within five days depart the Land He who perceav'd now his numbers to diminish readily obey'd and with his Wife and three Sons Tosti Swane and Gyrtha with as much treasure as thir Ship could carry embarking at Thorney sail'd into Flanders to Earl Baldwin whose Daughter Judith Tosti had married for Wulnod his fourth Son was then hostage to the King in Normandy his other two Harold and Leoswin taking Ship at Bristow in a Vessel that lay ready there belonging to Swane pass'd into Ireland King Edward persueing his displeasure divorc'd his Wife Edith Earl Godwins Daughter sending her despoil'd of all her Ornaments to Warewel with one waiting Maid to be kept in custody by his Sister the Abbess there His reason of so doing was as harsh as his act that she only while her neerest relations were in banishment might not though innocent enjoy ease at home After this William Duke of Normandy with a great number of followers coming into England was by King Edward honorably entertain'd and led about the Cities and Castles as it were to shew him what ere long was to be his own though at that time saith Ingulf no mention thereof pass'd between them then after some time of his abode heer presented richly and dismiss'd he return'd home The next year Queen Emma dy'd and was buried at Winchester The Chronicle attributed An. Dom. 1052 to John Bromton a Yorkshire Abbot but rather of some nameless Author living under Edward the 3d. or later reports that the year before by Robert the Archbishop she was accus'd both of consenting to the Death of her Son Alfred and of prepareing poyson for Edward also lastly of too much familiarity with Alwin Bishop of Winchester that to approve her innocence praying over-night to St. Swithun she offerd to pass blindfold between certain Plow-shares red hot according to the Ordalian Law which without harm she perform'd that the King therupon receav'd her to honour and from her and the Bishop penance for his credulity that the Archbishop asham'd of his accusation fled out of England which besides the silence of antienter Authors for the Bishop fled not till a year after brings the whole story into suspition in this more probable if it can be proov'd that in memory of this deliverance from the nine burning Plow-shares Queen Emma gave to the Abbey of St. Swithune nine Mannors and Bishop Alwin other nine About this time Griffin Prince of South-Wales wasted Herefordshire to oppose whom the people of that Country with many Normans garrisond in the Castle of Hereford went out in Armes but were put to the worse many slain and much booty driv'n away by the Welch Soon after which Harold and Leofwin Sons of Godwin coming into Severn with many Ships in the Confines of Somerset and Dorset-shire spoil'd many Villages and resisted by those of Somerset and Devonshire slew in fight more then 30 of thir principal men many of the common sort and return'd with much booty to thir Fleet. King Edward on the other side made ready above 60 Ships at Sandwich well stor'd with men and provision under the conduct of Odo and Radulf two of his Norman Kindred enjoyning them to find out Godwin whom he heard to be at Sea To quick'n them he himself lay on ship-broad oft-times watch'd and sail'd up and down in search of those Pirats But Godwin whether in a mist or by other accident passing by them arriv'd in another part of Kent and dispersing secret messengers abroad by fair words allur'd the cheif men of Kent Sussex Surrey and Essex to his party which news coming to the Kings fleet at Sandwich they hasted to find him out but missing of him again came up without effect to London Godwin advertisd of this forthwith sail'd to the I le of Wight where at length his two sons Harold and Leofwin finding him with thir united Navy lay on the coast forbearing other hostility then to furnish themselves with fresh victual from Land as they needed Thence as one fleet they set forward to Sandwich using all fair means by the way to encrease thir numbers both of Mariners and Souldiers The King then at London startl'd at these tydings gave speedy order to raise Forces in all parts which had not revolted from him but now too late for Godwin within a few days after with his Ships or Gallies came up the River Thames to Southwark and till the tide return'd had conference with the Londoners whom by fair speeches for he was held a good Speaker in those times he brought to his bent The tide returning and none upon the Bridge hindring he row'd up in his Gallies along the South bank where his Land-army now come to him in array of battel stood on the shore then turning toward the North side of the River where the Kings Gallies lay in some readiness and Land-forces also not far off he made shew as offring to fight but they understood one another and the souldiers on either side soon declar'd thir resolution not to fight English against English Thence coming to treaty the King and the Earl reconcil'd both armies were dissolv'd Godwin and his sons restor'd to their former dignities except Swane who touch't in conscience for the slaughter of Beorn his kinsman was gone bare-foot to Jerusalem and returning home dy'd by sickness or Saracens in Lycia his wife Edith Godwins daughter King Edward took to him again dignify'd as before Then were the Normans who had done many unjust things under the Kings authority and giv'n him ill counsel against his people banish't the Realm some of them not blameable permitted to stay Robert Archbishop of Canterbury William of London Vlf of Lincoln all Normans hardly escaping with thir followers got to Sea The Archbishop went with his complaint to Rome but returning dy'd in Normandy at the same Monastery from whence he came Osbern and Hugh surrender'd thir Castles and by permission of Leofric pass'd through his Counties with thir Normans to Macbeth King of Scotland The year following Rhese An. Dom. 1053 brother to Griffin Prince of South Wales who by inrodes had done much damage to the English tak'n at Bulendun was put to death by the Kings appointment and his head brought to him at Gloster The same year at Winchester on the second holy-day of Easter Earl Godwin sitting with the King at table sunk down suddenly in his seat as dead his three sons Harold Tosti and Gyrtha forthwith carried him into the Kings Chamber hoping he might revive but the malady had so seis'd him that the fifth day after he expir'd The Normans who hated Godwin give out saith Malmsbury that mention happ'ning to be made of Elfred and the King thereat looking sowerly upon Godwin he to vindicate himself utter'd these words Thou O King at every mention made of thy brother Elsred look'st frowningly upon me but let God not suffer me to swallow this morsel if I be guilty of ought done against his life or
and Huda with those of Surrey fell on the Danes at thir landing in Tanet and at first put them back but the slain and drown'd were at length so many on either side as left the loss equal on both which yet hinderd not the solemnity of a marriage at the feast of Easter between Burhed the Mercian and Ethelswida King Ethelwolf's Daughter An. Dom. 854 Howbeit the Danes next year winterd again in Shepey Whom Ethelwolf not finding human health sufficient to resist growing daily upon him in hope of divine aid registerd in a Book and dedicated to God the tenth part of his own lands and of his whole Kingdome eas'd of all impositions but converted to the maintenance of Masses and Psalms weekly to be sung for the prospering of Ethelwolf and his Captains as appears at large by the Patent it self in William of Malmsbury Asser saith de did it for the redemtion of his Soul and the Soul of his Ancestors After which as having done some great matter to shew himself at Rome and be applauded of the Pope he takes a long and cumbersome journey thether with young Alfrid again and there staies a year An. Dom. 855 when his place requir'd him rather heer in the field against Pagan Enemies left wintring in his land Yet so much manhood he had as to return thence no Monk and in his way home took to Wife Judith Daughter of Charles the bald King of France But ere his return Ethelbald his eldest Son Alstan his trusty Bishop and Enulf Earl of Somerset conspir'd against him thir complaints were that he had tak'n with him Alfrid his youngest Son to be there inaugurated