the Deposition or death of S. Golven Bishop and Confessour who succeeding S. Paul weaned the Church committed to him from its childish nourishment and strengthned it with the solid meat of holy Teaching illustrated it with the light of pious conversation and advanced it to the perfect form of vertue So rendring himself gratious to our Lord by his care to adorn his Spouse he in white robes ascended to the Mariage of the Lamb celebrated in the Heavenly Ierusalem The Holy Bishop dyed at Rennes and was buried in the Monastery of S. Melanius 2. But the Originall of S. Balred is more assured a holy man born in the Northern parts of Brittany who dyed this year and his Memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the twenty ninth of March. Where it is sayd that he was wonderfully buried in three places seing three Towns Aldham Tinnigham and Preston contended for his Body Probably this is the same who by our Historians Mathew of Westminster Hoveden is called S. Balter whose Church having been impiously layd wast by Analef the Dane he was shortly after punished for his Sacriledge by a miserable death 3. The year following by the return of S. Mellitus and the Decrees of Pope Boniface and the Roman Synod peace was restored and confirmed to the English Church and quietnes to Monasteries 4. In the year of Grace six hundred and twelve Ceolulf King of the West-Saxons after a raign of fourteen years dyed He had spent all his life in war saith William of Malmsbury and never allow'd himself any rest but was always employed either with defending or enlarging his Provinces Two Princes succeeded together in his Throne both of them valiant and both contending with one another in all offices of kindnes and freindship their names were Cinegislus and Quincelmus And for their concord unusuall among Kings they were a miracle to their own times and an example for succeeding Many wars they managed so as it was doubtfull whether they shewd therein greater courage or moderation Sometimes they fought against the Brittains sometimes against Penda King of the Mercians a Prince exercised in all the sleights of war This Quicelmus is by some Writers said to have been the Brother of Cinegislus but others more probably say he was his Son and assumd into a participation of his Throne IV. CHAP. 1.2 c Ethelfrid King of the Northumbers kills above twelve hundred Brittish Monks 7.8 S. Augustin uniustly accused of this slaughter by Protestants and defended W. Prinns horrible calumnies 1. THE year of our Lord six hundred and thirteen was blackned by a greivous calamity hapning to the Brittains and among them principally to those who least deserved it the Religious Monks of the famous Monastery of Bangor Which calamity was brought upon them by the barbarous King of the Northumbers Ethelfrid who well deserved the sirname given him of ferus cruel or Savage His Character we have already delivered from Malmsburiensis and how he broke the power of Edan King of the Scotts The present Story is related by Saint Beda in the manner following 2. The most powerfull King of the Angli Edelfridus having gatherd a mighty army made a terrible slaughter of the perfidious Nation of the Brittains at the Citty of the Legions in the English tongue calld Legacester but more rightly in the Brittish Caër-Legion Chester When he was ready to begin the battell he saw their Preists who were mett to pray to God for their army standing a part from it in a place of greater safety Whereupon he ask'd who those men were and for what design they were assembled in that place Now most of them were of the Monastery of Banchor in which the Number of Monks was so great that being divided into seaven companies each under a particular President every company consisted of no sewer then three hundred and all lived by their labour Now the greatest part of them were mett together in this Army to pray for it where they likewise celebrated a Fast three days together and a certain Captain calld Brochmal was appointed with convenient forces to protect them from the swords of their barbarous Enemies whilst they should be intent to their Proyers 3. King Edilfrid therfore having understood the cause why those Monks were come together he said If it then be so that they they cry unto their God against us they doe truly fight against us though they wear no arms since they persecute us with their imprecations Thereupon he gave command to sett upon them first which was performd and after their slaughter he destroyd all the other forces of the perfidious Brittains though with a considerable losse to his own Army 4. The report is that of those Monks which came to pray there were slain no fewer then twelve hundred and that fifty onely escaped by flight For Brocmal at the first charge of the Enemy fled with all his soldiers so leaving those whom he ought to have defended naked and unarmd to the swords of the barbarous Saxons And thus was fulfilld the Prophecy of the Holy Bishop Saint Augustin though himself a long time before was gone to heaven That for their perfidious refusall of his counsel and offer of eternall Salvation they should feele a Divine revenge by their temporal destruction 5. This cruelty of the Pagan King was notwithstanding presently after iustly punish'd for Nicholas Trivet a French Chronologist from I know not what