do not only exceed any that had been granted by the Pope to any Monastery in England but also were such as we do not find it ever enjoy'd as particularly that of their Abbot's being the Pope's ordinary Legate all over this Island which had been such a Diminution of the Rights of the Archbishop of Canterbury as he would nover have so easily paâs'd over And besides all which the Names of the Bishops who are put to this Charter do not at all agree with the Circumstances of Time for first it is certain that Wilfred is here styled Archbishop of York which Title he never took upon him being then no more but a Bishop under the Jurisdiction of Archbishop Theodore and by whom he at this Time stood deprived and was not present at this Council nor did return this Year from Rome as this Copy of the Annals makes him to have done but was indeed returned from thence near three Years before being at this Time converting the South-Saxons âs hath been already related Neither was Putta Bishop of Rochester or Waldhere Bishop of London at the time when this Council was held though their Names are also put to this Charter for the former had been dead eleven Years before and one Quiehelme was then Bishop of that See as appears by the Catalogue of the Bishops in Sir H. Spelman's Fasââ at the end of the Volume of English Writers after Bede nor was the latter then Bishop of London but Erkenwald who was elected to that See above fifteen Years before and continued in it 'till after the Reign of King Ina who began not to reign 'till Anno 688 so that upon the whole matter I take this Charter to be a notorious piece of Forgery This Year Trumbrith was consecrated Bishop of Hagulstad and Trumwin Bishop of the Picts This was the Bishoprick of Wyterne called in Latin Candida Casa which at that time as Bede testifies belonged to the Kingdom of Northumberland and also Centwin King of the West-Saxons put the Britains to flight as far as the Sea H. Huntington says That he also wasted all their Country with Fire and Sword but the Welsh Chronicle of Caradoc translated by H. Lloyd relates That this Year Kentwin King of the West-Saxons gathered a great Company of his Nation together and came against the Britains who seem'd ready to receive the Battle but yet when both Armies appeared in sight of each other they were not all desirous to fight for they fell to a friendly composition and agreement viz. That Ivor should take Ethelburga to Wife who was Cousin to Kântwin and quietly enjoy all that he had got during the Reign of Ivor but of this our English Histories are silent This Year the Nunnery of St. Peter in Glocester was founded by Osriâ then a petty Prince or Governour under Ethelred King of the Mercians but was afterwards King of the Northumbers This Monastery thô it had the honour of having Three Queens successively Abbesses of it was destroyed by the Danes but afterwards was re-edified for Benedictine Monks by Aldred Bishop of Worcester Anno 1058. This Year also according to Bede Egfrid King of Northumberland sent a great Army into Ireland under one Bert or Bryt his General who miserably wasted that innocent Nation which had been always friendly to the English which Character perhaps might have been due to them in Bede's time and did not so much as spare the Churches or Monasteries but the Islanders as far as they were able repel'd Force with Force and invoked the Divine
assistance to revenge their quarrel which happen'd the next Year as the same Authour relates For This Year not long before the Death of King Egfrid that Holy Man Cuthbert was by the same King ordered to be ordained Bishop of Lindisfarne thô he was at first chosen to be Bishop of Hagulstaed instead of Trumbert who had been before deposed from that Bishoprick yet because Cuthbert liked the Church of Lindisfarne better in which he had so long convers'd Eatta was made to return to the See of Hagulstad to which he was at first ordained whilest Cuthbert took the Bishoprick of Lindisfarne But I shall now give you from Bede a farther account of the Life of this good Bishop he had been first bred in the Monastery of Mailross and was afterwards made Abbot of the Monastery of Lindisfarne retiring from whence he had for a long time lived the Life of an Anchorite in the Isle of Farne not far distant but when there was a great Synod assembled King Egfrid being present at a place called Twiford near the River Alne where Arch-Bishop Theodore presiding Cuthbert was by the general consent of them all chosen Bishop who when he could not by any Messages or Letters be drawn from his Cell at length the King himself with Bishop Trumwin and other Noble and Religious Persons sailed thither where they at last after many intreaties prevailed upon him to go with them to the Synod and when he came there thô he very much opposed it yet he was forced to accept the Episcopal Charge and so was consecrated Bishop the Easter following and after his Consecration in imitation of the blessed Appostles he adorned his calling by his good Works for he constantly taught the People commited to his Charge and incited them to the love of Heaven by his constant Prayers and Exhoâtations and which is the chief part of a Teacher whatsoever he Taught he himself first practised so having lived in this manner about Two Years being then sensible that the time of his Death or rather of his future Life drew near he again retired to the same Island and Hermitage from whence he came The same Year also King Egfrid rashly lead out his Army to destroy the Province of the Picts thô his Friends and principally Bishop Cuthbert did all they could to hinder it and having now entred the Country he was brought before he was aware by the feigned flight of his Enemies between the streights of certain inaccessible Mountains where he with the greatest part of his Forces he had brought with him were all cut off in the Fortieth Year of his Age and the Fifteenth of his Reign And as the Year aforegoing he refused to hear Bishop Cuthbert who diswaded him from invading Ireland which did him no harm so Bede observes it was a just Judgment upon him for that Sin that he would not hear those who would then have prevented his Ruine From this time the Grandeur and Valour of this Kingdom of the Northumbers began to decline for the Picts now recovered their Country which the English had taken away and the Scots that were in Britain with some part of the Britains themselves regain'd their Liberty which they did enjoy for the space of Forty Six Years after when Bede wrote his History But Alfred Brother to this King succeeding him quickly recovered his Kingdom thô reduced into narrower bounds He was also a Prince very well read in the Holy Scriptures The same Year as the Saxon Annals relate Kentwin King of the West-Saxons dying Ceadwalla began to Reign over that Kingdom whose Pedegree is there inserted which I shall refer to another place and the same Year also died Lothair King of Kent as Bede relates of the Wounds he had received in a Fight against the South Saxons in which Edric his Brother Egbert's Son Commanded against him and reigned in his stead This Year also according to the Annals John was consecrated Bishop of Hugulstad and remained so till Bishop Wilfrith's return but afterwards Bishop Bosâ dying John became Bishop of York but from thence many Years after retired to his Monastry in Derawnde now called Beverlie in York-shire This Year it rained Blood in Britain and also Milk and Butter were now turned into somewhat like Blood You are here to take notice that this Bishop John above mentioned is the famous St. John of Beverlie of whom Bede in the next Book tells so many Miracles But our Annals do here require some farther Illustration for this Ceadwalla here mentioned was the Grandson of Ceawlin by his Brother Cutha who being a Youth of great hopes was driven into Banishment by his Predecessour and as Stephen Heddi in Bishop Wilfrid's Life relates lay concealed among the Woods and Desarts of Chyltern and Ondred and there remained for a long time till raising an Army thô Bede does not say from whence he slew Aldelwald King of the South-Saxons and seized upon his Province but was soon driven out by two of that King's Captains viz. Bertune and Autune who for some time kept that Kingdom to themselves the former of whom was afterwards slain by the same Ceadwalla when he became King of the West-Saxons but the other who reigned after him again set it free from that servitude for many Years from whence it happen'd that all that time they had no Bishop of their own for when Wilfrid return'd home they became subject to the Bishop of the West-Saxons that is of Dorchester which return as the Author of Wilfrid's Life relates happen'd this Year being the Second of King Alfred's Reign who then invited him home and restored him to his Bishoprick as also to his Monastery at Rypun together with all his other Revenues according to the Decree of Pope Agatho and the Council at Rome above mentioned all which he enjoyed till his second Expulsion as you will hear in due time After Ceadwalla had obtain'd the Kingdom he subdued the Isle of Wight which was as yet infected with Idolatry and therefore this King resolved to destroy all the Inhabitants and to Plant the Island with his own Subjects obliging himself by a Vow althô he himself as it is reported was not yet baptized that he would give the Fourth part of his Conquests to God which he made good by offering it to Bishop Wilfrid who was then come thither by chance out of his own Country The Island consisted of about Two Thousand Families and the King bestowed upon this Bishop as much Land there as then maintained Three Hundred Families the Care of all which the Bishop committed to one of his Clerks named Bernwin his Sisters Son who was to Baptize all those that would be saved Bede also adds That amongst the first Fruits of Believers in that Island there were two Royal Youths Brothers who were the Sons of Arwald late King thereof who having hid themselves for fear of King Ceadwalla were at last discovered and by
a Military Life for a Heavenly one and leaving his Country went to Rome in the Company of Alfred Son to that King and upon his return thence the second time professed himself a Monk in the Isle of Lyren where staying Two Years he accompanied Wyghard to Rome who went thither to be ordained Arch-Bishop but soon after dying there he again returned home with Arch-Bishop Theodore and after some time built the Monasteries of Wyremouth and Girwy as you have already heard and now after a long Sickness made a Holy End in the Monastery of St. Peter at Wyremouth where he was also buried About this time Wythred the Son of Egbert King of Kent being Established in his Kingdom did by his Piety and Industry free it from Foreign Invasions thô one Swebheard or Webheard held part of it together with him for some time This Year also according to Florence for the Years are not exactly set down by Bede or Stephen Heddi Bishop Wilfrid was the second time Expel'd from his Bishoprick by Alfred King of Northumberland which as this Authour in his Life relates happen'd because that King had not restored to the Church of St. Peter at Rypun divers of its Possessions The next was because the Monastery of Hagulstad had been erected into a Bishoprick without his consent and contrary to the priviledge which Pope Agatho had bestowed upon it And lastly because that King would have compelled him to obey certain Decrees of Arch-Bishop Theodore which had been made in Bishop Wilfrid's absence and during the first quarrel that had risen between them which he refusing to observe thereupon retired to his old Friend Ethelred King of the Mercians who received him with great honour But King Alfred as likewise Arch-Bishop Bertwald and all the Bishops of Britain being assembled in a Synod at a place called Onestrefield or Hosterfield They sent Messengers to Bishop Wilfrid desiring him to appear before them but when he came to the Synod he could by no means agree with them because they did not perform what they had promised by their Messengers so that great disputes arising chiefly from those Bishops of the new Sees who together with certain Abbots had been also set on by King Alfred and for the sake of their own private Interests did not desire the Peace of the Church they also objected many false things against him which could no ways be proved and at last decreed that the Bishop should be censured according to the Decrees of the late Arch-Bishop Theodore whereupon Bishop Wilfrid asked them with what Face they could prefer the Decrees of Theodore before the Apostolical Canons which had been enjoined them from Pope Agatho and Pope Sergius but when no due or decent manner of speaking was observed and that they urged him to subscribe a Resignation of his Bishoprick and Monasteries in Northumberland and Mercia into the hands of the Arch-Bishop he utterly refused it and only offered to submit to the Judgment of the Arch-Bishop as far as it was agreeable with the Canons of the Holy Fathers but at last they offered him that if he would resign his Bishoprick he might still retain his Abbey of Ripon and live there in quiet provided he did not go out of the bounds of the Monastery nor exercise any Episcopal Jurisdiction upon which he in a long Speech set forth his former Merits in converting the Northumbrian Nation to the due observation of Easter Then asked them for what offence they went now about to degrade him To which the King and the Arch-Bishop replied That he was culpable in this and was therefore to be condemned because he had prefer'd the Judgment of the Men at Rome before theirs and the King then offer'd the Arch-Bishop to make him submit by force to their Judgment but this was opposed by most of the Bishops because he had come thither under their safe conduct Then the Bishop retired again to King Ethelred setting forth the hard usage which he had received at the Synod whereupon the King promised him never to alter any thing in the Monasteries which he had bestowed upon him until he had sent to Rome for the Pope's Judgment of these Matters and how he might act safely therein but in the mean time the Arch-Bishop and the Synod did not only deprive but also Excomunicate Bishop Wilfrid and also all those who were in communion with him so that none might so much as eat with them and whatsoever they touched was looked upon as defiled Wherefore Bishop Wilfrid was again forced to go to Rome there to make his appeal before the Pope to whom he presented a long Petition setting forth that the Troubles which he had met with in Britain had proceeded from those who having seized upon his Bishoprick and Monasteries had refused to observe the Decrees of his Holiness's Predecessours whereupon the Pope at that time holding a Council at Rome did there hear the whole difference between him and Arch-Bishop Bertwald who had now sent his Deputies thither together with the accusations against him so in short upon a solemn hearing of the whole matter on both sides and after above Seventy Congregations in about Four Months time in all which the Bishops Innocence did more and more appear he was at last absolved by the Pope and the whole Council the particulars of which are too long to relate only that thereupon the Pope wrote Letters to Ethelred King of the Mercians and Alfred King of Northumberland reciting Bishop Wilfrid's former appeal to Pope Agatho and the Decree that had been made in his Favour as also what had been now done at Rome and how well the Bishop had acquitted himself of whatsoever had been laid to his Charge and therefore did not only order them to receive him but also admonished Arch-Bishop Bertwald to call another Synod together with Bishop Wilfrid and there to Summon the Bishops Bosa and John to hear what they would say in their own behalf and if they could make any agreement with the liking of Bishop Wilfrid it would be very grateful to him but if otherwise they were to exhibit the Reasons of their dissent before the Pope there to be determined in a more ample Council and whoever should refuse this should be subject to be Excomunicated and deposed from his Bishoprick The Bishop in his Return home with these Letters fell so sick by the way that he was like to dye at Melune in France where 't is said he had a Vision of an Angel appearing to him which promised him restitution to his See within Four Years so he at last arrived again in Britain where applying himself to Arch-Bishop Bertwald He being frighted with the Pope's Letters which had been before sent him by Messengers received Bishop Wilfrid very kindly and being then reconciled to him promised to mitigate that harsh Judgment given against him in the former Synod Then the Bishop delivered his Letters to Ethelred who having at that
time resigned his Kingdom was become a Monk and so used his Interest with King Cenered whom he had appointed King in his stead that he promised to obey the Pope's Decrees not long after which the Bishop likewise sent an Abbot with a Priest to King Alfred desiring his leave to return home and to deliver him the Pope's Letters and the Decrees which had been made on his behalf which Messengers thô the King civily received yet he plainly told them That he would do them any other Favour but that it was in vain to trouble him any further in this matter because whatever the Kings his Predecessours together with his Councellours as also the late Arch-Bishop Theodore had already judged and what he himself together with the present Arch-Bishop and all the Bishops of the British Nation had lately Decreed That he was resolved never to alter for any Letters sent as they said from the Apostolick See so the Messengers returning without any success the Bishop continued where he was for some Years but the King it seems repented at last of this harsh Resolution and would have altered it as you will hereafter find I have been the more exact in this transaction of Bishop Wilfrid's because it has never been as yet published in English before and it also gives us a great light into the Affairs of the Church at this time and lets us know that the Kings of Northumberland did not then think themselves bound to observe the Pope's Decrees thô made upon Appeals to Rome if they were contrary to a General Synod or Council of the whole Nation About this time thô it be not mentioned in Bede nor in the Saxon Chronicle Ina King of the West-Saxons summoned a great Council or Synod of all the Bishops with the Great and Wise Men of his Kingdom which because it is the first Authentick great Council whose Laws are come to us entire I shall set down the Title of it as it is recited in the First Volume of Sir H. Spelman's British Councils it begins thus Ina by the Grace of God King of the West-Saxons by the Council and Advice of Cenred my Father and Hedde and Erkenwald my Bishops with all my Ealdermen and sage Ancients of my People as also in an Assembly of the Servants of God have Religiously endeavoured both for the health of our Soul and the common preservation of our Kingdom that right Laws and true Judgments be Founded and âstablished throughout our whole Dominions and that it shall not be Lawful for the time to come for any Ealderman or other Subject whatever to transgress these our Constitutions I have also given you an Extract of the chief of those Laws as far as they relate to any thing remarkable either in Church or State referring you for the rest to the Laws themselves 1. If a Servant do any Work on a Sunday by Command of his Master he shall be free and the Master shall be amerced Thirty Shillings but if he went about the Work without his Master's privity he shall be beaten or redeem the penalty but a Freeman if he work on that Day without the Command of his Master shall loose his Freedom or pay 60 Sihillings if he be a Priest his penalty shall be double 2. The portion or dues of the Church shall be brought in by the Feast of St. Martyn he that payeth them not by that time shall be amerced Forty Shillings and besides pay twelve times their value 3. If any guilty of a capital Crime shall take refuge in a Church he shall save his Life and yet make recompence according to Justice and Equity if one deserving Stripes run to a Church the Stripes shall be forgiven him 4. If any one Fight within the King's House or Palace he shall forfeit all his Goods and it shall be at the pleasure of the King whether he shall have his Life or not he that Fights in a Church shall pay 120 s. in the House of an Alderman or other sage Nobleman 60 s. whosoever shall Fight in a Villager's House paying Scot shall be punished 30 s. and shall give the Villager 6 s. and if any one Fight in the open Field he shall pay 120 s. 5. He that on his own private account shall revenge an injury done to him before he hath demanded publick Justice shall restore what he took away and besides forfeit 30 Shillings 6. If a Robber be taken he shall lose his Life or redeem it according to the estimation of his Head we call Robbers to the Number of Seven or Eight Men from that number to Thirty Five a band all above an Army 7. If a Country Boor having been often accused of Theft if he be at last taken he shall have his Hand or Foot cut off 8. If any one Kill another's Godfather or God-Son the satisfaction shall be according to his Quality and Circumstances let the compensation due to the Relations and that due to the Lord for the loss of his Man be both alike and let the one encrease according to the Circumstances of the Person just as the other doth but if he were the King's Godson let him make satisfaction to the King as well as the Relations but if his Life was taken away by a Relation then let the Money due to the Godfather be diminished as it useth to be when Money is paid to the Master for the Death of his Servant If a Bishop's Son be killed let the penalty be half so much From which Laws we may observe that our Saxon Ancestors were strict observers of the Lord's day and would not permit any servile Work to be done thereon Secondly that the superstition of Sanctuaries was very ancient in England as well as elsewhere Thirdly That Theft Murder and all sorts of Crimes were then redeemable by pecuniary Mulcts either to the King or to the Friends of the party slain or wrong'd or else by loss of Limbs but there is one Law behind that is very remarkable That if any English Man who hath lost his Freedom do afterwards Steal he shall be hang'd on the Gallows and no Recompence made to his Lord if any one Kill such a Man he shall make no recompence on that account to his Friends unless they redeem him within a Twelve Month. Where it appears that no English Freeman could then be hang'd for any fault but Treason thô that is not express'd in these Laws but as for the last clause in these Laws That if the Son of a Bishop be killed the penalty should be half whereby some would prove that Bishops were then Married it is a mistake for by those words are only meant a Bishop's Spiritual Son or Godson and not his Natural or Conjugal Son This Year the Kentishmen made a League with King Ina and gave him Thirty Thousand Pounds to obtain his Friendship because they had before burnt Moll his Brother Also Withred began to Reign over the Kingdom of Kent and
held it Thirty Three Years William of Malmesbury makes him to have been Elected King by the General Consent of his Subjects and that he did not deceive their expectation in governing them well The Saxon Chronicle here also proceeds and gives us his Pedegree which being not to our purpose I omit only you may take notice that he was the Son of one Ecbert and not of the last King that Reigned As soon as ever he was made King he commanded a Great Council to be summoned at a place called Becanceld which though it be somewhere in Kent yet no body certainly knows where it lay unless it were Beckanham which lies near Surry at which Council Withred Himself was present as also the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Rochester and with them all the Abbots and Abbesses together with many Wise and Prudent Men who were there assembled that they might all take Council about the repairing of the Churches in Kent then the King began to speak thus I will That all Churches and Monasteries which have been given and endow'd for God's Glory in the Days of the Faithful Kings my Predecessours shall remain so to God's Honour for ever Therefore I Withred being an Earthly King yet moved by the Heavenly one have learnt from our Ancestours that no Lay-man ought to have right to meddle with any Church or any of those things that belong to it Wherefore we do firmly Decree and appoint and in the Name of the Omnipotent God and all his Saints do straitly forbid all the Kings our Successours with all Ealdermen i. e. Governours or Judges and other Laymen to exercise any Lordship or Dominion over those Churches and their possâssions which either I or my Predâcessours have given for the Honour of Christ and our Lady St. Mary and all the Saints but when it shall happen that a Bishop or any Abbot or Abbess shall depart this Life let it be told the Arch-Bishop that by his command one may be chosen who is most worthy Moreover let the Arch-Bishop make good tryal of his Life who shall be elected to so Holy a Function neither let any one be Elected or Consecrated without the consent of the Arch-Bishop for as it is the King's duty to appoânt Ealdermen Sheriffs and Judges so it is the Arch-Bishop's to Govern the Church of God and to take care of it as also to appoint and elect Bishâps Abbots and Abbesses Presbyters and Deacons as also to Consecrate Coâfirm and Instruct them by his good Precepts and Example least any of God's Flock should wonder out of the way and perish This passage being found in the Cottonian Copy of the Saxon Annals I thought good to insert as a Monument of the ancient power of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as Governour of the Church of England though then under the power of the Pope in Ecclesiastical Matters These are the chief heads of this famous Council not do the other Copies in Sir H. Spelman's Collection differ much from this in the Saxon Annals only there follows the Subscriptions of King Wythred and Werburge his Queen who Subscribed for her self and the Prince her Son then follow those of the Bishops and Abbots and after them of Five Abbesses of that Kingdom which shews them to have been present at this Council but whether as consenters or voters or else as bare witnesses I shall not determine but it is observable that their Names are written not only before all the Presbyters but also before Botred a Bishop though of what Diocess is not specified But to return to Civil affairs About this time also as Bede relates though no Historian hath given us the Year Sebbi King of the East-Saxons being fitter for a Bishop than a King and being at last taken with a great bodily Infirmity preferred a private Life before a Crown and took upon him the Habit of a Monk with the Benediction of Waldhere then Bishop and Successour to Erkenwald in the See of London so this pious King after he had bestowed a great Sum of Money in Charity soon departed this Life leaving his Sons Sighard and Senfrid to succeed him This Year the Southumbers that is the Mercians killed Ostrythe the Wife of Ethelred their late King and the Sister of King Egfrid H. Huntington calls it a vile Wickedness but would not or could not give us the reason why they did so nor what punishment was inflicted upon them for it This Year likewise was held the Council of Berghamsted in Kent Bertwald Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Gibmund Bishop of Rochester and all the Ecclesiastical Order of that Kingdom together with all the Lay or Military Men being there assembled by the Common and Unanimous Assent of All they decreed these Laws should be added to the Laws and Customs of the Kentish Men the Constitutions of this Council are called in the Saxon Title the Judgments or Doomes of King Wightred But thô they relate chiefly to Ecclesiastical Matters yet I shall here insert some of the chief of them The First Law is That the Church shall be free and enjoy her own Judgments Rents and Pensions and that Prayer be made for the King and his Commands obeyed not of necessity or Compulsion but out of good will Secondly If any Military Man called there a Gesithcund-man in the Saxon Original shall after this Council is ended despising the King's Law and the Judicial Sentence of the Bishop's Excomunication be taken in Adultery let him pay to his Lord an 100 Shillings By which Law it appears there was at this time Knights Service in England and also that slighting of Excomunication had no further Temporal Penalty than a pecuniary Mulct And that it was to the Lord of whom he held his Land That he was to pay it appears by the next Law by which it is appointed that if the Adulterer were a Country Man or Villager called there Ceorlesman he shall pay Fifty Shillings to his Lord yea thô he do Pennance for that Sin Thirdly If on Saturday in the Evening after the Sun is set or on Sunday Evening after the same time a Servant shall at the Command of his Master do any work let his Master redeem the offence with paying Eighty Shillings Fourthly If a Layman kill a Theif let him lye without any Wiregild that is without making any satisfaction to the Friends of the party slain This Year also the Picts slew Bert the Ealderman H. Huntington ascribes this to the Curse of the Irish Nation whose Churches he had in the late Invasion destroyed for as King Egfrid Invading the Country of the Picts was there cut off so entering their Country to revenge the Death of his Master he was likewise slain Mat. Westminster calls this Ealderman Brithric Earl of the Northumbers but from what Authority I know not I shall conclude this Century with a very remarkable Transaction out of Bede that happen'd about the latter end of it Egbert an English Priest living
of the Northern Britains This year Eadbert King of the Northumbers was shorn a Monk and Ofwulf his Son succeeded him yet Reigned but one Year being slain by the Treachery of his own Servants on the 9th of the Kal. August following thô without any just Cause as I can find Concerning this Eadbert Simeon of Durham in his History of that Church tells us That after he had reigned 21 Years and ruled his Kingdom with great Wisdom and Courage so that all his Adversaries being either overcome by force or else submitting themselves to him the English Pictish and Scotish Kings not only maintained Peace and Friendship with him but rejoyced to do him Honour so that the Fame of his Grandeur spreading as far as France King Pipin not only made a League with him but sent him great Presents and the Kings his Neighbours when he was about to resign the Crown had him in that Esteem that they offered him part of their own Dominions on Condition that he would not lay down his Charge but he refused it and resigned his Kingdom to Usulf his Son Also about this time according to the British Chronicles there was a great Battle fought at Hereford between the Britains and the Saxons where Dyfnwal ap Theodore was slain But they do not tell us who obtained the Victory This Year Cathbert Arch Bishop of Canterbury deceased having fate Arch-Bishop 18 Years Also according to Florence about this time Swithred reigned over the East and Osmund over the South Saxons as also Beorne was King over the East Angles This Year Bregowin was consecrated Arch-Bishop of Canterbury at the Feast of St. Michael and Ethelwold Sirnamed Moll began to reign over the Northumbers and at last resigned the Crown ' Ethelbryght King of Kent deceased he was the Son of King Wythred Of this King William of Malmesbury records nothing remarkable but that the City of Canterbury was burnt in his Reign Ceolwulf also late King of Northumberland departed this Life the same Year dying a Monk in the Isle of Lindisfarne But Simeon of Durham prolongs his Life 4 Years longer This Year was a very sharp Winter and Ethelwald Moll King of Northumberland slew Duke Oswin at Edwinsclife on the Eighth of the Ides of August But thô who this Duke was our Annals do not tell us yet Simeon of Durham and Roger of Hoveden relate he was one of those Great Northumbrian Lords that rebelled against the King who gained the Victory over him and those Rebels that took his part ' This Year deceased Bergowine the Arch-Bishop above-mentioned But if he sate 4 Years as these Annals affirm he could not have died till the Year following in which also Janbryht who is also called Lambert was now consecrated Arch-Bishop of Canterbury about 40 Days after Christmas Also Frithwald Bishop of Witherne died on the Nones of May he had been Consecrated in York on the 18th Kalends of September in the Reign of Ceolwulf and sate Bishop 29 Years and then Piyhtwin or Pechtwin was Consecrated Bishop of Witerne at Aelfet on the 16th Kal. of August ' Janbryht the Arch-Bishop received his Pall This was as Florence of Worcester informs us from Pope Paul I. ' This Year also as Simeon of Durham relates there was much Mischief done by Fire at London Winchester and other Places ' Alhred King of Northumberland began to reign and reigned Eight Years Ethelwold Moll having now by Death quitted that Kingdom The manner of which is given us more perfectly by William of Malmesbury and Roger Hoveden viz. That Ethelwold lost the Kingdom of Northumberland at Winchan-hea 1 o Kal. November being murder'd by the Treachery of this Albred who succeeded him and was also of the Race of Ida being his Great Nephew The same Year also according to William of Malmesbury Offa King of the Mercians envying the Greatness of the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury did by most noble Presents made to the Pope obtain a Pall for the See of Lichfield that is That it should be for the future an Arch-Bishoprick and that all the Bishops of the Provinces of the Kingdom of Mercia and the East Angles should be subject to it and this he not only gained notwithstanding the Opposition and Remonstrances of Arch-Bishop Jambert to the contrary but also bereaved the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury of all its Lands which lay within the Mercian Territories which Injustice continued during the whole Reign of King Offa till Kenulph his Successour by the Intercession of Eanbald then Arch-Bishop of York restored the See of Canterbury to its ancient Rights This Year deceased Egbert Arch-Bishop of York 13 o Kal. Sept. who sate Bishop 36 Years This is he who was Base Brother to the King of the same Name and regained the Pall to his See after it had been without it ever since the time of Paulinus He also built a Noble Library at York which was then counted one of the best in Europe for William of Malmesbury relates that Alcuin the greatest Scholar of his time once told the Emperour Charles That if he would give him such Books of exquisite Learning as he had in his own Country by the Pious Industry of his Master Arch-Bishop Eghert then he would instruct and send him back some young Men who should carry over the choicest Flowers of the English Learning into France According to Simeon of Durham Albert was now ordained Arch-Bishop of York ' Eadbert the Son of Eatta deceased on 14 o Kal. September This Eadbert had been formerly King of Northumberland and according to Simeon of Durham died 10 Years after his taking the Habit of a Monk and was buried at York Also this Year as the Welsh Chronicles acquaint us by the means of Flbodius that Learned and Pious Bishop of North Wales it was decreed in a General Synod of the British Nation That Easter should be kept after the Custom of Rome so that all Differences between that Church and the British now ceased ' Charles King of the Franks began his Reign for Pepin his Father died this Year as R. Hoveden informs us Also the fair City of Cataract in Yorkshire was burnt by Bâornred the Mercian Tyrant and He also perished by Fire the same Year This Year according to Simeon of Durham and R. Hoveden Offa King of the Mercians subdued the Nation of the Hestings by force of Arms but who these People were or where they inhabited no Author informs us Mr. Lambert in his Glossary at the end of the Decem Scriptores will have them to be Danes but I see no reason for it here since the Danes were not then settled in England ' This Year died Milred the Bishop Florence says he was Bishop of the Wiccii that is of the Diocess of Worcester and was in great Reputation for his Sanctity This Year Albert Arch-Bishop of York received his Pall from Pope Adrian as Simeon informs us