King and brought home with him an out-landish Wife for which they endeavourd to deprive him of his Kingdom The disturbance was expected to bring forth nothing less then War but the King abhorring civil discord after many conferences tending to peace condescended to divide the Kingdom with his Son division was made but the matter so carried that the Eastern and worst part was malignly afforded to the Father The Western and best giv'n to the Son at which many of the Nobles had great indignation offring to the King thir utmost assistance for the recovery of all whom he peacefully dissuading sat down contented with his portion assign'd In the East-Angles Edmund lineal from the antient stock of those Kings a youth of 14 years only but of great hopes was with consent of all but his own Crown'd at Burie An. Dom. 857 About this time as Buchanan relates the Picts who not long before had by the Scots bin driv'n out of thir Countrey part of them coming to Osbert and Ella then Kings of Northumberland obtain'd aid against Donaldus the Scotish King to recover thir antient possession Osbert who in person undertook the expedition marching into Scotland was at first put to a retreat but returning soon after on the Scots over-secure of thir suppos'd Victory put them to flight with great slaughter took Pris'ner thir King and persu'd his Victory beyond Sterlinbridge The Scots unable to resist longer and by Embassadors entreating peace had it granted them on these conditions the Scots were to quit all they had possess'd within the Wall of Severus the limits of Scotland were beneath Sterlin-bridge to be the River Forth and on the other side Dunbritton Frith from that time so call'd of the Brittish then seated in Cumberland who had joind with Osbert in this Action and so far extended on that side the Brittish limits If this be true as the Scotch Writers themselv's witness and who would think them Fabulous to the disparagement of thir own Country how much wanting have bin our Historians to thir Countries Honour in leting pass unmention'd an exploit so memorable by them rememberd and attested who are wont ofter to extenuate then to amplifie aught done in Scotland by the English Donaldus on these conditions releas't soon after dyes according to Buchanan in 858. Ethelwolf Chief King in England had the year before ended his life and was buried as his Father at Winchester He was from his youth much addicted to devotion so that in his Fathers time he was ordain'd Bishop of Winchester and unwillingly for want of other Legitimate Issue succeeded him in the Throne mannaging therfore his greatest affairs by the activity of two Bishops Alstan of Sherburne and Swithine of Winchester But Alstan is noted of Covetousness and Oppression by William of Malmsbury the more vehemently no doubt for doing some notable damage to that Monastery The same Author writes that Ethelwolf at Rome paid a Tribute to the Pope continu'd to his dayes However he were facil to his Son and seditious Nobles in yeilding up part of his Kingdome yet his Queen he treated not the less honourably for whomsoever it displeas'd The West-Saxon had decreed ever since the time of Eadburga the infamous Wife of Birthric that no Queen should sit in State with the King or be dignifi'd with the Title of Queen But Ethelwolf permitted not that Judith his Queen should loose any point of Regal State by that Law At his Death he divided the Kingdom between his two Sons Ethelbald and Ethelbert to the younger Kent Essex Surrey Sussex to the Elder all the rest to Peter and Paul certain revenues yearly for what uses let others relate who write also his Pedigree from Son to Father up to Adam Ethelbald and Ethelbert EThelbald unnatural and disloyal to his Father fell justly into another though contrary sin of too much love to his Fathers Wife and whom at first he oppos'd coming into the Land her now unlawfully marrying he takes into his Bed but not long enjoying dy'd at three years end without doing aught more worthy to be rememberd having reign'd two years with his Father impiously usurping An. Dom. 860 and three after him as unworthily inheriting And his hap was all that while to be unmolested by the Danes not of Divine favour doubtless but to his greater condemnation living the more securely his incestuous life Huntingdon on the other side much praises Ethelbald and writes him buried at Sherburn with great sorrow of the people who miss'd him long after Mat. West saith that he repented of his incest with Judith and dismiss'd her but Asser an Eye witness of those times mentions no such thing Ethelbert alone EThelbald by Death remov'd the whole Kingdom came rightfully to Ethelbert his next Brother Who though a Prince of great Vertue and no blame had as short a Reign allotted him as his faulty Brother nor that so peacefull once or twice invaded by the Danes But they having landed in the West with a great Army and sackt Winchester were met by Osric Earl of Southampton and Ethelwolf of Bark-shire beat'n to thir Ships and forc't to leave thir booty Five years after about the time of his An. Dom. 855 Death they set foot again in Tanet the Kentish men wearied out with
or against thir whole powers the second time returning obtain'd this Victory Thus Ambrose as cheif Monarch of the I le succeeded Vortigern to whose third Son Pascentius he permitted the rule of two Regions in Wales Buelth and Guorthigirniaun In his daies saith Nennius the Saxons prevail'd not much against whom Arthur as beeing then Cheif General for the British Kings made great War but more renown'd in Songs and Romances then in true stories And the sequel it self declares as much An. Dom. 477 For in the year 477. Ella the Saxon with his three Sons Cymen Pleting and Cissa at a place in Suffex call'd Cymenshore arrive in three Ships kill many of the Britans chasing them that remain'd into the Wood Andreds League An. Dom. 485 Another Battell was fought at Mercreds-Burnamsted wherin Ella had by far the Victory but Huntingdon makes it so doubtful that the Saxons were constrain'd to send home for supplies An. Dom. 489 Four year after dy'd Hengist the first Saxon King of Kent noted to have attain'd that dignity by craft as much as valour and giving scope to his own cruel nature rather then proceeding by mildness or civility His Son Oeric surnam'd Oisc of whom the Kentish Kings were call'd Oiscings succeeded him and sate content with his Fathers winnings more desirous to settle and defend then to enlarge his bounds he reign'd 24 years By this time Ella and his Son Cissa beseiging Andredchester An. Dom. 492 suppos'd now to be Newenden in Kent take it by force and all within it put to the Sword Thus Ella 3 years after the death of Hengist began his Kingdome of the South-Saxons peopling it with new inhabitants from the Country which was then old Saxony at this day Holstein in Denmark and had besides at his command all those Provinces which the Saxons had won on this side Humber Animated with these good successes as if Britain were become now the field of Fortune Kerdic another Saxon Prince the tenth by Linage from Woden an old and practis'd Souldier who in many prosperous conflicts against the Enemy in those parts An. Dom. 495 had nurs'd up a Spirit too big to live at home with equals coming to a certain place which from thence took the name of Kerdic-shoar with 5 Ships and Kenric his Son the very same day overthrew the Britans that oppos'd him and so effectually that smaller skirmishes after that day were sufficient to drive them still furder off leaving him a large territory An. Dom. 501 After him Porta another Saxon with his two Sons Bida and Megla in two Ships arrive at Portsmouth thence call'd and at thir landing slew a young British Nobleman with many others who unadvisedly set upon them An. Dom. 508 The Britans to recover what they had lost draw together all thir Forces led by Natanleod or Nazaleod a certain King in Britain and the greatest saith one but him with 5000 of his men Kerdic puts to rout and slaies From whence the place in Hantshire as far as Kerdicsford now Chardford was call'd of old Nazaleod Who this King should be hath bred much question som think it to be the British name of Ambrose others to be the right name of his Brother who for the terror of his eagerness in fight became