And Simeon reports another Battel fought between Britans and Picts the year ensueing Now was the Kingdome of East-Saxons drawing to a Period for Sigeard and Senfred the Sons of Sebbi having reign'd a while and after them young Offa who soon quitted his Kingdome to go to Rome with Kenred as hath been said the Goverment was conferr'd on Selred Son of Sigebert the good who having rul'd 38 years came to a violent death An. Dom. 746 how or wherefore is not set down After whom Swithred was the last King driv'n out by Ecbert the West-Saxon but London with the Countries adjacent obey'd the Mercians till they also were dissolv'd Cuthred had now reign'd about nine years An. Dom. 748 when Kuiric his Son a valiant young Prince was in a military tumult slain by his own Souldiers The same year Eadbert dying in Kent his Brother Edilbert reign'd in his stead An. Dom. 750 But after two years the other Eadbert in Northumberland whose War with the Picts hath bin above-mention'd made now such Progress there as to subdue Kyle so saith the Auctarie of Bede and other Countries thereabout to his dominion While Cuthred the West-Saxon had a fight with Ethelhun one of his Nobles a stout Warrier envi'd by him in some matter of the Common-wealth as far as by the Latin of Ethelward can be understood others interpret it Sedition and with much ado overcoming An. Dom. 752 took Ethelhun for his valour into favour by whom faithfully serv'd in the twelf or thirteenth of his Reign he encounter'd in a set Battell with Ethelbald the Mercian at Beorford now Burford in Oxfordshire An. Dom. 753 one year after against the Welch which was the last but one of his life Huntingdon as his manner is to comment upon the annal Text makes a terrible description of that fight between Cuthred and Ethelbald and the Prowess of Ethelhun at Beorford but so affectedly and therfore suspiciously that I hold it not worth rehersal and both in that and the latter conflict gives Victory to Cuthred after whom Sigebert uncertain by what right An. Dom. 754 his Kinsman saith Florent step'd into the Throne whom hated for his cruelty and other evil doings Kimwulf joining with most of the Nobility dispossess'd of all but Hamshir that Province he lost also within a year An. Dom. 755 together with the love of all those who till then remain'd his adherents by slaying Cumbran one of his Cheif Captains who for a long time had faithfully serv'd and now disuaded him from incensing the people by such Tyrannical practices Thence flying for safety into Andreds Wood forsak'n of all he was at length slain by the Swine-heard of Cumbran in revenge of his Maister and Kinwulf who had undoubted right to the Crown joyfully saluted King An. Dom. 756 The next year Eadbert the Northumbrian joining forces with Vnust King of the Picts as Simeon writes beseig'd and took by surrender the City Alcluith now Dunbritton in Lennox from the Britans of Cumberland and ten days after the whole Army perishd about Niwanbirig but to tell us how he forgetts In Mercia Ethelbald was slain at a place call'd Secandune An. Dom. 757 now Seckinton in Warwickshire the year following in a bloody fight against Cuthred as Huntingdon surmises but Cuthred was dead two years before others write him murder'd in the night by his own Guard and the Treason as some say of Beornred who succeeded him but ere many Months was defeated and slain by Offa. Yet Ethelbald seems not without cause after a long and prosperous Reign to have fall'n by a violent Death not shameing on the vain confidence of his many Alms to commit uncleaness with consecrated Nuns besides Laic Adulteries as the Arch-Bishop of Ments in a letter taxes him and his Predecessor and that by his example most of his Peers did the like which adulterous doings he foretold him were likely to produce a slothfull off-spring good for nothing but to be the ruin of that Kingdome as it fell out not long after An. Dom. 758 The next year Osmund according to Florence ruleing the South-Saxons and Swithred the East Eadbert in Northumberland following the steps of his Predecessor got him into a Monks Hood the more to be wonder'd that having reign'd worthily 21 years with the love and high estimation of all both at home and abroad able still to govern and much entreated by the Kings his Neighbours not to lay down his charge with offer on that condition to yeild up to him part of thir own Dominion he could not be mov'd from his resolution but relinquish'd his Royal Office to Oswulf his Son An. Dom. 759 who at the years end though without just cause was slain by his own Servants And the year after dy'd Ethelbert Son of Victred the second of that name in Kent An. Dom. 762 After Oswulf Ethelwald otherwise call'd Mollo was set up King who in his third year had a great Battel at Eldune by Melros slew Oswin a great Lord rebelling and gain'd the Victory An. Dom. 765 But the third year after fell by the treachery of Alcred who assum'd his place An. Dom. 769 The fowrth year after which Cataracta an antient and fair City in Yorkeshire was burnt by Arnred a certain Tyrant who the same year came to like end An. Dom. 774 And after five years more Alfred the King depos'd and forsak'n of all his people fled with a few first to Bebba a strong City of those parts thence to Kinot King of the Picts Ethelred the Son of Mollo was crown'd in his stead Mean while Offa the Mercian growing powerfull had subdu'd a Neighbouring people by Simeon call'd Hestings and fought successfully this year with Alric King of Kent at a place call'd Occanford the Annals also speak of wondrous Serpents then seen in Sussex Nor had Kinwulf the West-Saxon giv'n small proof of his valour in several Battels against the Welch heretofore An. Dom. 775 but this year 775. meeting with Offa at a place call'd Besington was put to the worse and Offa won the Town for which they contended An. Dom. 778 In Northumberland Ethelred having caus'd three of his Nobles Aldwulf Kinwulf and Ecca treacherously to be slain by two other Peers was himself the next year driv'n into banishment Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeding in his place yet not without civil broils An. Dom. 780 for in his second year Osbald and Ethelheard two Noblemen raising Forces against him routed Bearne his General and persueing burnt him at a place call'd Seletune I am sensible how wearisom it may likely be to read of so many bare and reasonless Actions so many names of Kings one after another acting little more then mute persons in a Scene what would it be to have inserted the long Bead-roll of Archbishops Bishops Abbots Abbesses and thir doeings neither to Religion profitable nor to morality swelling my Authors each to