This Year the Northumbrians expelled their King Albred from York about Easter and chose Ethelred the Son of Moll once King for their Lord He reigned 4 Years Of which Transaction Roger Hoveden gives us this particular Relation That King Alhred being deposed by the Common-Council and Consent of his own Subjects and forsaken of all his Great Men was forced to retire first to the City of Bebban afterwards called Banbarough-Castle from whence he betook himself to Cynoth King of the Picts with but very few Followers The same Year also appeared a Red Cross in the Heavens after Sun-set and the Mercians and Kentish-men fought at Ottanford now Otford in Kent But neither the Saxon Annals nor any other vouchsafe to tell us what was the Quarrel nor who were the Commanders on either side nor yet what was the Success Also strange Serpents were seen in the Province of the South Saxons Mat. Westminster places this Prodigy two Years after and says They seemed to creep out of the Earth This Year Cynwulf King of the West Saxons and Offa King of the Mercians fought at Binsington now Bensington in Oxfordshire but Offa took the Town So it seems Cynwulf had the worst of it Here follows in the Peterburgh Copy another Relation concerning that Abbey which is thus That In the Reign of King Offa there was a certain Abbot of Medeshamstead called Beonna who with the Consent of the Monks of his Monastery leased out to Cuthbriht the Ealderman X Bonde-land that is the Ground of ten Bond-men or Villains at Swinesheafde with the Meadows and Pastures and all other Things thereunto belonging upon this Condition That Cuthbriht should pay the Abbot Fifty Pounds and one Night's Entertainment every Year or else Thirty Shillings in Money and that after his Death the Lands should again revert to the Monastery To which Grant King Offa King Egferth Arch Bishop Higebert the Bishop Ceolwulf the Bishop Inwona with Beon the Abbot and many other Bishops Abbots and Great Men were Witnesses I have inserted this Passage thô it does not relate to the Civil History of these Times because it is the First Example of a Lease of this kind and seems to have been done in a great Council of the Kingdom where these Kings were present which was then necessary for such a Grant Also in the time of this King Offa as the Peterburgh Copies relate there was a certain Ealderman called Brordan who desired of the King That for his sake he would free a certain Monastery of his called Wocingas because he intended to give it to St. Peter and to the Church of Medeshamsted one Pusa being then Abbot of it This Pusa succeeded Beonna and the King loved him very well wherefore he freed the Church of Wocingas by the King's consent with that of the Bishop Earls and all other Men's consents so that no body should from thenceforth have any duty or Tribute besides St. Peter and the Abbot this was done in the King's Town called Freoricburne Pehtwin Bishop of Witerne called in Latin Candida Casa deceased XIII Kal. Octob. he was Bishop Fourteen Years and had been bred under Aldhelm that Pious Bishop of Winchester and the same Year Ethelbert was consecrated Bishop of that See at York XVII Kal. Junii This Year according to the Welsh Chronicle the South-Welshmen destroyed great part of Mercia with Fire and Sword As also The Summer following all the Welshmen both of North and South-Wales gathered themselves together and Invading the Kingdom of Mercia made great spoil by burning and plundering the Country whereupon King Offa was forced to make Peace with the other Saxon Kings and to bend his whole Forces against the Welsh Men who not being able to encounter so great a strength as he then brought against them were forced to quit all the plain Country between the Rivers of Severne and Wye and retired into the Mountains whereupon Offa perceiving this seised upon all the Country and planted Saxons in their places and annexing it to his own Kingdom caused that famous Ditch or Trench to be made from Sea to Sea betwixt his Kingdom and Wales whereby he might the better defend his Country from the Incursions of the Welsh hereafter This Ditch is seen at this day in divers places and is called Welsh Clawdh Offa i.e. Offa's Ditch This Year Aethebald and Hearbert kill'd Three chief Gerifs or Governours Ealdwulf the Son of Bosa at Cyningeselife i. e. Kings Cliffe and Cynwulf and Ecga at Helathyrn XI Kal. Aprilis then Alfwold took the Kingdom Aethelred being Expel'd the Land and Reigned Ten Years But H. Huntington and Simeon of Durham gives us a more exact account of this Matter that Aethelred King of Northumberland having caused Three of his Nobles Aldwulf Kinwulf and Ecga to be treacherously slain by two of the same rank The Year following his Subjects Rebelling against him they first slew Aldwulf General of the King's Army in Flight at the place above mentioned as they also did the two other Commanders in the same manner so that King Aethelred's Captains being all slain and his hopes as well as his Forces defeated he was forced to flee into another Country and so Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeded him thô not without Civil Broils He was a Just and Pious Prince yet could not escape the hard Fate of his Predecessors as you will see in due time The same Year as the Laudean Copy relates King Charles entred Spain and destroyed the Citties of Pampelona and Cesar Augusta now called Saragosa and having joined his Army subdued the Saracens and received Hostages from them and then returned by Narbon and Gascony into France This Year the chief Gerifs or Governours of Northumberland burnt Beorne the Ealderman in Seletune 19 Kal. Januarij Roger Hoveden calls these Gerifs Osbald and Aethelheard and H. Huntington says They burnt this Ealderman or Chief Justice of the Kingdom because he was more Rigid and Severe than in Reason he ought to have been The same Year the Ancient Saxons and Franks fought against each other in which Battle Charles King of the Franks gained the Victory having wasted the Saxon Territories with Fire and Sword and laid them to his own Dominions as not only our own but the French Historians relate Also Bishop Aethelheard dyed at York and Eanbald was consecrated to the same See and Cynebald the Bishop resigned his See at Lindisfarne and Alchmuna Bishop of Hagulstead deceased 7 th Id. Sept. and Higbert was consecrated in his stead the 6 th of the Nones of Octob. as likewise Higbald was consecrated at Soccabrig to be Bishop of Lindisfarne Also King Allwold sent to Rome to demand the Pall for Eanbald Arch-Bishop of York This Year Werburh the Wife of King Ceolred late King of the Mercians deceased at her Nunnery of Chester where she was Abbess and where the Church is dedicated to her Memory also Cenwulf Bishop of Lindisfarne died
we exhort all Men that they pay Tythes of whatsoever they possess because it is God's special Commandment that every Man live and give Alms of the other 9 parts Whence you may observe that as this is the first Decree of any Council in England concerning payment of Tythes so also is it hereby declared that they are due by Divine Right The Nineteenth Decree is against Mens observing any Pagan Rites and particularly of making marks and scars in any part of their Bodies for any false God There are also other Decrees which seem very trivial as against cutting off Horses Ears or Tails and slitting their Noses as also against eating Horse-flesh which it seems was then much in fashion amongst the Common sort of People as also against casting of Lots for the deciding of Civil Controversies It also here appears by the Address of the Pope's Legates made to him at the end of this Council that there were two distinct Sessions of it the first was held before King Aelfwald and Arch Bishop Eanbald and all the Bishops belonging to the Northumbrian Kingdom as also all the Senators Ealdermen and People of that Country who when these Decrees were proposed to them did all of them with great devotion promise to observe them and subscribed them with the Sign of the Cross. Then follow the subscriptions of the King the Arch-Bishop of York and the rest of the Bishops of that Province after them follow also the Subscriptions of the Presbyters and Deacons of Churches Judges Chief and Noble Men some of whom do there subscribe for all the rest Where this Council was held for the Kingdom of Northumberland is uncertain but the second Session of it was held at Calcuith now supposed to be in the Kingdom of Mercia which as also in the conclusion of this Council it is thus recited King Offa with all the Senators of his Kingdom with Janbryht Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the other Bishops of that Province the same Decrees being read before the Council as well in Latin as in Saxon so that all might understand them they all agreed with one accord to observe them then follow the Subscriptions of King Offa and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with divers of the Nobles there present who subscribed in the name of all the rest But Will. of Malmesbury in his First Book de Pontif hath given us a further account of the Acts of this Council than what are expressed in the Canons themselves viz. That in this Council Arch-bishop Janbryht was forced to resign part of his Province to the Bishop of Litchfield who thereby became an Arch-Bishop so that there remained no more Bishops under the Jurisdiction of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury but those of London Winchester Rochester and Shireburne But thô it had been obtained by King Offa from the Pope by great importunity and false suggestions that Arch-Bishop Janbryht should be thus deprived of his Primacy yet was it not counted of any force till it was confirmed in a great Council and that the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury himself had consented to it The same Author further adds That also in this Council Offa the most potent King of the Mercians did then cause his Eldest Son Egfred a Comely and Valiant Young Man and endued with all good Qualities to be solemnly Crowned King who obeying his Father in all things Reigned together with him so long as he lived But it is very observable that neither Alrich then King of Kent nor any of his Deputies did appear at this Council for which I can give no other Reason than that this King did not approve of the Removal of the chief Archiepiscopal See from Canterbury in his own Dominions to Litchfield in another Prince's Territories But as Will of Malmesbury observes This Violence done to the See of Canterbury thô it lasted all the Reign of King Offa and also during the Life-time of Arch-Bishop Janbryht who spared neither cost nor pains to get his See restored to its Ancient Dignity yet was it all to no purpose till such time as Kenwulf King of the Mercians restored the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury to its former Rights Litchfield becoming again an ordinary Bishoprick subject to the See of Canterbury to this day having continued an Arch-Bishoprick only during the times of two Arch-Bishops viz. for the space of about Eleven Years But it is time to return to Civil Affairs The same Year as H. Huntington relates the Sign of the Cross appeared of it self upon Mens Cloaths which if true is wonderful to future Ages King Brithric now married Eadburghe the Daughter of King Offa which was done as Will. of Malmesbury relates to strengthen his Interest with his Neighbouring Princes also about those times as Ethelwerd and the Saxon Annals inform us arrived in the West Country three Ships of Danes or Norwegians from Herethaland that is the Country of Pyrates these landing the King 's Geref or Officer coming thither on Horseback endeavoured to carry them to the King's Town of Dorchester because he knew not from whence they came but he was there slain with those that attended on him after which great Multitudes of People flocking in the Danes were at last forced to Flee to their Ships and leave their prey behind them these were the first Danish Ships that ever infested the English Nation Where Note That the same People who are first called Normans in the Saxon Annals are there also named Danes in other places which shews that the Danes and Normans were then looked upon to be one and the same People This Year there was a general Synod assembled at Pyncanhale or Finkenhale now Finkley in the Bishoprick of Durham then part of the Kingdom of Northumberland where Eanbald Arch-Bishop of York presided whose Decrees you may see in Sir H. Spelman's 1 Vol. of Councils but its constitutions being wholly about Ecclesiastical Discipline and the right observation of Easter it is beside my purpose to take any further notice of them This Year also according to the Annals Albert the Abbot deceased and King Charles passed through Almany to the very Borders of Bavaria as the Latin Text of the Laudean Copy relates Alfwold King of Northumberland was slain by one Sicga on the IX Kal. Octob. This King is said by Simeon of Durham and Roger Hoveden to have been a very Just and Worthy Prince and that he was Slain by the Treachery of this Sicga who was one of his chief Noblemen and being Murthered at Cilceaster near the Pict's Wall there was frequently seen a Light from Heaven over the Place where he was Slain He was buried in the Cathedral Church of Hagulstad with great Solemnity and there was afterwards a Church built in the Place where he was killed and Osred the Son of Alchrâd Reigned after him who was the Nephew of King Alfwold There was also at this time another Synod held at Aclea The same Year likewise according to Mat. Westminster Offa
King of the Mercians fought against Kenwulf King of the West-Saxons at the Siege of Bensington Castle But Kenwulf being worsted was forced to flee and so Offa took the Castle Now Janbryht the Archbishop deceased and Ethelheard the Abbot was elected Archbishop Also Osred King of the Northumbers was betray'd and driven out of his Kingdom and Ethelred the Son of Ethelwald Sirnamed Mull reigned after him or rather was again restored to the Kingdom having reigned there before as hath been already shewn But Simeon of Durham adds farther that this Osred the late King of this Kingdom having been also shaven a Monk against his Will escaped again out of the Monastery into the Isle of Man But the next Year As Simeon relates Oelf and Oelfwin Sons of Alfwold formerly King of Northumberland were drawn by fair Promises from the Principal Church of York and afterwards at the Command of King Ethelred cruelly put to Death at Wonwalderemâre a Village by the great Pool in Lancashire now called Winanderemere Also about this time according to the same Author one Eardulf an Earl being taken and brought to Ripun was there Sentenced by the said King to be put to Death without the Gate of the Monastery whose Body when the Monks had carried to the Church with solemn Dirges and placed under a Pavilion was about Midnight found alive But this Relation is very imperfect for it neither tells us how he escaped Death nor how he was conveyed away though we find him five Years after this made King of Northumberland This Year as Simeon of Durham and Mat. Westminster relate Charles King of France sent certain Synodal Decrees into England in which alas for with great Grief our Author speaks it were found many inconvenient things and altogether contrary to the true Faith For it had been decreed in a Council at Constantinople by more than Three Hundred Bishops that Images ought to be adored which the Church of God does say they wholly abominate Then Albinus that is our Alcuin wrote an Epistle wherein he proved it by the Authority of the Holy Scriptures to be utterly Unlawful and this he offered together with the Book it self to the King of France on the behalf of all our Bishops and Great Men and this Letter of Alcuinus is thought to have wrought such an effect on the Synod of Francfort assembled about two Years after that the Worship of Images was therein solemnly condemned From which it is evident that Image-Worship as now practised in the Greek and Roman Churches was not then received in England And this Year also according to the same Author Osred late King of Nortbumberland being deceived by the Oaths of some great Men returned privately from the Isle of Man when his Souldiers deserting him and being taken Prisoner by King Ethelred he was by his Command put to Death at a Place called Aynsburg but his Body was buried at the famous Monastery at the mouth of Tine and the same Year King Ethelred betrothed Elfrede the Daughter of King Offa. In whom also there was found as little Faith as Mercy for this Year according to our Annals Will. of Malmesbury and Mat. Westminster Ethelbert the Son of Ethelred King of the East-Angles notwithstanding the disswasions of his Mother going to the Court of King Offa in order to Wooe his Daughter was there slain by the wicked instigations of Queen Quendrith so that out of an Ambition to seize his Kingdom Offa was perswaded to make him away but by what means it is not agreed The Annals relate him to have been beheaded But the same Annals and Florence of Worcester agree That his Body was buried in the Monastery at Tinmouth But the Chronicle ascribed to Abbot Bromton as also Mat. Westminster have given us long and Legendary Accounts of the Death of this Prince and the latter of these as well as other Monks who were favourers of this King Offa would have this Murther to be committed without this King's knowledge and Mat. Westminster has a long Story about it but not all probable especially since the King was so well pleased with the Fact when it was done that he presently seized the Kingdom of this poor Murthered Prince and added it to his own Dominions This Year as Mat. Paris and his Namesake of Westminster relate King Offa was warned by an Angel to remove the Reliques of St. Alban into a more noble Shrine and so either for this cause or else which is more likely to expiate the several Murthers he had committed began to build a new Church and Monastery in honour of St. Alban and thither removing his Bones into a Silver shrine all gilt and adorned with precious Stones he placed them in the new Church that he had built without the Town where as the Monks pretended they wrought great Miracles This King having made a journey on purpose to Rome obtained of Pope Adrian to have him Canonized King Offa also conferred upon this Monastery very great Privileges and vast Possessions all which he confirmed by his Charter which you may find in the first Volume of Monast. Anglic. as that also Anno. Dom. 1154. One Nicholas having been first a Servant in this Abbey and afterwards was Bishop of Alba Elected Pope by the name of Adrian IV he by his Bull ordained that as St. Alban was the first Martyr of England so this Abbot should be the first in Dignity of all the Abbots in England and Pope Honorius did by a Bull in the Year 1118 not only ratifie all the Privileges made and confirmed by former Popes but also granted to the Abbot and his Successours Episcopal Rights together with the Habit and that he and his Monks should be exempt from all Jurisdiction to the Bishop of Lincoln with other Exemptions too long here to be set down Also this Year there appeared strange Prodigies in the Country of Northumberland which mightily terrified the People of that Province viz. immoderate Lightnings there were also seen Meteors like fiery Dragons flying in the Air after which signs followed a cruel Famine and a little after the same Year 6 o Idus Jan. certain Heathens i.e. Danes miserably destroyed the Church of God in Lindisfarne committing great Spoils and Murthers Simeon of Durham says These Danes not only pillaged that Monastery but killing divers of the Friers carried away the rest Captive sparing neither Priests nor Laymen This Year also Sicga died he who killed the good King Alfwold who now as Roger Hoveden relates slew himself And the same Year according to Florence of Worcester Ethelard was ordained Arch-Bishop of York and as Simeon of Durham relates the same Year died Alric Third Son to Withred King of Kent after a long Reign of Thirty Four Years in whom ended the Race of Hengist Thenceforth as Will. of Malmesbury observes whomsoever Wealth or Faction advanced took on him the Title of King of that Province This Year both Pope Adrian
Saxons marching in an Hostile manner into Cornwal absolutely subdued it and added it to his own Kingdom many being there slain on both sides The same Year also according to Caradoc's Chronicle Run King of Dyvet and Cadhel King of Powis deceased Charles the Emperour made Peace with Nicephorus Emperour of Constantinople This Year also according to the same Caradoc Elbods Arch-Bishop of North Wales i. e. of St. Asaph deceased before whose Death was a great Eclipse of the Sun But as the Reverend Lord Bishop of Bangor in his Catalogue of the Welsh Kings which he has been pleased to communicate to me well observes That Eclipse falling out Anno 810 the Bishops Death must do so likewise and therefore in this the Chronicles must needs be mistaken Also according to Mat. Westminster Aelfwold King of Northumberland dying Earnred succeeded him and held it for 32 Years which is also confirmed by Simeon of Durham thô this can by no means agree with the Chronicle of Mailross which says That Eardulf being expelled his Kingdom it continued without any King for many Years but William of Malmesbury makes this Anarchy to have begun from the murther of King Ethered Anno 794 as hath been already observed in the last Book and that this Confusion lasted for about 33 Years during which time that Province became a Scorn to its Neighbours But it seems they still had Kings thô very obscure and but of small Account But of greater certainty is that which Mat. Westminster relates under this Year viz. That King Egbert subdued the Northern Welsh-men and made them Tributary to him But it is wholly incredible what Buchanan in his Scotish History relates in the Year following to wit That Achaius King of Scots having reigned 32 Years and had formerly aided but in what Year of his Reign he tells us not Hungus King of the Picts with 10000 Scots against one Athelstan then wasting the Pictish Borders and that Hungus by the Aid of those Scots and the Help of St. Andrew their Patron in a Vision by Night and the Appearance of a Cross by Day routed the astonished English and slew this Athelstan in Fight But who this Athelstan was I believe no Man knows Buchanan supposes him to have been some Danish Commander on whom King Alured or Alfred had bestowed Northumberland Yet of this I find no Foot-steps in our ancient Writers and if any such Thing were done in the time of Alfred it must be above 60 Years after for King Alfred began not to Reign till Anno 871. And John Fordun in his Scotish History is also as much mistaken making this Athelstan to be the Son of King Ethelwulf who then governed the Northern Provinces under his Father which also fails almost as much in point of time this Prince Athelstan here mentioned being as appears by the Saxon Annals alive and engaged in a Sea-Fight against the Danes above 40 Years after as you will find in its due place set down This Athelstan therefore and this great Overthrow seems rather to have been a meer Fancy of some idle Monk And this Year according to Mat. Westminster as King Egbert had the Year before subdued the Welsh-men so it seems upon some fresh Rebellion of theirs he again entred their Borders and laid them waste from North to South with Fire and Sword and then returned home Victorious But notwithstanding the Wars the Welsh had from abroad it seems they had also time enough for Civil Wars at home for now according to Caradoc's Chronicle Conan Prince of Wales and his Brother Howel could not agree insomuch that they tried the Matter by Battle where Howel had the Victory to which Dr. Powel hath here added this Observation That this Howel the Brother of Conan King or Prince of North Wales did claim the Isle of Mon or Anglesey for part of his Father's Inheritance which Conan refusing to give him thereupon they fell at Variance and consequently made War the one against the other And here says he I think fit to say somewhat of the old Custom and Tenure of Wales from whence this Mischief grew that is the Division of the Father's Inheritance amongst all the Sons commonly called Gauel kind Gauel is a British Term signifying a Hold because every one of the Sons did hold some portion of his Father's Lands as his lawful Son and Successour This was the Cause not only of the Overthrow of all the ancient Nobility of Wales for by that means the Inheritance being continually divided and subdivided amongst the Children and Children's Children it was at length brought to nothing but also of much Bloodshed unnatural Strife and Contention amongst Brethren as we have here an Example and many others in this History This kind of Partition is very good to plant and settle a Nation in a large Country not inhabited but in a populous Country already furnished with Inhabitants it is the utter Decay of great Families and as I said before the cause of constant Strife and Debate But some Years after Howel gave his Brother Conan another Defeat and slew a great many of his People Whereupon Conan levied an Army in the Year 817 and chased his Brother Howel out of the Isle of Anglesey compelling him to flee into that of Man and a little after died Conan chief King of the Britains or Welsh-men leaving behind him a Daughter named Esylht who was married to a Nobleman called Mârvyn Vrych the Son of Gwyriad who was afterwards King in her Right This Year also as the Manuscript Annals of the Abbey of Winchelcomb relate the Charter of this Monastery was granted by King Kenulph as appears by a Copy there inserted which shews what Orders of Men were summoned by that King to be present at the Council in which this Charter was confirmed viz. Merciorum optimates Episcopos Principes Comites Procuratores meosque i. e. Regis Propinquos which Terms having already been explained in the Introduction to this Book I need noââere repeat There were also present Cuthred King of Kent his ãâ¦ã King of the East-Saxons with all others who should be present at those Synodal Councils Then follow the Subscriptions of K. Kenulph as also of both the said Kings and of Wilfred Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with the rest of the Bishops and Ealdermen there stiled Duces This Year according to our Annals the Emperour Charles the Great departed this Life when he had Reigned Forty Five Years also Wilfred the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and Wigbright the Bishop of the West-Saxons went to Rome But here our Annals are mistaken for this Emperour dyed not till the Year 814. Mat. Westminster also adds that these Bishops above-mentioned went to Rome about the Affairs of the English Church Arch-Bishop Wilfred having received the Benediction of Pope Leo returned again to his Bishoprick and the same Year King Egbert wasted the Western Welsh from the South to the West This seems but to have been the
said by Will of Malmesbury to have told his Son Ethelwulf whom he left his Successour That he might be happy if he did not permit the Kingdom which he had now laid together with great Industry to be spoiled by sloathfulness to which this Nation had been too much addicted There is little mention of this King's Children except Ethelwulf only it is said by John of Tinmouth that he had also a Daughter called Edgithe who being first bred up under an Irish Abbess called Modwina was made Abbess of the Nunnery at Polesworth but this since we have no better Authority than modern hands for it I cannot be certain of but as for the Wife of King Egbert who was according to the late West-Saxon Law never called Queen her Name was Redburge and she is mentioned by John Beaver to have procured that Law from her Husband that no Welshman should without leave pass over Offa's Ditch upon pain of Death But the same Year that King Egbert dyed was held a Common Council of the whole Kingdom at Kingston upon Thames where were present Egbert King of the West-Saxons and Ethelwulf his Son with Ceolnoth Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and other Bishops and Chief Men of England where among other things the manner of Mallings in Sussex having been bestowed by Baldred King of Kent on Christ Church Cant. and being afterwards taken away from it because the great Men of that Kingdom would not ratifie the Donation it was now by the consent of the King and all his Chief and Wise Men again confirmed King ETHELWULF with his Son King ATHELSTAN No sooner was King Egbert's Body buried at Winchester but King Ethelwulf succeeded to the Throne and though none of our Historians mention any former Election or Coronation of this King yet it is certain he came to the Crown by Vertue of his Father's Testament Henry Huntington and Roger Hoveden telling us expresly That he left his Two Sons Ethelwulf and Athelstan his Heirs which though it be in part a mistake since this Athelstan was not Son but Brother to King Ethelwulf yet that concerning the King's bequeathing the Crown is very probable it being according to the Custom of that time but that this alone would not have been sufficient shall be shewn in another place This Prince as Thomas Rudborn in his History of the Church of Winchester relates had been during the Life of his Elder Brother whose Name we know not educated in the Monastery of Winchester under the Tuition of Helmestan Bishop and Swithune Praepositus or Dean of that Church and had there taken the Order of a Subdeacon with an intent as is supposed to have professed himself a Monk not that he was ever made Bishop of that Church thô it is so related by H. Huntington and other Writers But King Egbert having no other Son living he was dispenced with to Marry and returning very early to a Secular Life helped his Father in his Wars after whose Death he was advanced to the Throne yet he always retained a great deal of the Monk loved his ease and had very little Ambition and therefore not caring to trouble himself with the Governing of many Provinces he rested contented with his Paternal Kingdom of West Saxony and made over the Kingdoms of Kent and of the South and East Saxons being his Father's Conquests to Athelstan his Son as the Saxon Annals and Will of Malmesbury expresly call him and which is more Ethelwerd in his Chronicle gives us the Names of Five Sons of King Ethelwuâf of which says he Athelstan who Reigned together with his Father was the Eldest that Alfred the Fifth Son Reigned after them all yet most of the other Historians going directly contrary to those Authorities will needs have him to be his Brother I suppose to save this Pious Prince's Reputation but Mat. Westminster says That he was his base Son which is most probable since he had not any Legitimate Son then old enough to Govern a Kingdom as this Athelstan at that time was and whom we shall often find mentioned in this History thô when or how he dyed all our Writers are silent This Year according to the Saxon Annals Wulfheard the Ealdorman fought at Hamtun i. e. Southampton with a Fleet of Thirty Three Danish Pyrates and there making a great slaughter of them obtained the Victory The same Year this Wulfheard deceased Also Aethelm another Ealdorman fought with the Danish Army at Port now called Portland where he being assisted by the Dorset-shire Men soon put them to flight but how this can consist with what follows I know not viz. That the Danes notwithstanding kept the Field where the Battle was Fought and slew the Chief Commander being an Ealdorman unless it relate to the Year following when Hârebryht the Ealdorman was killed by the Danes and many others with him in Merscwarum that is Mercia also the same Year in Lindisse as also among the East Angles and in Kent many were Slain by their Forces for there according to Mat. Westminster the above said Earl or Ealdormen was slain the Danes obtaining the Victory destroying all places with Fire and Sword And the same Year according to Florence of Worcester Wiglaf King of Mercia dying Bertulf succeeded him There was this Year a great slaughter made by the Danes about London Cantwic i. e. Canterbury and Hrofcester that is Rochester So that now it seems the Danes had entred farther into the Land making havock of all where ever they came This Year King Ethelwulf fought at Carrum i. e. Charmouth against 35 Danish Ships who kept the Field where the Battle was fought So that according to H. Huntington they here obtained the Victory for though the number of their Ships were but small yet they were very large and full of Men. ' This Year also the Emperour Lewis the Pious dyed Nor can I here omit what the Scotish Historians place under the former Year but ours under this viz. The total Conquest of the Picts by Kened the first King of Scotland after many fierce Battles in the last of which Drusken King of the Picts being Slain that Kingdom was totally destroyed and as H. Huntington long since observed not only their Laws but also their very Language except what remains in the Names of places is now totally lost and that Nation being long since incorporated with that of the Antient Scots and Saxons shews us that even whole Kingdoms and Nations have both their Originals and fatal periods as well as particular Persons But thô the Scotish Historians do justly date the Empire of their Kings over all Scotland from this Total Conquest of the Picts by King Kened according to that old Verse Primus in Albania fertur regnasse Kenedus Yet when those Historians will by this Conquest extend the limits of this King and his Successour's Dominions so far beyond Edenburgh Southward making him to have Reigned from the River Tyne and so would
the Ruines which the Mercian Arms and Tyranny had brought upon the Churches of the East Angles reduced by War to extream Poverty and consequently to a Neglect of Piety and Ecclesiastical Discipline And thus he Reigned 14 Years in Peace with the Affection of all his Subjects till GOD was pleased by sending the Pagan Danes as a Scourge to his Country to render this Prince a high Example of Christian Fortitude and Constancy King ETHELBALD and King ETHELRED After the Death of Ethelwulf King of the West Saxons his two eldest Sons divided their Father's Kingdom according to his Will Ethelbald his eldest Son succeeded him in West Saxony whilst his younger Brother Ethelred Reigned in Kent as also over the East and South Saxons And now according to our Annals the Pope hearing of the Death of King Ethelwulf anointed Alfred to be King and also delivered him to a Bishop to be Confirmed If this was so the King his Father must have left him behind at Rome for Asser says expresly That he went thither with him but over what Kingdom the Pope should Anoint him I know not unless foretold by way of Prophecy he would be King after his Brothers But as for King Ethelbald above-mentioned both Ingulph and Will of Malmesbury give him a very bad Character That he married Judeth his Father's Widow and was also besides both Lazy and Perfidious but Thomas Redborne in his larger History of Winchester says That by the Admonition of Swithin Bishop of that Church he repented of his Incest and put away Judeth his Mother-in-Law and observed all Things that the Bishop enjoyned him This Author farther relates from one Gerard of Cornwal's History of the West Saxon Kings not now extant that I know of That he died in a few Years after without doing or suffering any thing that deserves to be mentioned for we do not find that the Danes troubled this Kingdom all his Reign concerning the Length of which there is very different Relations amongst our Historians the Saxon Annals and William of Malmesbury making him to have reigned 5 Years whereas Asser and Ingulph allow him but Two and an half which seems to be the truer Account for if King Ethelwulf returned from Rome in the Year 855 and lived above Two Years after it is plain King Ethelbald could not Reign above Two Years and an half for the Saxon Annals tell us that in the next Year but one viz. King Ethelbald deceased and that his Body was buried at Scireborne King ETHELBERT alone Theâ Aethelbryght his Brother took the Kingdom and held it in great Concord and Quiet I suppose our Author means from Domestick Commotions for he immediately tells us That in this King's time there came an Army of Danes from the Sea and took Winchester with whom in their return to their Ships Osric and Aethelwulf the Ealdormen with the Hampshire and Berkshire-men fought and put the Danes to flight and kept the Field of Battle but the Annals do not tell us in what Year of his Reign this Invasion happened ' This Year deceased St. Swithune Bishop of Winchester Now concerning this holy Bishop as also Alstan Bishop of Shirbone William of Malmesbury gives us this Character which omitting all the Bedroll of Miracles that follow I shall here set down King Aethelwulf bearing a great Reverence to St. Swithune whom he calls his Teacher and Master desisted not till he had honoured him with the Government of the said Bishoprick so that he was Consecrated with the Unanimous Consent and Joy of all the whole Clergy of that Diocess by Cealâoth Arch Bishop of Canterbury hereby Bishop Swithune's Authority encreasing his Councels for the Good of the Kingdom proved of greater weight so that by his Admonitions both the Church and State received great Benefit And indeed he was a rich Treasure of all Virtues but those in which he took most Delight were Humility and Clemency and in the discharge of his Episcopal Function he omitted nothing belonging to a True Pastor By his Assistance principally together with that of the Prudent and Couragious Prelate Alstan Bishop of Shirborne King Aethelwulf was enabled to support the Calamities his Kingdom suffered by the frequent Irruptions of the Danes for these two were his principal Councellours in all Affairs Bishop Swithune who contemned Worldly Things informed his Lord in all Matters which concerned his Soul whilst Alstan judging that Temporal Advantages were not to be neglected encouraged him to oppose the Danes and provided Money for his Exchequer and also ordered his Armies so that thô this King was of a slow unactive Nature yet by the Admonitions of these two worthy Councellours he Governed his Kingdom prudently and happily Many noble Designs for the good of the Church and State being well begun were prosperously executed in his Reign This Year the Danish Army landed in Thanet and wintering there made a League with the Kentish-men who promised them Money provided they would keep the Peace under pretence of which and of the Money promised the Danes stole out of their Camp and wasted all the East part of Kent For as Asser well observes they knew they could get more by Plunder than by Peace Now according to the same Annals King Aethelbryht died to the great Grief of his Subjects having governed the Kingdom 5 Years with a general Satisfaction and was buried at Scyreburne near to his Brother This Prince is supposed to have had a Son call'd Ethelwald whom you will find in this History to have raised a Rebellion against King Edward the elder many Years after King ETHELRED Then according to the Annals Aethelred Brother to the late King began his Reign and the same Year a great Army of Danes landed in England and took up their Winter Quarters among the East Angles and there turned Horsemen and that Nation was forced to make Peace with them Then the Pagan Army sailed from the East Angles and went up the River Humber to the City of York where was at that time great Discord between the People of that Nation I shall here give you Asser's Account of this Transaction being to the same effect thô more particular than that in the Annals themselves For says he the Northumbers had now expelled Osbright their lawful King and had set up a Tyrant or Usurper one Aella who was not descended of the Royal Line but now when the Pagans invaded them by the Intercession of the great Men and for the Common Safety the two Kings joyned their Forces and so marched to York at whose coming the Danes presently fled and endeavoured to defend themselves within the City which the Christians perceiving resolved to follow them to the very Walls and breaking in and entering the Town with them for it seems that City had not in those Times such strong Walls as they had when Asser wrote his History therefore when the Christians had made a Breach in the Wall as