more known by the Sirname of Vther which in the Welch Tongue signifies Dreadful And if ever such a King in Britain there were as Vther Pendragon for so also the Monmouth Book surnames him this in all likelyhood must be he Kerdic by so great a blow giv'n to the Britans had made large room about him not only for the men he brought with him but for such also of his friends as he desir'd to make great for which cause and withall the more to strengthen himself An. Dom. 514 his two Nefews Stuf and Withgar in 3 Vessels bring him new levies to Kerdic shoar Who that they might not come sluggishly to possess what others had won for them either by thir own seeking or by appointment are set in place where they could not but at thir first coming give a proof of themselves upon the Enemy and so well they did it that the Britans after a hard encounter left them Maisters of the field And about the same time Ella the first South-Saxon King dy'd whom Cissa his youngest succeeded the other two failing before him Nor can it be much more or less then about this time for it was before the West-Saxon Kingdome that Vffa the 8th from Woden made himself King of the East-Angles who by thir name testifie the Country above mention'd from whence they came in such multitudes that thir native soil is said to have remain'd in the daies of Beda uninhabited Huntingdon deferrs the time of thir coming in to the ninth year of Kerdic's Reigne for saith he at first many of them strove for principality seising every one his Province and for som while so continu'd making petty Warrs among themselves till in the end Vffa of whom those Kings were call'd Vffings overtop'd them all in the year 571 then Titilus his Son the Father of Redwald who became potent And not much after the East-Angles began also the East-Saxons to erect a Kingdom under Sleda the tenth from Woden But Huntingdon as before will have it later by 11 years and Erchenwin to be the first King An. Dom. 519 Kerdic the same in power though not so fond of title forbore the name 24 Years after his arrival but then founded so firmly the Kingdome of West-Saxons that it subjected all the rest at length and became the sole Monarchie of England The same year he had a Victory against the Britans at Kerdics-Ford Ford by the River Aven An. Dom. 527 and after 8 years another great fight at Kerdics Leage but which won the day is not by any set down Hitherto hath bin collected what there is of certainty with circumstance of time and place to be found register'd and no more then barely register'd in annals of best note without describing after Huntingdon the manner of those Battels and Encounters which they who compare and can judge of Books may be confident he never found in any current Author whom he had to follow But this disease hath bin incident to many more Historians and the age wherof we now write hath had the ill hap more then any since the first fabulous times to be surcharg'd with all the idle fancies of posterity Yet that we may not rely altogether on Saxon relaters Gildas in Antiquity far before these and every way more credible speaks of these Wars in such a manner though nothing conceited of the British valour as declares the Saxons in his time and before to have bin foyl'd not seldomer then the Britans For besides that first Victory of Ambrose and the interchangeable success long after he tells that the last overthrow which they receav'd
better pass while severally they sought to repell the danger nigh at hand rather then jointly to prevent it farre off But when God hath decreed servitude on a sinful Nation fitted by thir own vices for no condition but servile all Estates of Government are alike unable to avoid it God had purpos'd to punish our instrumental punishers though now Christians by other Heathen according to his Divine retaliation invasion for invasion spoil for spoil destruction for destruction The Saxons were now full as wicked as the Britans were at their arrival brok'n with luxurie and sloth either secular or superstitious for laying aside the exercise of Arms and the study of all vertuous knowledge some betook them to over-worldly or vitious practice others to religious Idleness and Solitude which brought forth nothing but vain and delusive visions easily perceav'd such by thir commanding of things either not belonging to the Gospel or utterly forbidden Ceremonies Reliques Monasteries Masses Idols add to these ostentation of Alms got oft-times by rapine and oppression or intermixt with violent and lustfull deeds sometimes prodigally bestow'd as the expiation of cruelty and bloodshed What longer suffering could there be when Religion it self grew so void of sincerity and the greatest shews of purity were impur'd Ecbert ECbert in full highth of glory having now enjoy'd his Conquest seaven peacefull years his victorious Army long since disbanded and the exercise of Armes perhaps laid aside the more was found unprovided against a sudden storm of Danes from the Sea who landing in the 32. of his Reign An. Dom. 832 wasted Shepey in Kent Ecbert the next year gathering an Army An. Dom. 833 for he had heard of thir arrival in 35 Ships gave them Battail by the River Carr in Dorsetshire the event wherof was that the Danes kept thir ground and encampt where the field was fought two Saxon Leaders Dudda and Osmund and two Bishops as some say were there slain This was the only check of Fortune we read of that Ecbert in all his time receav'd For the Danes returning two years after with a great Navy An. Dom. 835 and joining Forces with the Cornish who had enterd League with them were overthrown and put to flight Of these invasions against Ecbert the Danish History is not silent whether out of thir own Records or ours may be justly doubted for of these times at home I find them in much uncertainty and beholding rather to Out-landish Chronicles then any Records of thir own The Victor Ecbert as one who had done enough seasonably now after prosperous success An. Dom. 836 the next year with glory ended his days and was buried at Winchester Ethelwolf EThelwolf the Son of Ecbert succeeded by Malmsbury describ'd a man of mild nature not inclin'd to War or delighted with much Dominion that therfore contented with the antient West-Saxon bounds he gave to Ethelstan his Brother or Son as some write the Kingdome of Kent and Essex But the Saxon Annalist whose Autority is Elder saith plainly that both these Countries and Sussex were bequeath'd to Ethelstan by Ecbert his Father The unwarlike disposition of Ethelwolf gave encouragement no doubt and easier entrance to the Danes who came again the next year with 33 Ships An. Dom. 837 but Wulfheard one of the Kings Chief Captains drove them back at Southamton with great slaughter himself dying the same year of Age as I suppose for he seems to have bin one of Ecberts old Commanders who was sent with Ethelwolf to subdue Kent Ethelhelam another of the Kings Captains with the Dorsetshire men had at first like success against the Danes at Portsmouth but they reinforcing stood thir ground and put the English to rout Worse was the success of Earl Herebert at a place call'd Mereswar slain with the most part of his Army An. Dom. 838 The year following in Lindsey also East-Angles and Kent much mischief was don by thir landing An. Dom. 839 where the next year embold'nd by success they came on as far as Canterbury Rochester and London it self with no less cruel hostility and giving no respit to the peaceable mind of Ethelwolf they yet return'd with the next year in 35 Ships fought with him An. Dom. 840 as before with his Father at the River Carr and made good thir ground In Northumberland Eandred the Tributary King deceasing left the same tenure to his Son Ethelred driv'n out in his fowrth year An. Dom. 844 and succeeded by Readwulf who soon after his Coronation hasting forth to Battel against the Danes at Alvetheli fell with the most part of his Army and Ethelred like in fortune to the former Ethelred was re-exalted to his Seat And to be yet further like him in Fate was slain the fowrth year after Osbert succeeded in his room An. Dom. 845 But more southerly the Danes next year after met with some stop in the full course of thir outragious insolences For Earnulf with the men of Somerset Alstan the Bishop and Osric with those