thir decline and ruin under a double Conquest and the causes foregoing which not to blur or taint the praises of thir former actions and liberty well defended shall stand severally related and will be more then long enough for another Book The End of the Fifth Book THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN The Sixth Book Edward the Younger EDward the eldest Son of Edgar by Egelfieda his first Wife the Daughter of Duke Ordmer was according to right and his Fathers Will plac'd in the Throne Elfrida his second Wife and her faction only repineing who labour'd to have had her Son Ethelred a Child of 7 years preferr'd before him that she under that pretence might have rul'd all Mean while Comets were seen in Heav'n portending not Famin only which follow'd the next year but the troubl'd State of the whole Realm not long after to ensue The troubles begun in Edwi's daies between Monks and secular Priests now reviv'd and drew on either side many of the Nobles into parties For Elfere Duke of the Mercians with many other Pecrs corrupted as is said with guifts drove the Monks out of those Monasteries where Edgar had plac'd them and in thir stead put secular Priests with thir Wives But Ethelwin Duke of East-Angles with his Brother Elfwold and Earl Britnoth oppos'd them and gathering an Army defended the Abbies of East-Angles from such intruders To appease these tumults a Synod was call'd at Winchester and nothing there concluded a general Councel both of Nobles and Prelates was held at Caln in Wiltshire where while the dispute was hot but chiefly against Dunstan the room wherin they sat fell upon thir heads killing some maiming others Dunstan only escaping upon a beam that fell not and the King absent by reason of his tender Age. This accident quieted the controversie and brought both parts to hold with Dunstan and the Monks Mean while the King addicted to a Religious life and of a mild Spirit simply permitted all things to the ambitious will of his Step-mother and her Son Ethelred to whom she displeas'd that the name only of King was wanting practis'd thenceforth to remove King Edward out of the way which in this manner she brought about Edward on a day wearied with hunting thirsty and alone while his attendance follow'd the Dogs hearing that Ethelred and his mother lodg'd at Corvesgate Corse Castle saith Camden in the I le of Purbeck innocently went thether She with all shew of kindness welcoming him commanded drink to be brought forth for it seems he lighted not from his Horse and while he was drinking caus'd one of her Servants privately before instructed to stab him with a poignard The poor youth who little expected such unkindness there turning speedily the Reins fled bleeding till through loss of blood falling from his Horse and expiring yet held with one foot in the Stirrop he was dragg'd along the way trac'd by his blood and buried without honour at Werham having reign'd about 3 years but the place of his burial An. Dom. 978 not long after grew famous for miracles After which by Duke Elfer who as Malmsbury saith had a hand in his Death he was Royally enterr'd at Skepton or Shaftsbury The murdress Elfrida at length repenting spent the residue of her daies in sorrow and great penance Ethelred EThelred second Son of Edgar by Elfrida for Edmund An. Dom. 979 dy'd a Child his Brother Edward wickedly remov'd was now next in right to succeed and accordingly Crown'd at Kingston reported by some fair of visage comly of person elegant of behaviour but the event will shew that with many sluggish and ignoble vices he quickly sham'd his outside born and prolong'd a fatal mischeif of the people and the ruin of his Country whereof he gave early signes from his first infancy bewraying the Font and Water while the Bishop was baptizing him Whereat Dunstan much troubl'd for he stood by and saw it to them next him broke into these words By God and Gods Mother this Boy will prove a Sluggard Another thing is writt'n of him in his Childhood which argu'd no bad nature that hearing of his Brother Edwards cruel Death he made loud lamentation but his furious mother offended therwith and having no rod at hand beat him so with great Wax Candles that he hated the sight of them ever after Dunstan though unwilling set the Crown upon his head but at the same time foretold op'nly as is reported the great evils that were to come upon him and the Land in avengment of his Brothers innocent blood And about the same time one midnight a Cloud sometimes bloody sometimes fiery was seen over all England and within three years An. Dom. 982 the Danish Tempest which had long surceast revolv'd again upon this Iland To the more ample relating whereof the Danish History at least thir latest and diligentest Historian as neither from the first landing of Danes in the Reign of West-Saxon Brithric so now again from first to last contributes nothing busied more then anough to make out the bare names and successions of thir uncertain Kings and thir small actions at home unless out of him I should transcribe what hee takes and I better may from our own Annals the surer and the sadder witnesses of thir doings here not glorious as they vainly boast but most inhumanly Barbarous For the Danes well understanding that England had now a slothfull King to thir wish first landing at Southampton from 7 great Ships took the Town spoil'd the Country and carried away with them great pillage nor was Devonshire and Cornwall uninfested on the shore Pirats of Norway also harried the Coast of West-Chester and to add a worse calamity the City of London was burnt casually or not is not writt'n An. Dom. 986 It chanc'd fowr years after that Ethelred beseig'd Rochester some way or other offended by the Bishop therof Dunstan not approving the cause sent to warn him that he provoke not St. Andrew the Patron of that City nor wast his Lands an old craft of the Clergy to secure thir Church Lands by entailing them on some Saint the King not hark'ning Dunstan on this condition that the seige might be rais'd sent him a hundred pound the money was accepted and the seige dissolv'd Dunstan reprehending his avarice sent him again this word because thou hast respected money more then Religion the evils which I foretold shall the sooner come upon thee but not in my days for so God hath spok'n The next year An. Dom. 987 An. Dom. 988 was calamitous bringing strange fluxes upon men and murren upon Cattel Dunstan the year following dy'd a strenuous Bishop zealous without dread of person and for ought appeers the best of many Ages if he busied not himself too much in secular affairs He was Chaplain at first to King Athelstan and Edmund who succeeded much imploi'd in Court affairs till envi'd by some who laid many