there declare their number that they may be ready to produce them to answer any thing that shall be demanded of them in the said Folcmote and if it happen that they bring many strangers on shore that they also certifie this to the King's Officer in that said Assembly that so they may be forth coming Now considering the Times wherein King Alfred lived when there was such flocking of Strangers being Enemies into England this Law was very justly and seasonably made The Thirty First inflicts upon him that shall put a Ceorles's Man that is an ordinary Country-Man without any fault into Bonds viz. A Mulct of Ten Shillings upon him that beats such a one Twenty Shillings if he hang him up a-loft Thirty Shillings if he cut off his Hair to expose him like a Fool Ten Shillings if he shave his Head like a Priest yet bind him not Thirty Shillings and in case he only cut off his Beard Twenty Shillings but if he bind him and shave his Hair like a Priest then Sixty Shillings Which Law was no doubt made to restrain the Tyranny and Insolence of the English Nobility who were wont before that Law too much to domineer over poor Country-Men here called Ceorles-men and therefore it seems highly probable that the Commons of England had then Representatives in the Great Council or else it is not likely the Nobility would ever have lost that Power they then Usurped over them Wherefore I shall leave it to the Indifferent Reader to Consider whether the Common People of England were then such Slaves as some late Writers would fain make them since not only satisfaction was to be made for their Lives but also for the least injury or abuse that might be committed against their Persons The Thirty Fourth Law imposes upon him that shall strike or fight in open Court before the King 's Ealdorman both the value of his own head and such a Fine besides as shall be thought fit and also 120 Shillings to be paid to the Ealdorman by him that by thus drawing his Weapon shall make any disturbance in the Folcmote or County Court if the Ealdorman were not present but the fact was done before his Substitute or the King's Priest then a Were or Amerciament of Thirty Shillings Here by the King's Priest is meant either the King's Chaplain or Bishop I will not determine whether who as we formerly said in those times presided also in the Folcmotes and there dispatched all business relating to the Church The Thirty Fifth ordains What satisfaction shall be made for breach of the Peace in any other place as for Example he that fights in the home-stall of a Country-man shall pay the said Country-man Six Shillings if he drew his Sword but struck not half as much which Penalty also was to be encreased according to the Estate or Quality of him upon whose ground the Assault was made So that if he fought in the House of one worth 600 Shillings he was to pay Three times as much if of one worth 1200 Shillings then the Amends was to be twice as much as the former The Thirty Six Law of Bârhbrice or breach of the Peace in a Town confirms that part of King Ina's Law concerning that matter in imposing upon the Offender for the breach of the Peace in the King's Town or City by setting the Mulct of an Hundred and Twenty Shillings but if it be done in the Arch-Bishop's Town then Ninety Shillings in that of a Bishop or Ealdorman Sixty Shillings in the Town of a Man valued at 1200 Shillings Estate Thirty Shillings but half as much if done in a Village of one worth but half that Sum. From whence we may observe That in those times not only the King and the Great Men such as Bishops and Ealdormen but also Gentlemen of ordinary Estates had Villages or Townships of their own and they themselves received the Mulcts or Penalties imposed for the breach of the Peace within their Precincts which priviledge they lost I suppose after the coming of King William I. The Thirty Seventh is That Law concerning Bocland by vertue whereof he that holds Lands left him by his Ancestors was forbid to alienate it from his Kindred to others in case it could be proved by Writing or Testimony before the King or the Bishop his Kindred being present that the Man who first granted them forbid him all Alienation and laid on him this Condition From the making of this Law Mr. Selden informs us that we may here find an Estate in Fee-Tail much more ancient than the thirteenth Year of Edward the First The 38th Law is concerning Quarrels or deadly Feuds which since it gives a strange Licence for Men to take Satisfaction on their Enemies even without the Presence of any Officer I shall likewise set down First It forbids any Man to attack his Enemy if he find him in his own House except he first demand of him Satisfaction But if he have force enough he may besiege the House for seven days yet he shall not assault him if he will stay within but if he then surrender himself and his Arms into the Defendant's hands he may keep him thirty Days without hurt but then shall leave him so to his Kindred or Friends In case he flie to a Church the Honour of the Church is to be preserved But if the Demandant have not Strength enough to besiege him in his House he may desire the Assistance of the Ealderman which if he cannot obtain he must appeal to the King before he can assault him If any one by chance light upon his Adversary not knowing that he keeps himself at home and he will deliver up his Arms to him he shall keep him safe thirty Days and then deliver him to his Friends But in case he will not deliver up his Arms then he may fight with him but if he be willing to deliver up himself and his Arms to his Enemy and any other Man sets upon him such a Man shall pay the value of his Head if he kills him or give Satisfaction for his Wounds if any be given him according to the Fact besides which he shall be fined and lose all that may fall to him by reason of Kindred From whence you may observe that the nature of that Rough and Martial Age did allow Men a greater Liberty of righting themselves against those that had injured them than was afterwards thought fit to be allowed in more settled and peaceable Times The last of King Alfred's Laws is concerning Wounds and Maims which being very long I shall only give you an Abstract of it It is in short to appoint what Satisfaction in Money any Man shall pay for wounding or maiming another or for cutting off any Member or part of his Body even to the Nail of his little Finger All which was ascertained according to the particular Sums there set down and I shall leave it to wiser Judgments to consider whether
it would not be better if the Law were so at this day since it would not only prevent the too great Favour of Juries in some Cases but also their over-Severity in others by often giving either very small or else excessive Damages according as the Plaintiff or Defendant is more or less known to them or that they have a greater or less Kindness for them There was likewise made in the same Synod divers Ecclesiastical Canons some of which taken from amongst the Civil Ones I shall here likewise set down The first is concerning the Immunities of the Churches by which it is ordained That if a Man guilty of any little Crime flie to a Church which does not belong to the King or the Family of a private Person he shall have three Nights to provide for himself unless in the mean time he can make his Peace But if any Man within that Term shall inflict upon him either Bonds or Blows he shall pay the Price of his Head according to the Custom of the Country and also to the Ministers or Officers of the Church 120 Shillings for violating the Peace thereof The next Law but one is likewise to the same effect whereby is granted to every Church consecrated by the Bishop the like Peace and if any Offender shall flie to it none shall take him thence for seven Days if any Man shall presume to do so he shall be culpable of breaking the King's and Churche's Peace If the Officers shall have need of their Church in the mean time he shall be put into another House which has no more Doors than the Church only the Elder i.e. Presbyter of that Church shall take Care he have no Meat given him But if he will surrender himself and his Arms to his Enemies he shall be kept thirty Nights and then be delivered up to his Kinsmen Also whosoever shall flie to a Church for any Crime which he hath not yet confess'd if he shall there make Confession of it in God's Name half the Penalty shall be remitted to him From whence you may observe the Antiquity and Design of Sanctuaries in England which were not then as they were afterwards abused being at first only intended for Places where Offenders might stay for a time 'till they could agree with their Adversaries or Prosecutors as well as they could since almost all Crimes whatever were redeemable with pecuniary Mulcts in those days The 5th Law is that if one shall steal any thing out of a Church he must restore the value and also forfeit as belongs to an Angild the meaning of which you may see in the next Law The 6th Law is That if any one shall steal on the Sunday or on Christmas or Easter or Ascension-days the Forfeiture should be as belongs to an Angild i. e. the whole value of his Head Also the Hand with which he stole was to be cut off But if he would redeem his Hand it should be permitted him to compound for it according as it should appertain to his Were i. e. the Price of his Head Besides which Laws Alfred Abbot of Rieval in his Geneal Regum Angliae mentions another Law of this King 's whereby every Freeman of the Kingdom having two Hides of Land was obliged to keep his Sons at School 'till they were 15 Years of Age that so they might become Men of Understanding and live happily for said the King in this Law a Man Free-born and unlettered is to be regarded no otherwise than a Beast or a Man void of Understanding The 12th is concerning the Breach of the Peace by Priests If a Priest kill any one he should be taken and all his Estate confiscated and also the Bishop should degrade him and put him out from the Church unless his Lord would obtain his Pardon by the Price of his Head The rest being concerning the Penalties for the Violation of Nuns I omit I have been the more particular in the reciting of these Laws of King Alfred as well Ecclesiastical as Civil that the Reader may see the Penalties that were inflicted upon Offenders in that Age and how different they were from ours But to return to our Annals This Year Beocca the Ealderman carried the Alms of the West-Saxons as well as the King 's to Rome Also Queen Aethelswith who was the Sister of K. Aelfred and Widow of Burhed King of Menia died in her Journey thither whose Body was buried at Pavia And the same Year Aethered Archbishop of Canterbury and Aethelwald the Ealderman deceased in the same Month. About this time also according to Asser King Alfred built two Monasteries the one for Men at Ethelingaie now Athelney that is The Isle of Nobles where he had before lain so concealed and the other for Nuns at Shaftsbury where he made Algiva his own Daughter Abbess endowing them both with great Revenues ' This Year none went to Rome unless two ordinary Messengers whom the King sent with Letters yet nevertheless Florence of Worcester affirms the King Commanded all the Bishops and Religious Men of England to Collect the Alms of the Faithful in order to senâ them to Rome and Jerusalem And The next Year according to the same Annals Beornhelm Abbot of the West Saxons carried those Alms to Rome and also Goarun or Gythrum King of the Normans i.e. Danes deceased and being God-Son to King Aelfred his Christian Name was Ethelstan this was he who possessed the Country of the East-Angles after the Death of King Edmund Also the same Year the Danes left the River Seine and came to Sand-Laudan which place lyes between the Bretons and the French but the Bretons fighting with them obtained the Victory and drove them into a River where many of them were drown'd This Year also the Annals relate That Plegmond was Elected by God and all his Holy Men to the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury thô Florence of Worcester places it and that more rightly under the Year before The Danes again Invaded the Eastern Franckland and Arnulf the Emperour being assisted by the French Saxons and Bavarian Horse fought with the Danish Foot and put them to flight Also Three Scots came now to King Alfred from Ireland in one Boat made of Hides having quitted their Country because they would live the Life of Pilgrims i. e. a Wandring Life for God's sake not being solicitous about any place wherefore they had brought only one Week's Provision with them and after about Seven Days being at Sea landing in Cornwall they were presently brought to King Alfred their Names were Dubslane Macbeth and Maelinmun also Swifneh who was chief Preacher amongst the Irish Scots deceased The same Year after Easter appeared a Comet This Year after Eight Years Intermission the Kingdom became again infested worse than ever by a fresh Invasion of the Danes for their Army above-mentioned being driven by the Emperour Arnwulf out of France marched Westward to Bunnan now Boloign where taking
of their Vessels set upon Three English Ships which lay on the dry ground and Fighting with them there slew Lucomon the King's Admiral and Wulfherd Aebba and Aethelerd being all Frizelanders who it seems then served in the King's Fleet so that of the Frisons and English there were slain Sixty Two of the Danes One Hundred and Twenty But the Tide returning the Danish Ships got away before the English could have out theirs at Sea thô they were so shatter'd that they could scarce reach the Coast of Sussex for two of them were ran on Shore and the Men being brought to the King at Winchester he Commanded them all to be Hang'd But those who were in the Third Ship being very much wounded with great difficulty reached East-England The same Year there perished no less than Twenty of their Ships together with the Seamen near the Southern Coast and then also Wulfred Master of the King's Horse Deceased who was a British or Welsh Gerefe or Governour Aethelm Ealdorman of Wiltshire deceased Nine days before Midsummer and the same Year also Aealhstan Bishop of London dyed This Year according to the Welsh Chronicle Igmond the Dane with a great number of Soldiers Landed in the Isle of Man or Anglesey where the Welshmen gave him Battle at a place called Molerain or Meilon wherein we may suppose the Danes got the Victory for their Chronicle says nothing to the contrary and besides Merwy Son to Rodri King of Powis was there slain Also now King Alfred Deceased six days before the Feast of All Saints He was King over all the English Nation except what was under the power of the Danâs But since we are come to the end of this King's Life I shall here give you Florence of Worcester's Character of âhim viz. That Famous and Victorious Warriour King Alfred the Defender of Widows and Orphans the most skillful of all the Saxon Poets who excelled in Prudence Justice Fortitude and Temperance being as Discreet and Diligent in hearing of Causes and giving Judgments as he was devout in the Service of God was also most Liberal and affable to all Men so that for these Vertues he was highly beloved by his Subjects now died of an Infirmity under which he had long laboured whose Body lies buried in the new Monastery of Winchester in a stately Tomb of Porphyrie But I shall from Asser's History of this King's Life and Actions give you a larger account of him from his Infancy He was as you have already heard born Anno Dom. 849 and had been twice at Rome but after his last Return together with his Father He tells us He was bred up at Court with the great Care and Affection both of his Father and Mother who loved him above the rest of his Brothers because he was not only more Witty and Handsome but also of a sweeter Disposition and it had been well if he could have improved his own excellent Parts by Humane Learning for to his great regret afterwards by the extream fondness of his Parents or by the negligence of those who had the care of his Education he remained till the Twelfth Year of his Age without so much as being taught his Letters only having an excellent Memory he learned by heart several Saxon Poems being repeated to him by others for he had a great and natural Inclination to Poetry as our Authour himself had often observed and as an instance of the quickness of his Parts gives us this Account That one Day when his Mother shewed him and the rest of his Brothers a certain fine Book in Saxon Verse with which they were very well pleased he being taken with the beauty of the Capital Letters at the beginning of it she promised to give it to him that should soonest understand and get it by heart which Alfred undertaking to do he carried it to his Master and not only learned to Read it but also got it without Book and so repeating it to his Mother had the Book given him for his pains after this he also learned the Daily Office and then some Psalms and Prayers by heart which being writ together in a Book he still carried in his Bosome for his daily use But alas England could not then supply him with any fit Tutors in the Liberal Arts which he often complained was one of the greatest hindrances in his Life that at the time when he had most leasure to learn he had no Masters that could teach him and afterwards when he grew more in Years he was troubled with incessant Pains both Night and Day the causes of which were unknown to Physicians but when he came to be King he was then taken up with the cares of the Government and how to resist the Invasions of the Danes so that he had but little time for Study yet notwithstanding all these impediments from his very Child-hood to the day of his Death he never ceased to have an insatiable desire after knowledge insomuch that he did not only at leisure times learn himself but also communicated that learning to others by translating into the English Saxon Tongue Orosius's Roman and Bede's Ecclesiastical Histories the latter of which Versions is Printed but the former is still in Manuscript in the Library of Corpus Christi Coll. Oxon. as also in other places he had likewise begun to Translate the Psalms of David but was prevented by Death from making an end of it But to how low an Ebb Learning was then reduced by the frequent Wars and devastations of the Danes King Alfred himself tells us in his Preface to St. Gregorie's Pastoral that learning was so decay'd in the English Nation that very few Priests on this side of Humber could understand the Common Service of the Church and he knew none South of Thames who could turn an ordinary piece of Latine into English though things were now somewhat better yet that he himself had turn'd this Book into English by the help of Arch-Bishop Plegmond with Grimbald and John his Priests and had sent one of them to every Bishops See in the Kingdom with an Aestel as the Saxon Word is or Stilus as in the Latin Version upon each Book of fifty Mancuses in value charging them in God's Name neither to take away that Aestel from the Book nor any of those Books out of the Church seeing it was uncertain how long there would continue such Learned Bishops as now God be Thanked were in all parts of this Kingdom But how this can consist with the supposed Relation out of Asser concerning the flourishing state of Learning at Oxford before that King 's Founding the University I do not understand But in the Twentieth Year of his Age as soon as he was Married that Distemper took him which held him till about his Fortieth Year the cause whereof being unknown to his Physicians it was supposed by some that he was bewitched and it was so sharp that he feared the
Old Minster or Cathedral The nearness of these two Monasteries afterwards occasioned great differences between them until the Monks of this new Abbey who were placed here in the room of the Secular Chanons by Bishop Ethelwald Anno Dom. 963. were removed without the Walls to a place called Hyde as you shall hear in due time and here also the Bones of King Alfred were new Buried by King Edward his Son as Will. of Malmsbury relates because of some foolish Stories made by those of the Old Monastery concerning the dead King's Ghost walking in some Houses adjacent to the Church This Year also according to our Annals the Moon was Eclipsed The next Year Prince Ethelwald incited the Danish Forces in East-England to Arms so that they over-ran and spoiled all the Country of Mercia as far as Crekelade now Crekelade in Wiltshire and there passing the Thames they took in Braedene now Braedon Forest in Wiltshire whatsoever they could find and then return'd home In the mean time King Edward so soon as he could get his Army together followed them and destroyed all the Country which lies between the Ditch and the River Ouse as far as the Northern Fens By the Ditch above-mention'd Florence of Worcester understands that bound or limit drawn between the Territories of the late King Edmund and the River Ouse which at this day is known by the name of the Devil's Ditch that formerly divided the Mercian Kingdom from that of the East-Angles And Bromton's Chronicle under this Year further adds That Ethelwold having thus passed the Thames at Crekelade took Brithenden and marched as far as Brandenstoke now Bradenstoke in Wiltshire so that as Mr. Camden well observes in his Britannia our Modern Historians have been much mistaken in supposing that place to be Basing-Stoke in Hampshire But to return to our History As soon as the King resolved to quit those parts he order'd it to be proclaimed throughout the whole Army that they should all march off but the Kentishmen staying behind contrary to his command he sent Messengers to them to come away yet it seems before they could do it the Danes had so hemmed them in that they were forced to fight and there Eadwald the King's Thane and Cenwulf the Abbot with many more of the English Nobility were slain and on the Danes part were kill'd Eoric their King and Prince Ethelwald who had stirred them to this Rebellion and Byrtsig the Son of Prince Beornoth and Ysopa General of the King's Army and abundance of others which it would be too tedious to enumerate But it was plain that there was a great slaughter made on both sides yet nevertheless the Danes kept the Field of Battel Also this Year Queen Ealswithe the Mother of King Edward deceased in which also a Comet appeared Who this Eoric King of the Danes was is uncertain I suppose him to have been the Danish King of the East-Angles whose death according to Will of Malmesbury's Account falls about this time for he says thus That this King was killed by the English whom he treated tyrannically but for all this yet they could not recover their Liberty certain Danish Earls still oppressing or else inciting them against the West-Saxon Kings till the Eighteenth Year of this King's Reign when they were all by him overcome and the Country brought under obedience To this time we may also refer that great Council which was held by King Edward the Elder where Plegmond Archbishop of Canterbury presided though the place where is not specified yet the occasion of it as we find from Will of Malmesbury as well as the Register of the Priory of Christ-Church in Canterbury cited by Sir H. Spelman was thus Pope Formosus had sent Letters into England threatning Excommunication and his Curse to King Edward and all his Subjects because the Province of the West-Saxons had been now for Seven Years without any Bishops whereupon the King summoned a great Council or Synod of Wise men of the English Nation wherein the Archbishop read the Pope's Letters then the King and the Bishops with all his Lay-Subjects upon mature deliberation found out a safe course to avoid it by appointing Bishops over each of the Western Counties dividing what Two Bishops had formerly held into Five Diocesses The Council being ended the Archbishop went to Rome and reciting the King's Decree with the Advice and Approbation of the Chief Men of his Kingdom He thereby and with rich Presents so pacified the Pope that Plegmond obtain'd his confirmation thereof and then returning into his own Country he ordained five Bishops in one day to wit Fridestan to the Church of Winchester Aldestan to Cornwall Werstan to Shireborne Athelm to Wells and Eadwulf to Crediton in Devonshire But Archbishop Parker in his Antiq Britannicae under this very Year thus recites this Transaction out of a very Ancient Manuscript Author whom he does not particularly name viz. That Plegmund Archbishop of Canterbury together with King Edward called a great Council of the Bishops Abbots Chief men Subjects and People in the Province of the Gewisses where these two Bishopricks were divided into five So that you see here was no less than five new Diocesses erected at once by the Authority of both the King and the Great Council of the Nation though it seems the Pope took upon him the confirmation of this Decree The same Authors likewise tell us That Archbishop Plegmond ordained two more Bishops over the Ancient Provinces to wit one Bernod for the South Saxons and Cenwulf for the Mercians whose See was at Dorchester in Oxfordshire Cardinal Baronius in his Annals having given us a Copy of these Letters of Pope Formosus hath found a notable Error in the Date of them for being written Anno Dom. 904 or 905. they could not be sent by that Pope who was dead about 9 or 10 years before and therefore the Cardinal would put the time of this Council back to Anno Dom. 894. but then as Sir H. Spelman in his Notes upon it well observes the fault will be as great this way as the other for King Edward under whom this Council was held was not King till above 10 years after therefore some would place this Council in the latter end of King Alfred's Reign after the Kingdom came to be setled upon the expulsion of the Danes but Sir H. Spelman affirms That these things being written long after the time when they were transacted the name of Formosus might be put into the Copies of these Letters instead of Pope Leo the Fifth and then all things will fall right enough But as to Frithestan Bishop of Winchester this Account of Will of Malmesbury will not hold for our Annals tell us That he was not made Bishop till Anno Dom. 910. upon the death of Bishop Denulph and therefore that See could not be so long void as this Relation would have it The like mistake is in making Werstan to be then
of those Favours the King had promised him so he had only four days allowed him to go back again to his Ships In the mean time a Report was brought to the King That a Fleet of Enemies were landed on the Coast of the East-Angles and there taking of Prey Then Earl Godwin sail'd about toward the East with two of the King's Ships one of which his Son Harold commanded and the other Earl Totsige his Brother and also Two and forty Sail of the people of the Countrey Then was Earl Harold with the King's Ships driven by a Storm into Pevensee and there detain'd by contrary Winds but within two days after Earl Sweyn came thither and had Conference with his Father Earl Godwin and Earl Beorne whom he intreated to accompany him to the King at Sandwic and there use their interest to make his Reconciliation with him but whilst they were on their way Sweyne begged of Beorne his Cousin that he would go back along with him to his Ships saying He feared lest his men would desert him unless he speedily returned whereupon complying with him they went back to the place where the Ships rode and there Sweyn was very importunate with him to go on Ship-board but he utterly refusing that the Mariners bound him and then put him into a Pinnace and so carried him on board by force then hoisting up Sail they steered Eastward to Axamutha and there kept him till they had made him away Then they took his Body and buried it in a certain Church but afterwards his Relations and the Mariners of London came and digging up his Body carried it with them to the old Church of Winchester where they buried it near his Uncle King Cnute Then Sweyn sailing Eastward towards Flanders staid there a whole Winter in Brycge with Earl Baldwin's good leave The same year deceased Eadnoth Bishop in the North parts and one Vlf was consecrated Bishop in his stead This year was a great Council held at London in Midlent and there were sent out Nine Ships well mann'd with Seamen Five only being left in Port also this very year Earl Sweyn return'd into England For Aldred Bishop of Worcester had by his Intercession made his Peace with the King The same year was a Great Synod assembled at Rome whither King Eadward sent the Bishops Hereman and Aldred who arrived there on Easter-Eve after which the Pope held a Synod at Vercelle whither was sent Bishop Vlf who was afterwards like to be deprived because he could not perform his Function as he ought had he not paid a good round Sum of Money This year also deceased Eadsige the Archbishop 4 o Kal. Novemb. King Edward now appointed Rodbyrd Bishop of London to be Archbishop of Canterbury in Lent who immediately went to Rome to obtain his Pall Then the King bestowed the Bishoprick of London on Sparhafoc Abbot of Abbandune and gave that Abby to Bishop Rothulf his Kinsman About the same time the Archbishop returning from Rome the day before the Vigil of St. Peter was Installed in the Episcopal Throne at christ-Christ-Church on St. Peter's Day Then came to him Sparhafoc with the King's Letters and Seal commanding that he should consecrate him Bishop of London but the Archbishop refusing it said The Pope had forbad him to do it After which the Abbot return'd to the Archbishop and desired his Episcopal Orders but he peremptorily denied them saying The Pope had strictly charged him not to do it Then the Abbot went to London and held the Bishoprick nothwithstanding all that Summer and the Autumn following Then Eustatius Earl of Boloigne the King's Brother-in-Law came from beyond the Seas and having been with the King and told him his Business he return'd homewards and when he came to Canterbury he refreshed himself and his Company and so went on to Dofra i. e. Dover but when he was within a Mile of this side thereof he and his Retinue put on their Breast-plates and so entred the Town As soon as they were come thither they took up their Quarters in what Houses they liked best but one of his Followers resolving to quarter in the House of an Inhabitant there whether he would or no because he told him he should not he wounded him whereupon the Master killed him At which News Earl Eustatius being very much incensed mounted to Horse with all his Followers and setting upon the Good Man of the House killed him even within his own doors and then going into the Town they killed partly within and partly without more than Twenty men But the Townsmen to be even with them killed Nineteen of their men and wounded many more Upon this Earl Eustatius making his Escape with a few Followers went to the King and told him what had happen'd so much as made to his purpose at which the King being highly provoked with the Townsmen sent Earl Godwin and commanded him to march to Dofra in a Hostile manner for Eustatius had only insinuated to the King as if what had happen'd had been wholly through the Townsmens fault though indeed it was quite otherwise But the Earl was very unwilling to go into Kent because he looked on it as an odious thing for him to destroy his own people For as William of Malmesbury farther relates he plainly saw the King was imposed on and had passed sentence upon them when he had only heard one side And indeed the Earl was much concerned to see Strangers find greater favour with the King than his own Subjects for Eustatius had got a Friend near the King who had very much exasperated him against them therefore though the King continually press'd Earl Godwin to go into Kent with an Army to be revenged of the men of Dofra yet he still declined it which much displeased the King yet nevertheless the Earl's Proposal seem'd but just and reasonable That the Officers of the Castle who it seems had a hand in this business should be first summoned to answer in the King 's Curia or Court concerning this Sedition and that if they could clear themselves there they might be discharged but if not that they might make satisfaction to the King and the Earl with their Bodies and Estates for Earl Godwin told the King that it would seem very unjust to condemn those unheard whom he ought chiefly to protect and defend And so far no doubt the Earl was in the right and behaved himself like a true Englishman in thus declining to execute the King's unjust Commands though not in what he did afterwards But to return again to our Annals The King hereupon summoned all his Chief and Wise Men to appear at Gloucester a little after the Feast of St. Mary for the Welshmen had in the mean time built a Castle in Herefordshire upon the Lands of Earl Sweyn and had done a great deal of mischief to the King's Liege-People in the Neighbourhood Then Earl Godwin with Sweyn and Harold his Sons met
at Byferstane i. e. Beverston in Gloucestershire together with a great many in their Retinue to attend on the King their Natural Lord and all the Chief and Wise Men that waited on him whereby they might have the King's Consent and Assistance as also that of his Great Council to revenge the Affront and Dishonour which had been lately done to the King and the whole Nation But the Welshmen getting first to the King highly accused the Earls insomuch that they durst not appear in his presence for they said they only came thither to betray him But then there came to the King the Earls Syward and Leofric with many others from the North parts being as William of Malmesbury relates almost all the Nobility of England who had been summoned by the King to come thither But whilst according to our Annals it was told Earl Godwin and his Sons that the King and those that were with him were taking Counsel against them they on the other side stood resolutely on their own defence though it seem'd an hard thing for them to act any thing against their Natural Lord. But William of Malmesbury adds farther That Earl Godwin commanded those of his Party not to fight against the King yet if they were set upon that they should defend themselves so that there had then like to have happen'd a Cruel Civil War if calmer Counsels had not prevailed By this you may see the great Power of Earl Godwin and his Sons who could thus withstand the King and all the Nobility that were with him But to proceed with our Annals Then it was agreed by the chief men on both sides that they should desist from any further violence and thereupon the King gave them God's Peace and his own Word After this the King and his Great Men about him resolved a second time to summon a Witena Gemot or Great Council at London at the beginning of September He also commanded an Army to be raised as great as ever had been seen in England both from the North and South side of Thames When this Council met Earl Sweyn was declared outlaw'd and Earl Godwin and Earl Harold were cited to appear at the Council with all speed As soon as they were come there they desired Peace i. e. Security and also Pledges to be given them whereby they might have safe ingress and regress to and from the Council But the King required all the Earl's Servants to deliver them up into his hands after which the King sent to them commanding them to come with Twelve men to the Great Council but the Earl again demanded Securities and Pledges to be given him and then he promised to clear himself from all Crimes laid to his charge But the Pledges were still denied him and there was only granted him a five days Peace or Truce in which he might depart the Land Then Earl Godwin and Earl Sweyn his Son went to Bosenham in Sussex and their Ships being brought out of the Harbour they sail'd beyond the Seas and sought the Protection of Earl Baldwin staying with him all that Winter but Earl Harold sailed Eastward into Ireland and there took up his Residence under that King's Protection Soon after this the King sent away his Wife who had been crown'd Queen and suffer'd all her Money Lands and Goods to be taken from her and then committed her to the Custody of his Sister at the Nunnery of Werwell But note that Florence of Worcester places this Quarrel with Earl Godwin and his Sons three years later viz. under Anno 1051 and farther adds That the reason why Earl Godwin fled thus privately away was that his Army had forsook him so that he durst not plead the matter with the King but fled away the night following with his five Sons carrying away all their Treasure with them into Flanders This is the Relation which Florence and the Printed Copy of these Annals give us of this great difference between the King and Earl Godwin and his two Sons in the carriage of which both Parties are to be blamed the King in yielding so easy an ear to the false Accusations brought against them and they in refusing to stand to the Determination of the Great Council of the Kingdom without Pledges first given them by the King which is more than any Subject ought to require from his Prince But certainly the King shewed himself a very Weak Man in being persuaded to deal thus severely with his Innocent Queen for the Faults of her Father and Brothers which it was not in her power to help But to conclude the Affairs of this unhappy year our Annals proceed to tell us That About the same time the Abbot Sparhafoc was deposed from the Bishoprick of London and William the King's Chaplain ordained to that See Also Earl Odda was appointed Governor of Defenascire Somersetscire and Dorsetscire and of all the Welsh and the Earldom which Earl Harold lately held was given to Aelfgar the Son of Earl Leofric About this time the Bishoprick of Credington in Cornwal was as we find in the Monasticon at the Request of Pope Leo removed from thence to Exeter where the Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul was made a Bishop's See the Monks being removed from thence to Westminster and Secular Chanons placed in their stead Which shews that the humour of Monkery did not so much prevail now as in the days of King Edgar And this year Leofric Bishop of that Diocess was enthron'd at Exeter after a solemn Procession where the Bishop walked to Church between King Edward and Queen Editha his Wife This year according to Florence of Worcester the King released the Nation from that cruel Burthen of Danegelt under which it had for so many years groaned but I will not pass my word for the truth of the occasion why he did it though related by Ingulph viz. That King Edward going into his Treasury where this Tax had been laid up saw the Devil capering and dancing upon the Money-bags which it seems no body else could see but himself at which he was so concerned that he ordered all the Money to be restored to the right Owners and forbad its being gathered any more Not long after according to the same Author William Duke of Normandy the King's Cousin coming over into England was honourably received here and had Noble Presents made him and as some relate too that King Edward promised to make him his Successor in the Kingdom This year also according to Florence of Worcester Alfric Archbishop of York deceased and Kinsing the King's Chaplain succeeded him This year deceased Aelgiva alias Ymma the Mother of King Eadward and King Hardecnute She hath a various Character given her by our Historians William of Malmesbury represents her to be very Covetous and Unkind to her first Husbands Children which seems to have been true enough But then she was very Devout and had a great Respect for