of Dorsetshire setting upon them at the Rivers mouth of Pedridan slaughterd them in great numbers and obtain'd a just Victory This repulse queld them for ought we hear the space of six years An. Dom. 851 Then also renewing thir invasion with little better success For Keorle an Earl aided with the Forces of Devonshire assaulted and over-threw them at Wigganbearch with great destruction as prosperously were they fought with the same year at Sandwich by King Ethelstan and Ealker his General thir great Army defeated and nine of thir Ships tak'n the rest driv'n off however to ride out the Winter on that shoar Asser saith they then first winter'd in Shepey I le Hard it is through the bad expression of these Writers to define this fight whether by Sea or Land Hoveden terms it a Sea fight Nevertheless with 50 Ships Asser and others add 300 they enterd the mouth of Thames and made excursions as far as Canterbury and London and as Ethelwerd writes destroy'd both of London Asser signifies only that they pillag'd it Bertulf also the Mercian successor of Withlaf with all his Army they forc'd to fly and him beyond the Sea Then passing over Thames with thir powers into Surrey and the West-Saxons and meeting there with King Ethelwolf and Ethelbald his Son at a place call'd Ak-Lea or Oak-Lea they receav'd a total defeat with memorable slaughter This was counted a lucky year to England and brought to Ethelwolf great reputation An. Dom. 853 Burhed therfore who after Bertulf held of him the Mercian Kingdom two years after this imploring his aid against the North-Welch as then troublesome to his Confines obtain'd it of him in person and therby reduc'd them to obedience This done Ethelwolf sent his Son Alfrid a Child of five years well accompanied to Rome whom Leo the Pope both consecrated to be King afterward and adopted to be his Son at home Ealker with the Forces of Kent
the King who still laid at him and little expected such assassination mortally into the brest The matter was done in a moment ere men set at Table could turn them or imagin at first what the stir meant till perceaving the King deadly wounded they flew upon the murderer and hew'd him to peeces who like a wild Beast at abbay seeing himself surrounded desperatly laid about him wounding some in his fall The King was buried at Glaston wherof Dunstan was then Abbot his Laws yet remain to be seen among the Laws of other Saxon Kings Edred EDred the third Brother of Athelstan the Sons of Edmund being yet but Children next reign'd not degenerating from his worthy predecessors and Crown'd at Kingston Northumberland he throughly subdu'd the Scots without refusal swore him Allegiance yet the Northumbrians ever of doubtfull Faith soon after chose to themselves one Eric a Dane Huntingdon still haunts us with this Anlaf of whom we gladly would have bin ridd and will have him before Eric recall'd once more and reign fowr years then again put to his shifts But An. Dom. 950 Edred entring into Northumberland and with spoils returning Eric the King fell upon his rear Edred turning about both shook off the Enemy and prepar'd to make a second inroad which the Northumbrians dreading rejected Eric slew Amanous the Son of Anlaf and with many presents appeasing Edred submitted again to his Goverment nor from that time had Kings but were govern'd by Earls of whom Osulf was the first About this time Wulstan An. Dom. 953 Archbishop of York accus'd to have slain certain men of Thetford in revenge of thir Abbot whom the Townsmen had slain was committed by the King to close Custody but soon after enlarg'd was restor'd to his place Malmsbury writes that his crime was to have conniv'd at the revolt of his Countrymen but An. Dom. 955 King Edred two years after sick'ning in the flowr of his youth dy'd much lamented and was buried at Winchester Edwi EDwi the Son of Edmund now come to Age after his Uncle Edred's Death took on him the Goverment and was Crown'd at Kingston His lovely person sirnam'd him the Fair his actions are diversly reported by Huntingdon not thought illaudable But Malnisbury and such as follow him write far otherwise that he married or kept as Concubine his neer Kinswoman some say both her and her Daughter so inordinatly giv'n to his pleasure that on the very day of his Coronation he abruptly withdrew himself from the Company of his Peers whether in Banquet or Consultation to sit wantoning in the Chamber with this Algiva so was her name who had such power over him Wherat his Barons offended sent Bishop Dunstan the boldest among them to request his return he going to the Chamber not only interrupted his dalliance and rebuk'd the Lady but takeing him by the hand between force and persuasion brought him back to his Nobles The King highly displeas'd and instigated perhaps An. Dom. 956 by her who was so prevalent with him not long after sent Dunstan into banishment caus'd his Monastery to be rifl'd and became an Enemy to all Monks Wherupon Odo Archbishop of Canterbury pronounc't a separation or divorce of the King from Algiva But that which most incited William of Malmsbury against him he gave that Monastery to be dwelt in by secular Preists or to use his own phrase made it a stable of Clerks at length these affronts done to the Church were so resented by the people that the Mercians and Northumbrians revolted from him and set up Edgar his Brother leaving to Edwi the An. Dom. 957 An. Dom. 958 West-Saxons only bounded by the River Thames with greif wherof as is thought he soon after ended his daies and was buried at Winchester Mean while Elfsin Bishop of that place after the Death of Odo ascending by Simony to the Chair of Canterbury and going to Rome the same year for his Pall was froz'n to Death in the Alps. Edgar Edgar by his Brothers Death now King of all England at 16 years of Age call'd home Dunstan An. Dom. 959 out of Flanders where he liv'd in exile This King had no War all his Reign yet allways well prepar'd for War govern'd the Kingdom in great Peace Honour and Prosperity gaining thence the Sirname of Peaceable much extoll'd for Justice Clemency and all Kingly Vertues the more ye may be sure by Monks for his building so many Monasteries as some write every year one for he much favour'd the Monks against secular Preists who in the time of Edwi had got possession in most of thir Covents His care and wisdome was great in guarding the Coast round with stout ships to the number of 3600 Mat. West reck'ns them 4800 divided into fowr Squadrons to sail to and fro on the fowr quarters of the land meeting each other the first of 1200 sail from East to West the second of as many from West to East the third and fowrth between North and South himself in the Summer time with his Fleet. Thus he kept out wisely the force of Strangers and prevented Forein War but by thir too frequent resort hither in time of peace and his too much favouring them he let in thir vices unaware Thence the people saith Malmsbury learnt of the out-landish Saxons rudeness of the Flemish daintiness and softness of the Danes Drunk'ness though I doubt these vices are as naturally home-bred heer as in any of those Countries Yet in the Winter and Spring time he usually rode the Circuit as a Judge Itinerant through all his Provinces to see justice well administerd and the poor not oppress'd Theeves and Robbers he rooted almost out of the Land and wild Beasts of prey altogether enjoining Ludwal King of Wales to pay the yearly tribute of 300 Wolves which he did for two years together till the third year no more were to be found nor ever after but his Laws may be read yet extant Whatever was the cause he was not Crown'd till the 30. of his Age but then with great An. Dom. 973 An. Dom. 974 splendor and magnificence at the City of Bath in the Feast of Pentecost This year dy'd Swarling a Monk of Croyland the 142. year of his Age and another soon after him in the 115th in the Fenn and watrish air the more remarkable King Edgar the next year went to Chester and summoning to his Court there all the Kings that held of him took homage of them thir names are Kened King of Scots Malcolm of Cumberland Maccuse of the Iles five of Wales Duswal Huwal Grifith Jacob Judethil these he had in such aw that going one day into a Gally he caus'd them to take each man his Oar and row him down the River Dee while he himself sat at the Stern which might be done in meriment and easily obei'd if with a serious brow discoverd rather vain glory and insulting haughtiness then