sunk and lost the residue so torn and shak'n as not to be new rigg'd without much labour Strait he assembles what number of Ship-wrights either in his own Legions or from beyond Sea could be summon'd appoints Labienus on the Belgian side to build more and with a dreadful industry of ten days not respiting his Souldiers day or night drew up all his Ships and entrench'd them round within the circuit of his Camp This don and leaving to thir defence the same strength as before he returns with his whole Forces to the same Wood where he had defeated the Britans who preventing him with greater powers then before had now repossess'd themselvs of that place under Cassibelan thir cheif Leader Whose Territory from the States bordering on the Sea was divided by the River Thames about 80 mile inward With him formerly other Citties had continual Warr but now in the common danger had all made choise of him to be thir Generall Heer the British Horse and Charioters meeting with the Roman Cavalrie fought stoutly and at first somthing overmatch'd they retreat to the neer advantage of thir Woods and Hills but still follow'd by the Romans make head again cut of the forwardest among them and after some pause while Caesar who thought the days work had bin don was busied about the entrenching of his Camp march out again give feirce assault to the very Stations of his Guards and Senteries and while the main cohorts of two Legions that were sent to the Alarme stood within a small distance of each other terrify'd at the newness and the boldness of thir fight charg'd back again through the midst without loss of a man Of the Romans that day was slain Quintus Laberius Durus a Tribune the Britans having fought thir fill at the very entrance of Caesars Camp and sustain'd the resistance of his whole Army entrench'd gave over the assault Caesar heer acknowledges that the Roman way both of arming and of fighting was not so well fitted against this kind of Enemy for that the Foot in heavy Armour could not follow thir cunning flight and durst not by ancient Discipline stirr from thir Ensigne and the Horse alone disjoyn'd from the Legions against a foe that turn'd suddenly upon them with a mixt encounter both of Horse and Foot were in equall danger both following and retiring Besides thir fashion was not in great bodies and close order but in small divisions and open distances to make thir onset appointing others at certain spaces now to releev and bring of the weary now to succeed and renew the conflict which argu'd no small experience and use of Armes Next day the Britans afarr off upon the Hills begin to shew themselves heer and there and though less boldly then before to skirmish with the Roman Horse But at Noon Caesar having sent out 3 Legions and all his Horse with Trebonius the Legat to seek fodder suddenly on all sides they set upon the Forragers and charge up after them to the very Legions and thir Standards The Romans with great courage beat them back and in the chace beeing well seconded by the Legions not giving them time either to rally to stand or to descend from thir Chariots as they were wont slew many From this overthrow the Britans that dwelt farder off betook them home and came no more after that time with so great a power against Caesar Whereof advertis'd he marches onward to the Frontiers of Cassibelan which on this side were bounded by the Thames not passable except in one place and that difficult about Coway stakes neer Oatlands as is conjectur'd Hither coming he descries on the other side great Forces of the Enemy plac'd in good Array the bank sett all with sharp stakes others in the bottom cover'd with water whereof the marks in Beda's time were to be seene as he relates This having learnt by such as were tak'n or had run to him he first commands his Horse to pass over then his Foot who wadeing up to the neck went on so resolutely and so fast that they on the furder side not enduring the violence retreated and fled Cassibelan noe more now in hope to contend for Victorie dismissing all but 4000. of those Charioters through Woods and intricate waies attends thir motion where the Romans are to pass drives all before him and with continuall sallies upon the Horse where they least expected cutting off some and terrifying others compells them soe close together as gave them no leave to fetch in prey or bootie without ill success Whereupon Caesar strictly commanding all not to part from the Legions had nothing left him in his way but empty Fields and Houses which he spoil'd and burnt Meane while the Trinobantes a State or Kingdome and perhaps the greatest then among the Britans less favouring Cassibelan send Embassadors and yeild to Caesar upon this reason Immanuentius had bin thir King him Cassibelan had slaine and purpos'd the like to Mandubratius his Son whom Orosius calls Androgorius Beda Androgius but the youth escaping by flight into Gallia put himself under the protection of Caesar These entreat that Mandubratius may be still defended and sent home to succeed in his Fathers right Caesar sends him demands 40 Hostages and provision for his Armie which they immediately bring in and have thir Confines protected from the Souldier By their example the Cenimagni Segontiaci Ancalites Bibroci Cassi so I write them for the modern names are but guess'd on like terms make thir peace By them he learns that the Town of Cassibelan suppos'd to be Verulam was not farr distant fenc't about with Woods and Marshes well stuff't with men and much Cattel For Towns then in Britain were only Wooddy places Ditch't round and with a Mud Wall encompass'd against the inrodes of Enemies Thether goes Caesar with his Legions and though a place of great strength both by art and nature assaults it in two places The Britans after some defence fled out all at another end of the Town in the flight many were taken many slain and great store of Cattel found there Cassibelan for all these losses yet deserts not himself nor was yet his authoritie so much impair'd but that in Kent though in a manner possest by the Enemie his Messengers and commands finde obedience anough to raise all the people By his direction Cingetorix Carvilius Taximagulus and Segonax fowr Kings Reigning in those Countries which ly upon the Sea lead them on to assault that Camp wherein the Romans had entrench'd thir Shipping but they whom Caesar left there issuing out slew many and took Prisners Cingetorix a noted Leader without loss of thir own Cassibelan after so many defeats mov'd especially by revolt of the Citties from him thir inconstancie and falshood one to another uses mediation by Comius of Arras to send Embassadors about treatie of yeilding Caesar who had determin'd to Winter in the Continent by reason that Gallia was unsettl'd and not much of the