the Bishops and Monks from whom she was sure to have their good word yet however she did not escape Scandal for she had several Enemies that incensed the King against her but especially Archbishop Robert the Norman who had accused her some years before her death of being too familiar with Alwin Bishop of Winchester Whereupon she was sent to the Abby of Werewell having first of all her Goods taken from her whilst the Bishop was committed to Prison Archbishop Robert crying out That such Villany ought not to go unpunished for fear it should be an encouragement for others to do the like but she not being kept very strictly wrote to all the Bishops of England whom she knew to be her Friends professing that she was more troubled at the Disgrace offered to the Bishop than that which was done to her self and that she was ready to clear his Innocency by the Fire Ordeal Upon this the Bishops met and had easily prevailed with the King to put up the business had not Archbishop Robert stifly opposed them demanding of his Brethren How they could have the confidence to take upon them the Defence of that Beast rather than Woman meaning the Queen Mother who had so detracted from the King her Son and yet had called her Paramour The Anointed of the Lord But said he this Woman will purge the Bishop but who shall purge her that consented to the Death of her Son Alfred and prepared Poyson for his Brother now King Edward But if she desires to be acquitted let her accept of her own Proposal and walk barefoot over Nine Red-hot Plowshares four for her self and five for the Bishop and then if she escape untouch'd let her pass for Innocent Upon this the Day for Trial was appointed and she having the night before at his Shrine earnestly invoked the Assistance of St. Swithin she came to the place where the King and all the Bishops except Robert were present and there passed unhurt over all the Red-hot Plowshares to the great Joy and Wonder both of her self and all the Spectators especially of the King her Son that she had so well cleared her self then he was very sorry that he had been so credulous as to admit those Calumnies against his own Mother whose Pardon he now begged as also the Bishops and as divers of the Monkish Writers relate received Penance from them on his bare back Queen Emma for this signal Deliverance gave to St. Swithin Nine Mannors and the Bishop of Winchester as many the Innocency of them both being hereby absolutely cleared Moreover the King is said to have bestowed on the Church of Winchester the whole Isle of Portland and other Possessions The substance of this Story is both delivered by John Bromton and Henry de Knighton but Dr. Harpesfield hath embellished it with divers other trivial Circumstances whilst our more Ancient Authors as Malmesbury and others say nothing of it But methinks that which follows spoils all the rest viz. That Archbishop Robert whom some will have Bishop and others Archbishop at this time thereupon fled out of the Land whereas indeed he continued here much longer and fled out of England upon another occasion as we shall shew hereafter But to return again to our Annals The same year it was also decreed by the King and his Chief Men That Ships should be sent to Sandwich and that Earl Rolfe and Earl Odda should command them in the mean time Earl Godwin departed from Brycge with his Ships to Ysera a place we know not and then landing the next day but one to Midsummer-Eve he came to the Head or Point lying on the South side of Rumenea now Rumney in Kent which when it was told the Earls at Sandwic they immediately sail'd out in pursuit of him and also commanded the Land-Forces to be in a readiness to join them But is seems Earl Godwin had timely notice of it and so he fell back to Pevensea i. e. Pensey in Sussex and then so violent a Tempest arose that the Earls could not inform themselves which way Godwin was gone but afterwards he returned and came to Brycge and the King's Ships went to Sandwic and from thence they were order'd back to London and other Captains to command them but the matter was so long delay'd that all the Seamen left their Ships and returned to their own homes As soon as Earl Godwin heard this he set out his Fleet again to Sea and sail'd directly Westward to the Isle of Wight where his men going ashore plundered so long till at last the people would give them what Contributions soever they demanded Then they sail'd further Westward till they came to the Isle of Portland and there going again on shore they did all the damage they could to the Inhabitants In the mean time Harold return'd from Ireland with Nine Ships and landed at Portloc Bay in Somersetshire where much people were got together against him but he not being at all afraid of them marched out to seek Provisions and there killed all before him taking Men Cattel and Money whatsoever he met with From thence he sail'd Eastward towards his Father whom having met they went together to the Isle of Wight and there plunder'd whatsoever was left and thence coasted to Pevensea where they took all the Ships that were in that Harbour afterwards they went to the Naesse Point and carried away all the Ships that were in Rumenea Hythe and Folcestane now Folcston in Kent Thence they sail'd Eastward again to Dofra and going on shore took there as many Ships and Hostages as they could and then went to Sandwic where also they did the like so that they had Hostages and Provisions given them where ever they came as much as they required then again they sail'd to Northmuthe supposed to be that which we call now the Buoy in the Nore and thence up towards London they also sent some Ships to Scepige and there did a great deal of mischief then they turn'd to Middle-tune a Town of the King's in Essex and burnt it down to the ground and afterwards the Earls went towards London but when they came thither they found the King with all his Great Men ready to receive them with Fifty Sail. Then the outlaw'd Earls sent to the King beseeching him that they might be restor'd to their Estates of which they had been unjustly deprived but for a long time the King would not hearken to them by any means till at last the men who were with the Earl were so enraged against him and his people that the Earl had much a-do to appease them Then were assembled by God's assistance Bishop Stigand and other Prudent Men as well within the City as without and there they agreed upon a Peace to be made Hostages being first given on both sides which when Archbishop Rodbert and the other Frenchmen understood they took Horse and fled some Westward to Pentecost's Castle but where it was we
Victory being thus easily obtained the Prince and the Earl entred Hereford and having killed seven of the Chanons that defended the doors of the Church they burnt it together with the Monastery above-mention'd with all the Reliques of St. Aethelbert and the Rich Ornaments that were in it and so having slain divers of the Citizens and carried away great Numbers of them Prisoners they returned home laden with Booty But as soon as the King was acquainted with it he presently commanded an Army to be raised through all England which being mustered at Gloucester He appointed the Valiant Earl Harold to be Commander in chief who obeying the King's Orders immediately pursued Prince Griffyn and Earl Aelfgar and entring the Borders of Wales pitched his Camp beyond Straetdale as far as Snowdon but they who knew him to be a Brave and Warlike Commander not daring to engage him fled into South-Wales which Harold perceiving left there the greater part of his men with Orders to fight the Enemy if they could come at them and with the rest he returned to Hereford which he fortified by drawing a new Trench about it But whilst he was thus employed the two Captains on the contrary side thinking it best for them to make Peace sent Messengers to him and at last procuring a Meeting at a place called Byligeseage a firm Peace and Friendship was there concluded in pursuance whereof Earl Aelfgar sent his Ships to Chester till they could be paid off and he himself went up to the King from whom he received his former Earldom Henry Emperor of the Germans now died and Henry his Son succeeded him This is only mentioned in the Latin Copy of these Annals But the same year according to Simeon of Durham and R. Hoveden Leofgar who was lately ordained Bishop of Hereford in the room of Bishop Athelstan deceased being together with his Clerks and the Sheriff Agelnoth set upon by Griffyn Prince of Wales at a place called Glastbyrig and was there slain with all his followers after which Aldred Bishop of Worcester to whom the King had committed the Bishoprick of Hereford as also the Earls Leofric and Harold mediated a Peace between King Edward and the said Griffyn This year Edward Aetheling Son to King Edmund returned into this Kingdom together with his Children and shortly after deceased whose Body lies buried in St. Paul's Church at London Also Pope Victor now dying Stephanus Abbot of Mountcassin was consecrated in his stead But the Cottonian Copy of these Annals as also Florence of Worcester place the death of this Pope under the year preceding Earl Leofric also deceased and Aelfgar his Son received the Earldom which his Father enjoyed This is that Leofric Earl of Mercia who together with his Wife Godiva built the rich and stately Monastery of Coventry as hath been already related in which Church he was buried He died this year in a good Old Age whose Wisdom and Counsel was often profitable to England This year Pope Stephanus deceased and Benedict was consecrated in his stead This Pope sent the Pall to Archbishop Stigand Upon whom William of Malmesbury is here very sharp saying That Stigand was so intolerably Covetous that he held both the Bishoprick of Winchester and that of Canterbury at the same time but could never obtain the Pall from the Apostolick See until this Benedict an Intruder as he calls him sent it to him either as first being brib'd by Money or else because as is observed evil men love to favour one another The same year also according to the Annals deceased Heacca Bishop of the South-Saxons i. e. of Chichester and Archbishop Stigand consecrated Aegelric a Monk of christ-Christ-Church Bishop of that See as also Syward the Abbot Bishop of Rochester Also this year according to Simeon of Durham and Florence of Worcester Earl Aelfgar was the second time banished by King Edward but by the help of Griffyn Prince of Wales and of a Norwegian Fleet which came to his assistance he was soon restored to his Earldom again though it was by force In so deplorable a condition was this poor King Edward that those of his Nobility who were strong enough to make any Resistance were sure to be pardoned The same year also according to the above-mentioned Authors Aldred Bishop of Worcester having newly rebuilt the Church of St. Peter in Gloucester went on Pilgrimage through Hungary to Jerusalem as says Simeon of Durham which no English Archbishop or Bishop was ever known to have done before This year Nicholaus Bishop of Florence was made Pope and Benedict was expell'd who was Pope before him Kynsige Archbishop of York deceased the xi Kal. Jan. and Bishop Ealdred succeeded in that See This was that Aldred Bishop of Worcester who had been lately at Rome Also Walter was now made Bishop of Hereford And in the Latin Copy of the Annals it is related That Henry King of France now dying Philip his Son succeeded him This year also deceased Duduc Bishop of Somersetshire i. e. Wells and Gisa was his Successor The same year also deceased Bishop Godwin at St. Martins vii Id. Martii Also Wulfrick Abbot of St. Augustine's in Canterbury deceased in the Easter Week xiv Kal. Maii. Which News being brought to the King he appointed Aethelsige a Monk of the old Church at Winchester to be Abbot who was consecrated by Archbishop Stigand at Windlesore i. e. Windsor at the Feast of St. Augustine And this year according to Simeon of Durham Aldred Archbishop of York went with Earl Tostige to Rome and there received his Pall from Pope Nicholaus But in the mean time Malcolm King of Scots entred Northumberland and depopulated the Earldom of Tostige formerly his sworn Brother This year according to the Latin Copy of our Annals the City of Man was taken by William Duke of Normandy Also about this time Earl Harold afterwards King of England founded the Abby of the Holy Cross at Waltham in Essex so called from a certain Crucifix said to be found by a Vision to a Carpenter at a place called Montacute which Crucifix being brought to Waltham and many Miraculous Stories told there of it one Tovi the Stallere or Chief Standard-Bearer to King Cnute built here a Church for two Priests to keep it which place coming into the hands of Earl Harold he built this Church anew together with a Noble Monastery for a Dean and Twelve Secular Chanons which in the time of Henry the Second were turned to Chanons Regular This Abby being richly endow'd the Foundation was confirmed by King Edward as may be seen by his Charter bearing date Anno 1062. All which appears from an Ancient Manuscript History of the Foundation of this Abby now in the Cottonian Library This year according to our Annals Earl Harold and Earl Tostige his Brother marched with a great Army both by Land and Sea into Brytland i. e. Wales and subdued that Countrey
the Abbot of Rievalle in his Life of King Edward informs us had been begun some years before in performance of a Vow the King had formerly made to go to Rome but being dissuaded from it by the Chief Men of his Kingdom he sent thither Aldred Archbishop of York and Herman Bishop of Winchester to obtain Pope Leo's Dispensation from that Journey who by the said Bishops returned it him upon these terms That he should bestow the Money he would have spent in that Voyage in building a Stately Church and Monastery in Honour of St. Peter Whereupon the King chose out a place near his own Palace where had anciently stood a Church and Monastery built by Sebert King of the West-Saxons and Mellitus Bishop of London but it being destroyed by the Danes had ever since lain in Ruins But an Ancient Epitome of English Chronicles written by a Monk of Westminster and now in the Cottonian Library relates That Archbishop Dunstan had here before erected a small Monastery for Twelve Monks which was vastly augmented by King Edward Though whether this were so or no is as uncertain as it is incredible what these Monkish Writers tell us of its being anciently consecrated by St. Peter himself which not being mentioned by Bede looks like a Fable invented only to gain a greater Veneration for that Place Here also in the Author above-mentioned follows the King's Letter to Pope Nicholaus That he would please not only to confirm what his Predecessor had done but also grant him new Privileges for the said Monastery and then comes the Pope's Bull or Privilege for that purpose in which is recited this Legend of that Church's having been anciently consecrated by St. Peter But though Simeon of Durham places the Consecration of this Church on the day above-mentioned yet he refers it to the end of the year 1065 and perhaps with more Exactness since the English-Saxon year began then not at Lady-day as it does now but New-years-tide And after this Author farther adds That upon Christmass-day preceding the King held his Curia or Great Council at Westminster where were present King Edward and his Queen Edgitha and Stigand the Archbishop of Canterbury and Aldred Archbishop of York with the other Bishops and Abbots of England together with the King's Chaplains Earls Thanes and Knights Which Council as Sir H. Spelman informs us was summoned to confirm the King's Charter of Endowment of the said Monastery but though it be there imperfect yet you may find it at large in Monast. Anglican wherein after the Recital of the Bull of Pope Leo follows this Clause viz. That the King for the Expiation of his own Vow and also for the Souls of the Kings his Predecessors as well as Successors had granted to that place viz. Westminster all manner of Liberty as far as Earthly Power could reach and that for the Love of God by whose Mercy he was placed in the Royal Throne and now by the Counsel and Decree of the Archbishops Bishops Earls and other of his Great Men and for the Benefit and Advantage of the said Church and all those that should belong to it he had granted these Privileges following not only in present but for future times Then follows an Exemption from all Episcopal Jurisdiction as also another Clause whereby he grants it the Privilege of Sanctuary so that any one of whatsoever condition he be for whatsoever cause that shall fly unto that Holy Place or the Precincts thereof shall be free and obtain full Liberty And at last concludes thus I have commanded this Charter to be written and seal'd and have also signed it with my hand with the Sign of the Cross and have ordered fit Witnesses to subscribe it for its greater Corroboration Then immediately follows the King's Subscription in these words Ego Edwardus Deo largiente Anglorum Rex signum venerandae Crucis impressi Then follows the Subscription of Queen Editha with those of the two Archbishops seven of the Bishops and as many Abbots and so comes on the Subscriptions of the Laity viz. of Raynbald the Chancellor and of the Earls Harold and Edwin who write themselves Duces and six Thanes besides other of inferior Order This Charter bears date on St. Innocents day Anno Dom. 1066. which how it could be so dated four days before New-years-day when the year then began I do not understand Here also follows a Third Charter which is much the same with the former only it contains the King's Letter to Pope Nicholaus and his Bull reciting the Privileges granted to the said Church all which are there at large inserted Then follows the Subscriptions of the King Queen Archbishops Bishops Earls c. almost in the same order as the former only Osbald and another of the King's Chaplains do here subscribe before any of the Lay-Nobility and besides the Thanes there are several who subscribed with the Title of Milites added to their Names I have been the larger upon this Foundation not only because it was the Greatest and Noblest of any in England but also for that it still continues though under another Title to be a Collegiate Church for a Dean and Eight Prebends with an excellent School belonging to it which hath hitherto furnished both the Church and State with as great a number of Learned and Considerable Persons as any in the whole Nation But to return again to our History as it is related by the aforesaid Abbot of Rievâlle King Edward having at this Great Assembly of the Estates of his Kingdom appeared solemnly with his Crown on his Head according to custom was a day or two before Christmass in the night-time taken with a Feaver which very much damped the Jollity of that Festival yet he concealed it as much as he could for two or three days still sitting down at Meals with his Bishops and Noblemen till the third day perceiving the time of his Dissolution drew near he commanded all things to be got ready for the Consecration of his New Church which he resolved should be solemnized the next day being the Feast of the Holy Innocents whereat all the Bishops and Great Men of the Kingdom assisted and the King as far as his Health would permit but presently after the King growing worse and worse he was forced to take his Bed the Queen Bishops and the Nobility standing weeping about him and whilst he lay speechless and almost without life for two days and the third awakening as if it were from a Trance both William of Malmesbury and the Abbot above-mentioned relate That after a devout Prayer he told them That in a Vision he had lately seen two holy Monks whom he had in his youth known in Normandy to be men of meek and pious Conversation and whom he therefore had very much loved and now appeared to him as sent from God to tell him what should happen to England after his decease shewing him That the Iniquity of
the English being now full had provoked the Divine Vengeance for that the Priests despising God's Law treated Holy Things with corrupt hearts and polluted hands and not being true Pastors but Mercenaries exposed the Sheep to the Wolves seeking the Wool and the Milk more than the Sheep themselves That the Chief Men of the Land were Infidels Companions of the Thieves and Robbers of their Countrey who neither feared God nor honoured his Law to whom Truth was a Burthen Justice a Maygame and Cruelty a Delight And that therefore since neither the Rulers observed Justice nor the Ruled Discipline the Lord had drawn his Sword and bent his Bow and made it ready for that he would shew this People his Wrath and Indignation by sending Evil Angels to punish them for a year and a day with Fire and Sword But when the King replied to them That he would admonish his People to repent them of the evil of their ways and doings and then he hoped God would not bring these dreadful Judgments upon them but would again receive them into his Mercy To this they answered That now it could not be because the hearts of this people were hardened and their eyes blinded and their ears stopped so that they would neither hear those that would instruct them nor be advised by those that should admonish them being neither to be terrified by his Threatnings nor melted by his Benefits And the King asking them when there would be an end of all these Judgments and what comfort they might be like to receive under all these great afflictions those holy men only answered him in a Parable of a certain Green Tree that should be cut down and removed from the Root about the distance of Three Acres and when without any human hand the Tree should be restored to its Ancient Root and flourish and bear Fruit then and not till then was there any Comfort to be hoped for But this Author's application of the Tree that was to be cut down to the English-Saxon Royal Family's being for a time destroyed and its Separation to the distance of three Acres to Harold and the two first Norman Kings and its Restitution again to King Henry the first by his marrying of Queen Mathildis and its flourishing again in the Empress her Daughter and then its bearing Fruit to the Succession of Henry the second do sufficiently shew that great part of this Vision was made and accommodated for the Reigns of these Princes William of Malmesbury indeed recites the same Vision though in fewer words but without any Interpretation of the Parable But be this Vision true or false I think we may have reason to pray to God that neither our Clergy nor Laity by falling into the like wicked and deplorable state above described may ever bring the like Judgments upon this Nation But when the Queen Robert the Lord Chamberlain and Earl Harold who are said to have been present at the Relation of this Vision seemed very much concern'd Archbishop Stigand received it with a Smile saying That the good Old Man was only delirous by reason of his Distemper But says Malmesbury we have too dearly tried the Truth of this Vision England being now made the Habitation of Strangers and groaning under the Dominion of Foreigners there being says he at this day i. e. at the time when he wrote no Englishman either an Earl a Bishop or an Abbot but Strangers devour the Riches and gnaw even the very Bowels of England neither is there a prospect of having any End of these Miseries This it seems was written in the beginning of the Reign of Henry the First and before he had seen the more Happy Times that succeeded in that of Henry the Second when the Abbot above-mentioned tells us That England had then a King of the Ancient Blood Royal as also Bishops and Abbots of the same Nation with many Earls Barons and Knights who as being descended both from the French and English Blood were an Honour to the One and a Comfort to the Other But to come to the Death and Last Words of this most Pious King The Abbot above-mentioned gives us an Excellent Discourse which he made before his Death recommending the Queen to her Brother and the Nobility there present and highly extolling her Chastity and Obedience who though she appeared publickly his Wife yet was privately rather like a Sister or Daughter desiring of them That whatsoever he had left her for her Jointure should never be taken from her He also recommended to them his Servants who had followed him out of Normandy and that they should have their free choice either of returning home to their own Countrey or staying here After which he appointed his Body to be buried in St. Peter's Church at Westminster which he had so newly dedicated and so having received the Blessed Eucharist and recommended his Soul to God he quietly departed this Life having reigned Three and twenty Years Six Months and Seven and twenty Days It is very observable That this Abbot does not tell us that he said any thing concerning who should be his Successor whereas many of the Monks of those Times make him to have bequeathed the Crown at his Death to his Cousin William Duke of Normandy and Ingulph further says That King Edward ââme years before his Death had sent Robert Archbishop of Canterbury as an Ambassador to him to let him know that he had design'd him his Successor both because he was of his Blood and also Eminent for his Virtue What Pretences the Duke might have to the Crown by the latter I know not but it is certain the former could give him no Title to it since all the Relation that was between King Edward and Duke William was by Queen Emma who was Mother to the King and Aunt to the Duke so that it is evident on the score of this Relation that Duke William could have no pretence by Blood to the Crown of England But it is very suspicious that this Story of Archbishop Robert's being sent into Normandy upon this Errand was but a Fiction since he sate but three years in that See before his Expulsion and that happened near ten years before after which King Edward sent over for his Cousin Edward sirnamed The Outlaw to make him his Heir King Edward being dead they made great haste to bury him for his Funerals were performed the next day with as great Solemnity as the shortness of that time would admit of but it was sufficient that all the Bishops and Nobility of the Kingdom attended his Body to the Grave in the Church aforesaid where his Tomb is at this day to be seen behind the Altar and his Body was afterwards preserved in a Rich Shrine of Gold and Silver till the Reign of Henry the Eighth As for the Character which the Writers of the following Age give this Prince it is such as they thought was due to One whom they took to be
well as on the Holidays themselves as also in Parishes when the Feast of the Saint to whom the Church is dedicated is kept so that if any one come devoutly to the Celebration thereof he was to have security in going staying and returning home and besides in many other cases too long here to set down From whence we may observe the Antiquity of those Parish Feasts called in several parts of England Wakes The fourth appoints That where ever the King's Justice or any other Person shall hold Civil Pleas if the King's Deputy or Attorney comes thither to open any Cause concerning Holy Church that shall be first determined for it is just God be served before all others The fifth ordains That whosoever holds any thing of the Church or hath his Mansion on the Church's Land he or they shall not be compell'd to plead out of the Ecclesiastical Courts for Contumacy or otherwise nay though he forfeit unless Justice be wanting in those Courts which says the Law God forbid By which all the Tenants of the Church were exempted from pleading or appearing at the King's Courts which though a strange and unreasonable Privilege yet it seems it continued in the time of William the First The sixth confirms the Laws of Sanctuaries ordaining That no man shall be taken out of any Church to which he hath fled for any offence unless it be by the Bishop or his Officers The like Privilege is also allowed to the Priest's House provided it stand upon the Ground of the Church but if a Thief went out of the Sanctuary to rob he was to forfeit that Privilege The seventh leaves those to the Justice of the Bishop who violate the Peace of Holy Church and if any Offender shall despise his Sentence either by flying or contemning it and Complaint thereof be made to the King after forty days he shall give Pledges to reconcile himself to God the King and the Church and if he cannot be found he shall be outlaw'd and if then he be found and can be laid hold on he shall be delivered up to the King if he defends himself he shall be slain For from the day of his Outlawry he is said in English to have Wulfsheofod i.e. a Wolfs-head or as we now commonly say in Latin gerere Caput Lupinum This is the common Law of all Outlaws The eighth and ninth appoint what things small Tythes should be paid out of and recites that they had been granted long before a Rege Baronibus Popâlo that is by the King the Barons and the People And though the word Barons was not commonly used till the time of King William the First when these Laws were drawn up in the form we now have them upon an Inquisition granted to the Ancient and Wise Men of all the Counties in England as Rog. Hoveden informs us yet is this but a Recital of the Ancient Law of Tythes in the Dialect of those times when the word Baron came to be used instead of Thane The tenth appoints after what manner the Ordeal or Judgment by Fire or Water should be executed by the Bishop's Officer and the King's Justice upon those that deserved it From which you may observe that this Law of Ordeal was in force some time after the coming in of the Normans This Law also ordains in what Cases and over what Persons the Courts Baron should have Jurisdiction but it being somewhat large I refer you to it The Eleventh again reinforces the payment of Romescot or Peter-pence which iâ denied the King's Justice shall compel the payment because it is the King 's Alms. From whence we may observe how much those Romish Writers are mistaken who will needs make these Peter-pence to have been a Tribute from the Kings of England to the Pope The twelfth shews what Danegelt was and on what occasion it was first imposed That the payment of Danegelt was first ordained because of the frequent Invasions of the Danish Pyrates to repress which there was Twelvepence imposed upon every Hide of Land throughout England to be paid yearly Which also shews us about what time these Laws were collected into the form we now have them by this Clause viz. That the Church was excused from this payment until the time of William Rufus who as is here recited asking an Aid of his Barons for the obtaining Normandy from his Brother then going to Jerusalem there was granted to him not by any standing Law but only for the present necessity Four Shillings upon every Hide of Land the Church not excepted The thirteenth sets forth That the Peace of the King is manifold as sometimes it is given by his own hand which the English call Cyninges honde sealde gryth This Protection was granted not only to Persons but Places also by way of Privilege as likewise to Churches or Churhmen within their own Walls as appears by the League betwixt King Edward and Guthrum in which it is termed Cyninges honde gryth Another sort of Peace was on the Coronation-day which lasted eight days that at Christmass which held also eight days and so on the Feast of Easter and Whitsuntide Another sort was given by his Brief or Letters and another there was belonging to the Four great Highways viz. Watlingstreet Foss Hickenildstreet and Ermingstreet whereof two are extended to the Length and two to the Breadth of the Kingdom Another still there was belonging to the Rivers of Note which conveyed Provisions to Towns and Cities From whence it appears that this Peace of the King was a Priâilege or Exemption granted to Persons not to be sued or answer at Law in any Action ârought against them during certain solemn and stated Times and in certain of the most famous and frequented Highways of the Kingdom The fourteenth declares That all Treasure prove should be the King 's unless it were found in a Church or Church-yard in which case if it were Gold it was all the King 's but if Silver one half was to go to him and another to the Church The fifteenth treateth of Murther and declares if any one was murthered the Murtherer should be enquired after in the Village or Town where the Body was found and if he was discovered to be delivered up to the King's Justice within eight days after the Fact committed and in case he could not be found a month and a day was allowed for search after him within which term if he could not be seiz'd on forty six Marks were to be collected out of that Town and if it was not able to pay so much then the Hundred was liable to make it good And forasmuch as this Payment could not be made in the Towns and great inconveniences arose the Barons i.e. the Freeholders of the County took care that six and forty Marks should be paid out of the Hundred which being seal'd up with the Seal of some one Baron of the County they were to be sent to the Treasurer and by