moderation of mind And that he did it seriously tryumphing appears by his words then utterd that his successors might then glory to be Kings of England when they had such honour done them And perhaps the Divine power was displeas'd with him for taking too much honour to himself since we read that the year following he was tak'n An. Dom. 975 out of this life by sickness in the highth of his glory and the prime of his Age buried at Glaston Abby The same year as Mat. West relates he gave to Kened the Scottish King many rich presents and the whole Country of Laudian or Lothien to hold of him on condition that he and his successors should repair to the English Court at high Festivals when the King sat Crown'd gave him also many lodging places by the way which till the days of Henry the second were still held by the Kings of Scotland He was of Stature not tall of body slender yet so well made that in strength he chose to contend with such as were thought strongest and dislik'd nothing more then that they should spare him for respect or fear to hurt him Kened King of Scots then in the Court of Edgar sitting one day at Table was heard to say jestingly among his Servants he wonderd how so many Provinces could be held in subjection by such a little dapper man his words were brought to the Kings Ear he sends for Kened as about some private business and in talk drawing him forth to a secret place takes from under his garment two Swords which he had brought with him gave one of them to Kened and now saith he it shall be try'd which ought to be the subject for it is shamefull for a King to boast at Table and shrink in fight Kened much abash'd fell presently at his Feet and besought him to pardon what he had simply spok'n no way intended to his dishonour or disparagement wherewith the King was satisfi'd Camden in his description of Ireland cites a Charter of King Edgar wherin it appears he had in subjection all the Kingdomes of the Iles as far as Norway and had subdu'd the greatest part of Ireland with the City of Dublin but of this other Writers make no mention In his youth having heard of Elfrida Daughter to Ordgar Duke of Devonshire much commended for her Beauty he sent Earl Athelwold whose loyalty he trusted most to see her intending if she were found such as answerd report to demand her in marriage He at the first view tak'n with her presence disloyally as it oft happ'ns in such emploiments began to sue for himself and with consent of her Parents obtain'd her Returning therfore with scarse an ordinary commendation of her Feature he easily took off the Kings mind soon diverted another way But the matter coming to light how Athelwold had forestall'd the King and Elfrida's Beauty more and more spok'n of the King now heated not only with a relapse of Love but with a deep sence of the abuse yet dissembling his disturbance pleasantly told the Earl what day he meant to come and visit him and his fair Wife The Earl seemingly assur'd his welcome but in the mean while acquainting his Wife earnestly advis'd her to deform her self what she might either in dress or otherwise lest the King whose amorous inclination was not unknown should chance to be attracted She who by this time was not ignorant how Athelwold had stepd between her and the King against his coming arraies her self richly useing whatever art she could devise might render her the more amiable and it took effect For the King inflam'd with her love the more for that he had bin so long defrauded and rob'd of her resolv'd not only to recover his intercepted right but to punish the interloper of his destind spouse and appointing with him as was usual a day of hunting drawn aside in a Forest now call'd Harewood smote him through with a Dart. Some censure this act as cruel and tyrannical but considerd well it may be judg'd more favourably and that no man of sensible Spirit but in his place without extraordinary perfection would have done the like for next to life what worse treason could have bin committed against him it chanc'd that the Earls base Son coming by upon the fact the King sternly ask'd him how he lik'd this Game he submisly answering that whatsoever pleas'd the King must not displease him the King return'd to his wonted temper took an affection to the youth and ever after highly favour'd him making amends in the Son for what he had done to the Father Elsrida forthwith he took to Wife who to expiate her former Husbands Death though therin she had no hand coverd the place of his bloodshed with a Monastery of Nuns to sing over him Another fault is laid to his charge no way excusable that he took a Virgin Wilfrida by force out of the Nunnery where she was plac'd by her friends to avoid his persuit and kept her as his Concubine but liv'd not obstinatly in the offence for sharply reprov'd by Dunstan he submitted to 7 years penance and for that time to want his Coronation But why he had it not before is left unwritt'n Another story there goes of Edgar fitter for a Novel then a History but as I find it in Malmsbury so I relate it While he was yet unmarried in his youth he abstain'd not from Women and coming on a day to Andover caus'd a Dukes Daughter there dwelling reported rare of Beauty to be brought to him The mother not dareing flatly to deny yet abhorring that her Daughter should be so deflour'd at fit time of night sent in her attire one of her waiting Maids a Maid it seems not unhansom nor unwitty who suppli'd the place of her young Lady Night pass'd the Maid going to rise but day-light scarse yet appearing was by the King askt why she made such hast she answer'd to do the work which her Lady had set her at which the Kingwondring and with much ado staying her to unfold the riddle for he took her to be the Dukes Daughter she falling at his Feet besought him that since at the command of her Lady she came to his Bed and was enjoy'd by him he would be pleas'd in recompence to set her free from the hard service of her Mistress The King a while standing in a study whether he had best be angry or not at length turning all to a jest took the Maid away with him advanc'd her above her Lady lov'd her and accompanied with her only till he married Elfrida These only are his faults upon record rather to be wonderd how they were so few and so soon left he coming at 16 to the Licence of a Scepter and that his vertues were so many and so mature he dying before the Age wherin wisdome can in others attain to any ripeness however with him dy'd all the Saxon glory From henceforth nothing is to be heard of but
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
Letters to every Town and Citty wherby they might be ready all at the same hower which till the appointed time being the 9th of July was conceal'd with great silence and perform'd with much unanimity so generally hated were the Danes Mat. West writes that this execution upon the Danes was ten years after that Huna one of Ethelreds Chief Captains complaining of the Danish insolencies in time of peace thir pride thir ravishing of Matrons and Virgins incited the King to this massacher which in the madness of rage made no difference of innocent or nocent Among these Gunhildis the Sister of Swane was not spar'd though much deserving not pitty only but all protection she with her Husband Earl Palingus coming to live in England and receaving Christianity had her Husband and young Son slain before her face her self then beheaded foretelling and denouncing that her blood would cost England dear Some say this was done by the Traitor Edric to whose custody she was committed but the massacher was some years before Edric's advancement and if it were done by him afterward it seems to contradict the privat correspondence which he was thought to hold with the Danes For Swane breathing revenge An. Dom. 1003 hasted the next year into England and by the treason or negligence of Count Hugh whom Emma had recommended to the Government of Devonshire sack'd the City of Exeter her Wall from East to West-gate brok'n down after this wasting Wiltshire the people of that County and of Hamshire came together in great numbers with resolution