and built another at Temsford judging that place more opportune from whence to make thir excursions and soon after went forth with design to assail Bedford but the Garrison issuing out slew a great part of them the rest fled After this a greater Army of them gatherd out of Mercia and the East-Angles came and beseig'd the City call'd Wigingmere a whole Day but finding it defended stoutly by them within thence also departed driving away much of thir Cattel wherupon the English from Towns and Citties round about joining Forces laid Seige to the Town and Castle of Temsford and by assault took both slew thir King with Toglea a Duke and Mannan his Son an Earl with all the rest there found who chose to die rather then yeild Encourag'd by this the men of Kent Surrey and part of Essex enterprise the Seige of Colnhester nor gave over till they won it sacking the Town and putting to Sword all the Danes therein except some who escap'd over the Wall To the succour of these a great number of Danes inhabiting Ports and other Towns in the East-Angles united thir Force but coming too late as in revenge beleaguerd Maldon but that Town also timely releiv'd they departed not only frustrate of thir design but so hotly persu'd that many thousands of them lost thir lives in the flight Forthwith King Edward with his West-Saxons went to Passham upon Ouse there to guard the passage while others were building a stone Wall about Torchester to him there Earl Thurfert and other Lord Danes with thir Army thereabout as far as Weolud came and submitted Wherat the Kings Souldiers joyfully cry'd out to be dismiss't home therfore with another part of them he enterd Huntingdon and repair'd it where breaches had bin made all the people thereabout returning to obedience The like was done at Colnchester by the next remove of his Army after which both East and West-Angles and the Danish Forces among them yeilded to the King swearing Allegiance to him both by Sea and Land the Army also of Danes at Grantbrig surrendring themselves took the same Oath The Summer following he came with his Army to Stamford An. Dom. 922 built a Castle there on the South-side of the River where all the people of those quarters acknowledg'd him supream Dureing his abode there Elfled his Sister a martial Woman who after her Husbands Death would no more marry but gave her self to public affairs repairing and fortifying many Towns warring sometimes dy'd at Tamworth the Cheif Seat of Mercia wherof by guift of Alfred her Father she was Lady or Queen wherby that whole Nation became obedient to King Edward as did also North-Wales with Howel Cledaucus and Jeothwell thir Kings Thence passing to Nottingham he enterd and repair'd the Town plac'd there part English part Danes and receav'd fealty from all in Mercia of either Nation The next Autumn coming An. Dom. 923 with his Army into Cheshire he built and fortifi'd Thelwel and while he staid there call'd another Army out of Mercia which he sent to repair and fortifie Manchester About Midsummer following An. Dom. 924 he march'd again to Nottingham built a Town over against it on the South-side of that River and with a Bridg joyn'd them both thence journied to a place call'd Bedecanwillan in Pictland there also built and fenc'd a City on the Borders where the King of Scots did him honour as to his Sovran together with the whole Scotish Nation the like did Reginald and the Son of Eadulf Danish Princes with all the Northumbrians both English and Danes The King also of a people thereabout call'd Streatgledwalli the North Welch as Camden thinks of Strat-Cluid in Denbigh-shire perhaps rather the British of Cumberland did him homage and not undeserv'd For Buchanan himself confesses that this King Edward with a small number of men compar'd to his Enemies overthrew in a great Battel the whole united power both of Scots and Daâ—es slew most of the Scotish Nobility and forc'd Malcolmb whom Constantine the Scotch King had made General and design'd Heir of his Crown to save himself by flight sore wounded Of the English he makes Athelstan the Son of Edward Chief Leader and so far seems to confound times and actions as to make this Battel the same with that fought by Athelstan about 24 years after at Bruneford against Anlaf and Constantine wherof hereafter But here Buchanan takes occasion to inveigh against the English Writers upbraiding them with ignorance who affirm Athelstan to have bin supream King of Britain Constantine the Scotish King with others to have held of him and denies that in the Annals of Marianus Scotus any mention is to be found therof which I shall not stand much to contradict for in Marianus whether by Surname or by Nation Scotus will be found as little mention of any other Scotish affairs till the time of King Dunchad slain by Machetad or Mackbeth in the year 1040. which gives cause of suspition that the affairs of Scotland before that time were so obscure as to be unknown to thir own Countryman who liv'd and wrote his Chronicle not long after But King Edward thus nobly doing and thus honour'd the year following dy'd at Farendon An. Dom. 925 a builder and restorer eev'n in War not a destroyer of his Land He had by several Wives many Childern his eldest Daughter Edgith he gave in marriage to Charles King of France Grand-Child of Charles the Bald above-mention'd of the rest in place convenient His Laws are yet to be seen He was buried at Winchester in the Monastery by Alfred his Father And a few days after him dy'd Ethelwerd his Eldest Son the Heir of his Crown He had the whole Iland in subjection yet so as petty Kings reign'd under him In Northumberland after Ecbert whom the Danes had set up and the Northumbrians yet unruly under thir yoke at the end of 6 years had expell'd one Ricsig was set up King and bore the name 3 years then another Ecbert and Guthred the latter if we beleeve Legends of a Servant made King by command of St. Cudbert in a Vision and enjoyn'd by another Vision of the same Saint to pay well for his Royalty many Lands and privileges to his Church and Monastery But now to the story Athelstan AThelstan next in Age to Ethelward his Brother who deceas'd untimely few days before though born of a Concubine yet for the great appearance of many vertues in him and his Brethren being yet under Age was exalted to the Throne at Kingstone An. Dom. 926 upon Thames and by his Fathers last Will saith Malmsbury yet not without some opposition of one Alfred and his Accomplices who not likeing he should reign had conspir'd to seise on him after his Fathers Death and to put out his Eyes But the Conspiratours discoverd and Alfred denying the Plot was sent to Rome to assert his innocence before the Pope where taking his Oath on