Etheling Margaret married to Malcolm King of Scots from whom all the Kings of England since King Henry I. are descended Christina a Nun at Wilton 1 Edward the Martyr R. XXIX 1 Edwie R. XXVII 3 Edwin 2 Athelstan Illegitimate R. XXIV Kings of the Danish Race who reigned between King Edmund Ironside and Edward the Confessor Cnute King of England Denmark and Norway 1 Harold sirnamed Harefoot esteemed Supposititious 2 Hardecnute succeeded his Brother Harold He was Son to Queen Emma 1 Aethelward or Aelfweard 3 Aethelred R. XXI 1 Aelfred 2 Oswald 2 Aethelbert R. XX. 2 Athelm 1 Aethelwald 1 Aethelbald R. XIX 1 Cutha Cada Cenbyrht 2 Mulla or Moll 1 Ceadwalla R. X. 4 Ceolwulf Cuthgils Cenferth Cenfus Aescwine R. IX 5 Cwichelm INDEX Note The Numbers signify so many of the same Name A ABbey Abbey-Lands Abbot Aberfraw Abingdon Abjuring Acca Achaius Adda Adelphius Adian Admurum Adrian Adulf Adultery Aeadsige Aealmond Aealhstan Aedan Vradog Aedan ap Blegored Aedric Aegelbyerth Aegelric Aelfeage Aelfer Aelfgar Aelfleda Aelfred or Alfred Aelfric 3. Aelfweard Aelfwinna Aelfwold Aelgiva 3. Aella 3. Aelmer Aemilianus Aeneon Aescasdune Aescwin 2. Aesk Aestel Aethelbald 2. Aethelbryht Aethelburga Aethelfleda Aethelgiva Aethelheard Aethelred Aethelswithe Aethelwald 2. Aethelwulf Aetius Agatha Agatho Agelbert Agricola Agrippina Aidan Ailesbury Ailmer Ailnoth Ailwin Akmanceaster Alan 2. Alaric St. Alban Albania Albert Albinus Chlodius Alburge Alchluid Alchmuid Alchmund Alcuin Aldhelm Aldred Aldune Alehouses Alemond Alfleda Alfred 5. Alfweard Alfwin Alfwold Algithe Algiva Alhred 2. Alienation Alkuith Allectus Allegiance Alms Alrich 2. Alstan Alton Alwin Alwold Alypius Ambresburg Ambrosius Amiens Ammianus Marcellinus Anarawd Andate Andover Andragatius Andredswood Angild Angles Anglesey Anglia Sacra Anlaff 2. Anna Annals Saxon Antenor Anwulf Aper Appeals Vid. Pope Appledore Arbogastes Arcadius Archbishop Archenfield Archigallo Arch-pyrate Arderydd Areans Ariminum Arles Armorica Armour Army Arnulf Arnwy Arrian Heresy Arthur Arviragus Arwald Arwan Asaph Asclepiodotus Ashdown Assault Asser Assize-Charges Asterius Ataulphus Athelgiââ Athelm Athelney Athelric Athelstan 3. Athelwald Athelward Athelwold Attacotti Atticus Augusta Augustine Augustine's-Ake Augustus Caesar Avon Aurelian Aurelius Ambrosius Atticus Conan Marcus Aust Axanminster B BAchseg Badon-Hill Bakewell Balbinus Clodius Baldred Baldwin Bamborough-Castle Banbury Bangor Banner Banuwelle Baptism Bardeney Bardsey-Island Barnwood Barons St. Bartholomew St. Basile Basse Bassianus Bassus Bastardy Bathan Bathe Beadricesworth Beamdune Beamfleet-Castle Becancelde Bedanhealfde Bede Bedicanford Belinus Bells Benedict Benedictines St. Bennet 's in Holme Bennington Beonna Beormond Beorne 4. Beornred Beornwulf Berferth Berkshire Bernicia Bertha Bertulf Beverlie Bevorstone Billingsgate Birds Birth Supposititious Birthwald Bishops Blecca Blood Boadicia Bocland Bodotria Boetius Hector Bolanus Bonagratia de Villa Dei Bondland Bondman Bonosus Bosa Bosenham Boston Bottulf Bounds Bracelets Bradanford Brandanrelie Breach of the Peace Brecklesey-Island Brecknock-Castle Bregowin Brennus Bridgenorth Brigantes Brige Brightnoth Brihtric 2. Britain Great Britain Britains Britains of Armorica British Church Brixstan Brockmaile Bromrige Bruerne Brocard Brun-Albin Brute Bryâhtwald Bryghtwulf Brythelme Buchanan Budington Buloigne Buoy in the Nore Burford Burgh Burghmotes Burhred Byrinus Byrnstan C CAdelh Cadocus Cadwallader Cadwallo 3. Cadwan Caedmon Caerialis Petilius Caer-Leon Caesar Calais Calcuithe Caledonians Caligula Camalodunum Cambden Cambria Cambridge Camelford Candida Casa Candidus Canterbury Caractacus Caradoc Carausius Carehouse Careticus Carlisle Carron Carrum Cartismandua Carus Cassibelan Cassiterides Castinus Castor Castra Exploratorum Cataract Cattle Ceadda Ceadwalla Ceawlin 3. Cedda Cendrythe Cenered Cenwall Cenwulf 2. Ceolfus Ceolnoth Ceolred 2. Ceolric Ceolwulf 5. Cerdic Cerdicsford Cerne Chacea St. Chad Chanons Secular Charges at Assizes Charles 5. Charters Chastity Cherbury Chertsey Chester Chichester Chiltern Chipnam Choisy Christianity Christ Church Cant. Chrysanthius Church Cimbric Chersonese Cimerii Cippenham Cirencester Civilis Civil War Claudia Rufina Claudian Claudius 2. Clergy Clodius Balbinus Chlorus Constantius Cloveshoe Cnobsbury Cnute Coelestine Cogidunus Coifi Coil Coinage Colchester Coldingham Coleman Coludesburgh Columba Comets Commodus Commons of England Compurgators Conan 5. Congal Constans Constantine 5. Constantius 2. Corfesgeate Cornwal Coronation Corrodies Coventry Councils Counties Countreymen County-Court Coway-stakes Crayford Creed Creeklade Creoda or Crida Crimes Criminal Crown Croyland Chrysanthius Cuckamsley-hill Cumbran Cuneglasus Curescot Cutha Cuthbert Cuthbryht Cuthred 3. Cuthwulf Cwichelme 2. Cycle Cynebald Cynebryht Cynegils Cyneheard 2. Cynoth Cynric 2. Cynwulf D DAgobert Dalliance Danegelt Danes Daniel 2. Darwent David St. Davids Deadly Feuds Death Decennary Decianus Decimation Decius Defamation Degradation Degsa-stan Deira Demetae Denulph Deomed Deorham Deposition Deprivation Derawnde Desertion Devils-Ditch Devise of Lands Deusdedit 2. Dicul Didius Difilina Dinoth Diocesses Dioclesian Dionotus Domitian Dorinea Dover Dower Draganus Drinking Druids Dublin Dubritius Duduc Dulcitius Dun Dunbritton Dunmoc St. Dunstan Dunwallo Molmutius Dunwich Durham Duty to Parents E EAdbald 2. Eadbert 2. Eadbryht Eadburga Eadesbyrig Eadfrid Eadhed Eadmund Aetheling Eadred Eadsige Eadulf Eadwig Aetheling Eadwin Eagle Ealcher Ealchstan Ealerd Ealfert Ealfric Ealswithe Eanbald Eanbryht Eanfrid Earcombert Earcongath Eardulf Eardwulf Earnred Earnwulf East-Angles Easter East-Saxons Eatta Ebba 2. Eborius Eclipses Eddobeccus Edelwalch Edgar Edgar Aetheling 2. Edgitha 2. Edingburgh Editha Edmund the Martyr Edmund Son to Edward the Elder Edmund Son of King Alfred Edmund Aetheling St. Edmundsbury Edred 2. Edric Edwal ap Meyric Edwal Ugel Edwal Ywrch Edward the Elder Edward Aetheling Edward the Martyr Edward the Confessor Edwi Edwin 3. Edwin Aetheling Edwold Egbert 7. Egelfleda Egelnoth Egfrid Eglesburgh Egonesham Egric Egwin Egwinna Eighth Elbodius Election of King V. Kings Sparsim Eleutherius Elfeage 2. Elfer Elfgar Elfin Elfleda Elfric Elfwald Elfwinna Elgiva V. Aelgiva Elidurus Ellendune Ellwye Elutherius Ely-Monastery Emma Emperor Eneon England Englisherie English-men English-Saxons Entail Eoppa Eoric Eorpenwald Eorpwald Eowils Ercenbryht Eric Erkenwald Ermenred Esylht Ethelard Ethelbald 2. Ethelbert 4. Ethelbryht Ethelburgh Etheldrethe Etheldrith Etheler Ethelfleda Ethelfred Ethelfreda Ethelfrid Ethelgar Ethelheard 2. Ethelnoth Ethelred 8. Ethelwald 2. Ethelward Ethelwerd Ethelwin Ethelwold 2. Ethelwulf Evesham Eugenius 2. Evil Councils Europe Eustatius Eutherius Excommuication Exeter Exmouth F FAith False News Famine Farrington Fealty Fee or Feuds Fee-tayl Estate Feologild Fergus Fernham Festidus Fidelity Fighting Finan Fines Finkley Fire First Fruits Five Burghs Flanders Flattery Fleet Foelix Folcmote Folcstone Foreign Tongue Forests Forfeitures Formosus Fornication Framarius France Frank-pledges Franks Freemen Freodguald Freothwulf Frethanleage Friburg Friesland Frisians Frithestan Frithogithe Frithwald Fugitives Fullenham Furseus G GAcon Gaini Gainsborough Galgacus Galienus Gallio Game Gavelkind Gaule Gemote General Gentlemen Geoffrey of Monmouth Gerent Germanus Gerontius Gessoriacum Geta Gethic Gewisses Gildas Girwy Gisa Glan-morgan Glappa 2. Glass Glastenbury Gleni Glewancester Glotta and Bodotria God Goda Godfathers Godfred Godiva Godmundingham Godwin Gogmagog Gordianus Gormond Gospatrick Gospel Government Graetanleage Grand Inquest Vid. Inquest Gratian Gratianus Gregory Griffyn Griffyth ap Llewelin ap Sitsylt Griffyth ap Madoc St. Grimbald Grime Grisons Grymkytel Guarinus Gueld Guendelew Gueniver Guiderac Guild Guintelin
Gunhilda Gunhildis Gurgi Gurguint Guthfrith Guthlac Guthrun Guy Gwgan Gwido Gwyn or Gwyr Gwyneth Gyrth H HAcun Hadrian Haefe Halfdene Hamtune Hardecnute Harold 4. Harwood-Forest Hastings Hatred Heacca Headda Heads Healfange Healfden Heathens Heavens Hedda Heddi 2. Heliogabolus Helmestan Helmham Hemeida Hengest and Horsa Hengestdune Henwald Heofenfield Heraclitus Herefrith Hereman Heresy Herethaland Heriots Hethfield Hiberni Higbald Higbert Hilda Hinguar and Hubba Hlothe Vid. Troops Hock-Wednesday Holland Homage Honorius 3. Hooc Norton Horesti Horsa Vid. Hengest Horses Hostages Hostilianus Houses Religious Vid. Monasteries Howel Howel and Meredyth Hubba Hubblestones or Hubblestow Huda Huena Hugh Hundred Courts Hundreds Hunferth Hungus Hunting Huntington Hussa Hyde Hye J JAgo and Jevaf Jago ap Edwal Janbryht Japhet Iberi Icanho Iceni Ida Idel Idols Jerne Jerusalem Jews Iffi Igmond Ilford Iltutus Images Impostor Ina Indian Apostles Indians Ingerlingum Ingild Ingwar Inquest Grand Intestates Inundation Invasion John of Beverlie John Scotus Jointures Joseph of Arimathea Jovian Ipswich Ireland Island Ithamar Ithancester Ivor Judges Julia Julian Julianus Jury Justice Justin the Elder Justus Jutes K KEawlin Vid. Ceawlin Kemsford Kenbryht Kened 2. Kenelm Keneswith Kenet Kenred Kent Kentigern Kentishmen Kentwyn Kenulf Kenwal Vid. Cenwalch Kenwulf Kings Kingsbury King's Evil King 's Houshold Kingsige Knights Service Knute Vid. Cnute Kynan Vid. Conan Kynobelin L LAncaster Land's End Langoemagog Lanthorns Lashlite Lawrence Laws League Learning Lease Lee Leeds Legancester Legion Roman Legions Leicester Leighton Lent Leo 2. Leof Leofgar Leofred Leofric 2. Leofwin Leotheta Lethard Levatriae Leutherius Lewelin 2. Liblacum Licinius Priscus Lideford Lifing Lightning Limene Lindisfarne Lindisse Lindissi Litchfield Living 2. London Lords Lord's-Day Lord's-Prayer Lothaire 2. Lothebroc Lots Lucius Lucullus Saluftius Ludgate Ludican Lugeanburh Lupicinus Lupus Lupus Virius M MAccuse Macrinus Maelgwyn Magnentius Maildulf Maims and Wounds Malcolm Maldon Malgo or Malgoclunus Mallings Malmesbury Man the City Man the Isle Manchester Mancuses Mandubratius Manslaughter Vid. Murther Marcellus Ulpius Marcus Aurelius Vid. Aurelius Marcus Margaret Mariage Marinus Marius St. Martin Martinus a Praefect Martinus the Pope Martyrdom Maserfield Maxentius Maximinian Marcus Aurelius Maximinianus Maximinus Julius Maximus 3. Meanwari Medcant Medeshamsted Melgas Mellitus Members Menai Menaevia Mercevenlage Mercia Mercy Meredyth Meredyth and Howel Merehwit Meresige Merton Merwina Midletune Militia Milred Milton Mints Miracles Modwina Mollo Mona Monarch Monasteries Money Monks Morchar 2. Morgant Morindus Vid. Morvidus Morini Mortality Morvidus Moston Mould Mouric Mulcts Murrain Vid. Plague Murther Myranheofod N NAitan Nation Nazaleod Nennius St. Neot Nero Nerva Nesse-Point Newenden Nice Nicholaus Niger Pescenius Night-Mare Nobility Normandy Normans Northalbingia Northampton Northern People of Britain Northumbers Northumbrian Kingdoms North-Wales Norway Norwich Nothelm Numerianus Nunnery Vid. Monastery Nunnichia O OAkly in Surrey Oath of Fidelity Vid. Fealty Odo Offa 2. Offerings at the Altar Olaff Olanaege Old Saxony Orcades Ordeal Order Ordgar 2. Ordination of a Bishop Ordovices Orgiva Orkeney Orotius Paulus Osbald Osberge Osbert Osfrid Oskytel Osmund Osred 2. Osric 3. Ostorius Scapula Oswald and Oswie Oswald Aetheling Oswald 3. Oswestre Oswin Oswulf Oswy Otford Outlawry Oxford P PAenius Posthumus Pagan Rites Pagans Vid. Heathens Palace-Royal Palladius St. Pancrace Church Papinian Pardon Vid. Prerogative Paris Parish-Feasts Parker Parliament Paschalis Pasham Patern Paulinus St. Paul's-Church Paulus Peace of the King Peace or League Peadda Pecuniary Fines Vid. Punishment Pedidan or Pendrid-Mouth Pelagius Pen Penda Pentarchy Pentecost-Castle Penvahel Pepin Perennis Perjury Pertinax Pestilence Peter Peterburgh Peter-Pence Petroc Philip Philippus Marcus Julius Philippus Nonnius Phoenicians Picts Pightwin or Pechtwin Pinchenhale or Finkenhale Pius Antoninus Plague Plautius Pledge Plegmund Plenty Polidore Virgil Polycletus Pope Port Portlock-Bay Portsmouth Portus Icâius Posentesbyrig Praesidialis Prasutagus Prayer Praedur Prerogative Priests Priscilla Probus M. Aurel. Valer. Prodigies Protection Provision for the King's Houshold Punishments Purgation Pusa Putta Q QUarrel or Deadly Feud Queen Quenburga Quendride Quendrith Quichelme R RAdnor Radnorshire Raven Vid. Banner Reculf Redburge Redwald Rees Reginald Regni Reiderch-hoel Religion Religious Houses Vid. Monasteries Resignation of Bishopricks Restitutus Revenge Rhine Richard the Elder of Normandy Richbert Ricsige Ripendune Ripon Ritheric ap Justin Ritherch and Rees Robber Robert Duke of Normandy Robert a Norman Monk Rodoric or Rodri Rodri Maur Rofcaester Rollo the Dane Roman Affairs Empire Language c. Romans Romanus Rome Romescot Rowena Rufina Claudia Run or Reyn Runick Characters Runkhorne in Cheshire Rusticus Decimius Ryal in Rutlandshire S SAcriledge Salaries Sale of Goods c. Vid. Traffick Sampson Sanctuaries Sandwich Saragosa in Spain Sardica Sarum Old Saturninus Seius Saxon Annals Saxon English Saxony Saxulph Scapula Vid. Ostorius Sceapige Sceorstan Sceva School Scotch Historians Scotland Scots Scriptures Sea Seals Sebba Vid. Siger Sebbi Sebert Secington Security Selred Sempingaham Seneca Seolefeu Sermon Serpents Servants Sester Severn Severus Severus Alexander Severus Germanus Seward Sexburga Shaftsbury Shaving of Crowns Sheovesham or Secvesham Shepholme Sheriffs Sherwood Forest Ships Shireburne Shiremotes Shropshire Sicga Sigebert 2. Sigeferth Siger and Sebba Sigeric Vid. Syric Sihtric Silures Simony Singin Sithicundmon Slaves Snottingaham Soldier Somerton Southampton South-Saxons South-Shâebury Southumoers South-Wales Sparafock Spot Wulfric Stamford Standing Army Stanmore Stealing Vid. Theft Stephanus Stigand Stilico Stone in Staffordshire Stone-henge Straetcluyd Strangers Strathern Streanshale Strikers in open Court Stufe and Withgar Succession to the Crown Suetonius Paulinus Sunday Vid. Lord's-Day Supposititious Birth Suretyship Sutbury in Suffolk Swale Swanwick in Hampshire Swebryht Sweden Sweeds Sweyn 4. Swidhelme Switheard Swithred St. Swithune Sydeman Synod Syric or Sigeric Syward 2. T TAcitus M. Claudius Taliesseâ Tamworth in Staffordshire Tatwin Tavistock-Abbey Taunton Taxes Temples of Idols Tenantius Vid. Theomantius Testament Testudo Tetricus Thaelwalle in Cheshire Thanet Island Theft Theobald Theodore Theodoric Theodosius 2. Theodwulf Theomantius Tholouse St. Thomas Thunore Thurkyll Thyra Tiberius Tilabury Tinmouth Tiowulfingeeaster Titulus or Titillus Tobias Toceter Torswick Tostige Tower of London Tradition Traffick Trajan Transmarine Nations Transportation Traytor Treasure-trove Trebellius Maximus Vid. Maximus Trekingham Triades Tribute Triers Trinobantes Triumphal Honours and Ornaments Tâoops Trumbrith or Trumbert Trumwin Trutulensis Tryals Tuda Tudric Tudwall Gloff Turkytell Turne-Island Turpilianus Petronius Twelf-hindman Twi-hindman Tyrants Tythes Tythings V VAcancy of the Throne Valentia Valentinian Valentinus Valerianus Pub. Licinius Valuation Vectius Bolanus Venedoti Venutius Veranius Verulam Vespatian Flavius Titus Uffa Vice-Domini Victor Victorinus Vienne Villain Villains Virgilius Virgins Vitalian Ulfkytel University Unust Vortigern Vortimer Vortipore Urbgen or Urien Urbicus Lollius Urgeney Urych Merwyn Uscfrea Usurers Uther Pendragon Uthred Utrecht Vulgar W WAda Wakes Wales Wall Wallbrook Waltham-Abbey Wall-town Wanating Warewell Warham Warwick Watchet in Somersetshire Wax-tapers Wectij or Wicij Wedesbury Weland Welsh Wenbury Werfryht West-burgh West-Chester Vid. Chester Westminster Church and Abbey West-Saxons Westwude Whalie in Lancashire Wheat Whipping Whitby in Yorkshire Whitchurch in Hampshire Whitsand Wibbendon Wiccon Widow Wigbryht
Ailesbury in Buckinghamshire anciently called Eglesbyrig l. 5. p. 321. Ailmer Earl of Cornwal Founder of the Abbey of Cerne in Dorsetshirâ l. 6. p. 22. Ailnoth Vid. Ethelnoth Ailwin the Ealdorman Founder of the Abbey of Ramsey l. 6. p. 6 7. Akmanceaster an Ancient City called Bathan by the Inhabitants l. 6. p. 7. Alan King of Armorica receives Cadwallader l. 4. p. 190. Alan Earl of Britain so great an Assistant to William Duke of Normandy that after his Conquest he made him Earl of Richmond and had great part of the Countrey thereabouts given him l. 6. p. 109. Alaric King of the Goths takes Rome l. 2 p. 104. St. Alban an Account of his Martyrdom l. 2. p. 85 86. The Miracles thereat Ibid. p. 107 108. Is privately buried that Age being ignorant of the virtue of keeping Saints Relicks Id. p. 86. Offa is warned by an Angel to remove his Relicks to a more Noble Shrine He builds a new Church and Monastery in honour of him who was after canonized l. 4. p. 237. As he was the first Martyr of England so the Abbot thereof ought to be the first in Dignity of all the Abbots in England Ib. p. 238. Pope Honorius ratified the Privileges formerly granted and gave to this Abbot and his Successors Episcopal Rights together with the Habit c. Jd. Ib. St. Albans anciently called Verulam where a Great Council was held by King Offa Id. p. 239. Albania now Scotland Northwest of the Mountains of Braid-Albain and its extent l. 2. p. 83 98. Albert ordained Archbishop of York l. 4. p. 229. Receives his Pall for the Archbishoprick from Pope Adrian Id. p. 230. Albinus Chlodius made Lieutenant of Britain by Commodus the Emperor who would have created him Caesar and permitted him in his presence to wear the Purple Robe but he refused them then yet afterwards assumed the Titles and Honour and died in asserting his Right to the Imperial Purple l. 2. p. 71 73. Is dismissed from the Government of Britain but retained it under both Pertinax and Didius Julianus Takes upon him the Title of Caesar under Severus had Statues erected and Money coin'd with his Image Forced the Messengers sent by the Emperor to dispatch him by Torture to confess the Design Id. p. 72. But is obliged at last to run himself through with his own Sword Id. p. 73. Alburge Sister to King Egbert Foundress of a Benedictine Nunnery at Wilton l. 5. p. 248. Alcluid now called Dunbritton in Scotland l. 2. p. 101. Is destroyed by the Danes l. 5. p. 277. Alchmuid Son to Ethelred King of Northumberland being taken by the Guards of King Eardulf is slain by his Command l. 4. p. 243. Alchmund Bishop of Hagulstade his Decease l. 4. p. 232. Alcuin or Albinus writes an Epistle wherein he proves Image-Worship utterly unlawful l. 4. p. 237. At his Intercession the Northumbrian Kingdom is spared from Ruin Id. p. 240. Goes into France and is much in favour with Charles the Great whom he taught the Liberal Arts and by his means the University of Paris is erected His Death and Character Id. p. 244. Aldhelm made Bishop of Shireburn and by whom l. 4. p. 213. A Catalogue of his Works given us by Bede Id. p. 213 214. His Death and Character Id. p. 214. Aldred Bishop of Worcester by his Intercession makes Sweyn's Peace with Edward the Confessor and goes with Bishop Hereman to the great Synod assembled at Rome l. 6. p. 75. Is sent Ambassador to the Emperor with Noble Presents to prevail with him to send Ambassadors into Hungary to bring back Prince Edward the King's Cousin Son of King Edmund Ironside into England Id. p. 86. His rebuilding the Church of St. Peter in Gloucester and going on Pilgrimage through Hungary to Jerusalem Id. p. 88. Is made Archbishop of York and goes with Earl Tostige to Rome where he receives his Pall Ibid. Crowns Harold King of England Id. p. 105. Aldune Bishop of Lindisfarne removes the Body of St. Cuthbert from Chester after a hundred years lying there to Durham and there builds a small Church dedicating it to him l. 6. p. 26. Alehouses how anciently these have been here with the Consequences thereof viz. quarrelling and breaking of the Peace l. 6. p. 43. Alemond Father to Edmund the King and Martyr whom he had by his Wife Cywara in old Saxony l. 5. p. 265. Alfleda Daughter to Ceolwulf King of the Mercians is married to Wimond Son of Withlaff an Ealdorman there who is afterwards made King by the Consent of the People l. 5. p. 253. Alfred King of Northumberland would not alter the Judgment against Bishop Wilfrid for any Letter from the Pope l. 4. p. 207. Deceases at Driffield and on his Death-bed repents of what he had done towards the Bishop Id. p. 212 213. Alfred King of the West-Saxons was the fifth Son of King Aethelwulf Id. p. 258. When born of Osberge his Mother at Wantige in Berkshire l. 5. p. 261. Is anointed King by the Pope as a Prophetical Presage of his future Royal Dignity Id. p. 262 265. Married to Alswitha the Daughter of Aethelred the Ealdorman of the Gaini l. 5. p. 269. He with his Brother Ethelred made a great slaughter of the Danes Id. p. 275. By the general Consent of the whole Kingdom is advanced to the Throne Id. p. 276. Fights with the Danes and the various success of his Fortune Ibid. Fights at Sea against seven of their Ships and takes one the rest escaping Id. p. 277. Is forced to make Peace with them and what Hostages they give him to depart the Kingdom but upon breach of Oath he puts them all to death The Danes make another Peace with him but did not long observed it Id. p. 278. Leads an uneasy Life upon their account beiâg forced to hide and lurk among the Woody parts of Somersetshire Id. p. 280. His excessive Charity to a poor man in the midst of his own Extremity Id. p. 280 281. Goes into the Danish Army in the habit of a Countrey Fidler discovers their weakness and by that means obtain a signal Victory over them Id. p. 282. Delivers the Kingdom of the East-Angles up to Guthrune and the League made between them setting out the Extent of each other's Territories Id. p. 283 284. The Subjection or Dependance the Danes shew'd to this King by their consenting to the Laws made in a Common-Council of the Kingdom Id. p. 285. Fights against four Danish Pyrate-ships takes two the other two surrender Id. p. 285 286. Pope Martinus sends some of the Wood of our Lord's Cross to him and in return he sends to Rome the Alms he had vowed Id. p. 286. Setting upon the Danish Pyrates with his Fleet takes them all with great Spoils and kills most of their men but returning home and meeting with another Fleet of them they prove too hard for him Id. p. 286 287. Takes the City of London from the Danes who had kept it
him And after Caesar's departure till the time of Claudius they were free from the Roman Yoke Id. p. 35 36. They send Ambassadors into Gallia to Augustus to beg Peace and begin to learn the Roman Arts of Flattery c. Id. p. 36 37. Victory obtained over them by Claudius his Clemency towards them for which they build him a Temple and adore him as a God Id. p. 40. Their Victory over Catus Decianus and the Romans in the absence of Paulinus Suetonius and Cruelty to the Roman Wives and Virgins Id. p. 48 49. Learnt the Vices of the Romans are overcome by Agricola Id. p. 51 55 56 57 58 59. Would not own themselves beaten by the Courage of the Roman Soldiers but by the Conduct of their General Id. p. 59. They get together Thirty thousand strong on the Grampion Hills and are resolved to fight him again but are miserably beaten and put to flight Id. p. 59 60 61 62 63. Recovering fresh Strength and Courage under the Conduct of Arviragus revolt against the Emperor Trajan but are soon reduced again l. 2. p. 65 66. Would have entirely rovolted from Hadrian after Julius Severus his departure had not Hadrian in the second year of his Empire made a Journey hither and by force of Arms reduced them Id. p. 67. The South-Britains within Hadrian's Wall enjoy the Privilege in Antoninus Pius his time of being free Citizens of Rome Id. p. 67 68. Raise new Commotions in Marcus Aurelius Antoninus his time who succeeds Antoninus Pius From Lucius till the time of Dioclesian they maintain the Christian Faith without disturbance Id. p. 68. Under the Power of the Romans in Lucius his time or what remained unconquered were absolutely Heathen and Barbarous at the time of his supposed Conversion Id. p. 69. Much infested with Wars and Seditions in Commodus his Reign They mutiny against Perennis and send Fifteen hundred Soldiers into Italy to let Commodus the Emperor know that Perennis had conspired against him endeavouring to make his Son Emperor Id. p. 70. Come flocking in to Constantius Chlorus against Allectus Id. p. 84. Suffer Persecution here under Dioclesian the Emperor Id. p. 85. Revolt against the Emperor Constantine but are subdued Id. p. 87 88. Renounce all further Obedience to the Roman Empire Id. p. 104. The first Supplies sent to them were between the Death of Maximus and the setting up of Gratianus Municeps and when the second Id. p. 105 106. Their Endeavours to get the Roman Protection in Valentinian the Third's time Id. p. 106. Would by no means receive the Pelagian Doctrine Id. p. 107. Their Victory over the Picts and Saxons and by what means Id. p. 108. Their doleful Letters to Aetius the Emperor's Lieutenant in Gaul for Assistance And their Wickedness both in Clergy and Laity Id. p. 115. Their leaving Kent and flying in great fear to London l. 3. p. 129. Their Victory over the Saxons through their Carelessness Id. p. 148. Believe Augustin's Doctrine to be from God from his Miraculous Cure of a Blind Man l. 4. p. 161. In Bede's time it was their custom to set at nought the Religion of the English-Saxons Id. p. 176. Fight with Kenwalc King of the West-Saxons at Peonnum but put to flight by him and pursued as far as Pedridan l. 4. p. 188. Deliver the City of Alkuith upon Conditions to Eadbert King of Northumberland and Unust King of the Picts l. 4. p. 227. A great Battel between them and the Saxons at Hereford l. 4. p. 228. And at Ruthin where Caradoc ap Gwin King of North-Wales was slain Id. p. 241. And another between them and the Devonshire men where the former were-routed l. 5. p. 253. Suffer a great slaughter from Hinguar and Hubba Id. p. 281. Obtain a Victory over the Danes and driving them into a River drown many of them Id. p. 298. Northern Britains much infested by the Incursions of the Danes Saxons and Scots Id. p. 317. Ever since the coming in of the Saxons had continued a distinct Principality in the North and retiring into North-Wales had there erected the Colony of Straetcluyd Id. p. 344. Britains of Armorica settled there long before ours were driven out by the Saxons l. 3. p. 127. British Church sent divers Bishops to the Council of Arles in Gallia l. 2. p. 88. Enjoyed perfect Peace till the Arrian Heresy over-ran the whole world Id. p. 105. All differences cease between this Church and that of North-Wales and how effected l. 4. p. 229. Brixstan in Somersetshire anciently called Ecbyrth-stan lying on the East-side of Selwood-Forest l. 5. p. 282. Brockmaile the Protector and Defender of the Britains l. 4. p. 164. Bromrige in the County of Northumberland anciently called Brunanburh l. 5. p. 334 335. Bruerne Brocard resenting the Injury King Osbryht had done him in lying with his Wife goes over to Denmark to complain of it and gets a great Army to come from thence who revenge the Affront by the King's death l. 5. p. 268 269. Brun-Albin or Drum-Albin that is the Ridge of Scotland l. 2. p. 98. Brute and his Successors their History How he consults the Oracle and the Answer it returned l. 1. p. 7 8. He divides the Kingdom to his Three Sons the Eldest to have Loegria now England the Second Cambria now Wales and the Third Albania now Scotland Id. p. 9. Bryghtwald takes the Bishoprick of Wiltonshire l. 6. p. 31. Bryghtwulf Bishop of Scireborne deceases after he had held the Bishoprick eight and thirty years Id. p. 73. Brythelme Bishop of Wells made Archbishop of Canterbury but being found not fit for so great a Charge by the Command of the King and whole Nation he retired and went to his former Church l. 6. p. 2. Buchanan his Mistakes About Severus his Wall l. 2. p. 76 77. About The last Wall which he will have built in Scotland Id. p. 100 101. About The last War between the Romans and the Britains Id. p. 101 102. About Achaius King of Scots having reigned 32 years c. l. 5. p. 250. About King Athelstan's Parricide Id. p. 335. Budington in Shropshire anciently called Butdigingtune l. 5. p. 301. Buloigne the Portus Ictius and ancient Gessoriacum from whence the Romans most commonly passed into Britain l. 2. p. 31 40. Buoy in the Nore supposed anciently to be called Northmuthe l. 6. p. 80. Burford in the Saxon times called Beorgford in Oxfordshire l. 4. p. 226. Burgh an Abbey which Leofric the Abbot of it so adorned with Rich Gildings that it was called the Golden Burgh c. l. 6. p. 84. Burghmotes to be held Thrice a Year and who to be present thereat l. 6. p. 13. Burhred Burherd or Beorhed King of Mercia fights with the Britains and kills their King Enters North-Wales with great Power and destroys Anglesey and slays Meyric l. 5. p. 261. Succeeds Beorthwulf and present at the Agreement made by Ceolred Abbot of Medeshamsted and his Monks of a Lease
of the Lands and Privileges of Croyland Monastery in a Great Council Id. p. 254. Of King Berthwulf to the Abbey of Croyland confirmed under the Rule of St. Benedict in a Great Council of the Kingdom at Kingsbury Id. p. 261. Of King Edgar about his subduing the greatest part of Ireland with the City of Dublin and to be Lord of all the Isles as far as Norway doubtless fictitious l. 6. p. 12. By an Extract from King Cnute's Charter preserved in the Evidences of that Church the Port of Sandwich is given to Christ-Church in Canterbury with all the Issues c. Id. p. 54. Of King Cnute's to the Monastery of St. Edmundsbury grants and confirms all its Lands and Privileges The Beginning of it somewhat remarkable Ibid. Of the Foundation of the Monastery of Coventry ratified by the Charter of King Edward and a Bull of Pope Alexander Id. p. 72. Of Edward the Confessor to confirm the Foundation of Waltham-Abbey Id. p. 89. The Curia or Great Council of the Kingdom confirm his Charter of Endowment of the Monastery of Westminster part of which is there set down Id. p. 94. Charters and other Writings when they began to be made after the French way Id. p. 98. Chastity Queen Etheldrith though twice married yet would not suffer either of her Husbands to know her l. 4. p. 198 199. An Heroick Example of it in the Abbess of Coldingham Nunnery in Yorkshire l. 5. p. 269. King Edgar perhaps loved it in others though he did not mucâ practise it himself l. 6. p. 11. Edward the Confessor highly extols his Wife for her Chastity Id. p. 96. Cherbury in Shropshire anciently called Cyricbyrig l. 5. p. 316. Chertsey in Surrey anciently called Ceortesige l. 6. p. 6. Chester anciently called Legions l. 4. p. 164. Legacester l. 5. p. 301. l. 6. p. 8. Concacestre l. 5. p. 286. Called also Caerlegion l. 5. p. 315. And Cunaeceaster l. 6. p. 26. The Place where the Danes took up their Quarters against King Alfred's Forces which made them suffer great extremities l. 5. p. 301. Repaired by the Command of Earl Ethelred and his Wife Ethelfleda Id. p. 315. The Heads of Leofred a Dane and Gryffyth ap Madoc set up on the top of the Tower there Id. p. 321. The Province much spoiled and ruined by the Norwegian Pyrates l. 6. p. 20. Chichester the Bishop's See was formerly at Selsey l. 4. p. 198. Anciently Cisseancester in Sussex where the Danes carried their Prey from Alfred l. 5. p. 300. The Bishoprick was called that of the South-Saxons l. 6. p. 88. Chiltern the Woody Countrey of Bucks and Oxfordshire anciently called Clytern l. 6. p. 34. Chipnam Vid. Cippenham Choisy anciently Cazii signifies a Royal Village it is in France l. 5. p. 290. Christianity first preached in this Island when and by whom l. 2. p. 51 52. When and by whom first preach'd in Germany l. 4. p. 211. Christ-Church in Canterbury had the Port in Sandwich given to it by King Cnute with all the Issues and Profits c. l. 6. p. 54. Chrysanthius the Son of Marcian a Novatian Bishop supposed to be sent into Britain by Theodosius as his Lieutenant l. 2. p. 97. Church Pope Gregory's Determination concerning the Customs of the Church l. 4. p. 156. When their Dues ought to be brought in and the Punishment for Non-Payment of them A Sanctuary to those that fly to it who are guilty of a Capital Crime The Punishment those are to undergo that fight in a Church Id. p. 208. Withred's great care of the Churches in Kent Id. p. 210 211. Are freed from all Publick Payments and Tributes whatsoever Id. p. 212. With how bright a Lustre Religion shined in the Primitive Church l. 5. p. 24â Alfred's Law entituled The Immunity of the Church Id. p. 292 296 297. The Forfeiture for stealing any thing from thence Id. p. 297. How necessary it was in ancient times for Princes themselves to be blindly obedient to the Discipline of it l. 6. p. 3. Edgar's Law concerning the Immunities of the Church l. 6. p. 13. When Churches in Wales began to acknowledge the Superiority of the Archbishops of Canterbury Id. p. 21. The Original of Coat-Armour its being hung up in Churches from whence supposed Id. p. 57. In all Courts of Civil Pleas Causes concerning Holy Church were to be first determined Id. p. 99. Those that hold of the Church not to be compelled to plead out of the Ecclesiastical Courts unless Justice be wanting there Ibid. The Law concerning those who violate the Peace of it Ibid. When the Church was not excused from paying of Danegelt Id. p. 100. In what cases the Church was to have one Moiety of Treasure-trove Id. p. 101. Cimbric Chersonese now called Jutland l. 3. p. 121. Cimerii and Cimbri derived from Gomer by whom the Ancient Gallia waâ first inhabited l. 1. p. 4. Cippenham now Chipnam in Wiltshire l. 5. p. 262 283. Cirencester the City besieged taken and burnt and by whom l. 3. p. 148. Civilis sent for by Theodosius to govern Britain as Vice-Praefect l. 2. p. 93. Civil War between Cartismandua and Venutius l. 2. p. 45 46. Between Otho and Vitellius Id. p. 53. Claudia Rufina Wife of Pudens a Senator of Rome l. 2. p. 66. Vid. Rufina Claudian his Verses in De Bello Getico supposed to be designed for the second Departure of the Roman Legions l. 2. p. 101. Claudius the Emperor as he was coming to invade the Britains had twice like to have been cast away by Foul Weather but at last obtains a Victory over them and at his Return to Rome the Senate decree him a Triumph and Annual Games with two Triumphal Arches l. 2. p. 39 40. Lived about three years after his sending Aulus Didius into Britain His Death supposed of Poyson given him by his Wife Agrippina Id. p. 45. A Temple dedicated to him looked on as a Badge of their Eternal Slavery Id. p. 47. Claudius Marc. Aurel. Flav. elected Emperor Gallienus being slain performed several great Actions and dies suddenly l. 2. p. 82. Clergy the British Gildas his Character and Reproof of them l. 3. p. 140. May marry if out of Holy Orders and that they cannot otherwise contain Great care was to be had of their Stipends to make them more diligent in Service And of their Hospitality l. 4. p. 155. To receive no Reward for baptizing or for the other Sacraments Id. p. 225. Several Constitutions made against their committing Offences l. 5. p. 284 285. Their Goods and Possessions established to them by Edward the Confessor's Laws l. 6. p. 99. Chlodius Balbinus Vid. Balbinus Chlorus Constantius adopted Caesar by Maximinian is sent by him against Carausius l. 2. p. 83. Fires his own Ships that so his Soldiers might have no hopes left them of Safety but in Victory Id. p. 84. Chuses the Empire of the Western Provinces whereof Britain was one and puts a stop to the Persecution here raised
Was not long after poysoned by Martia his Concubine Id. p. 72. Commons of England highly probable that they had now their Representatives in the Great Council of the Kingdom and why l. 5. p. 294. Compurgators the Antiquity of them and of what number l. 6. p. 43. Conan Duke of Britain Geoffrey of Monmouth's story of him l. 2. p. 96. Conan Aurelius King of Powis-Land or some other Southern Province l. 3. p. 139 146. Conan King or Prince of North-Wales fights with Howel upon his claiming the Isle of Mon or Anglesey but loses the Victory l. 5. p. 250. Afterwards chases his Brother out of the Isle of Anglesey and compells him to fly into that of Man and a little after dies Id. p. 251. Conan or Kynan a Prince in Possession of South-Wales l. 6. p. 40. The Son of Jago his Enterprize upon North-Wales and the Success of it Id. p. 70. Conan Tindaethwy when he began his Reign over the Britains in Wales l. 4. p. 227. Congal an Abbot of Bangor l. 3. p. 149. Constans the Son of Constantine his Success Declension and Death l. 2. p. 103. Constantine the Great Son of Constantius Chlorus succeeding his Father is saluted Emperor by the whole Army Probably born in Britain Overthrows near Rome the Tyrant Maxentius and declares himself a Christian l. 2. p. 87. Subdues the Britains that had revolted from him Id. p. 87 88. His death and how be divided the Empire Id. p. 88. His Example proposed to King Ethelbert by Pope Gregory l. 4. p. 159. Constantine an Usurper declared Emperor by the Britains for the good Omen of his Name but of what Birth uncertain His Actions and Successes l. 2. p. 102 103. Makes his Son Constans from a Monk Caesar. Settles his Imperial Seat at Arles and hath it called Constantia Id. p. 103. Flings off his Purple Robes and takes Priests Orders in hopes thereby to save his life but all in vain for being carried into Italy he was there beheaded Ibid. The story of his being elected King in Britain very Fabulous and False l. 3. p. 116. Constantine called The Tyrannical Whelp of an Impure Damonian Lioness accused of murthering two Innocent Royal Youths at the very Altar l. 3. p. 139. Builds a Monastery in Ireland and takes on him the Habit of a Monk Id. p. 148. Constantine King of Scots beaten by Athelstane and his Army renews the War with him but is again most miserably beaten l. 5. p. 332 333 334. And at last killed by Singin a Captain of the Worcestershire-men though his Death is denied by the Scotch Historians but he became a Monk and was Abbot among the Culdees of St. Andrews Id. p. 335 336. Constantine the Black Son to Prince Jago hires Godfryd the Dane to engage with him against his Cousin ap Jevaf and what success they met with l. 6. p. 20. Constantius overcomes Magnentius and what Blot is cast upon his Reign by the Severities of Paulus a malicious Inquisitor and Oppressor Calls the Council of Ariminum the most numerous that had ever yet appeared l. 2. p. 89. Dies of a Feaver at Mopsvestia on the borders of Cilicia Id. p. 91. Constantius Comes General to the Emperor Honorius hinders Gerontius from taking of Arles l. 2. p. 103. Corfesgeate now Corfe-Castle in the Isle of Purbeck l. 6. p. 17. Cornwall bestowed by Brute on Corinaeus a Trojan l. 1. p. 9. And Devonshire conquered by Ivour and the various stories of it l. 3. p. 145. Coronation None either before or long after the Conquest took upon them the Title of King till they were crowned And the Ceremony of Coronation was often in ancient times repeated upon some great occasion l. 6. p. 8. Corrodies came first from King Aethelwulph's Last Will whereby he ordained That his Successors through all his own Hereditary Lands should maintain out of every Tân Families one Poor Person with Meat Drink and Apparrel l. 5. p. 264. Coventry derives its Name from the Convent built there by Earl Leofric and his Lady Godiva l. 6. p. 71. How the Town came to be freed from all Taxes imposed upon it by this Lady's riding through it naked at Midnight Id. p. 71 72. Councils of Arles in Gallia when held and what British Bishops were sent to it l. 2. p. 88. Of Nice a great one assembled Anno Dom. 325. at which it appears plain that some of the Bishops of Britain assisted Ibid. Of Sardica when called and wherein appeared the Bishops of Britain Id. p. 89. Of Ariminum called by Constantius the most numerous that ever yet appeared wherein were above Four hundred Bishops of the Eastern and Western Churches The Bishops that were sent to it from Britain Id. p. 89 90. Of Bourdeaux wherein Priscilla and other Hereticks of Maximus his Party being condemned and excomunicated upon their appeal to the Emperor's Tribunal are by him sentenc'd to be beheaded Id. p. 96. Sâveral Councils in France and Africa condemn Pelagianism Id. p. 107. A great one called by King Ethelbert of both Clergy and Laity and what transacted therein l. 4. p. 163. Held by King Edwin and his Wise Men concerning the Christian Doctrine and Worship Id. p. 173. Ina's great one of all the Bishops with the Great and Wise Men of the Kingdom the first whose Laws are come down to us entire Id. p. 208. Another great one at Becanceld and what done therein and who present thereat Id. p. 209 210 241. Another held at Berghamsted in Kent and what Laws made therein by the Common and Unanimous Consent of them All they are called the Judgments or Dooms of King Wightred Id. p. 210 211. One in the Kingdom of Kent at a place called Cylling to confirm what had been done in that of Becanceld six years before Id. p. 212. A great one held in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons in which after the death of Bishop Hedda that Bishoprick was divided into two Id. p. 213. A great one called at Verulam now St. Albans wherein the Tribute of Romescot or Peter-pence is confirmed to be paid to the Pope by their general Consent Id. p. 239. Of Cloveshoe under Kenwulf King of the Mercians and what is transacted therein Id. p. 243. Croyland-Abbey its Lands and Privileges confirmed by King Egbert in a great Council l. 5. p. 254. A General one of the whole Kingdom at London under King Egbert and King Withlaff and what done therein Id. p. 257. A Common Council of the whole Kingdom under Egbert King of the West-Saxons where the Grant of the Mannor of Mallings in Sussex formerly bestowed on Christ-Church in Canterbury was confirmed Ibid. The Council of Kingsbury under Berthwulf King of the Mercians who present and what done therein l. 5. p. 261. The Famous and Solemn Grant of King Aethelwulf concerning Tythes and the Form of passing it into an Act in the Great Council of the Kingdom and who the Parties to it Id. p. 262 263. The League or Agreement made