stoutly to oppose him but Alfric thir General whose Sons Eyes the King had lately put out madly thinking to revenge himself on the King by ruining his own Country when he should have orderd his Battel the Enemy being at hand fain'd himself tak'n with a vomiting wherby his Army in great discontent destitute of a Commander turn'd from the Enemy who streight took Wilton and Salsbury carrying the pillage therof to his Ships An. Dom. 1004 Thence the next year landing on the Coast of Norfolk he wasted the Country and set Norwich on fire Ulfketel Duke of the East-Angles a man of great valour not having space to gather his Forces after consultation had thought it best to make peace with the Dane which he breaking within three weeks issu'd silently out of his Ships came to Thetford staid there a night and in the Morning left it flameing Vlsketel hearing this commanded some to go and break or burn his Ships but they not dareing or neglecting he in the mean while with what secresie and speed was possible drawing together his Forces went out against the Enemy and gave them a feirce onset retreating to thir Ships but much inferiour in number many of the Cheif East-Angles there lost thir lives Nor did the Danes come off without great slaughter of thir own confessing that they never met in England with so rough a charge The next year whom War could An. Dom. 1005 not a great Famin drove Swane out of the Land But the Summer following another great Fleet of Danes enterd the Port of Sandwich thence powrd An. Dom. 1006 out over all Kent and Sussex made prey of what they found The King levying an Army out of Mercia and the West-Saxons took on him for once the Manhood to go out and face them But they who held it safer to live by rapine then to hazard a Battel shifting lightly from place to place frustrated the slow motions of a heavy Camp following thir wonted course of robbery then running to thir Ships Thus all Autumn they wearied out the Kings Army which gone home to winter they carried all thir pillage to the I le of Wight and there staid till Christmas at which time the King being in Shropshire and but ill imploi'd for by the procurement of Edric he caus'd as is thought Alfhelm a noble Duke treacherously to be slain and the Eyes of his two Sons to be put out they came forth again over-running Hamshire and Barkeshire as far as Reading and Wallingford thence to Ashdune and other places thereabout neither known nor of tolerable pronuntiation and returning by another way found many of the people in Armes by the River Kenet but making thir way through they got safe with vast booty to thir Ships The An. Dom. 1007 King and his Courtiers wearied out with thir last Summers jaunt after the nimble Danes to no purpose which by proof they found too toilsome for thir soft Bones more us'd to Beds and Couches had recourse to thir last and only remedy thir Cofers and send now the fourth time to buy a dishonorable peace every time still dearer not to be had now under 36 thousand pound for the Danes knew how to milk such easie Kine in name of Tribute and expences which out of the people over all England already half beggerd was extorted and paid About the same time Ethelred advanc'd Edric surnam'd Streon from obscure condition to be Duke of Mercia and marry Edgitha the Kings Daughter The cause of his advancement Florent of Worster and Mat. West attribute to his great wealth gott'n by fine polices and a plausible tongue he prov'd a main accessory to the ruin of England as his actions will soon declare Ethelred the next year somewhat An. Dom. 1008 rowsing himself ordain'd that every 310 Hides a Hide is so much land as one Plow can sufficiently till should set out a Ship or Gally and every nine Hides find a Corslet and Head-peice new Ships in every Port were builded vittl'd fraught with stout Mariners and Souldiers and appointed to meet all at Sandwich A man might now think that all would go well when suddenly a new mischief sprung up dissention among the great ones which brought all this diligence to as little success as at other times before Bithric the Brother of Edric falsly accus'd Wulnoth a great Officer set over the South-Saxons who fearing the potency of his Enemies with 20 Ships got to Sea and practis'd piracy on the Coast Against whom reported to be in a place where he might be easily surpris'd Bithrie sets forth with 80 Ships all which driv'n back by a Tempest and wrackt upon the shoar were burnt soon after by Wulnoth Disheart'nd with this misfortune the King returns to London the rest of his Navy after him and all this great preparation to nothing Wherupon Turkill a Danish Earl came with a Navy An. Dom. 1009 to the I le of Tanet and in August a far greater led by Heming and Ilaf joyn'd with him Thence coasting to Sandwich and landed they went onward and began to assault Canterbury but the Citizens and East Kentish men coming to composition with them for three thousand pound they departed thence to the I le of Wight robbing and burning by the way Against these the King levies an Army through all the land and in several quarters places them nigh the Sea but so
subjection These things flowing to his wish he betook him to his Navy from that time still'd and accounted King of England if a Tyrant saith Simeon may be call'd a King The Londoners also sent him hostages and made thir peace for they fear'd his fury Ethelred thus reduc't to narrow compass sent Emma his Queen with his two Sons had by her and all his treasure to Richard the 2d her Brother Duke of Normandy himself with his Danish Fleet abode some while at Greenwich then sailing to the I le of Wight pass'd after Christmas into Normandy where he was honourably receav'd at Roan by the Duke though known to have born himself churlishly and proudly towards Emma his Sister besides his dissolute Company with other women Mean while Swane ceas'd not to exact almost insupportable tribute of the people spoiling them when he listed besides the like did Turkill at Greenwich The next An. Dom. 1014 year beginning Swane sickens and dyes some say terrifi'd and smitt'n by an appearing shape of St. Edmund arm'd whose Church at Bury he had threat'nd to demolish but the authority hereof relies only upon the Legend of St. Edmund After his Death the Danish Army and Fleet made his Son Canute thir King but the Nobility and States of England sent Messengers to Ethelred declareing that they preferr'd none before thir Native Sovran if he would promise to govern them better then he had done and with more Clemency Wherat the King rejoicing sends over his Son Edward with Embassadors to Court both high and low and win thir love promising largly to be thir mild and devoted Lord to consent in all things to thir will follow thir counsel and whatever had been done or spok'n by any man against him freely to pardon if they would loyally restore him to be thir King To this the people cheerfully answer'd and amity was both promisd and confirm'd on both sides An Embassey of Lords is sent to bring back the King honourably he returns in Lent and is joyfully receav'd of the people marches with a strong Army against Canute who having got Horses and joyn'd with the men of Lindsey was preparing to make spoil in the Countries adjoining but by Ethelred unexpectedly coming upon him was soon driv'n to his Ships and his Confederats of Lindsey left to the anger of thir Country-men executed without mercy both by fire and Sword Canute in all hast sailing back to Sandwich took the hostages giv'n to his Father from all parts of England and with slit Noses Ears cropt and hands chop 't off setting them ashore departed into Denmarke Yet the people were not disburd'nd for the King rais'd out of them 30 thousand pound to pay his Fleet of Danes at Greenwich To these evills the Sea in October pass'd his bounds overwhelming many Towns in England and of thir inhabitants many thousands The year following an An. Dom. 1015 Assembly being at Oxford Edric of Streon having invited two Noblemen Sigeferth and Morcar the Sons of Earngrun of Seav'nburg to his Lodging secretly murderd them the King for what cause is unknown seis'd thir Estates and caus'd Algith the Wife of Sigeferth to be kept at Maidulfsburg now Malmsbury whom Edmund the Prince there married against his Fathers minde then went and possesd