unskillfully or unsuccessfully that the Danes were not therby hinderd from exerciseing thir wonted Robberies It happ'nd that the Danes one day were gone up into the Country far from thir Ships the King having notice therof thought to intercept them in thir return his men were resolute to overcome or die time and place advantagious but where courage and fortune was not wanting there wanted Loyalty among them Edric with suttle arguments that had a shew of deep policy disputed and perswaded the simplicity of his Fellow Counsellers that it would be best consulted at that time to let the Danes pass without ambush or interception The Danes where they expected danger finding none pass'd on with great joy and booty to thir Ships After this sailing about Kent they lay that Winter in the Thames forcing Kent and Essex to contribution oft-times attempting the City of London but repuls't as oft to thir great loss Spring begun leaving thir Ships they pass'd An. Dom. 1010 through Chiltern Wood into Oxfordshire burnt the City and thence returning with divided forces wasted on both sides the Thames but hearing that an Army from London was marcht out against them they on the North-side passing the River at Stanes join'd with them on the South into one body and enrich't with great spoils came back through Surrey to thir Ships which all the Lent-time they repair'd After Easter sailing to the East-Angles they arriv'd at Ipswich and came to a place call'd Ringmere where they heard that Vlfketell with his Forces lay who with a sharp encounter soon entertain'd them but his men at length giving back through the suttlety of a Danish Servant among them who began the flight lost the field though the men of Cambridgeshire stood to it valiantly In this Battel Ethelstan the Kings Son in Law with many other Noblemen was slain wherby the Danes without more resistance three months together had the spoiling of those Countries and all the Fenns burnt Thetsord and Grantbrig or Cambridge thence to a hilly place not far off call'd by Huntingdon Balesham by Camden Gogmagog Hills and the Villages therabout they turn'd thir fury slaying all they met save one man who getting up into a Steeple is said to have defended himself against the whole Danish Army They therefore so leaving him thir Foot by Sea thir Horse by land through Fssex return'd back lad'n to thir Ships left in the Thames But many daies pass'd not between when salying again out of thir Ships as out of Savage Denns they plunderd over again all Oxfordshire and added to thir prey Buckingham Bedford and Hertfordshire then like wild Beasts glutted returning to thir Caves A third excursion they made into Northamptonshire burnt Northampton ransacking the Country round then as to fresh pasture betook them to the West-Saxons and in like sort harrasing all Wiltshire return'd as I said before like wild Beasts or rather Sea-Monsters to thir Water-stables accomplishing by Christmas the Circuit of thir whole years good Deeds an unjust and inhuman Nation who receaving or not receaving tribute where none was owing them made such destruction of mankind and rapine of their lively-hood as is a misery to read Yet here they ceas'd not for the next year An. Dom. 1011 repeating the same cruelties on both sides the Thames one way as far as Huntingdon the other as far as Wiltshire and Southampton sollicited again by the King for peace and receaving thir demands both of tribute and contribution they slighted thir faith and in the beginning of September laid seige to Canterbury On the twentieth day by the treachery of Almere the Archdeacon they took part of it and burnt it committing all sorts of massacher as a sport some they threw over the Wall others into the fire hung some by the privy members infants pull'd from thir mothers breasts were either tost on spears or Carts drawn over them Matrons and Virgins by the hair dragd and ravish't Alfage the grave Arch-bishop above others hated of the Danes as in all Counsells and actions to his might thir known opposer tak'n wounded imprison'd in a noisom Ship the multitude are tith'd and every tenth only spar'd An. Dom. 1012 Early the next year before Easter while Ethelred and his Peers were assembl'd at London to raise now the fifth Tribute amounting to 48 thousand pound the Danes at Canterbury propose to the Archbishop who had bin now seav'n months thir Prisoner life and liberty if he pay them three thousand pound which he refuseing as not able of himself and not willing to extort it from his Tennants is permitted till the next Sunday to consider then hal'd before thir Counsel of whom Turkill was Cheif and still refuseing they rise most of them being drunk and beat him with the blunt side of thir Axes then thrust forth deliver him to be pelted with stones till one Thrum a converted Dane pittying him half dead to put him out of pain with a pious impiety at one stroak of his Ax on the head dispatch'd him His body was carried to London and there buried thence afterward remov'd to Canterbury By this time the tribute paid and peace so oft'n violated sworn again by the Danes they dispers'd thir Fleet forty five of them and Turkill thir Cheif staid at London with the King swore him Allegeance to defend his Land against all strangers on condition only to be fed and cloth'd by him But this voluntary friendship of Turkill was thought to be deceitfull that staying under this pretence he gave intelligence to Swane when most it would be seasonable to come In July therfore of the next year King Swane An. Dom. 1013 arriving at Sandwich made no stay there but sailing first to Humber thence into Trent landed and encamp'd at Gainsburrow whither without delay repair'd to him the Northumbrians with Vthred thir Earl those of Lindsey also then those of Fisburg and lastly all on the North of Watling-street which is a high way from East to West Sea gave Oath and Hostages to obey him From whom he commanded Horses and provision for his Army taking with him besides Bands and Companies of thir choicest men and committing to his Son Canute the care of his Fleet and hostages he marches towards the South Mercians commanding his Souldiers to exercise all Acts of hostility with the terror wherof fully executed he took in few daies the City of Oxford then Winchester thence tending to London in his hasty passage over the Thames without seeking Bridge or Ford lost many of his men Nor was his expedition against London prosperous for assaying all means by force or wile to take the City wherin the King then was Turkill with his Danes he was stoutly beat'n off as at other times Thence back to Wallingford and Bath directing his course after usual havock made he sate a while and refresh'd his Army There Ethelm an Earl of Devonshire and other great Officers in the West yeilded him