Ethelbert sirnamed Praen begins to reign in Kent l. 4. p. 240. Hath his Eyes put out and his Hands cut off by the order of Cenwulf King of Mercia whither he is carried Prisoner Id. p. 241. Is set free before the High Altar being then a Prisoner of War upon the Dedication of the Abbey of Winchelcomb Id. p. 242. Eadbriht King of Kent his Death after he had reigned Six Years l. 4. p. 225. Eadburga Daughter to King Offa Marries Brithtrick King of the West-Saxons l. 4. p. 235. Makes away her Husband by Poison designed indeed for one of his Favourites whom she could not endure Id. p. 243. Retires into France is put there into a Nunnery and why and being expelled thence for her Incontinency she begg'd her bread in Italy till she died l. 4. p. 243. A Law made upon her account That the King's Consort for the future should not be called Queen l. 5. p. 264. Eadesbyrig supposed by Mr. Cambden to be Edesbury in Cheshire where Aethelfleda Lady of the Mercians built a Castle l. 5. p. 316. Eadfrid a Son of King Edwin by his Wife Quenburga who was Daughter of Ceorle King of Mercia l. 4. p. 174. Surrenders up himself to Penda King of the Mercians Id. p. 176. Eadhed is Ordained Bishop in the Province of Lindisse and afterwards Governed the Church of Rippon l. 4. p. 196. Eadmund Etheling Son to King Edgar his Death and Burial at Rumsey in Hampshire l. 6. p. 7. Eadred or Ethelred King of the Mercians Marries Ethelfleda King Alfred's Eldest Daughter l. 5. p. 311. Vid. Ethelred Duke of Mercia Eadsige vid. Aeadsige Eadulf vid. Adulf Eadwig Etheling called Ceorle's Cyng that is King of the Clowns Brother to King Edward is Banished the whole story of him he is made Two Persons by the Annals l. 6. p. 50 51. Eadwin vid. Edwin Eagle the Roman Ensigns were in Caesar's time all Eagles l. 2. p. 26. Ealcher and his Kentish-men with Huda and his Surry-men fight with the Danish Army in the Isle of Thanet and the Success thereof l. 5. p. 261 262. Ealchstan Bishop of Scireborne and Prince Aethelbald join in a most wicked Conspiracy to remove Aethelwulf out of his Kingdom l. 5. p. 263. Ealerd a Daughter of King Edwin's by Queen Aethelburga l. 4. p. 176. Ealfert or Alfred King of the Northumbers his Decease l. 4. p. 213. Ealfric an Ealdorman and one of King Ethelred's Admirals who was to have encompass'd the Danish Fleet by surpise but underhand he betrays the design sending them notice to take care of themselves and the night before the intended Engagement goes over to them himself l. 6. p. 23 24. Several other Treacheries he plays as leaving the Army whereof he was General c. Id. p. 30. Ealswithe The Daughter of Aethelred Ealdorman of the Gaini is Married to King Alfred l. 5. p. 269 313. Her Children by him and her Decease Id. p. 310 311 313. Eanbald Consecrated Archbishop to the See of York on the Death of Ethelheard The Pall demanded for him of the Pope by Alwold King of the Northumbers l. 4. p. 232. Departs from the Northumbers and afterwards Consecrates and places on the Throne Eardwulf who had begun his Reign over Northumberland about a Month before Id. p. 240. His Death and Burial at York the Year after Id. p. 241. Another of the same Name upon his Decease was Consecrated Archbishop of York and the Year following he received the Pall Ibid. This Eanbald held the Second Council at Pinchinhale and what was done therein Id. p. 242. Eanbryht Bishop of Hagulstad his Decease l. 5. p. 248. Eanfrid or Earlfrid the Son of Ethelfrid the last King before Edwin Ruled the Kingdom of Bernicia and Abjured the Christian Religion which before he had Professed l. 4. p. 176. Is basely put to Death by Cadwallo when he imprudently came to him with only Twelve Select Knights in his Company to Treat of Peace Id. p. 177. Earcombert the First English King viz. of Kent who Commanded Idols to be destroyed and ordered Lent to be observed l. 4. p. 180. His Death and who succeeded him Id. p. 185 190. His Character Id. p. 189. Earcongath or Earcongata Daughter to Earcombert a Virgin of great Piety constantly serving God in a Monastery of the Kingdom of the Franks in the Town of Bruges in Flanders l. 4. p. 180. Eardulf succeeds Alfred or Ealfert in the Kingdom of the Northumbers but is expelled from it within Two Months by a Plot laid against him l. 4. p. 213. Eardwulf an Earl commanded to be put to death is found afterwards alive and after that made King of Northumberland Id. p. 236. When he began to Reign there and whom he succeeded Id. p. 240. Returns home Victorious by destroying the Rebels that rose up against him Id. p. 241. Leads an Army against Kenwulf King of Mercia for Harbouring his Enemies but by the Intercession of King Egbert a Peace is agreed on and confirmed by Oath l. 5. p. 248. About Three years after he is driven out of his Kingdom and by whom Ibid. p. 249. The Son of Eardulf the first King of that Name there restored to his Kingdom by the Assistance of the Emperor Charles the Great l. 5. p. 249. Earnred succeeds Aelfwold King of Northumberland l. 5. p. 249. Holds his Kingdom as Tributary to Egbert Chief King of the English who had grievously wasted it with his Arms Id. p. 248 255. His Death his Son succeeding him Id. p. 260. Earnwulf Charles the Gross King of the Franks his Brother's Son expels his Uncle his Kingdom dividing it into Five parts and each of the Kings to Govern under him l. 5.290 East-Angles the Countries we now call Norfolk and Suffolk the Kingdom of it supposed to begin about Anno 575. under Uffa the Eighth King from Woden l. 3. p. 145. The Gospel is preached to them by Furseus which Converted many of them l. 4. p. 180. The Kingdom thereof divided between Hunbeanna and Albert Id. p. 225. They slay Beornwulf King of the Mercians for Challenging this Kingdom as his own l. 5. p. 253. Edmund their King fighting with the Danes they obtain the Victory kill him and wholly Conquer that Kingdom Id. p. 269 272 273 274. Their Subjection and Freedom from the Danish Yoke Id. p. 322 Easter it 's Observation according to the manner prescribed in the Council of Nice l. 2. p. 88. l. 4. p. 166. The Difference about the Rule of keeping it in Augustin's time l. 4. p. 160 161. How it was observed by Bishop Aidan Id. p. 177. Is Commanded to be kept according to the Order of the Church of Rome Id. p. 189. Appointed by the Synod at Hartford in Anno 673. to be kept on the First Lord's Day after the Fourteenth Moon of the First Month that is January this was a General Council of the whole Kingdom Id. p. 193. Aldhelm Abbot of Malmesbury wrote an excellent Book about the Keeping of Easter
Subscribes King Edward's Charter of Endowment of the Abbey of Westminster Id. p. 94. Vid. more in Tit. Edward the Confessor Edinburgh anciently called Mount-Agned built by Ebrank the Son of Manlius l. 1. p. 10. In the Possession of the English-Saxons when and how long l. 5. p. 249. Editha Daughter to King Edgar by Wilfreda whom he took out of a Cloyster at Wilton and who was afterwards Abbess of the said Nunnery l. 6. p. 3 12 20. Edmund the Martyr anointed King of the East-Angles by Bishop Humbert at fifteen years of Age at Buram then the Royal Seat l. 5. p. 265. An Account of his Pedigree Education living in Germany Return into England and Election to the Kingdom which as well as himself he submitted to the direction of Bishop Humbert his Reign Fourteen Years in Peace and his Glorious End of Martyrdom Ibid. p. 273. Fighting with the Danes they slew him and wholly conquer that Kingdom Id. p. 269 273. A particular Account both of his Life and Martyrdom Id. p. 272 273 274. Had a Church and Monastery erected to his Memory Id. p. 274 323. Edmund Prince Son to Edward the Elder the relation of his commanding part of his Father's Army with his Brother Edred cannot be true for he was but Four Years old when his Father died l. 5. p. 321. A great Benefactor to the Church built over the Tomb of King Edmund the Martyr Id. p. 323. He and his Brother Athelstan overcome the Scots about Bromrige in the North Id. p. 334. Succeeds his Brother Athelstan in the Kingdom at eighteen years of Age. Invades Mercia and forces Leicester Lincoln Nottingham Stamford and Derby all then under the Power of the Danes to submit to him The Battel he had with Anlaff and the Agreement made at last between these two Kings Id. p. 343. Conquers Anlaff expels him the Kingdom of Northumberland and adds it to his own Dominions Ibid. p. 344. Subdues the whole Countrey of Cumberland giving it to Malcolme King of Scots upon this Condition That he should assist him both by Sea and Land Id. p. 344. Sends Ambassadors to Prince Hugh of France to restore King Lewis His decease and the manner of it His Burial at Glastenbury with his great Benefaction to that Abbey He stiles himself in his Charter King of the English and Governor and Ruler of the other Nations round about Id. p. 345. The Laws he made in the Great Council he held at London Id. p. 346 347 348. The Legend of St. Edmund's Ghost stabbing King Sweyn the Dane l. 6. p. 39 40. Edmund a Son of King Alfred born before Prince Edward commonly called the Elder is crowned King by his Father 's Appointment in his Life-time but dying before him he was buried in the Abbey-Church of Winchester l. 5. p. 311. Edmund Aetheling marries the Widow of Sigeferth who was lately murthered against his Father's Will upon the Fame of her Beauty and Virtue And invades all the Countrey where her Husband's Lands lay l. 6. p. 40. His Expedition against Cnute and Aedric of little service to him and why Id. p. 41. Is Elected King by all the Great and Wise Men then at London together with the Citizens upon his Father's decease though he held it but a short time and that with great difficulty He is called Ironside for his Strength both of Body and Mind and born of a Concubine Id. p. 45. The several Battels he fought with Cnute and his Party Id. p. 45 46 47. His Prudence not to be commended though his Courage and Constancy were praise-worthy Id. p. 46. Concludes a Peace with King Cnute and the Particulars of it Id. p. 47 48. His Decease being murthered and Burial at Glastenbury with his Grandfather King Edgar Id. p. 48 49. His Children Edward and Edmund excluded from the Kingdom of the West-Saxons and by whom They were sent to the King of Sweden to be made away but he generously conveyed them to Solyman King of Hungary to be educated where Edmund died Id. p. 49. St. Edmundsbury anciently called Badricesworth where King Cnute built a Noble Monastery l. 5. p. 323. Is given by King Edmund with divers other Lands to build a Church and Monastery in Memory of St. Edmund the Martyr Id. p. 345. For ever exempt from all Jurisdiction of the Bishops and Earls of that Countrey by Parliament according to the MS. l. 6. p. 52. Edred an Abbot of Northumberland made a certain Youth sold to a Widow at Withingham whom he redeemed King and by that means the Church got all that Countrey now called the Bishoprick of Durham l. 5. p. 286. Edred Brother to King Athelstan and Edmund takes upon him the Title of First Monarch l. 5. p. 331. Is made King and the manner of his Succession Crowned at Kingston reduces all Northumberland under his Obedience and upon their relapse lays the whole Country waste Id. p. 349 350. Their continual Rebellions against him and his regaining that Kingdom Id. p. 350. The First King of England that stiled himself Rex Magnae Britanniae as appears by a Charter of his to the Abbey of Croyland Id. p. 351. Dies in the Flower of his Age of what his Character and Issue Id. p. 351 352. Edric vid. Aedric Edwal ap Meyric is received by the Inhabitants of the Isle of Anglesey for their Prince he was the right Heir of North-Wales routs Meredith in a set Battel l. 6. p. 24. But is slain in Battel by Sweyne the Son of Harold the Dane Id. p. 25. Edwal Ugel that is the Bald Succeeds his Father Anarawd and is stiled by Historians Supreme King of all Wales l. 5. p. 316. Edwal Ywrch Son of Cadwallader Prince of Wales began to Reign upon his Father's supposed Journey to Rome l. 3. p. 145. Conjectured to be Cadwallo by Dr. Powel and Mr. Vaughan l. 4. p. 205. Edward the First commonly called the Elder the Son of King Alfred when he began his Reign he was Elected by all the Chief Men of the Kingdom l. 5. p. 311. Meets with a great Disturbance at his first entrance to the Crown from Aethelwald his Cousin-German Ibid. p. 312. Builds new Towns and repairs Cities that had been before destroyed Id. p. 312. Has great Battels with the Danes but at last he overcomes them all calls a great Council though the place where is not specified but wherein Plegmund presided which appoints Bishops over each of the Western-Counties and makes Five out of Two Diocesses Id. p. 313. Subdues East-Sex East-England and Northumberland with many other Provinces which the Danes had long before been possessed of Id. p. 314 315. Very much wasts Northumberland with his Army and destroys many Danes Id. p. 315. Takes the Cities of London and Oxenford into his own hands Commands the Town of Hertford to be New Built Builds and Fortifies another Town at Witham near Maldon in Essex Id. p. 316. Confirms to the Doctors and Scholars of Cambridg by Charter all
Id. p. 102. Fernham the place where King Alfred fought with the Danes and put them to flight l. 5. p. 300. Festidus a Learned British Bishop if not an Archbishop l. 2. p. 107 Fidelity vid. Fealty Fighting the Punishment of such as do so either in the King's House Church or Earldorman's Nobleman's or Villager's House or in the open Field l. 4. p. 208. The Punishment of those in Holy Orders if they chance to fight l. 5. p. 284. The Law against Fighters in the King's Palace and the punishment of an Offender that flies Id. p. 293 295. No Fyhtwite or Manbote that is Fine for Fighting or Killing to be Remitted Id. p. 347. Finan a Bishop calling to him Two other Bishops Ordains Cedda Bishop over the East-Saxons l. 4. p. 184. Fines vid. Pecuniary Fines and Mulcts Finkley in the Bishoprick of Durham and Kingdom of the Northumbers anciently called Pynchanhale or Finekanhale where a General Synod Assembled l. 4. p. 236. Fire great mischief done thereby at London Winchester and other places l. 4. p. 229. Vid. London and Winchester First-Fruits vid. Tythes Five Burghs not known where but somewhere in Northumberland l. 6. p. 37 40. Flanders what we now call so was anciently accounted part of France or Frankland l. 5. p. 283. Flattery notorious in Two of King Leir's Daughters to their Father l. 1. p. 11. Of the Bishops Ealdormen and Chief Men throughout the Kingdom about making Cnute upon the Death of Edmund Ironside King of all England to the Exclusion of his Children and Brethren l. 6. p. 49. Fleet set out against the Danes but continually delayed from doing any good l. 6. p. 27 33. Out of so many Hydes of Land to build a Ship in order to set out a great Fleet against the Danes Id. p. 33. Absolutely necessary for an Island to maintain a Powerful Fleet Id. p. 35. Foelix a Bishop Preached the Faith of Christ to the East-Angles he was a Burgundian and the first Bishop in Dunwich in Suffolk l. 4. p. 179. Folemote Strangers to be brought before the King's Officers there by the Merchants that so their Numbers might be known and they forthcoming upon occasion l. 5. p. 294. The Punishment of striking therein before the King 's Ealdorman Id. p. 295. If any Absent himself thrice he is to be Punished as Contumacious to the King and in case of refusal to do right all he hath is to be seized and he to give security for his appearance Id. p. 341. Folcstone in Kent anciently called Folcestane where Earl Godwin took all the Ships he could find l. 6. p. 80. Foreign-Tongue where it prevails generally speaking it is reckoned half a Conquest l. 6. p. 98. Forests are priviledg'd places fenced in with certain Bounds Laws and Immunities under Magistrates Judges Officer's c. for the King's Service and Game l. 6. p. 60. Forfeitures those the King challenges as due to himself in the County of West-Saxony l. 6. p. 58. Formosus the Pope sends Letters to England threatning Excommunication and his Curse to King Edward the Elder and all his Subjects for suffering the Province of the West-Saxons to be Seven years without Bishops l. 5. p. 313. A notable Error either in the Date of these Letters or of the Name of the Pope Id. p. 314. Fornication if any one in Holy Orders commit it what his Punishment l. 5. p. 284 346. vid. Adultery Framarius King of the Almans sent by the Emperor Valentinian into Britain though with no higher a Command than that of a Tribune c. l. 2. p. 94. France how early it became the most Civilized of those Gothic and German Nations that had some Ages before settled themselves in this part of Europe l. 4. p. 243. Frank-pledges the Antiquity of them no Norman Invention as some People pretend l. 6. p. 14. Franks the Kingdom so called divided by Earnwulf Charles the Gross his Brother's Son into Five parts and each King to Govern under Earnwulf and where their several Kingdoms were fixed l. 5. p. 290. Freemen no English Freeman could in the Saxon times be hanged for any Crime but Treason l. 4. p. 209. Every one to find Sureties that he shall do right if accused l. 6. p. 42. Every one to enter himself into some Hundred or Tything Id. p. 58. Freodguald Succeeds Theodoric in the Kingdom of Bernicia l. 3. p. 146. Freothwulf Reigned in Bernicia Seven or Eight years l. 3. p. 145. His Decease Id. p. 146. Frethanleage now Fretherne in Gloucestershire l. 3. p. 147. Friburg that is Barons to have their Dependants forth-coming or to answer for them upon any complaint l. 6. p. 102. Friesland Old the Gospel first preached there and by whom l. 4. p. 211. The English-Saxons derived from the Frisians l. 3. p. 120. Frisians assist the ancient Saxons of Germany against the Danes in a Sea-fight l. 5 p. 287. Frithestan when he was Ordained and took the Bishoprick of Winchester l. 5. p. 314.315 Edward the Elder 's Charter of Confirmation of the Priviledges of Cambridge directed to this Frithestan then Chancellor and Doctor but the Charter is grievously suspected Id. p. 318. His Decease Id. p. 331. Frithogithe Queen of the West-Saxons went with Forthere Bishop of Shireburne to Rome l. 4. p. 223. Frithwald Bishop of Wytherne died when he was Consecrated and how long he continued a Bishop l. 4. p. 228. Fugitives King Edward the Elder 's Law against them l. 5. p. 325 326. What the Forfeiture of relieving or harbouring any l. 6. p. 58. Fullenham now Fulham not far from London l. 5. p. 283. Furfeus or Fursee comes out of Ireland to preach the Gospel to the East-Angles and converts many people l. 4. p. 180. G GAcon Bishop of Landaff the First of the Welsh-Bishops that was consecrated by an Archbishop of Canterbury l. 6. p. 21. Gaini anciently the Country about Gainsborough in Yorkshire l. 5. p. 269. Gainsborough in Lincolnshire anciently called Gegnesburgh l. 6. p. 37 39. Galgacus Chief of the Britains in Authority and Birth makes a Noble Oration to his Army l. 2. p. 60. Their utter Overthrow and Flight Id. p. 62 63. Galienus Pub. Licinius Emperor in his Father Valerian's life-time The Empire had been quite ruined through his Excesses and Carelessness had not the Thirty Tyrants as they are called undertaken its Defence l. 2. p. 81. Is at last slain by the Treachery of three of his own Captains Ibid. Gallio of Ravenna sent against Bonifitius in Africa but the year before he was sent into Britain upon their earnest soliciting the Romans the second time for Supplies which in all probability were brought hither in the beginning of the Reign of Valentinian the third l. 2. p. 105 106. Game None in hunting to meddle with the King's Game l. 6. p. 60. Gavelkind That old Custom or Tenure first set up in Wales and the great mischief it occasioned l. 5. p. 250. Gaule upon composition delivered up to the
plunders all that comes in his way but is in a Great Council restored to his former Honour and Estate Id. p. 80 81 82. Is Founder of the Abbey of the Holy Cross at Waltham in Essex goes with Earl Tostige his Brother with a great Army both by Land and Sea into Wales and subdues that Countrey Id. p. 89. Seems to be the Adopted and Declared Heir of the Crown Id. p. 90. Endeavours to appease the Northumbers about his Brother Tostige but in vain his Character of being a Valiant and Worthy Prince Id. p. 90 91. His going over into Normandy and the occasion of it His promises to Duke William there That when King Edward died he would deliver up Dover-Castle to him and procure him the Succession but yet he succeeded the Confessor who declared him his Successor in the Kingdom Id. p. 92. The various Reports how he was advanced to it whether by Election or otherwise Id. p. 105. The wise course he takes to preserve himself in that Dignity he had got Id. p. 106. The several Invasions designed and preparing against him and his great Care and Industry in opposing them both by Sea and Land Id. p. 106 108 109. An Ambassador sent to him from Duke William to put him in mind of the Breach of his Word and threatning to force him to perform it with Harold's Answer l. 6. p. 107. His Victory over the King of Norway and his Brother Tostige Id. p. 109. His going against Duke William who landed at Hastings with but part of his Forces with a Resolution to fight him and his preparations for it Id. p. 110 111. The precipitate Answer he gave to the Monk whom Duke William sent to him with Proposals telling him He would leave it to God to determine between them Id. p. 111. The manner how he drew up his Army in order to a Battel Id. p. 111 112. His Foot breaking in pursuit of the Enemy who they thought were flying lost him the Victory his Crown and Life for he was slain by an Arrow shot through his Brains his Standard taken and sent to the Pope Id. p. 112 113. How his Body came to be known amidst the Crowd of the slain and not long after buried in the Abbey-Church of Waltham His Character His Wives and Children and the Law he made Id. p. 114 115. Harwood-Forest anciently called Warewell where Athelwold was slain with a Dart by whom and upon what account l. 6. p. 10. Hastings or Haestein the Dane his arrival in Kent and the Ravages he makes there but is at last forced to surrender to King Alfred with his Wife and two Sons and to become a Christian and accept of Conditions which he soon after broke l. 5. p. 299 300. His Ships broke to Pieces the best of them being saved and carried into Port Id. p. 300. Hatred too many men's natures to hate those that have too much obliged them l. 2. p. 64 65. Heacca Bishop of the South-Saxons that is of Chichester his Decease l. 6. p. 88. Headda Abbot of Medeshamsted the Charter said to be wrote by him l. 6. p. 4 5. Heads Oswald's Head and Arms cut off by Penda's Order and set on a Pole for a Trophy of his Victory l. 4. p. 181. Scotch slain in War set upon high Poles round about the Walls of Durham l. 6. p. 27. Healfange that is what is paid in Commutation for the Punishment of hanging by the Neck to the King or Lord l. 5. p. 347. Vid. l. 6. p. 59. Healfden a Danish King is slain in Battel with several Earls and many Thousand Soldiers by King Edward the Elder 's Army l. 5. p. 315. Heathens and Pagans by these names are meant the Danes and Norwegians together with the Goths Swedes and Vandals which for so long together wasted England l. 5. p. 255 256. Heavens a Red-Cross appeared in the Heavens after Sun-set l. 4. p. 230. Hedda when he sate as first Bishop of Winchester Id. p. 181. Took the Bishoprick of the East-Saxons Id. p. 196. His Death and Excellent Character Id. p. 212 213. Heddi consecrated Bishop of Winchester that is of the West-Saxons by Archbishop Theodore when l. 4. p. 193. Heddi Stephen the Author of the Life of St. Wilfrid his Account of the Quarrel between Egfrid King of Northumberland and that Bishop l. 4. p. 197. Heliogabolus Anton. succeeds Opilius Macrinus in the Empire but after three years Reign is killed by the Praetorian Band l. 2. p. 80. Helmestan Bishop of Winchester and the Dean of that Church had the Education of Prince Ethelwulf during the Life of his Elder Brother l. 5. p. 257. Helmham in Norfolk a Bishop's See taken out of the Bishoprick of Dunmoc l. 4. p. 193. Is continued to be the sole Bishop's See for the Kingdom of the East-Angles till long after that it was removed to Norwich l. 5. p. 274. Hemeida a Welsh King expelled the Bishops of St. Davids and Archbishop Novis but at last he and all the Inhabitants of South-Wales and Rodri with his Six Sons submit to Alfred l. 5. p. 306. Hengest and Horsa their first coming over to Britain l. 3. p. 118. They were originally Saxons by Descent Ib. p. 120. Those that came over with them were rather Frisians Id. p. 120. Were the Sons of Witgilfus who was the Son of Witta and he the Son of Vecta and he the Son of Woden Id. p. 121. Hengest demands of King Vortigern the Countrey of Kent for his Daughter and has it Id. p. 126. Sends over for Octa and Ebusa his Son and Nephew Ibid. p. 142. Is chosen King by the Saxons and made to retire into the Isle of Thanet Id. p. 128. When he and his Son Aesk fought against the Britains and obtained a great Victory l. 3. p. 129. When he and his Brother fought again with them and took much spoil Id. p. 131. His Death Id. p. 132. With Alrick King of Kent ended the Race of Hengest l. 4. p. 238. His Brother Horsa slain at Engleford in Kent l. 3. p. 128. Hengestdune now Hengston in Cornwal where King Egbert beats the Danes and Western Welsh l. 5. p. 257. Henwald two Priests of this name barbarously murthered by the Old Saxons and their Bodies flung into the Rhine but their Murther was notoriously revenged l. 4. p. 212. Heofenfield or Heaven-field lying near to what we call the Picts-Wall l. 4. p. 177. Heraclitus made by Severus Lieutenant of the Southern Parts of Britain l. 2. p. 74. Herefrith Bishop of Winchester his Decease l. 5. p. 257. Hereman King Edward the Confessor's Chaplain succeeds Brightwulf in the Bishoprick of Shireburne l. 6. p. 73. Is sent with Bishop Aldred to the great Synod held at Rome and for what Id. p. 75. Heresy Arrian when it first began to infect Britain l. 2. p. 106. Pelagian when it was broached here by a British Monk for absolute Freewill without the Assisting Grace of God l. 2. p. 107. Of
the King's Game under a penalty l. 6. p. 60. Huntington anciently called Huntandune l. 5. p. 321. Is repaired and rebuilt in those places that had been destroyed by the Command of King Edward the Elder Id. p. 322. Hussa Succeeds Freodguald in the Kingdom of Bernicia l. 3. p. 146. Hyde and Abbey called by this Name near Winchester l. 5. p. 318. Hye an Island that had always a Bishop residing in it l. 3. p. 143 144. The Monks of Hye Converted by Egbert to the Right Faith in making them to observe Easter Orthodoxly as also the Ecclesiastical Tonsure l. 4. p. 217. I JAgo and Jevaf Princes of North-Wales raise great and long Wars to get the Supreme Government of all Wales as being of the Elder House to the Sons of Howel l. 5. p. 349 350. Civil Wars between them Jago keeping his Brother Prisoner by force for near six years l. 6. p. 6. Jevaf restored to his Liberty by his Son Howel and Jago driven out of the Countrey but by Edgar's mediation with Howel his Uncle was restored to what he held in Jevaf's time Id. p. 7. Great Commotions in Wales upon these Princes and their Sons accounts and the issue thereof Id. p. 16 20 21 22 23. Jago Son to Edwal a Prince of Wales is advanced to the Throne as lawful Heir but could not be admitted to South-Wales Id. p. 53. His Soldiers deserting him he is slain in Battel by Griffyth ap Lewelin Id. p. 64. Janbryht also called Lambert Consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury received the Pall l. 4. p. 228 229. Lost part of his Province to the See of Litchfield Id. p. 233. His Death and who succeeded him Id. p. 236. Japhet very probable that Europe was Peopled by his Posterity l. 1. p. 4. From him originally descended the Saxons that first came into Britain l. 3. p. 121. Iberi were the Spaniards by whom the Southern part of Britain was Peopled l. 1. p. 4. Icanho supposed to be Boston in Lincolnshire where one Bottulf began to build a Monastery l. 4. p. 185. Iceni those who inhabited Suffolk Norfolk Camebridge and Huntingtonshire l. 2. p. 42. Their being overcome by Ostorius Scapula Id. Ib. Are turned out of their ancient Estates and treated like Slaves Id. p. 47. With the Trinobantes rise up in Arms against the Romans to deliver themselves from their hated servitude Id. p. 47 48. Ida the first that took upon him the Title of King of the Northumbrian Kingdom who had Twelve Sons partly by Wives partly by Concubines with his Sons he came into Britain and landed at Flensburgh with Forty Ships and built Bamborough Castle in Northumberland l. 3. p. 142. He hath the Character of being a very Gallant Man but dies within a few years Id. p. 143. Idel a River on the Mercian Border now in Nottinghamshire l. 4. p. 170 171. Idols Their Temples Pope Gregory would not have pulled down but a-new Consecrated l. 4. p. 158. Coisi Burns and utterly destroys the Idol Temples l. 4. p. 173 174. Are destroyed at Earcombert's Command throughout his Kingdom of Kent Id. p. 180. Jerne that is according to the Scottish Writers the Province of Strathern l. 2. p. 98. Jerusalem the Temple there laboured though in vain to be rebuilt by Alypius a Heathen l. 2. p. 90. Jews all that were in the Kingdom to be under the Protection of the King l. 6. p. 102. Iffi the Son of Prince Osfrid received Baptism l. 4. p. 174 176. Dies in France under King Dagobert's Tuition in his Infancy Id. p. 176. Igmond the Dane with a great Number of Soldiers Lands in the Isle of Anglesey where they obtain a Victory over the Welsh-men who gave them Battel l. 5. p. 303. Ilford near Christ-Church in Hampshire seated in the New Forest called Itene in English-Saxon perhaps it anciently went by the Name of Ityngaford l. 5. p. 314. Iltutus a Pious and Learned Britain of Glamorganshire l. 3. p. 149. Images not introduced into the English-Saxon Church at the foundation of the Abbey of Evesham by Edwin Bishop of Worcester as is pretended by some l. 4. p. 216 217. Image-Worship the Church of God wholly abominated as practised in the Greek and Roman Churches and was not then receiv'd in England l. 4. p. 236 237. Impostor a notable Scotch one who called himself Run sets up for Prince of South-Wales but he and his Army soon put to the Rout l. 6. p. 52. Ina King of the West-Saxons builds a Monastery at Glastenbury endows it with divers Lands and exempts it from all Episcopal Jurisdiction Reigns Seven and thirty years goes to Rome and there Dies l. 4. p. 204 218 219 220. The Son of Kenred the Son of Ceolwald when he took the Kingdom but without any Right of Successive Descent Id. p. 205. Summons the first Authentick Great Council whose Laws are come to us entire Id. p. 208 209. The Kentish-men enter into a League with him and give him Thirty thousand Pounds for his Friendship and why Id. p. 209. And Nun his Kinsman fight with Gerent King of the Britains Id. p. 215. And Ceolred fight a bloody Battel at Wodensburgh in Wiltshire Id. p. 217. Fights with the South-Saxons and slays Eadbert Aetheling whom before he had banished Id. p. 218. Romescot is conferred on the Bishop of Rome first by him but if so it must be with the Consent of the Great Council of the Kingdom Id. p. 219. A Great Example of his Magnanimity and Justice Piety and Devotion Id. p. 219 220. His being King of Wales as well as England and his marrying Guala the Daughter of Cadwallader King of the Britains a groundless and fabulous story Id. p. 220. Indian Apostles St. Thomas and St. Bartholomew were so called because they were there martyr'd l. 5. p. 286. Indians their deadly Feud against all the Kindred of one that murthers any of them l. 5. p. 347. Ingerlingum the place where King Oswin was treacherously murthered and where afterwards a Monastery was built l. 4. p. 182 183. Ingild the Brother of King Ina his Death l. 4. p. 218. Ingwar a Danish Captain who held London is slain by King Alfred l. 5. p. 286. Inquest Grand the Antiquity of Trials by them of more than twelve men l. 6. p. 43. Intestates how the Goods of those who dye so are to be distributed l. 6. p. 59. Inundation a mighty one about Greenwich that drowned both many People and Towns l. 6. p. 39. Invasion Of the Romans upon the Britains an Account thereof as also of that of the Picts and Scots and then of the English-Saxons after that of the Danes and lastly of the Normans Ep. Dedic l. 5. p. 246. John of Beverlie first he was Bishop of Hagulstad then of York l. 4. p. 202 213 215. He was Bishop Three and thirty Years and Eight Months then dies and is buried at Beverlie and afterwards canonized by the name of St. John of Beverlie Id. p. 218. John