thir lands making the people there subject to him Mat. West saith that these two were of the Danes who had seated themselves in Northumberland slain by Edric under colour of Treason laid to thir charge They who attended them without tumulting at the Death of thir Maisters were beat'n back and driv'n into a Church and defending themselves were burnt there in the Steeple Mean while Canute returning from Denmarke with a great Navy 200 Ships richly gilded and adorn'd well fraught with Arms and all provision and which Encomium Emmae mentions not two other Kings Lachman of Sweden Olav of Norway arriv'd at Sandwich And as the same Authour then living writes sent out spies to discover what resistance on land was to be expected who return'd with certain report that a great Army of English was in readiness to oppose them Turkill who upon the arrival of these Danish Powers kept faith no longer with the English but joining now with Canute as it were to reingratiate himself after his revolt whether real or complotted councell'd him being yet young not to land but leave to him the management of this first Battel the King assented and he with the Forces which he had brought and part of those which arriv'd with Canute landing to thir wish encounterd the English though double in number at a place call'd Scorastan and was at first beaten back with much loss But at length animating his men with rage only and despair obtain'd a clear Victory which won him great reward and possessions from Canute But of this action no other writer makes mention from Sandwich therefore sailing about to the River Frome and there landing over all Dorset Sommerset and Wiltshire spread wastfull hostility The King lay then sick at Cosham in this County though it may seem strange how he could lie sick there in the midst of his Enemies Howbeit Edmund in one part and Edric of Streon in another rais'd Forces by themselves but so soon as both Armies were united the Traytor Edric being found to practice against the life of Edmund he remov'd with his Army from him whereof the Enemy took great advantage Edric easily enticeing the 40 Ships of Danes to side with him revolted to Canute the West-Saxons also gave pledges and furnished him with Horses By which means the year ensueing An. Dom. 1016 he with Edric the Traytor passing the Thames at Creâ—lad about twelftide enterd into Mercia and especially Warwickshire depopulating all places in thir way Against these Prince Edmund for his hardiness call'd Ironside gather'd an Army but the Mercians refus'd to fight unless Ethelred with the Londoners came to aid them and so every man return'd home After the Festival Edmund gathering another Army besought his Father to come with the Londoners and what force besides he was able they came with great strength gott'n together but being come and in a hopefull way of good success it was told the King that unless he took the better heed some of his own Forces would fall off and betray him The King daunted with this perhaps cunning whisper of the Enemy disbanding his Army returns to London Edmund betook him into Northumberland as some thought to raise fresh Forces but he with Earl Vthred on the one side and Canute with Edric on the other did little else but wast the Provinces Canute to Conquer them Edmund to punish them who stood neuter for which cause Stafford Shropshire and Lestershire felt heavily his hand while Canute who was ruining the more Southern Shires at length march'd into Northumberland which Edmund hearing dismiss'd his Forces and came to London Vthred the Earl hasted back to Northumberland and finding no
to divide the Kingdome this offer pleasing both Armies Edmund was not difficult to consent and the decision was that he as his hereditary Kingdome should rule the West-Saxons and all the South Canute the Mercians and the North. Huntingdon follow'd by Mat. West relates that the Peers on every side wearied out with continuall warfare and not refraining to affirm op'nly that they two who expected to reign singly had most reason to fight singly the Kings were content the Iland was thir lists the Combate Knightly till Knute finding himself too weak began to parle which ended as is said before After which the Londoners bought thir peace of the Danes and permitted them to winter in the City But King Edmund about the Feast of St. Andrew unexpectedly deceas'd at London and was buried neer to Edgar his Grandfather at Glaston The cause of his so sudden death is uncertain common fame saith Malmsbury laies the guilt therof upon Edric who to please Canute allur'd with promise of reward two of the Kings Privy Chamber though at first abhorring the fact to assassinate him at the stool by thrusting a sharp Iron into his hinder parts Huntingdon and Mat. West relate it done at Oxford by the Son of Edric and something vary in the manner not worth recital Edmund dead Canute meaning to reign sole King of England calls to him all the Dukes Barons and Bishops of the Land cunningly demanding of them who were witnesses what agreement was made between him and Edmund dividing the Kingdome whether the Sons and Brothers of Edmund were to govern the West-Saxons after him Canute living they who understood his meaning and fear'd to undergo his anger timorously answerd that Edmund they knew had left no part therof to his Sons or Brethren living or dying but that he intended Canute should be thir Guardian till they came to age of reigning Simeon affirms that for fear or hope of reward they attested what was not true notwithstanding which he put many of them to death not long after Canute or Knute CAnute having thus sounded the Nobility and An. Dom. 1017 by them understood receav'd thir Oath of fealty they the pledge of his bare hand and Oath from the Danish Nobles wherupon the House of Edmund was renounc't and Canute Crown'd Then they enacted that Edwi Brother of Edmund a Prince of great hope should be banish't the Realm But Canute not thinking himself secure while Edwi liv'd consulted with Edric how to make him away who told him of one Ethelward a decay'd Nobleman likeliest to do the work Ethelward sent for and tempted by the King in privat with largest rewards but abhorring in his mind the deed promisd to do it when he saw his opportunity and so still deferr'd it But Edwi afterwards receav'd into favour as a snare was by him or some other of his false freinds Canute contriving it the same year slain Edric also counsel'd him to dispatch Edward and Edmund the Sons of Ironside but the King doubting that the fact would seem too foul done in England sent them to the King of Sweden with like intent but he disdaining the Office sent them for better safety to Solomon King of Hungary where Edmund at length dy'd but Edward married Agatha Daughter to Henry the German Emperour A digression in the Laws of Edward Confessor under the Title of Lex Noricorum saith that this Edward for fear of Canute fled of his own accord to Malesclot King of the Rugians who receav'd him honourably and of that Country gave him a Wife Canute settl'd in his Throne divided the Government of his Kingdom into fowr parts the West-Saxons to himself the East-Angles to Earl Turkill the Mercians to Edric the Northumbrians to Eric then made peace with all Princes round about him and his former Wife being dead in July married Emma the Widow of King Ethelred The Christmas following was an ill Feast to Edric of whose Treason the King having now made use as much as serv'd his turn and fearing himself to be the next betray'd caus'd him to be slain at London in the Palace thrown over the City Wall and there to lie unburied the head of Edric fixt on a pole he commanded to be set on the highest Tower of London as in a double sence he had promis'd him for the murder of King Edmund to exalt him above all the Peers of England Huntingdon Malmsbury and Mat. West write that suspecting the Kings intention to degrade him from his Mercian Dukedome and upbraiding him with his merits the King enrag'd caus'd him to be strangl'd in the room and out at a Window thrown into the Thames Another writes that Eric at the Kings command struck off his head Other great men though without fault as Duke Norman the Son of Leofwin Ethelward Son of Duke Agelmar he put to death at the same time jealous of thir power or familiarity