Emma for Hardecnute till his return But Harold once advanc't into the Throne banish'd Emma his Mother-in-law seis'd on his Fathers Treasure at Winchester and there remain'd Emma not holding it safe to abide An. Dom. 1036 in Normandy while Duke William the Bastard was yet under Age retir'd to Baldwin Earl of Flanders In the mean while Alfred and Edward Sons of Ethelred accompanied with a small number of Norman Souldiers in a few Ships coming to visit thir mother Emma not yet departed the land and perhaps to see how the people were inclin'd to restore them thir right Elfred was sent for by the King then at London but in his way met at Guilford by Earl Godwin who with all seeming friendship entertain'd him was in the night surpris'd and made Prisner most of his Company put to various sorts of cruel Death decimated twice over then brought to London was by the King sent bound to Eely had his Eyes put out by the way and deliverd to the Monks there dy'd soon after in thir Custody Malmsbury gives little credit to this story of Elfred as not Chronicl'd in his time but rumour'd only Which Emma however hearing sent away her Son Edward who by good hap accompanied not his Brother with all speed into Normandy But the Authour of Encomium Emmae who seems plainly though nameless to have been some Monk yet liv'd and perhaps wrote within the same year when these things were done by his relation differing from all others much aggravates the cruelty of Harold that he not content to have practis'd in secret for op'nly he durst not against the life of Emma sought many treacherous ways to get her Son within his power and resolv'd at length to forge a Letter in the name of thir mother inviting them into England the Copy of which Letter he produces writt'n to this purpose EMma in name only Queen to her Sons Edward and Alfrid imparts motherly salutation While we severally bewail the Death of our Lord the King most Dear Sons and while daily yee are depriv'd more and more of the Kingdom your Inheritance I admire what Counsel yee take knowing that your intermitted delay is a daily strengthning to the Reign of your Vsurper who incessantly goes about from Town to City gaining the Chief Nobles to his party either by gifts prayers or threats But they had much rather one of you should reign over them then to be held under the power of him who now over-rules them I entreat therefore that one of you come to me speedily and privatly to receive from me wholsom Counsel and to know how the business which I intend shall be accomplisht By this Messenger present send back what you determine Farewell as dear both as my own Heart These Letters were sent to the Princes then in Normandy by express Messengers with presents also as from thir mother which they joyfully receiving return word by the same Messengers that one of them will be with her shortly naming both the time and place Alfrid therefore the younger for so it was thought best at the appointed time with a few Ships and small numbers about him appearing on the Coast no sooner came ashore but fell into the snare of Earl Godwin sent on purpose to betray him as above was related Emma greatly sorrowing for the loss of her Son thus cruelly made away fled immediatly with some of the Nobles her faithfullest adherents into Flanders had her dwelling assign'd at Bruges by the Earl where having remain'd about two years she was visited out of An. Dom. 1039 Denmarke by Hardecnute her Son and he not long had remain'd with her there when Harold in England having done nothing the while worth memory save the taxing of every Port at 8 marks of Silver An. Dom. 1040 to 16 Ships dy'd at London some say at Oxford and was buried at Winchester After which most of the Nobility both Danes and English now agreeing send Embassadors to Hardecnute still at Bruges with his mother entreating him to come and receave as his right the Scepter who before Midsomer came with 60 Ships and many Souldiers out of Denmarke Hardecnute HArdecnute receav'd with acclamation and seated in the Throne first call'd to mind the injuries done to him or his Mother Emma in the time of Harold sent Alfric Bishop of Yorke Godwin and others with Troud his Executioner to London commanding them to dig up the body of King Harold and throw it into a Ditch but by a second order into the Thames Whence tak'n up by a Fisherman and convei'd to a Church-yard in London belonging to the Danes it was enterr'd again with honour This done he levied a sore Tax that 8 marks to every Rower and twelve to every Officer in his Fleet should be paid throughout England by which time they who were so forward to call him over had anough of him for he as they thought had too much of theirs After this he call'd to account Godwin Earl of Kent and Leving Bishop of Worster about the Death of Elfred his Brother which Alfric the Archbishop laid to thir charge the King depriv'd Leving of his Bishoprick and gave it to his accuser but the year following pacifi'd with a round summe restor'd it to Leving Godwin made his peace by a sumptuous present a Gally with a guilded stem bravely rigg'd and 80 Souldiers in her every one with Bracelets of gold on each Arm weighing 16 ounces Helmet Corslet and Hilts of his Sword guilded a Danish Curtax listed with gold or silver hung on his left shoulder a Sheild with boss and nales guilded in his left hand in his right a Launce besides this he took his Cath before the King that neither of his own councel or will but by the command of Harold he had done what he did to the putting out of Elfreds Eyes The like Oath took most of the Nobility for themselves or in his behalf The next year Hardecnute sending An. Dom. 1041 his House Earls so they call'd his Officers to gather the Tribute impos'd two of them rigorous in thir Office were slain at Worster by the people wherat the King enrag'd sent Leofric Duke of Mercia and Seward of Northumberland with great Forces and Commission to slay the Cittizens rifle and burn the City wast the whole Province Affrighted with such news all the people fled the Country-men whither they could the Cittizens to a small Iland in Severn call'd Beverege which they fortifi'd and defended stoutly till peace was granted them and freely to return home But thir City they found sack't and burnt wherwith the King was appeas'd This was commendable in him however cruel to others that toward his half brethren though Rivals of his Crown he shew'd himself alwayes tenderly affectiond as now towards Edward who without fear came to him out of Normandy and with unfeigned kindness receav'd remain'd safely and honorably in his Court But Hardecnute An. Dom. 1042 the year following