or Incest l. 4. p. 233 234. Honour and Obedience to be rendered to them and none to speak evil of them The Punishment either for Conspiring the Death of Kings or actually Killing of them Id. p. 234. l. 6. p. 59. Chief Lords of any Countrey in Wales when called Kings l. 4. p. 241. The Supreme Dominion of One English King over all the rest no new thing in King Egbert's time l. 5. p. 254. At the Great Councils they used to appear in State with the Crown on their Heads Id. p. 261. A weak Prince by the assistance of Able and Faithful Councellors may Govern his Kingdom prudently and happily Id. p. 267. King of England was anciently called King of London Id. p. 279. Alfred's Law concerning the Death of the King Id. p. 292. In Athelstan's time the Mercians had not lost their Ancient Right of chusing their own Kings Id. p. 329. The King's House no shelter to him that sheds Blood l. 5. p. 347. How dangerous it was for Kings to provoke the Ruling part of the Priests and People Id. p. 354. Neither in Edgar's time nor long after the Conquest did any King Elect take the Title of King till after his Coronation l. 6. p. 8. To be blamed for trusting those who had before betrayed them Id. p. 30. Sworn to observe the good Laws of King Edward not that he only Ordained but obser-served them Id. p. 56. Provision for his Houshold how to be made not to Oppress the Subject Id. p. 59. No Subjâct in their Hunting to meddle with the King's Game Id. p. 60. His Office how declared by Edward the Confessor's Law His power to pardon Life and loss of Member but with a Proviso Id. p. 102. Kingsbury a Council held there under Berthwulf King of the Mercians l. 5. p. 261. King's-Evil Edward the Confessor the first that Cured it by his bare washing the Sores with his own hands l. 6. p. 98. King's Houshold Vid. Provision Kingsige King Edward the Confessor's Chaplain succeeds Aelfric in the Archbishoprick of York l. 6. p. 79. His Deatâ Id. p. 88. Knight's-Service in England in King Wightred's time l. 4. p. 211. Knute vid. Cnute Kynan vid. Conan Prince of South-Wales Kynobelin at Rome saluted by the Emperor a Friend of the Commonwealth l. 2. p. 36. Being King he caused Coins to be stamp'd after the Roman manner Ibid. Died not long before the Roman Invasion by Claudius Id. p. 38. L LAncaster anciently called Caer-Werith supposed to be built by Gurguint l. 1. p. 13. Lands-End the Point anciently called Penwithsteort l. 6. p. 26 82. Langoemagog that is the Giants Leap from a persons taking up the mighty Giant Gogmagog in his Arms and flinging him off from a Cliff in Cornwal into the Sea l. 1. p. 9. Lanthorns first Invented in England by King Alfred of Cow's-Horns cut into thin plates l. 5. p. 305. Lashlite a Fine or Mulct the English and Danes were to pay according to the value of their heads for the Violation of the Laws made between them l. 5. p. 284. Lawrence a Priest and Peter a Monk sent to the Pope to acquaint him that by Augustine and his Monks their Preaching the English had received the Christian Faith and to have his Opinion about certain Questions l. 4. p. 155 165. Consecrates the Old Church rebuilt by Augustine at Canterbury and succeeds him as Archbishop there Id. p. 157 166. Draganus refuses to Eat with him and why Id p. 166. What happened to him upon his going to desert his Flock in Britain Id. p. 169. His Death and Burial Id. p. 171. Laws called Mercevenlage from whence said to be derived l. 1. p. 13. What those were in King Ethelbert's Reign l. 4. p. 163. Ecclesiastical Laws made between King Alfred and Guthrune the Dane l. 5. p. 284 285. Every man to enjoy the benefit of the Law and to have equal Justice done him l. 6. p. 13 58. Three sorts of Laws in use in Brompton the Chronicler's time viz. Merchenlage West-Saxonlage and Danelage Id. p. 103. League or Agreement made between King Alfred and King Guthrune setting out the Territories of each of those Princes l. 5. p. 283 284. Between Edward the Elder and the Danes Inhabiting East-England and Northumberland l. 5. p. 314. Vide Peace Learning reduced to a very low ebb in King Alfred's time by reason of the Danish Wars l. 5. p. 304. Lease of Abbey-Lands made in a Great Council the first Example of it l. 4. p. 230. Lee a River anciently called Ligan which divides Middlesex and Essex l. 5. p. 301.316 Leeds in Yorkshire anciently called Loyden where the Battel was fought between Oswy King of Northumberland and Penda King of the Mercians l. 4. p. 185. Legancester that is West-Chester Vide Chester Legion Roman being sent over to Britain made a great Slaughter of their Enemies driving the rest out of the British Borders and so delivered the Inhabitants from being destroyed l. 2. p. 99 100. Legions a City now Caerleon upon Uske l. 2. p. 85. Westchester was anciently called by this Name l. 4. p. 164. Leicester anciently Caer-Leir by whom said to be first Built l. 1. p. 11. Tocca the first Bishop there which continued a Bishop's See for divers Ages l. 4. p. 223. Anciently called Ligceaster and when Repaired l. 5. p. 314. And Ligraceaster Id. p. 319. Leighton in Bedfordshire anciently called Ligtune l. 3. p. 145. l. 5. p. 319. Lent by the Authority of Earcombert Ordained to be observed which seems to have been the first observed in England by a Law l. 4. p. 180. Leo the Pope whom the Romans took and cut out his Tongue and put out his Eyes Deposing him but he was Restored to every thing he had lost Miraculously l. 4. p. 241. When he Died l. 5. p. 251. Leo Bishop of Treve sent by Pope John as his Nuntio to King Ethelred with Letters of Complaint against the Marquiss of Normandy l. 6. p. 24. Leof a notorious Thief Banished by King Edmund but be returned and at a great Entertainment of the King 's Stabs him so that he instantly died l. 5. p. 345. Leofgar Ordained Bishop of Hereford in the room of Bishop Athelstane together with his Clerks is Slain by Griffyn Prince of Wales l. 6. p. 87. Leofred a Dane his Ravages in Wales but at last is Beheaded by Athelstan's Order l. 5. p. 321. Leofric Earl of Mercia with his Lady Godiva Founders of the Monastery of Coventry and the Repairers of several others l. 6. p. 71 72. Comes to the Great Council at Glocester about Earl Godwin Id. p. 77. His Death and Burial in the Church of the Monastery of Coventry Id. p. 88. Leofric King Edward the Confessor's Chaplain succeeds Living Bishop of Devonshire that is of Exeter l. 6. p. 73. Is Enthroned there be walking to Church between the King and Queen Editha his Wife Id. p. 78. Leofwin the Abbot is unjustly Expelled from the Monastery of Elig goes
Gratian the Emperor who is killed by him l. 2. p. 95. His Image is sent to Alexandria and set up in the Market-place to be Reverenced l. 2. p. 96. His great concern for the Catholick Religion and Execution of Persons for meer matters of Faith His Death Id. Ib. Meanwari supposed to be People of that part of Hampshire lying over against the Isle of Wight l. 4. p. 188. Medcant now called Turne-Island l. 3. p. 146. Medeshamhamsted a Monastery built in Honour of Christ and St. Peter it had its Name from a Well there called Medeswell l. 4. p. 186. The manner of erecting this Foundation Id. p. 186 187. Pope Agatho's Bull of Priviledges to it supposed to be Forged long after and by whom l. 4. p. 200. l. 6. p. 4 5. Is burnt and destroyed by the Danes who killed all the Abbots and Monks they found there with a Noble Library and all its Charters and they carried away all the rich spoil of that place l. 5. p. 270 271 272. Afterwards the Bodies of above Fourscore Monks with their Abbot there slain were Buried in one Grave in the Church-yard and putting a Pyramidal Stone over them the Images of the Abbot and Monks about him were Carved on it Id. p. 172. Is rebuilt by Athelwald Bishop of Winchester who is said to have found the Charter which Abbot Headda had formerly wrote l. 6. p. 4 5. A new Charter of Confirmation with many other Endowments granted by King Edgar the Lands granted by him to this Monastery to be a distinct Shire having Sac Soc c. Is more enriched in Lands by Abbot Adulf who is succeeded by Kenulf that changed its name into Burgh It has been the Episcopal See of the Bishops of Peterburgh almost ever since the Dissolution of this Abbey in H. VIII's time Id. p. 5. Melgas King of the Picts the Story of the Virgins that were Killed or made Slaves by him a notorious Invention l. 2. p. 96. Mellitus is sent to Preach the Word in Britain and Letters of Instruction sent afterwards by the Pope to him concerning the Idol-Temples l. 4. p. 157 158. Ordained by Augustine Bishop of the East-Saxons he was to fix his Episcopal See at London l. 4. p. 159 165 166. Sent to Rome to confer with Pope Boniface about the necessary Affairs of the English Church Id. p. 166. His departure into France and for what reason Id. p. 169. Succeeâs Lawrence in the Archbishoprick of Canterbury stops a great Fire there by his Prayers Id. p. 171. Members loss of any for Crimes of the Party survived it Four Nights he with the Bishops leave might be helped which before was unlawful l. 5. p. 285. Menai a River near to which Bangor was built and by whom l. 3. p. 143. Iâ parts Caernarvonshire from the Isle of Wight l. 4. p. 165. Menaevia now is called St. David's in Pembrokeshire l. 3. p. 149. Mercevenlage from whence the Laws were so called l. 1. p. 13. Mercia when this Kingdom began it was one of the largest of the English-Saxon Kingdoms and one of the last conquered by the West-Saxons l. 3. p. 147. The People received the Christian Faith under Peadda their Ealdorman l. 4. p. 183 186. The Province of the Mercians is divided into Five Diocesses Id. p. 199 200. The Mercians or Southumbers Kill Ostrythe the Wife of Ethelred their late King Id. p. 210 212. A great part of it destroyed with Fire and Sword by the South-Welshmen Id. p. 231. Anciently was called Merscwarum l. 5. p. 259. Is forced to come to a Peace with the Danes Id. p. 269. Mercy King Cnute's Law to have it used and that none should die for small Offences l. 6. p. 58 59. Meredyth Conquers the whole Countrey of North-Wales for himself l. 6. p. 22. Others laying waste his Countrey of South-Wales Id. p. 23. Cast off by the Inhabitants of the Isle of Anglesey for not well Protecting them but afterwards resolving if he could to recover so considerable a part of his Dominions he Fights with Edwal ap Meyric who had Usurped upon him but is worsted by him in a set Battel Id. p. 24. Meredyth and Howel the Sons of Edwin or Owen how they got the Government of South-Wales but were afterwards slain by the Sons of Conan ap Sitsylt Brother to Prince Lewelin l. 6. p. 56. Merehwit Bishop of Somersetshire that is Wells Deceases and is Buried at Glastenbury l. 6. p. 56. Meresige now Mercey in Essex an Island near the Sea l. 5. p. 301. Merton in Surrey anciently called Merinton l. 4. p. 232. Merwina an Abbess of the Nunnery of Rumsey in Hampshire l. 6. p. 6. Midletune in Kent where the Danes built a Fort to infest the English l. 5. p. 298 300. Militia King Athelstan's Law that for every Plow a man shall keep Two well-furnished Horsemen is one of the Ancientest of this kind in England being laid according to the rate of Estates l. 5. p. 341. Milred Bishop of the Wiccij that is of the Diocess of Worcester his Character and death l. 4. p. 230. Milton his History of England commended by the Author l. 2. p. 20. Mints places appointed for them by King Athelstan's Law l. 5. p. 341. One granted to the Abbot of Stamford by King Edgar l. 6. p. 5. The first Law whereby the private Mints to the Archbishops and Abbots were forbid Id. p. 14. Miracles Germanus and Lupus two French Bishops recover a Magistrate's Daughter Aged Ten Years of Blindness which the Pelagians refused to attempt l. 2. p. 107 108. A great Fire in Canterbury suddenly stopp'd by the Prayers of Mellitus the Archbishop which caused the Wind to blow directly contrary to what it had done before l. 4. p. 171. Of Oswald King of Northumberland after his Death Id. p. 180. Of one Eardulf who after he was commanded to be put to death was found alive Id. p. 236. On Pope Leo who received his Sight and Hands after the one was put out and the other cut off Id. p. 241. About Kenelm King of the Mercians whom Quedride his Sister made away out of an Ambition of Reigning her self l. 5. p. 251. A Pillar of Light reaching up to Heaven stood over Wiglaff's Tomb in Repton-Monastery where Wulstan was Buried for Thirty days which procured him the Title of a Saint l. 5. p. 261. Of the Earth's Opening and swallowing up a whole Army of Scots who came to fight with King Cuthred l. 5. p. 286. Of Athelstan's striking a Rock with his Sword near the Castle of Dunbar which made a Gap in it an Ell deep Id. p. 337. Of St. Dunstan's Horse falling down dead under him at the Hearing of a Voice from Heaven which the Horse it seems perfectly understood Id. p. 351. Of his Harp Playing a whole Psalm as it hung against the Wall without any hands to touch it and his taking the Devil by the Nose with red hot Tongs l. 6. p. 3. Of the speaking of a
Horse Id. p. 55. Their whole Nation very near cut off by Agricola Ibid. Orgiva Vid. Edgitha Orkeney the Isles when first discovered by the Romans l. 2. p. 63. Orotius Paulus took what he wrote from an History of Suetonius which is now lost l. 2. p. 35. Osbald a Nobleman is made King of Northumberland but held it not long being forced to fly and going to the King of the Picts dies there an Abbot l. 4. p. 239 240. According to Simeon of Durham he was buried in York Minster Id. p. 242. Osberge the Daughter of Aslat or Oslac chief Butler to King Aethelwulf to whom she was married and became the Mother of Alfred who was afterwards King l. 5. p. 261. Her Character Ibid. Osbert or Osbryght succeeds Ethelred in the Kingdom of Northumberland and afterwards is killed by the Danes l. 5. p. 260. Their lawful King is expelled by the Northumbers who set up an Usurper not descended from the Royal Line Id p. 267. Lies with the Wife of one of his Noblemen who complaining of the Affront to the King of Denmark causes a great Army to come over to revenge that Injury Id. p. 268 269. Osfrid a Son of King Edwin by Quenburga the Daughter of Ceorle King of Mercia l. 4. p. 174. Is slain with his Father in the Battel of Hethfield Id. p. 176. Oskytel first consecrated Bishop of Dorchester then made Archbishop of York his Death and Burial l. 6. p. 7. Osmund when he began to reign over the South-Saxons l. 4. p. 228. Osred succeeds his Father Alfred in the Kingdom of the Northumbers l. 4. p. 213. Is reconciled to Wilfrid with his Great Men and Bishops Ibid. Becomes Bishop Wilfrid's adopted Son Id. p. 214. Is killed in a Fight near the Sea on the Southern Borders His Character Id. p. 217. Osred the Son of Alchred Nephew of King Alfwold reigned after him and is betrayed and driven out of his Kingdom and who succeeded l. 4. p. 236. Is put to death by King Ethelred's Command and where buried Id. p. 237. Osric the Son of Elfric obtains the Kingdom of Deira abjures the Christian Religion and is cut off by Cadwallo with all his Army l. 4. p. 176. Osric builds a Nunnery at Bath l. 4. p. 196. And the Nunnery of St. Peter in Gloucester which afterwards was destroyed by the Danes and then rebuilt and after was King of the Northumbers Id. p. 201. Osric King of Northumberland slain and who succeeded him Id. p. 220. Ostorius Scapula succeeds Plautius in the quality of Propraetor and reduces the most Southerly parts of Britain to the form of a Province l. 2. p. 41. Overcomes the Iceni engages with the Silures and Caractacus and his Success over them Id. p. 42 43. Is decreed by the Senate all the Ensigns of a Triumph and being worn out with cares and troubles dies Id. p. 44 45. Oswald and Oswie with Eanfrid their Elder Brother all Sons of King Ethelfrid are banished by Edwin l. 4. p. 170 171. Oswald Edwin's Successor in the Kingdom of Northumberland finishes St. Peter's Church in York Id. p. 174 176 l. 5. p. 254. Routs Cadwallo with all his Forces His Speech to his Army l. 4. p. 177. His Kingdom extended over both Deira and Bernicia He would interpret Bishop Aidan's Sermons to his Subjects that heard but did not understand them In his Reign Churches were built in divers places of his Kingdom His Great Character Id. p. 178. His Charity He was Edwin's Nephew by his Sister Acca Ibid. p. 179. Fights a great Battel with Penda âund was therein slain Id. p. 180. The many Miracles supposed that he wrought after his death Ibid. He was the sixth King that ruled over all Britain l. 5. p. 254. His Body under the Title of Saint long after translated from Bardeney in Lincolnshire into Mercia l. 5. p. 315. Oswald Aetheling fighting with Ethelhard is worsted and the next year dies l. 4. p. 220. Oswald Son to King Ethelred is mentioned by his Father in his Charter to the Abbey of Abingdon l. 5. p. 276. Oswald Archbishop of York his Decease l. 6. p. 5. Oswald Bishop of Worcester succeeds his Kinsman Oskytell in the Archbishoprick of York l. 6. p. 7. His Death and Burial in the Church of St. Mary in Worcester Id. p. 23. Oswestre in Shropshire anciently called Maserfield where was fought the great Battel between Oswald the most Christian King of Northumberland and Penda the Pagan King of the Mercians l. 4. p. 180. Oswin the Brother of King Oswald is made King of Deira l. 4. p. 181. His Death at Ingerlingum Id. p. 182. His Character Id. p. 183. The Seventh King that Ruled over all Britain l. 5. p. 254. Oswulf his Son succeeds Eadbert in the Kingdom of Northumberland but is slain within a Year after by the Treachery of his own Servants l. 4. p. 228. Oswy the Son of Usric King of Bernicia l. 4. p. 182. Treacherously procures Oswin to be slain but afterwards builds a Monastery where the Murther was committed to expiate the Crime Id. p. 183. Overcomes Penda who in the Battel is slain Id. p. 185. The Ealdormen of Mercia Rebel against him Id. p. 188. His Death and Burial at Streanshale-Monastery Id. p. 192. Otford in Kent anciently called Ottanford where the Mercians and Kentishmen had a Battel l. 4. p. 230. Outlawry Ethelward the Ealdorman is Outlaw'd in a Great Council of the Kingdom l. 6. p. 51. Earl Sweyn Son of Godwin is declared Outlaw'd in a Great Council at London Id. p. 77. The Common Law of all Outlaws they are said to have Wulfes hefod i. e. a Wolf's head or as we say in Latin gerere Caput Lupinum Id. p. 99 100. Usurer 's Convicted to be look'd on as Outlaw'd Persons Id. p. 102. Earl Elfgar is Outlaw'd in the Witena-Gemot and for what l. 6. p. 86. Vid. Pledge Oxford the University when Founded and who the first Regents and Professors there The Quarrel that arose betwixt Grimbald and the Old Scholars of Oxford This passage of the Quarrel c. objected against by Sir Henry Spelman and answered l. 5. p. 288 289 290. The flourishing state of Learning here related by Asser very much questioned Id. p. 304. King Alfred assisted by Grimbald and John Scotus in Founding this University Id. p. 306. Is taken and Burnt by the Danes l. 6. p. 34 35. All Studies cease there for a long time after till about the Year Eleven hundred thirty three from which time the Scholars have continued there Id. p. 35. P PAenius Posthumus runs himself through with his own Sword and why l. 2. p. 50. Pagan-Rites the Forbidding of them to be observed by the Decree of Calcuith l. 4. p. 234. Pagans Vid. Heathens Palace-Royal the Punishment on any that fight within it l. 4. p. 208. Palladius the Bishop sent by Pope Caelestine to the Scots to confirm their Faith l. 2. p. 109 110. St. Pancrace Church the first Built
by it for it was only a Voluntary Annual Alms or Benevolence Id. p. 239. Alfred call'd it his Alms and how he sent it to Rome l. 5. p. 281 286 291 298. Justly called Alms and not a Tribute as the Modern Popish Writers term it Id. p. 291. When it was to be paid and the Penalty for not performing it accordingly l. 6. p. 13. Edward the Confessor's Law to reinforce the Payment of it Id. p. 100. Vid. Romescot Petroc a Learned British Preacher in Cornwall l. 3. p. 149. Philip upon the death of Henry is made King of France l. 6. p. 88. Visited by Duke William who solicited his Assistance in his designed War against Harold but he would not hearken to the Proposals made him and for what reason Id. p. 109. Philippus Marcus Julius an Arabian succeeded Gordianus in the Empire but his Army soon made away with him l. 2. p. 81. Philippus Nonnius a Lieutenant in Britain under the Emperor Gordianus Id. Ib. Phoenicians the first Discoverers of this Island l. 1. p. 2 3. Picts came out of Scythia and landed first in the North of Ireland l. 1. p. 4. Are totally subdued by the Scots Their Language is unknown Id. p. 5. Confederate with Carausius against Constantius Chlorus l. 2. p. 83. Surrender up many of their Forts and strong Places to Fergus Id. p. 98. And Scots their landing first in Britain passing over that part of the Irish Sea which is called the Scythic Vale l. 3. p. 114. And Saxons privately make a Peace Id. p. 126. The Picts cut off King Egfrid and his whole Army and recover their Countrey the English had taken away l. 4. p. 202. Slay Bert the Ealdorman Id p. 211. Fight against Beorfrith the Ealdorman Id. p. 215. Keep their League with the English and rejoice to be partakers of the Catholick Peace and Truth Id. p. 221. A great fight between them and the Britains that is those of Cumberland Id. p. 225. These and the Scots conquer Galloway and Lothian and the Low-lands of Scotland as far as the Friths of Dunbritton and Edinburgh l. 5. p. 249. Rout the English and slay King Athelstan in fight a story Id. p. 250. The total Conquest of the Picts by Kened the first King of Scotland Id. p. 259. Pightwin or Pechtwin is consecrated Bishop of Witherne called in Latin Candida Casa at Aelfet l. 4. p. 228. His Decease Id. p. 231. Pinchenhale or Finkenhale now Finkney in the Bishoprick of Durham and Kingdom of Northumberland where a General Synod assembled l. 4. p. 236. The second Synod or Council held here under Eanbald Archbishop of York c. Id. p. 242. Pius Antoninus succeeds Hadrian and at his first coming to the Throne hath a Law made That all the Subjects of the Roman Empire should be Free Citizens of Rome l. 2. p. 67. Plague a very sore one in Britain when l. 3. p. 117. A great one over all the Isle of Britain and then it went into Ireland l. 4. p. 190. A great Mortality both of Men and Beasts l. 5. p. 269. Another great one upon Men and Murrain of Cattle Id. p. 302. A great Mortality of Men and a very malignant Feaver in London l. 6. p. 4. A great Mortality of Cattle in England Id. p. 21. A great number of Cattle died and by the Intemperance of the Season the Fruits of the Earth were destroyed Id. p. 70. So great a Murrain of all sorts of Cattle in England that none could ever remember the like Id. p. 85. Plautius Praetor in Gaul invades Britain and his Success l. 2. p. 38 39. Has an Ovation allowed him by Claudius Id. p. 41. Pledge Alfred's Law about keeping the Peace and the Punishment in breaking it l. 5. p. 292 295. Those who violate the Peace of Holy Church and despise the Bishop's Sentence shall give Pledges to reconcile themselves to God the King and Church or to be outlaw'd l. 6. p. 99 100. Vid. Security Plegmund elected by God and all his Holy Men to be Archbishop of Canterbury l. 5. p. 298. Sent for by King Alfred out of Mercia to help him in his Learning Id. p. 306. Presides at the Great Council held by King Edward the Elder where five new Bishopricks were ârected at once by the Authority of the King and Council with the Pope's Confirmation of this Decree Id. p. 313 314. His Decease Id. p. 324. Plânty a wonderful one of all sorts of Prâvision in Britain l. 3. p. 115. Polidore Virgil an Historian of no âxtraordinary Credit though he had the Perusal of a great many curious Manuscripts l. 5. p. 323. Polycleâus one of Nero âs Free'd Men sent to ânspect the State of Britain l. 2. p. 50. Pope who called the Emperor Mauritius his Lord and dated his Letters by the Year of his Reign l. 4. p. 153 158. Sends more Preachers of the Word into England upon Augustine's notice of the want of them Id. p. 157. Sends Letters to King Edwin exhorting him to casâ off his Idols and to receivâ Chrisâ Id. p. 17â The Kings of Northumberland thoâght themselves not bound to observe the Pope's Deârees on Appeals if contrary to a General Synod or Council of the whole Nation Id. p. 206 207 208. Always encouraging Appeals to Rome Id. p. 215. Usually sent his Pall to every new Archbishop on his Consecration as a token of his Dependance on the See of Rome Id. p. 223. The Church of England thought his Authority alone not sufficient to annul what had been solemnly decreed in a great Council of the Kingdom l. 5. p. 248. Anointâ Alfred King in his Father's Life-time in way of Prophecy of his future Royal Grâatness Id. p. 262. Aethelwulf orders by his last Last Will Three hundred Mancuses to be sent to Rome every year for such and such uses and One hândred of them to be for the Pope himself Id. p. 264 265. Port now called Portland in Dorsetshire where the Danes were put to flight l. 5. p. 258. The Isle spoiled by the Danish Pyrates that landed in Dorsetshire l. 6. p. 21. The whole Island and other Possessions given to the Church of Winchester by Edward the Confessor and upon what account l. 6. p. 79. Portlock-bay in Somersetshire anciently called Portlocan l. 5. p. 319. Portsmouth so called from one Portâ who with his two Sons obtained a great Victory over the Britains l. 3. p. 133. Portus Ictius where it was and whether it be yet in being l. 2. p. 30 31. Posentesbyrig supposed Pontesbury in Shropshire l. 4. p. 188. Praeâidialis a Province that is so is not governed by any particular Praetor or Proconsul but is under the immediate Protectioâ and Eye of the Emperor l. 2. p. 65. Prasutagus King of the Icenians deceived in leaving Caesar Co-heir with his two Daughters and how the Romans used them l. 2. p. 47. Prayer to be made for Kings by Withred King of Kent's Law l. 4. p. 211. Priests to learn
the Lord's-Prayer and Creed in English Id. p. 225. Predur a British Prince Son of Oliver Gosgard Vawr a Prince of Cumberland l. 3. p. 147. Prerogative a pretence of King Offa's unlimited Power in Ecclesiastical as well as Civil Matters l. 4. p. 239. Danegelt how by constant usage it became a Prerogative l. 6. p. 66. That of Pardoning in the King not to extend to the Prejudice of the Party injured c. Id. p. 102. To set at liberty any Captive or Prisoner when the King comes into a City c. Id. Ib. Priests that are not able to contain may marry l. 4. p. 155. To learn the Creed and Lord's-Prayer in English and to interpret the Mass and Baptism Id. p. 225. By the King's Priest must be meant either his Chaplain or Bishop l. 5. p. 295. Breach of the Peace by Priests how punishable Id. p. 297. Priscilla and other Hereticks of his Party were sentenced to Death by Maximus the Emperor l. 2. p. 96. Probus M. Aurel. Valer. succeeds Claudius Tacitus in the Empire vanquishes Bonosus who upon it Hang'd himself prevents a new Rebellion in Britain gains other Victories elsewhere and at last is slain by his own Army l. 2. p. 82. Prodigies a great fight and slaughter of Birds in the Air l. 4. p. 192. A Comet continuing Three Months carrying with it every morning a large Tail like a Pillar Id. p. 196. Another appeared in King Ethelheard's time l. 4. p. 220. A Red Cross appeared in the Heavens after Sun set Id. p. 230. The sign of the Cross appeared of it self upon men's Clothes Id. p. 235. A Light frequently seen from Heaven over the place where Alfwold was Murthered Id. p. 236. Immoderate Lightnings Meteors like fiery Dragons flying in the Air Id. p. 238. Sign of the Cross seen in the Moon 2d Nones June in the Morning and on the 3d. Kal. September a wonderful Circle seen round the Sun l. 5. p. 248. An appearance of a Cross in day-time Id. p. 250. Strange Prodigies seen in the Heavens l. 6. p. 15. A strange cloud appeared about midnight all over England in divers Colours Id. p. 18. A Column of Light streaming down from Heaven over St. Edward the Martyr's Grave Id. p. 20. Protection granted anciently by the King not only to Persons but to Places by way of Privilege the several sorts of giving it and what this Peace as it was called was to free Persons from l. 6. p. 100 101. Provision for the King's Houshold how to be made not to oppress the Subjects l. 6. p. 59. Punishments all Crimes Redeemable by Pecuniary Fines in Edward the Elder 's time and some Ages after l. 5. p. 326. Anciently consisted in Pecuniary Fines rather than in Blood Id. p. 342. In Edgar's time Fines were not Arbitrary nor set above a constant rate l. 6. p. 13. For what Crimes no Satisfaction should be made by way of Mulct Id. p. 59. Purgation in case a man be of good Repute his own should be accepted but otherwise either a Threefold one or his single Oath in Three Hundreds l. 6. p. 58 59. Pusa Abbot of the Monastery of Vocingas and whom he succeeded l. 4. p. 231. Putta Bishop of Rochester is forced to retire to the Bishop of the Mercians by his Church's being destroyed and there died This very Man is made the first Bishop of Hereford l. 4. p. 196. Q QUarrel or Deadly Feud King Alfred's Law concerning it l. 5. p. 296. King Edmund's Law about it Id. p. 347. The Indians Deadly Feud against all the Kindred of one that Murthers any of them Id. Ib. Queen upon the Account of Eadburga's ill conduct of her self both as Wife to Brihtric King of the West-Saxons whom she Poisoned and as Widow upon divers other accounts a Law was made That for the future no King's Consort should be so called l. 5. p. 264. Quenburga Daughter of Ceorle King of Mercia and Wife to King Edwin l. 4. p. 174. Quendride Sister to King Kenelm Son to Kenwulf King of Mercia makes her Brother away out of a wicked Ambition of Reigning her self and the dreadful Judgement that befel her upon it l. 5. p. 252. Is forced to make satisfaction to Archbishop Wilfrid for the Wrongs that King Kenwulf her Father had done to the Church of Canterbury afterwards professed her self a Nun and at this time was an Abbess Id. p. 253. Quendrith by her wicked Instigations Ethelbert the Son of Ethelred King of the East-Angles is slain going to Offa's Court in order to Woo his Daughter l. 4. p. 237. Quichelme Bishop of Rochester when he Governed that See l. 4. p. 201. R RAdnor the Town destroyed by Meredyth Prince of North-Wales l. 6. p. 23. Radnorshire-men supposed by Cambden to be meant by the Magaesetons l. 6. p. 46. Raven the Raven-Banner Vid. Banner Reculf a Monastery built by Basse a Priest l. 4.192 Now known by the name of Reculver in Kent Id. p. 205. Redburge Wife of King Egbert was according to the then West-Saxon Law never called Queen What Law she is said to have procured from her Husband l. 5. p. 257. Redwald called the greatest King of the East-Angles the Tenth from Woden l. 3. p. 146. l. 4. p. 171. His Death Id. p. 157. Receives Edwin who had been forced to fly the Countrey of Northumberland very kindly Id. p. 169. Slays Ethelfrid in Battel Id. p. 170. Had been Baptized in Kent by the means of Eadbald but was afterwards by his Wife and others perverted from the true Faith Id. p. 175. He was the Fourth King that Ruled over all Britain l. 5. p. 254. Succeeds Ethelred who was driven out of his Kingdom of Northumberland but soon after fighting with the Danes at Alvethelie he and Earl Alfred were slain l. 5. p. 260. Rees the Brother of Griffyn King of South-Wales was by the Command of Edward the Confessor put to death for his Insosolencies against the English and his Head sent to the King l. 6. p. 85. Reginald succeeds Eowils and Healfden as King over the Danes l. 5. p. 315. Enters into a Contract of Marriage with Aelfwinna Daughter of Aethelfleda and Heir of the Kingdom of Mercia Id. p. 320. Submits his Kingdom of Northumberland to King Edward the Elder Id. p. 323 324. He takes York Id. p. 324. Was the Son of Eardulph Id. Ibid. Eadmund receiveâ him at his confirmation Id. p. 3â3 Is called King of York because he had conquered that Countrey Id. p. 344. Regni those Parts we now call Surrey and Sussex l. 2. p. 69. Reiderch-hoel that is the Liberal a British King of Cumberland l. 3. p. 146 147. Religion none ought to be Compelled to receive it for the Service of Christ is to be Voluntary l. 4. p. 154. The state of it in the Western Church when Augustine came over hither Id. p. 155. The Christian Religion came not first into Britain by the Preaching of any Persons sent from Rome but it was most
Chârlâs King of the Franks l. 4. p. 231. Sardica the Council there when called the Bishops of Britain assisted aâ it l. 2. p. 89. Sarum Old called in the British times Searebyrig l. 3. p. 142. Or Syrbyrig is burnt by King Sweyn l. 6. p. 30. Saturninus Seius in Antoninus Pius his time had the Charge of the Roman Navy on the British shore l. 2. p. 68. Saxon Annals first collected and writâen in divers Monasteries of England l. 4. p. 151. Saxons English at first so very illiterate that it is much doubted whether they had the use of Letters and Writing among them or not l. 3. p. 113. Were sent for to repel the Scots and Picts Id. p. 117. Had the Isle of Thanet given them for their Habitation Id. p. 118. Came from three valiant Nations of Germany Id. p. 118 119 120 121. What Countrey Old Saxony was Id. p. 118 119. Great Disputes about the Name of Saxons Id. p. 121 123 124. Their Religion and Victory over the Picts Id. p. 124 125. Break League with the Britains their Confederates and over-run almost the whole Island Id. p. 126. By Vortimer are forced to return into Germany and never durst return hither till after his death Id. p. 128. Obtain a great Victory over Nazaleod who was slain in the Battel and they remained undisturbed a long time after l. 3. p. 134. Are beaten by the Britains at Wodensburg in Wiltshire Id. p. 148. Were strict Observers of the Lord's-Day l. 4. p. 209. A great Battel between them and the Britains where the King of North-Wales was slain Id. p. 241. The English-Saxons suffer'd no Nation to out-go them in Deceit and all manner of Wickedness and therefore they at last met with the Judgments of God in the Wrath of men l. 5. p. 247. Commanded to be called English-men by a Law of King Egbert Id. p. 255. A great Sea-fight among the Ancient Saxons of Germany supposed with the Danes the former getting the Victory twice Id. p. 287. Are driven out of Wales by the Northern Britains into Mercia Id. p. 317. Utterly rout and put to flight the Scots Irish and Danes Id. p. 334. Saxony Old called Northalbingia its Extent and Bounds l. 3. p. 118. Saxulph or Sexwulf a Monk to his care is committed the finishing of the Abbey of Medeshamsted though Peadda and Oswy had laid the Foundation and gone a good way through it l. 4. p. 186 187. Is ordained by Archbishop Theodore Bishop of the Mercians in the room of Winfrid who was deposed Id. p. 194. Parted with the Church of Hereford to Putta Bishop of Rochester who is said to be expelled from thence Id. p. 196. Scapula Vid. Ostorius Sceapige now the Isle of Sheppy in Kent wasted by the Heathens or Pagans l. 5. p. 255. The Danes take up their Winter-quarters there Id. p. 262. Sceorstan perhaps Shire-stone for the place is supposed to be a Stone that parts now the Four Counties of Oxfordshire Gloucestershire Worcestershire and Warwickshire l. 6. p. 45. Sceva a Roman Soldier his incredible Valour l. 2. p. 29. School erected for the Instruction of Youth by King Sigebert l. 4. p. 179. Supposed to give Being to the University of Cambridge but without ground Id. Ib. Or Colledge of the English Nation at Rome burnt l. 5. p. 251. Whom it were that Alfred obliged to keep their Sons at School until fifteen years of Age Id. p. 297. Scotch Historians extend the Limits of King Kened's conquering the Picts too far l. 5. p. 259. Scotland anciently called Albania North-West to the Mountains of Braid-Albain and its Extent l. 2. p. 83 98. Said to be conquered by the Forces of King Edward the Confessor l. 6. p. 86. The Low-lands long in the possession of the Kings of England l. 5. p. 260. Scots came into this Nation out of Ireland l. 1. p. 4 5. Came into Ireland in the Fourth Age of the World Id. p. 7. Scoti sometimes called Hiberni because they first came out of Ireland l. 2. p. 84. They with the Picts make cruel Incursions and lay waste all places near the Borders of Britain Id. p. 90. The first Roman Author that mentions them is said to be Ammianus Marcellinus but St. Jerome has given a much more Ancient Passage of them which he translated out of Porphyry the Greek Philosopher who wrote an Age before Id. p. 91. Are owned by some Antiquaries to be planted in Ireland in the time of Claudian Id. p. 94 95. And Picts continually wasted the Roman Territories Id. p. 95. Their Incursions in the beginning of Honorius his Reign Id. p. 97 98. They miserably harass'd the Britains till speedy Supplies were sent them by the Romans Id. p. 106. The Scots Conversion to Christianity Id. p. 109 110. Were sometimes used for Irish-men sometimes for Native Scots Id. p. 110. And Picts landing in Britain in shoals on the Romans deserting it l. 3. p. 114. Ever acknowledged Bishops necessary for ordaining others in the Ministry l. 3. p. 144. Per Universam Scotiam that is throughout all Ireland l. 4. p. 166 189. The Scots in Britain regain their Liberty and enjoy it for Six and forty years after Id. p. 202. Who Inhabited Britain practised no Treachery against the English Nation when Bede finished his History Id. p. 221. Three Scots come from Ireland to King Alfred resolving to lead the Life of Pilgrims l. 5. p. 298. The first time any of their King 's made Submission to the English was in King Edward the Elder 's Reign l. 5. p. 323 324. Are miserably routed with their King Constantine by Athelstan and his Army Id. p. 334 335 336. Submit themselves to King Edred and their King Swears Fidelity to him Id. p. 349. Are overcome by Uthred the Valiant Son of Waltheof Earl of the Northumbers and the Reward he received of King Ethelred for his Bravery l. 6. p. 27. Scriptures the Reading of them Decreed in the Second Council at Cloveshoe to be more constantly used in Monasteries and the Creed and Lord's Prayer to be learn'd in English l. 4. p. 225. Sea Those that have the Command there may force a King of England to what terms they please l. 6. p. 81. Seals Edward the Confessor was the first English King we meet with that affixed any to his Charters l. 6. p. 98. The Island of Seals Vid. Seolefeu Sebba Vid. Siger Sebbi King of the East-Saxons becomes a Monk and soon after dies l. 4. p. 210. Sebert the Son of Richala King of the East-Saxons receives Baptism and causes St. Paul's to be Built at London l. 4. p. 159. Founds the Church and Abbey of Westminster Id. p. 166. His Death Id. p. 168. A most Learned and Christian Prince Id. p. 175. Secington anciently Seccandune in Warwickshire l. 4. p. 227. Security to be given by all Servants for their good Abearing and all others of ill Fame to have it given for them l. 5. p. 346. Every one of Twelve Years