with Edric and notwithstanding peace kept still his Army to maintain which the next An. Dom. 1018 year he squees'd out of the English though now his subjects not his Enemies 72 some say 82 thousand pound besides 15 thousand out of London Mean while great War arose at Carr between Vthred Son of Waldef Earl of Northumberland and Malcolm Son of Kened King of Scots with whom held Eugenius King of Lothian But heer Simeon the relater seems to have committed some mistake having slain Vthred by Canute two years before and set Eric in his place Eric therfore it must needs be not Vthred who manag'd this War against the Scots About which time in a Convention of Danes at Oxford it was agreed on both parties to keep the Laws of Edgar Mat. West saith of Edward the Elder The An. Dom. 1019 next year Canute sail'd into Denmarke and there abode all Winter Huntingdon and Mat. West say he went thether to repress the Swedes and that the night before a Battel to be fought with them Godwin stealing out of the Camp with his English assaulted the Swedes and had got the Victory ere Canute in the morning knew of any fight For which bold enterprise though against Discipline he had the English in more esteem ever after In the Spring An. Dom. 1020 at his return into England he held in the time of Easter a great assembly at Chirchester and the same year was with Turkill the Dane at the dedication of a Church by them built at Assendune in the place of that great Victory which won him the Crown But suspecting his greatness the year following banish'd An. Dom. 1021 An. Dom. 1028 him the Realm and found occasion to do the like by Eric the Northumbrian Earl upon the same jealousie Nor yet content with his Conquest of England though now above ten years enjoy'd he pass'd with 50 Ships into Norway dispossess'd Olave thir King and subdu'd the land first with great summes of money sent the year before to gain him a party then coming with an Army to compell
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
p. 257. to Canute p. 261. his Victory over Malcolm King of Scots p. 262. 269. he is slain by Turebrand a Danish Lord at Canutes either Command or connivence p. 261. W. WEst-Saxon Kingdom by whom erected p. 121. West-Saxons and their Kings converted to the Christian Faith by Berinus p. 155. Wibba succeeds Crida in the Mercian Kingdom p. 134. Wilbrod a Priest goes over with 12 others to preach the Gospel in Germany p. 168. he is countenanc't by Pepin Chief Regent of the Franks and made first Bishop of that Nation p. 168. 169. Wilfrid Bishop of the Northumbrians depriv'd by Ecfrid of his Bishoprick wanders as far as Rome p. 164. returning plants the Gospel in the Isle of Wight and other places assign'd him p. 164. 165. hath the fourth part of that Island given him by Kedwalla he bestows it on Bertwin a Priest his Sisters Son ibid. William Duke of Normandy honourably entertain'd by King Edward and richly dismist p. 287. he betroths his daughter to Harold and receives his Oath to assist him to the Crown of England p. 295. 296. sending after King Edwards Death to demand performance of his promise is put off with a slight answer p. 300. 301. he lands with an Army at Hastings p. 301. over throws Harold who with his two Brothers is slain in Battel p. 305. he is Crown'd at Westminster by Aldred Archbishop of York ibid. Wipped a Saxon Earl slain at a place call'd Wippeds fleot which thence took denomination p. 116. Withgar see Stuff Withgarburgh in the Isle of Wight so call'd from being the burial-place of Withgar p. 125. Withlaf the successour of Ludiken being vanquisht by Ecbert all Mercia becomes tributary to him p. 187. Wulfer the Son of Penda set up by the Mercian Nobles in the room of his Brother Oswi p. 161. said to have been taken Prisoner by Kenwalk the West-Saxon p. 162. he takes and wasts the Isle of Wight but causeth the Inhabitants to be baptized ibid. gives the Island to Ethelwald King of South-Saxons ibid. sends Jeruvianus to recover the East-Saxons fallen off the second time from Christianity ibid. Lindsey taken from him by Ecfrid of Northumberland p. 163. his Death accompany'd with the stain of Simonie p. 164. Wulfheard King Ethelwolf's Chief Captain drives back the Danes at Southampton with great slaughter p. 192. he dies the same year as it is thought of Age. ibid. Wulktul Earl of Ely put to flight with his whole Army by the Danes p. 201. Y. YMner King of Loegria with others slain in Battel by Dunwallo Mulmutius p. 21. FINIS ERRATA PAge 2. l. 16. for Britains read Britans p. 6. l. 18. for by the same remove r. and by the c. p. 8. l. 28. for bee 't r. be p. 13. l. 24. for be-spoken r. bespoken p. 16. l. 9. for Germannus r. Germanus p. 23. l. 3. for Brother r. his Brother ibid. l. 16. for Allobreges r. Allobroges p. 25. l. 3. for Mertian r. Mercian p. 28. l. 18. for opportunety r. opportunety p. 29. l. 9. for unto r. to p. 29. from the end of l. 26. to the beginning of l. 33. should not have been in a different Character so also a line in the next page p. 35. l. last for Bay-Close inviron'd r. Bay close inviron'd p. 51. l. 20. before made leave out he p. 71. l. 33. for ex'steem'd r. esteem'd p. 102. l. 33. for Durstus r. Durstus p. 119. l. 12. for Andreds League r. Andreds Leage p. 126. l. 18. for Armes r. Artur p. 138. l. 5. for haleluja r. Hallelujah ibid. l. 6. for Benedic r. Benedict p. 139. l. 12. for the r. thir p. 150. l. 17. for and r. as ibid. l. 18. after begin no comma p. 151. l. 9. for yee r. thee p. 157. l. 13. for Daughter r. Sister p. 160. l. 31. for Loyden r. Loydes p. 161. l. 7. for her r. his p. 161. l. 35. for Witgeornesburgh r. Witgeornesburg p. 164. l. 4. for year a af read a year after p. 169. l. 21. for Epitomy r. Epitome p. 170. l. 27. after testifies a period p. 173. l. 1. before far r. by ibid. l. last for Unkle r. Unkle's SSon p. 174. l. 30. for Kuiric r. Kinric p. 176. l. 9. after two r. or three ibid. l. last but one for Royal r. Regal p. 177. l. 19. for Occanford r. Ottanford p. 183. l. 23. after Embassadours leave out the stop ibid. l. 24. after Ecbert two points p. 192. l. last for Ethelhelin helam r. Ethelhelm p. 195. l. 13. for de did r. he did p. 197. l. 23. for West-Saxon r. West-Saxons p. 201. l. 14. for flight r. fight p. 216. l. 13. for Thames there nocomma after Thames but after there p. 225. l. 27. for his r. this p 235. l. 4. for on r. about ibid. l. last but two for the r. that p. 246 l. 17. for Frenar Frana p. 260. l. 23. before spread r. he p. 264. l. 23. for Ocford r. Oxford p. 276. l. 29. for Bishop r. Archbishop p. 277. l. 12. for Brother r. half Brother p. 280. l. 4. for that prompted him r. that now as it were prompted him ibid. after the last line leave out deed p. 281. l. 13. for a youth r. then a youth p. 296. l. 16. for of r. with p. 299. l. 25. after legs no stop after hight a period p 308. the six last lines should have been in no different Character from the rest of the Book and in the last line for revolutions r. revolution besides other literal faults and wrong stops through the Book which the Reader of himself may amend Cas l. 6. Holinshed Henry of Hunting don Matthew of Westminster * Matthew Westmin Huntingd. L. 1. Suetonius vit Caes Suetonius Caesar Com. L. 1. Caesar Com. L. 4. Cic. Att. L. 4. Ep. 17. Camden Valer. Max. Plutarch In Caesarib Dion Caesar Com. 5. Camden Pliny Oros Lib. 6. c. 7. 9. Dion Mela. Caesar Herodian Dion Caesar Strabo Dion Strabo Herodian Solinus Caesar Tacitus Diodor Strabo Lucan Tacitus Mela. Dion Caesar Caesar Strabo L. 2. Dion L. 49. Year before the Birth of Christ 25. Dion L. 53. 24. Strabo L. 4. Tacit. an L. 2. Year after the Birth of Christ 16. Dion Sueton Cal. Dion Sueton. Dion L. 62. Tacit. an 14. Sueton. Claud. 5. 24. Sueton. Vesp Dio. L. 60. Tacit. an 12. Tacit. vit Agric. Tacit. vit Agrio Tacit. Hist 3. Sueton. Dion Dion L. 62. Dion Dion Tacit. vit Agric. Tacit. Hist 8. 1. vit Agric. Tacit. Hist 2. vit Agric. Calvis Tacit. Hist 3. vit Agric Dion L. 66. Dion L. 66. Camden Juvenal sat 2. Eutrop. L. 7. Dion L. 66. Spartianus in vit Hidrian Spartianus ibid. Camden Pausan archad Capitolin vit Anton. Capitolin Marc. Ant. Philos Digest L. 36. Beda Nennius Geff. Mon. Dion L. 72. Lamprid. in comm Capitolin in Pert. Capitolin is Alb. Dion Did. Jul. Spartian in Sever. Herod L. 3. Herod L. 3. Digest L. 28.