thy advantage that after these words choak't with the morsel tak'n he sunk down and recover'd not His first wife was the sister of Cannute a woman of much infamy for the trade she drove of buying up English Youths and Maids to sell in Denmarke whereof she made great gain but ere long was struck with thunder and dy'd The year ensuing Siward Earl of An. Dom. 1054 Northumberland with a great number of horse and foot attended also by a strong fleet at the Kings appointment made an expedition into Scotland vanquish't the Tyrant Macbeth slaying many thousands of Scots with those Normans that went thether and plac'd Malcolm Son of the Cumbrian King in his stead yet not without loss of his own Son and many other both English and Danes Told of his Sons Death he ask'd whether he receav'd his Deaths wound before or behind when it was answerd before I am glad saith hee and should not else have thought him though my Son worthy of Burial In the mean while King Edward being without Issue to succeed him sent Aldred Bishop of Winchester with great presents to the Emperour entreating him to prevail with the King of Hungary that Edward the remaining Son of his Brother Edmund Ironside might be sent into England Siward but one year surviving An. Dom. 1055 his great Victory dy'd at Yorke reported by Huntingdon a man of Giant-like stature by his own demeanour at point of Death manifested of a rough and meer souldierly mind For much disdaining to die in bed by a disease not in the field fighting with his enemies he caus'd himself compleatly arm'd and weapon'd with battel-ax and shield to be set in a chair whether to fight with death if he could be so vain or to meet him when far other weapons and preparations were needful in a Martial bravery but true fortitude glories not in the feats of War as they are such but as they serve to end War soonest by a victorious Peace His Earldom the King bestow'd on Tosti the Son of Earl Godwin and soon after in a Convention held at London banish't without visible cause Huntigdon saith for treason Algar the Son of Leofric who passing into Ireland soon return'd with eighteen ships to Griffin Prince of South Wales requesting his aid against King Edward He assembling his Powers enter'd with him into Hereford-shire whom Radulf a timorous Captain Son to the Kings Sister not by Eustace but a former husband met two miles distant from Hereford and having hors'd the English who knew better to fight on foot without stroke he with his French and Normans beginning to flie taught the English by his example Griffin and Algar following the chase slew many wounded more enter'd Hereford slew seven Canons defending the Minster burnt the Monasterie and Reliques then the City killing some leading captive others of the Citizens return'd with great spoils whereof King Edward having notice gather'd a great Army at Gloster under the conduct of Harold now Earl of Kent who strenuously pursuing Griffin enter'd Wales and encamp'd beyond Straddale But the enemy flying before him farther into the Country leaving there the greater part of his Army with such as had charge to fight if occasion were offer'd with the rest he return'd and fortifi'd Hereford with a wall and gates Mean while Griffin and Algar dreading the diligence of Harold after many messages to and fro concluded a Peace with him Algar discharging his fleet with pay at West Chester came to the King and was restor'd to his Earldom But Griffin with breach of faith the next year set upon An. Dom. 1056 Leofgar the Bishop of Hereford and his Clerks then at a place call'd Glastbrig with Agelnoth Vicount of the shire and slew them but Leofric Harold and King Edward by force as is likeliest though it be not said how reduc'd him to Peace The next year An. Dom. 1057 Edward Son of Edmund Ironside for whom his Uncle King Edward had sent to the Emperour came out of Hungary design'd Successor to the Crown but within a few days after his coming dy'd at London leaving behind him Edgar Atheling his Son Margaret and Christina his Daughters About the same time also dy'd Earl Leofric in a good old age a man of no less vertue then power in his time religious prudent and faithful to his Country happily wedded to Godiva a woman of great praise His Son Algar found less favour with King Edward again banish't the year after An. Dom. 1058 his Fathers death but he again by the aid of Griffin and a fleet from Norway maugre the King soon recover'd his Earldom The next year Malcolm An. Dom. 1059 King of Scots coming to visit King Edward was brought on his way by Tosti the Northumbrian Earl to whom he swore brotherhood yet the next year An. Dom. 1061 but one while Tosti was gone to Rome with Aldred Archbishop of York for his Pall this sworn brother taking advantage of his absence roughly harrass'd Northumberland The year passing to an end without other matter of moment save the frequent inrodes and robberies of Griffin whom no bonds of faith could restrain King Edward sent against him after Christmas Harold now Duke of West-Saxons An. Dom. 1062 with no great body of Horse from Gloster where he then kept his Court whose coming heard of Griffin not daring to abide nor in any part of his Land holding himself secure escap't hardly by Sea ere Harold coming to Rudeland burnt his Palace and Ships there returning to Gloster the same day But by the middle An. Dom. 1063 of May setting out with a fleet from Bristow he sail'd about the most part of Wales and met by his brother Tosti with many Troops of Horse as the King had appointed began to waste the Country but the Welch giving pledges yeilded themselves promis'd to become tributary and banish Griffin thir Prince who lurking somewhere was the next year tak'n and An. Dom. 1064 slain by Griffin Prince of North Wales his head with the head and tackle of his Ship sent to Harold by him to the King who of his gentleness made Blechgent and Rithwallon or Rivallon his two Brothers Princes in his stead they to Harold in behalf of the King swore fealty and tribute Yet the next year An. Dom. 1065 Harold having built a fair house at a place call'd Portascith in Monmouth-shire and stor'd it with provision that the King might lodge there in time of hunting Caradoc the Son of Griffin slain the year before came with a number of men slew all he found there and took away the provision Soon after which the Northumbrians in a tumult at York beset the Palace of Tosti their Earl slew more then 200 of his Souldiers and Servants pillag'd his Treasure and put him to flie for his life The cause of this insurrection they alledg'd to be for that the Queen Edith had commanded in her Brother Tosti's behalf