very well skill'd in the Holy Scriptures sent to King Alfred out of Mercia l. 5. p. 305 306. West-burgh a Monastery in Worcestershire l. 5. p. 253. West-Chester Vid. Chester Westminster Church and Abbey founded by King Sebert Mellitus the Bishop dedicating it to St. Peter l. 4. p. 166. But being destroyed by the Danes it had ever since lain in Ruins till Edward the Confessor built it anew and had it re-consâcrated l. 6. p. 93 94 95. The Legend of this Church her having been anciently consecrated by St. Peter Id. p. 93. Charter of Endowment and Privileges of this Church confirmed by the Great Council The Greatest and Noblest of any Foundation in England Id. p. 94. West-Saxons when this Kingdom first began l. 3. p. 133. Were conquered by Cerdic and his Sâns Id. Ib. Who first took upon them the Title of the Kings of the West-Saxons and at last they overcome all the other six Kingdoms Id. p. 136. They fight with Ivor and are put to flight Id. p. 145. Cut off Sebert's three Sons who were all Heirs to the East-Saxon Kingdom l. 4. p. 168 169. Their Conversion by the preaching of Byrinus an Italian Id. p. 179. Anciently called Gewisses Id. Ib. Bishop of the West-Saxons that is of Dorchester Id. p. 203. Their Royal Standard a Golden Dragon Id. p. 226. Are forced to maintain the Danes and what Money they give them besides l. 6. p. 25. Submit to King Cnute and give him Hostages and likewise provide Horses for his Army Id. p. 41. Westwude since called Shireburne l. 4. p. 214. Whalie in Lancashire anciently called Wealaege where a bloody Battel was fought and with whom l. 4. p. 241. Wheat at what rate sold in Hardecnute's time Vid. Sester Whipping a Punishment to be inflicted only on Villains l. 5. p. 285. Whitby in Yorkshire anciently called Streanshale l. 4. p. 189. Whitchurch in Hampshire anciently called Whitcircan l. 6. p. 28. Whitsand an ancient Port Five hundred years before Caesar's time l. 2. p. 31. About the Fourteenth Century was made unserviceable being stopp'd up by the Sands Id. Ib. Wibbendon now Wimbledon in Surrey l. 3. p. 145. Wiccon now Worcestershire l. 4. p. 242. l. 5. p. 247. Widow to remain so a Twelvemonth by King Cnute's Law and if she marry within that time to lose her Dower and all that her Husband left her l. 6. p. 60. Wigbryht Bishop of the West-Saxons goes to Rome about the Affairs of the English Church l. 5. p. 251. Wigheard the Presbyter sent to Rome there to be made Archbishop of Canterbury but died almost as soon as he arrived there l. 4. p. 195 205. Wight is brought under subjection by Titus Vespatian l. 2. p. 41. The Isle anciently called Vecta l. 2. p. 84. Is conquered by Cerdic and Cynric who bâstow it on Stufe and Withgar Nephews to the former l. 3. p. 138. Is taken by Wulfher King of Mercia l. 4. p. 188. Received at last the Christian Faith though upon hard terms l. 4. p. 203. The Danes quartering here made it their old Sanctuary l. 6. p. 27 31. Wightred confirms all the Privileges of the Monks of the Church of Canterbury by a Charter under his Hand l. 4. p. 163. Wigmore in Herefordshire anciently called Wigingamere l. 5. p. 321. Wilbrode an English Priest converts several Nations in Germany to the Christian Faith is ordained by the Pope Archbishop of the Frisons l. 4. p. 211. His Episcopal See was the famous Castle anciently called Wiltaburg now Utrecht Id. p. 211 212. Wilfreda a Nun taken out of a Cloyster at Wilton by King Edgar by whom he had a Beautiful Daughter that was afterwards Abbess of the said Monastery l. 6. p. 3 12. St. Wilfrid Bishop of York when he caused the Rule of St. Benedict to be observed in England l. 4. p. 167 168. Wilfrid Abbot chosen unanimously by Oswi's Great Council Bishop of Lindisfarne and how he came to lose it upon his refusing Consecration here at home l. 4. p. 190. Is sent into France to be ordained Id. p. 192. A great Contention between King Egfrid and him so that he was expell'd his Bishoprick Id. p. 196. He appeals to Rome and what the success thereof Id. p. 197. By his preaching converts the South-Saxons Id. p. 198. Receives of Ceadwallo as much Land in the Isle of Wight as maintain'd 300 Families Id. p. 203. Is recalled home by King Alfred and restored in a General Synod to his Sees of York and Hagulstad Id. p. 204 213. Is a second time expelled by Alfred and why Id. p. 205 206. Three times deprived the first time unjustly but whether so the other two is doubtful His Decease at Undale and Burial at Ripon in Yorkshire Id. p. 214 215. His Character Is the first Bishop in that Age that ever used Silver Plate Id. p. 215. An Account of his building the Monastery of Ripon l. 5. p. 350. The second Bishop of York of that name his Death l. 4. p. 224. Wilfrid or Wulfred consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury in the room of Ethelward deceased and the next year received his Pall l. 5. p. 248. Goes to Rome about the Affairs of the British Church Id. p. 251. His Death and the different Account who succeeded him Id. p. 255. William the Son of Robert Duke of Normandy by Harlotte his Concubine afterwards King of England to whom recommended whilst his Father made his Pilgrimage to Jerusalem l. 6. p. 54. When he began to reign in Normandy Id. p. 56. The great Battel at Vallesdune in Normandy upon his account Id. p. 74. His coming over into England and noble Reception here with Edward's promising to make him his Successor Id. p. 79. Takes the City of Man l. 6. p. 89. Sets Harold at liberty who was detained by the Earl of Ponthieu contracts Friendship with and betroths his Daughter to him Id. p. 92. Harold promises upon King Edward's death to deliver up Dover-Castle to him and procure his Succession to the Throne Id. Ib. Could have no pretence to the Crown of England by Blood Id. p. 96 97. His great Preparations to invade England and the reasons why first acquainting the Pope with his Design and receiving his Answer with the account of his craving Aid of his People and Neighbour Princes Id. p. 107 108 109. His coming over and landing at Pevensey and Preparations for a Battel but first sends a Monk to Harold with Proposals which he by no means would hearken to Id. p. 110 111. The manner how he drew up his Army in order to fight him Id. p. 112. By seeming to retreat he gets the Victory wherein Harold is slain Id. p. 212 213. Having got Harold's Standard which was curiously embroider'd he sends it to the Pope Id. p. 113. Sends Harold's Body as soon as it was found to his Mother Id. p. 114. Wills Last Vid. Testament Wilton near Salisbury supposed anciently to be Ellendune where a great Battel was fought between
Egbert King of the West-Saxons and Beornwulf King of the Mercians the latter being beaten l. 5. p. 253. Both Town and County take their names from the River Willie Id. p. 276. Wiltshire-men gain the Victory over the Worcestershire-men or Mercians l. 5. p. 247. Wina Vid. Wini. Winandermere anciently called Wonwaldermere a Village by the great Pool in Lancashire l. 4. p. 236. Winchelcomb a Monastery in Gloucestershire for Three hundred Benedictine Monks founded by Kenwulf King of the Mercians and its Consecration l. 4. p. 242. l. 5. p. 251. Kenelm his Son martyr'd by his Sistâr Quendride after his Body was found was brought hither and buried in the Church of this Abbey l. 5. p. 252. Winchester anciently called Caer-Guent by whom it is first pretended to be built l. 1. p. 10. The Old Church there commanded to be built by King Cenwall l. 4. p. 181. The Bishoprick is resigned by Daniel by reason of his Old Age to Hunferth Id. p. 224. Is taken from King Ethelbert by the Danes l. 5. p. 266. The Consecration of the New Monastery here l. 5. p. 312. A Great Council held here concerning the turning out of the Monks l. 6. p. 16. Winchester-Measure to be the Standard l. 6. p. 14. Winfrid Bishop of the Mercians deposed by Archbishop Theodore and why l. 4. p. 194. Wini or Wina made Bishop of the West-Saxons and the Province being divided into two Diocesses he is settled in that of Winchester l. 4. p. 182 188. But being driven from his See by King Kenwalch goes and purchases the See of London of King Wulfher The First Example of Simony here Id. p. 191. Wipha or Wippa the Son of Cryda succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of the Mercians l. 3. p. 148. Wir a River in the Bishoprick of Durham l. 4. p. 194. Wiregild is a satisfaction made by a Murtherer to the Friends of the Party slain l. 4. p. 211. The Valuation of a Man's Head l. 5. p. 341. Wiremouth a Monastery built by Abbot Benedict l. 4. p. 194 205. Witchcraft King Athelstan's Law against it l. 5. p. 340. Wite a Fine or Mulct to be paid by the English and Danes upon the violating of their Laws l. 5. p. 284 285. Witena-Gemote their large Authority not only in assenting to new Laws but in their Judicial Power in giving Judgments upân all Suits or Complaints brought before them as well in Appeals between Subject and Subject as when the King himself was a Party l. 6. p. 83. It outlaws and convicts Earl Aelfgar upon a Charge of being a Traytor to the King and the whole Nation Id. p. 86. Witerne a Bishopriâk called in Latin Candida Casa belonging to the Kingdom of Northumberland l. 4. p. 201 231. St. Withburg her Body found at Durham entire and uncorrupt after she had been Fifty five years buried l. 4. p. 242. Withgar Nephew to King Cerdick with Stufe put the Britains to flight l. 3. p. 135. His Death and Burial at Withgarasbyrig supposed Caresbrook-Castle in the Isle of Wight Id. p. 138. His Constitutions of the Church confirmed in the Synod called by Archbishop Ethelheard l. 4. p. 241. He and Stufe first Princes of the Isle of Wight l. 5. p. 261. Withlaff an Ealdorman of Mercia created King by the Consent of all the People l. 5. p. 253. Reigns Thirteen Years as Tributary to King Egbert Id. p. 254. Is expelled and upon what account where he lay concealed till he procured Egbert's Reconciliation upon which he was restored paying a Yearly Tribute Ib. Ib. The Privileges and Concessions of this King to the Monastery of Croyland confirmed in a General Council held at London and who were present in it Id. p. 257. His Decease and who succeeded him Id. p. 259. Withred by his Piety and Industry freed Kent from Foreign Invasions l. 4. p. 205. King of Kent elected by the General Consent of his Subjects and held it thirty years l. 4. p. 209. Holds a great Council at Becancelde and who were there present and what was transacted Id. p. 210. Another at Berkhamsted in Kent and what Laws were made there Id. p. 211. His Death His Children and Character Id. p. 218. Wittereden signifies a certain Fine or Forfeiture l. 5. p. 262. Woden King of a City in Asia called Asgard dies in Swedeland counted a great Magician and after his Death is worshipped as a God l. 3. p. 121. Brought back the Goths out of Asia into Europe Ib. p. 122. Wodensbeorge now Wodensburg a little Village in Wiltshire l. 3. p. 148. Wolves a Tribute of so many Wolves Heads to be paid to King Edgar instead of that in Money for his concluding a Peace with North-Wales l. 6. p. 4. Woodstock in Mercia where King Ethelred made several Excellent Laws with the Assistance of his Great Council l. 6. p. 42 43. Worcester anciently was called Vectij l. 4. p. 160 230. Bofel being ordained Bishop of the Wiâij had his See here Id. p. 199 200. The First Bishop hereof was Talfride a Learned Monk but he died before Ordination Id. p. 200. Thiâ Church was first founded by Athelred King of the Mercians Id. Ib. The City plunder'd and burnt and the Countrey wasted by Hardecnute and why l. 6. p. 67. The Shire anciently called Wicon l. 4. p. 242. l. 5. p. 247. Wounds and Maims King Alfred's Law concerning them l. 5. p. 296. Wulfheard an Ealdorman at Southampton fights 33 Danish Pyrates and makes there a terrible slaughter of them Id. p 258. Wulfhelme consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury l. 5. p. 329. His Decease and who succeeds him Id. p. 333. Wulfher succeeds his Brother Peadda and greatly enriches the Abbey of Medeshamsted with Lands and other Endowments l. 4. p. 186 187. Is proclaimed King by the Ealdormen of Mercia takes the Isle of Wight with the Countrey of the Meanvari Id. p. 188. Fights with Aescwin at Bedanheafde Id. p. 195. Concerning his Baptism and the ridiculous story of his murthering his two Sons with his own hands as also his Death Id. Ib. Wulfher Archbishop of York is expelled by the Northumbers but restored to it the next year after l. 5. p. 277. His Decease Id. p. 299. Wulfnoth Father of Earl Godwin being impeached before King Ethelred and escaping and running away with some of his Ships turns Pyrate and does a world of mischief by burning the rest of the Fleet that had escaped Shipwreck l. 6. p. 33. Wulfric Vid. Spot Wulstan is wickedly slain by his Cousin Berthferth Son of Bertwulf King of Mercia and his Body buried at the Monastery of Rependun in Derbyshire l. 5. p. 261. Wulstan Archbishop of York is made a close Prisoner at Witharbyrig by King Edred and for what but because of his Function he is afterwards pardoned and restored l. 5. p. 350. His Decease Id. p. 355. Wulstan Archbishop of York consecrates Ethelnoth a Monk and Dean of Canterbury Bishop l. 6. p. 51. His Decease and who succeeds him Id. p.
King Arthur died this Year as all the British Writers agree but as for the manner of his Death it is uncertain The British Chronicles suppose him to have been slain in a Fight at Camala against his own Nephew Mordred who had usurped the Crown in his absence It is more uncertain who succeeded him Geoffery of Monmouth makes Arthur at his Death to have bequeath'd the Crown to one Constantine his Cousin Son of Cador Duke of Cornwal whom he makes to have fought several times with the Sons of Mordred that he slew them and after 4 Years Reign died But divers of the ancientest British Chronicles we have seen make no mention of this Constantine but leave here an Inter-regnum of near 11 Years But to return to our Saxon Annals Withgar died and was buried at Withgarasbyrig which Place being called after his own Name was certainly some Place in the Isle of Wight and is supposed to be the same with Caresbrook Castle in the same Island Let us now look back to the British Affairs King Constantine being supposed by Geoffery to have died about this time he makes his Nephew Aurelius Conan to have succeeded him who Reigning about two Years was followed by Vortipore who also dying four Years after was succeeded by Malgo called by Gildas Malgoclunus and is supposed to be the same with Maelgwn Guined so often mentioned in the Welsh Annals so that according to Geoffery these three Princes reigned successively after one another which can by no means to reconciled with Gildas's Epistle who speaks to all of them as living and reigning at one and the same time so that it is most likely that Malgo or Malgocunus was only King of North-Wales or else of the Northern Parts of Britain as some of the Welsh Chronicles affirm but that Vortipore was King of that part of South-Wales called Demetia Gildas himself relates whilst Aurelius Conan ruled in Powis Land or some other Southern Province as Arch-Bishop Usher with preat probability supposes but Gildas's Epistle wherein he so sharply inveighs against all these British Kings above-mentioned is to this effect Britain has Kings yet Tyrants it has Judges but preying upon and oppressing the Innocent their Kings have Wives of their own yet are Whoremongers often Swearing yet as often Perjuring themselves often making Wars but those unjust or Civil Ones prosecuting Thieves yet having the greatest near them even at their own Tables sitting in the Seat of Justice yet not observing the Rules of right Judgment despising the Innocent and Peaceable and countenancing the Bloody and Adulterous keeping Men in Prison whom they have put there rather out of Malice than Desert And then proceeds particularly to all the Kings then reigning beginning with Constantine whom he calls The Tyrannical Whelp of an impure Damonian Lioness and accuses him this very Year in which he wrote that Letter to have been guilty of murdering two innocent Youths of Royal Blood at the very Altar and under the Cope of the holy Abbot These are supposed to have been the two Sons of Mordred He likewise accuses this Prince that being polluted with frequent Adulteries he had contrary to Christ's Precept put away his own Wife In the next place applying himself to Aurelius Conan he accuses him of the like if not worse Parricides besides Fornications and Adulteries and that hateing the Peace of his Country he had out of desire of Prey fomented Civil Wars In the third place he comes to Vortipore whom he calls The wicked Son of a good Father and Tyrant of the Demetae that is South-Welshmen and whom he accuses of the like Faults and that thô his Head were then grey yet he was guilty of Adultery his Wife being put away him he also advises to Repentance Next he proceeds to Cuneglasus who is supposed by some Antiquaries to have been King of the Northern or Cambrian Britains but this is to be observed that Geoffery of Monmouth takes no notice of him which shews that either he never saw this Copy of Gildas or else if he did knew not where to place this Prince having already made as many Kings to succeed each other as the Time he had to bestow upon them would allow But whoever he was Gildas accuses him for fighting both against GOD and Men against Men by taking Arms against his own Country-men against God by infinite Wickedness and besides his other Faults that having put away his own Wife he had married her Cousin who had vowed perpetual Chastity Then he concludes with a sharp Reproof of Maglocunus whom he calls the Island Dragon and the Expeller of many other Tyrants he also accuses him of Sodomy asking him Why being taller in Stature and greater in Power than all the rest of the Princes in Britain he had made himself in stead of being better far worse than they Upbraiding him that in his Youth he had murdered the King his Uncle with many of his Men. After many other Reproofs threatens him with speedy Destruction unless he repent This is the Substance of Gildas's Reproof to the British Princes from which all that we can gather is First that there were no less than five Kings at this time in Britain thô by what Means or Title they came to the Crown is uncertain more than that it seems probable some of these Princes here mentioned were descended from Aurelius Ambrosius thô as Gildas observes highly degenerated from the Virtue of their Ancestors But what great Actions these Kings did during their Reigns or what good Qualities they were indued with is not known so that there is but a slender Account of them in the Rolls of Fame which may make us suspect they were guilty of but very few good Qualities because we here find a large Catalogue of their bad Ones Who succeeded each of these Kings in their distinct Territories the most authentick British Chronicles do not mention and therefore thô Geoffery makes one Careticus to have now governed that part of Britain which was still left unconquered by the Saxons and whom he will have to succeed Malgo and that thereupon the Saxons sent for one Gormund an African King with a great Army of his Country-men who making a League with the Saxons set upon Careticus and besieged him in the City of Circester and taking and burning it afterwards fought with Careticus and forced him to flie beyond the Mountains of Wales Yet since neither in our Saxon Annals nor any other good Historian there is any thing to be found concerning these Kings or any Africans that ever invaded Britain it is to be looked upon as no better than one of the bold Inventions of this Author But as I have given you Gildas's Character of their Kings so I shall now give you that of their Clergy whom he thus reproves Britain says he hath Bishops but without Discretion many Ministers but those Impudent many Clerks but subtle Prowlers Pastors in Name but indeed Wolves
iâtent upon all Occasions not to feed the Flock but to pamper and well line themsâlves making use of their Churches only for Lucre's sake teaching the People sound Doctrine but they themselves shewing evil Example rarely Officiating at the Altar and then scarce ever standing there with pure Hearts not correcting the People for their Sins as guilty of the same themselves despising the Precepts of Christ and fulfilling their own Lusts usurping the Chair of Peter but through the blindness of their own worldly Lusts stumbling upon the Seat of Judas deadly haters of Truth and lovers of Lies looking upon the poor Christians with Eyes of Pride and Contempt but fawning upon the wickedest rich Men without Shame great Promoters of other Men's Alms with set Exhortations but themselves ever contributing least concealing or slightly touching the reigning Sins of the Age but highly aggravating their own Injuries as done to Christ himself seeking Preferments and Dâgrees in the Church more than Heaven and having so gained them make it more their study how to keep than to illustrate them by their good Examples dull and stupid to the Reproofs of holy Men if ever they hear them at all but shew themselves very attentive to the trivial Discourses of the Laity ready to act any unlawful Things carrying their heads a loft but having their affections nothwithstanding the checks of their own Consciences as low as Hell sad at the loss of a penny but joyed if they can get one in Apostolical Censures either through their own Ignorance or the greatness of the Sins Dull and Mute but very skillful in the cheating Tricks of Worldly business from which wicked sort of Conversation many run into Priests Orders which they buy for Money taking the Priesthood without observing its Rules and Institution or knowing what belongs to matters of Faith or Manners And then proceeding in a tedious invective against Simony he at last thus addresses himself to the Laity What can ye expect O unhappy People from these Beasts all Bellies Shall these amend thee who as the Prophet says weary themselves in commiting Iniquity Shalt thou sâe with their Eyes which regard only those ways that lead to Hell leave them rather as bids our Saviour least ye fall both blindfold into the same Perdition But are all thus Perhaps not all or not so grosly But what did it avail Eli to be himself blameless whil'st he connived at his Sons that were wicked Who of these hath been envied for his better Life Who of them have hated to consârt with such or withstood their entring into the Ministry or zealously endeavoured their casting out This is the Sense of what he there says it being not only tedious but impossible to Translate Verbatim so barbarous and obscure a Writer thô otherwise he seems to have been a Man of great Wit and ardent Piety above what that Age would admit of But hence we may learn what the State of the Government and Religion among the Britains was in that long Calm of Peace which the Victory at Badon Hill had produced Also at the end of his History he gives a farther account of the sad state of Affairs and great corruption of Manners in those Times And complains That the Cities of his Country were not then inhabited as before but lay ruined and deserted for though Foreign Wars were ceased for a time yet so were not the Civil so that there did still remain upon the face of the Island evident marks of so miserable a destruction but that also as long as the memory of that unlooked for assistance lasted their Kings as well as their Bishops and Priests did pretty well observe due Orders but those deceasing as the next Generation succeeded which had not seen the former Calamities and were only sensible of the present Prosperity all the Principles of Truth and Justice were totally shaken and subverted So that scarce any footsteps remained of them in all the Orders and Degrees of Men above mentioned except some and those but few very few in respect of those who go to Hell so that although they are the only true Sons of our Mother the Church yet by reason of the smallness of their number she can scarce take any notice of them albeit they lye in her very Bosome This much may suffice to give an account as well of this Epistle of Gildas as of his History which Caradoc of Lancarvon in his Legendary Life of this Author supposes to have been writ whil'st he lived at Glastenbury But these passages I thought good to Transcribe from him as not unuseful to be inserted in these Annals not out of any desire to rip up or expose the faults of the ancient British Clergy or Nation much less to insult over their Calamities but rather to serve as a warning to us who live in this loose and corrupt Age that we may avoid the like Sins lest we provoke God to send the like Judgments upon us But to return to the Saxon Chronicle This Year began the Northumbrian Kingdom or in the Words of our Annals Ida began to Reign from whom is derived the Royal Family of the Northumbrian Kings the Saxon Annals here give us a long pedegree of this Ida who reigned Twelve Years and built Bebbanburgh now Bamborough Castle in Northumberland which was at first encompassed only with a Trench and afterwards with a Wall H. Huntington says This Prince was always in War and Will of Malmesbury and Mat. Westminster make him to have had Twelve Sons partly by Wives and partly by Concubines And the latter also tells us that he together with his Sons came into Britain and landed at Plensburgh with Forty Ships But though Ida was the first that took upon him the Title of King yet there were Princes of the Saxons in that Country many Years before for the same Authors tell us That Hengist had long before sent his Brother Ottha and his Son Ebusa Men of great Experience in War to Conquer the North Parts of Britain who pursuing his directions met with a success answerable to their endeavours for fighting often times with the Natives of the Country and conquering all those who indeavoured to resist them they received the rest into their Protection and so enjoyed the fruits of Peace But though they had by their own industry as well as the consent of their Subjects gained some Power in those Parts yet did they never till now take upon them the Title of Kings the same moderation descending also to their Posterity So that for near an Hundred Years the Princes Earls or Dukes of Northumberland lived like Vassals under the Protection of the Kings of Kent But this Nation being naturally haughty in the Year above recited that is Sixty Years after the Death of Hengist this Principality was changed into a Kingdom Ida first reigning there who without doubt was a very gallant Man being then in the prime of his Youth but whether he
to what intent having been so lately there before we know not any more than what the King did there unless to repair the English School or Colledge for Youth that had been lately burnt but it is certain he stayed abroad near a Year and in his Return home Charles Sirnamed The Bald King of the Franks gave him his Daughter to Wife who was called Leotheta in French Judith and so together with her he returned into England But as Asser relates there was in the mean time an infamous Conspiracy framed in the Western Parts of England for Prince Aethelbald the King 's eldest Son and Ealchstan Bishop of Scirborne and Aeanwulf Earl of Somerset had plotted together that King Aethelwulf at his Return Home should never be received into his Kingdom most Men laid this to the Charge of this Bishop and Earl only thô many do chiefly attribute it to the Perverseness of this young Prince who was also very obstinate in other Wickedness So the King his Father returning from Rome Prince Ethelbald together with his Councellors contrived this great Villany viz. to expell the King from his own Kingdom thô God would not permit it to take effect neither did all the Noblemen of England consent to it yet lest so great a Mischief should happen that the Father and Son making War on each other the whole Nation should be engaged in mutual Slaughter by the wonderful Clemency of the King and with the Consent of all his Nobility the Kingdom which was before united became now divided between the Father and the Son the Eastern Countries being allotted to the former and the Western to the latter but where the Father ought indeed by Right to have Reigned there Ruled this Rebellious and Undutiful Son for the Western part of the England was always accounted before the Eastern King Ethelwulf therefore coming back from Româ the whole Nation as it ought highly rejoyced at his return and would if he had pleased have expelled his wicked Son Aethelbald with all his Adherents out of the Kingdom but the King would by no means suffer it using great Clemency and Prudence lest the Kingdom might thereby be endangered All this Disturbance seems to have been raised by his Son and his Faction because of his marrying this new Wife whom notwithstanding having now brought over with him he placed by him on the Royal Throne as long as he lived without any Dispute or Opposition from his Nobles thô says this Author the Nation of the West Saxons did not permit the Queen to sit by the King or to be called Queen which Custom our Ancestors relate to have proceeded from a certain wicked Queen called Eadburga the Wife of King Bryhtric whose Story Asser in his Annals as also in his De Gestis Alfredi hath given us at large where speaking of the Occasion of this severe Law he tells us it proceeded from the wicked Carriage of that Queen already mentioned at the end of the former Book who abusing her Husband's Affections by untrue Accusations took away many Men's Lives and being hated by the English after that King's Decease they made that Law now mentioned William of Malmesbury and Mat. Westminster do assure us That King Ethelwulf lived but two Years after his return from Rome during which time he thought not only of the World to come but also what should happen in this after his Decease and therefore lest his Sons should quarrel among themselves after his Death he commanded his Testament to be written Asser calls it an Hereditary or Commendatory Epistle in which he ordained his Kingdom should be divided between the two eldest Sons as also his own proper Inheritance between all his Sons and Daughters and near Kinsmen but for his Money he ordered it to be divided between his Sons and his Nobles and what was left to be employed for the good of his Soul to which end he ordained That his Successours throughout all his own Hereditary Lands should maintain out of every Ten Families one Poor Person either Native or Stranger with Meat Drink and Apparel always provided that the Land did not then lie waste but was cultivated by Men and Cattle It is also to be noted That this Grant was wholly different from that of Tythes thô Bromton's Chronicle hath confounded them together and made them all one he also ordered to be sent every Year to Rome 300 Mancuses which William of Malmesbury renders Marks thô what the Sum was is uncertain but it was to be equally distributed between the Churches of St. Peter and St. Paul to provide Lights on Easter Eve and of this 300 Marks the Pope was to have 100 to himself These Grants are supposed by Sir Henry Spelman to have been made in a general Council of the whole Kingdom but after this time we find no more of them for many Years by reason of the frequent Invasions of the Danes But not long after King Ethelwulf died and was buried at Winchester having reigned 20 Years and 5 Months for the Saxon Annals which allow him but 18 Years and an half are certainly mistaken This Year also according to Florence of Worcester Humbert the Bishop anointed that Glorious Martyr Edmund King of the East Angles being then but 15 Years old at a Town called Buram being then the Royal Seat But having no Account of King Edmund's Pedigree or of the Place of his Birth from any of our English Historians you must be content with what Johannes Anglicus of Tinmouth hath told us or in his Legend of Saints called Sanctilogium of this King and Martyr viz. That he was the Son of one Alemond a Nobleman of the Blood Royal of the East Angles who having fled for fear of King Offa into Old Saxony out of which his Family first came had there by his Wife called Cywara a Son whom he named Edmund the pretended Miracles of whose Birth I purposely omit This Prince having been instructed in all Christian and Moral Duties lived in Germany to the 14th Year of his Age and upon his return into England was so acceptable to the East Angles that he was by them Elected King and till his Death continued in the quiet Possession of that Kingdom without any opposition of King Ethelwulf or any of his Sons then Kings of the West Saxons to whose Dominions that Kingdom of the East Angles had lately been made subject and hence it may be reasonably inferred that it was by King Ethelwulf's Consent that Edmund being returned out of Germany took Possession of that Kingdom Being thus made King and by reason of his tender Age not esteeming himself capable of managing the Affairs of the Nation he willingly submitted them and himself to the Direction of the said Bishop of the East Angles by whom he was Crowned and by whose Councel and Direction he behaved himself as became a Prince endued with all Kingly Virtues so that during his Reign his principal Care was to repair
bloody slaughter on both sides l. 6. p. 31. University of Paris by whose means erected Alcuinus an Englishman reading there Logick Rhetorick and Astronomy l. 4. p. 244. Of Oxford and Cambridge Vid. their particular Heads Unust King of the Picts Vid. Eadbert King of Northumberland Vortigern is chosen King by the Britains l. 3. p. 116. By the Advice of his Council he sent for the Heathen Saxons to repel the Scots and Picts Id. p. 117. Falls passionately in Love with Rowena Hengest's daughter Id. p. 125. Marries her and is divorced from his former Wife Id. p. 126. The story of his taking his own Daughter to Wife and having a Son by her is all unlikely Id. p. 127 128. Is deposed and Vortimer his Son is chosen King by the British Nobles Id. p. 128. Is restored wages War with the Saxons but by the Treachery of Hengest is taken Prisoner and for his Ransom gives up East-Sex Middlesex and Sussex Id. p. 129. Uncertain what at last became of him but was again deposed and thought to be burnt in his Castle by his Successor Aurelius Ambrosius Id. p. 131. Vortimer obtainâ a great Victory over the Saxons l. 3. p. 128. Drives them into Germany for all his lifâtime Id. Ib. Dies supposed by Poyson of his Mother-in-Law Rowena's Procurement Id. p. 129. Vortipore King of that part of South-Wales called Demetia l. 3. p. 139. Urbgen or Urien King of Cumberland and his Sons fight with Theodoric and his Sons and where l. 3. p. 146. Urbicus Lollius drives back the Brigantes draws another Wall beyond that of Hadrian and keeps out the Incursions of the Northern Britains l. 2. p. 68. Urgeney Bishop of St. David's is slain by the Danes l. 6. p. 27. Urych Merwin King of the Britains slain at the Battel of Ketell l. 5. p. 260. Uscfrea a Son of King Edwin's l. 4. p. 176. Usurers not to continue in the Kingdom but if any were convicted to forfeit their Goods and be look'd on as outlaw'd l. 6. p. 102. Uther Pendragon look'd on by the British Antiquaries as a mere imaginary King l. 3. p. 133. Uthred his Bravery against the Scots and the Reward he met with for it from King Ethelred casts off his Wife but gives her back her Fortune and marries another one Sigâ l. 6. p. 27. Submits with all his Northumbrian Kingdom to King Sweyn the Dane and the mischiefs he his Son and their Army did both there and where ever they went Id. p. 37 38. He with Edmund Etheling plunders all places where ever they come Id. p. 41. But at last submits to Cnute and though he gave Hostages was soon after slain and some say by Cnute's Orders Id. Ib. Utrecht in the Gallick Tongue Trajectum in the old Language Wiltaburg l. 4. p. 212. Vulgar or Common People the Care the English-Saxons had of the Persons and Chastity of their meanest Subjects l. 5. p. 293 294. W WAda a Rebel in chief in Northumberland that leads out the Conspirators to Battel against King Eardwulf at Billingahoth near Whalie in Lancashire l. 4. p. 241. Wakes or Parish Feasts their Antiquity in several parts of England l. 6. p. 99. Wales anciently called Cambria by some supposed to come from the King Ina's marrying Gualla the Daughter of Cadwallader King of the Britains but it is certainly a notorious Falshood l. 4. p. 220. Their Chief Lords of any Countrey there called Kings Id. p. 241. Kings of Cardigan Divet and Powis died in one year Id. p. 243. The several Princes of Wales were perpetually weakning each other with Civil Wars which the English observing at last reduced them all under their Dominion l. 5. p. 279 280. Great Commotions there between Jevaf and Jago and their Children after them sevâral Countries being thereby spoiled l. 6. p. 16 20 21 22. Laws concerning the Inabitants of the Mountains of this Countrey Id. p. 44. A great Revolution happen'd there from the fickleness of the Nation Id. p. 64. The last Civil War or Rebellion there that happen'd in Edward the Confessor's Reign Id. p. 85. Is called Brytland and subdued by E. Harold and E. Tostige Id. p. 89. Wall That which Severus built from Sea to Sea 132 miles in length which procured him the stile of Britannicus l. 2. p. 76. Is repaired and fortified with Castles c. by Carausius Id. p. 84. Built cross the Island between the two Seas or Streights called then Glotta and Bodotria now the Friths of Edinburgh and Dunbritton with Turf instead of Stone Id. p. 99 100. A Description of the other Wall of Stone Id. p. 100. Wall-brook whence it had its name l. 2. p. 85. Waltham-Abbey the Foundation of it and the story of the Crucifix brought thither and the Miracles said to be effected by it l. 6. p. 89. King Harold is buried in the Abbey-Church there Id. p. 144. Wall-Town near the Picts-Wall anciently called Admurum l. 4. p. 184. Wanating now Wantige in Berkshire l. 5. p. 261. l. 6. p. 43. Warewell now Harwood Forest l. 6. p. 10. Warham in Dorfetshire formerly Werham a strong Castle of the West-Saxons is taken and destroyed by the Danes together with the Nunnery there l. 5. p. 278. Warwick anciently called Caer-Gaurvie supposed to be built by Gurgwint l. 1. p. 13. And Weringwic l. 5. p. 316. l. 6. p. 41. Watchet in Somersetshire anciently called Weced l. 5. p. 319. And Weedport destroyed by the Danes l. 6. p. 22 26. Wax-Tapers hated by King Ethelred because of his Mother 's unmercifully beating him with one and for what reason l. 6. p. 19. Wectij or Wiccij now Worcester l. 4. p. 160 197.230 The same Shire also anciently called Wiccon l. 4. p. 242. l. 5. p. 247. Vid. the City and County of Worcester Wedesbury in Staffordshire anciently supposed to be called Wearbyrig l. 5. p. 316. Weland River in Northamptonshire on the side of Rutland anciently called Weolade l. 5. p. 322. Welsh the Chronicle called Triades l. 3. p. 140. Manuscript of Britain the Credit of it arraign'd by a late Romish Writer l. 4. p. 162. Are forced to quit all the plain Countrey bâtween Severne and Wye and to retire to the Mountains l. 4. p. 231. Western-Welsh that is Cornish-men where a great Fleet of Danes landed l. 5. p. 257. The Welsh beaten by Igmond the Dane Id. p. 303. Are forbid to come into England or the English to enter Wales l. 6. p. 44. Raise some Insurrections in Harold's time and upon what account Id. p. 65. A Law that no Welshman should pass over Offa's Ditch on pain of death Id. Ib. And on the Penalty of losing his Right Hand Id. p. 115. Vid. Britains Build a Castle in Herefordshire upon the Lands of Earl Sweyn and what ensued thereupon Id. p. 77. Wenbury in Devonshire by the Saxons called Wicganbeorch a place where Earl Ceorle with his Forces fights the Pagan Danes and gets the Victory l. 5. p. 261. Werfriht Bishop of Worcester one