sent against him brings the Welsh to submission p. 293. lurking about the Country he is taken and slain by Griffin Prince of North-Wales ibid. Guendolen the Daughter of Corineus is married to Locrine the Son of Brutus p. 14. being divorc't by him gives him Battel wherein he is slain p. 15. causeth Estrildis whom Locrine had married to be thrown into a River with her Daughter Sabra p. 15. governs 15 years in behalf of her Son Madan ibid. Gueniver the Wife of Melval a British King kept from King Arthur in the Town of Glaston p. 126. Guiderius said to have been the Son of Cunobeline and slain in a Battel against Claudius p. 54. Guitheline succeeds his Father Gurguntius Barbirus in the Kingdom Gunhildis the Sister of Swane with her Husband Earl Palingus and her young Son cruelly murther'd p. 150. Guorangonus a King of Kent before it was given to the Saxons p. 113. Guortigner the Son of Vortiger bends his endeavours to drive out the Saxons p. 113. his success against them in several Battels p. 415. dying he commands his bones to be buried in the Port of Stonar ibid. Gurguntius Barbirus succeeds Belinus in the Kingdom overcomes the Dane and gives incouragement to Bartholinus a Spaniard to settle a plantation in Ireland p. 24. another ancient British King nam'd Gurguntius p. 28. Gurgustius succeeds Rivallo in the Kingdom p. 21. Gyrtha Son of Earl Godwin accompanies his Father into Flanders together with his Brothers Tosti and Swane p. 286. his noble advice to his Brother Harold as he was ready to give Battel to Duke William of Normandy p. 304. he is slain in the said Battel with his Brothers Harold and Leofwin p. 305. Gythro or Gothrun a Danish King baptiz'd and receiv'd out of the Font by King Alfred p. 207. the Kingdom of the East-Angles said to be bestow'd on him to hold of the said Alfred ibid. H. HArdecnute the Son of Canute by Emma call'd over from Bruges and receiv'd King with general acclamation p. 276. he calls Godwin and others to account about the death of Elfred p. 277. enrag'd at the Citizens of Worcester for killing his Tax-gatherers he sends an Army against them and burns the City p. 277 278. he kindly receives and entertains his half Brother Edward p. 278. eating and drinking hard at a great Feast he falls down speechless and soon after expiring is buried at Winchester ibid. Harold sirnamed Harefoot the Son of Canute elected King by Duke Leofric and the Mercians p. 273. he banishes his Mother-in-Law Emma p. 274. his perfidiousness and cruelty towards Elfred the Son of Ethelred p. 274. 276. he dies and is buried at Winchester p. 276. Harold Son of Godwin made Earl of Kent and sent against Prince Griffin of Wales p. 292. he reduces him at last to utmost extremity p. 293. being cast upon the Coast of Normandy and brought to Duke William he promises his endeavours to make him King of England p. 295 296. he takes the Crown himself p. 299. puts off Duke William demanding it with a slighting answer p. 300 301. is invaded by his Brother Tosti p. 300. by Harold Harvager King of Norwey whom he utterly overthrows and slays together with Tosti p. 301 302. is invaded by Duke William of Normandy p. 303. is over-thrown at the Battel of Hastings and slain together with his two Brothers Leofwin and Gyrtha p. 305. Helvius Pertinax succeeds Ulpius Marcellus in the Government of Britain p. 81. Hengist and Horsa with an Army of Saxons Jutes and Angles lands in the Isle of Thanet p. 111 112. Hengist invites over more of his Country-men p. 112. he gains advantages of Vortimer by marrying his Daughter to him p. 113. he takes on him Kingly Title p. 116. his several Battels against the Britans ibid. his treacherous slaughter of 300 British Grandees under pretence of Treaty p. 117. his death p. 119. Henninus Duke of Cornwall hath Regan the Daughter of King Leir given him in Marriage p. 18. Herebert a Saxon Earl slain with most part of his Army by the Danes at a place call'd Mereswar p. 193. Hinguar and Hubba two Danish Brethren how they got footing by degrees in England p. 199 200. Histion said to be descended of Japhet and to have had four Sons who peopled the greatest part of Europe p. 5. Honorius the Emperour sends aid twice to the Britans against their Northern Invaders p. 101. Horsa the Brother of Hengist slain in the Saxons War against the Britans p. 115 116. his Burial-place gave name to Horsted a Town in Kent p. 116. Humbeanna and Albert said by some to have shar'd the Kingdom of East-Angles after one Elfwald p. 187. I. JAgo or Lago succeeds his Vncle Gurgustius in the Kingdom p. 21. Icenians and by their example the Trinobantes rise up in Arms against the Romans p. 63. Ida the Saxon begins the Kingdom of Bernicia in Northumberland p. 126 127. Idwallo learns by his Brother 's ill success to rule well p. 27. Immanuentius slain by Cassibelan p. 46. Immin Eaba and Eadbert Noblemen of Mercia throw off Oswi and set up Wulfer p. 161. Ina succeeds Kedwalla in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons p. 168. he marches into Kent to demand satisfaction for the burning of Mollo ibid. is pacified by Victred with a sum of money and the delivering up of the Accessories ibid. vanquishes Gerent King of Wales p. 170. stays Kenwulf and Albright and vanquishes the East-Angles p. 171. ends his days at Rome ibid. Inniaunus depos'd for his ill courses p. 27. Joseph of Arimathaea said to have first preacht the Christian Faith in this Island p. 80. Jovinus sent Deputy into this Island by the Emperour Valentinian p. 91. Iric a Dane made Earl of Northumberland by Canute in place of Uthred slain p. 261. 268. he is said by some to have made War against Malcolm King of Scots p. 269. his greatness suspected by Canute he is banisht the Realm ibid. Julius Agricola the Emperours Lieutenant in Britain almost extirpates the Ordovices p. 69. finishes the Conquest of the Isle of Mona p. 69. his justice and prudence in Government p. 70. he brings the Britans to Civility Arts and an Imitation of the Roman fashions p. 71. he receives triumphal Honours from Titus p. 71 72. he extends his Conquests to Scotland subdues the Orcades and other Scotch Islands p. 72. he is hard put to it in several Conflicts but comes off victorious p. 74 75 c. he is commanded home by Domitian p. 77. Julius Caesar hath Intelligence that the Britans are aiding to his Enemies the Gauls p. 33. he sends Caius Volusenus to make discovery of the nature of the people and strength of the Country p. 34. after him Comius of Arras to make a party among the Britans p. 35. the stout resistance he meets with from them at his landing p. 36 37. he receives terms of peace from them p. 38. he loses a great part of his Fleet ibid. defeats the Britans and