Records writes How Ethelfrid after this combat marching forwards toward Bangor was mett by three Brittish Princes Blederic Duke of Cornwal Margaduc Prince of Southwales Demetiae and Cadwan Duke of north-Northwales Venedotiae who fought with him and killd of his army ten thousand and sixty men Vpon which victory Cadwan was by ioynt consent made King who pursued Ethelfrid to the River of Humber But when Ethelfrid returnd with his own and other Saxon auxiliary forces a composition was made between them by freinds on these conditions That Cadwan should enioy the Provinces towards Wales on the south of Humber and Ethelfrid all on the North side 6. This is the true Narration concerning the slaughter wee may call it Martyrdome of the twelve hundred innocent Monks of Bangor attested generally by the consent of all our ancient Historians Onely Sigebert affirms this calamity to have befalln the Scottish Monks so he misnames them in the war between Edilfrid and Edan which he refers to the year of Grace six hundred and fifteen which was seaven years after the death of Saint Augustin But true Chronology confirmed by our best Writers place this massacre two years before and thus saith B. Vsher doe the Annals of Vlster refer to the year of Christ six hundred and thirteen the war of Kaerlegion where the Saints were killd by the Saints intending these Monks of Bangor 7. Which consent of Historians evidently disproves the blasphemous calumnies by some Protestant Writers B. Parker B. Iewel
his aid the barbarous warlick Saxons prostituted it to their rapines and tyranny This Character we read of him in Malmsburiensis At that time Vortigern was King of Brittany a man voyd both of courage and counsell yea addicted wholly to carnall pleasure and the slave of almost all vices particularly of avarice pride and luxury He as we read in the Gests of the Brittains solicited and with the hope of making her a Queen deflourd his own daughter and of her gott a Son Who notwithstanding his incestous birth was by a miracle of Divine Grace a Saint his name being S. Faustus 3. His wife was a Lady equall to him in blood but most unlike in disposition By her he had three Sons Vortimer Catigern and Pascentius Whilst she lived he governed his Principality with moderation but after her death he loosed the rains to all vices For which having been reproved by S. Germanus and upon his impenitence in a Synod excommunicated he revenged himself by inflicting the fore mentioned iniuries and calumnies upon the Holy Bishop But in the end was severely punish'd by fire from heaven 4. Before his Election to the Vniversall Government of Brittany he was Prince of the Danmonij or as others write Consul of the Gevisses inhabitants of the South-western parts about Cornwall or south-South-wales Which Principality it seems he had governed well enough to be esteemd not unworthy to be preferr'd above his formerly fellow Princes though indeed that age the men of which Gildas calls atramentum aetatis the inke of their age afforded it seems so little choice that a Prince not absolutly vicious deserved reputation However this unworthy King is recorded a restorer of the Citty of Oxford We will awhile suspend a relation of the Gests of this unhappy King to the end we may interpose some affairs touching the Churches of Brittany at this time occurring XIV CHAP. 1.2 c S. Dubricius ordained Bishop of Landaff by S. Germanus The place of his Birth c. 1. AMong the actions beneficiall to Brittany done by Saint Germanus the election and consecration of Saint Dubricius to the Bishoprick of Landaff was deservedly reckoned This Dubricius say the Centuriatours of Magdeburg sirnamed Gainius Vagiensis from the place where he was born was peradventure the Son of a Monk by Euedila a Noble Virgin and grew afterward famous among tâ—e English Thus write they without all authority from antiquity desirous to faign one Example at least to be a president for their Master Luthers incest 2. But from more authentick Testimonieâ— it appears that Saint Dubricius was by nation a Brittain born in the Province of the Dimeta or West Wales he was sirnamed Gainius from the River which runs by the place where he was born His Fathers name is not mentioned among Authours his Mother was Euedila a woman of a clear fame for her vertues Thus write Bale Picts Powel and the Authour of his life in Capgrave 3. It is there moreover related how being a child care was taken to imbue his mind with litterature And having attained a few years more he made such proficiency in learning that not the ignorant only but such also as had acquired a good degree in knowledge repaired to him to encrease their skill among whom were Saint Theliaus Saint Sampson Saint Aidanus and others In the soile of his Nativity neer the River Vaga from whence he was called Vagiensis he chose a fitt seat for his own and his Disciples studies and there he spent many years in the charitable employment of communicating his learning to others Afterward having by command of an Angel built a Church there he preached and taught the people wholesom Christian Doctrin Moreover by imposing his hands he often cured many infirmities insomuch as those which came to him sad and unsound returned joyfull and in health And therefore he was qualified fitt to be advanced by S. Germanus to the Degree of a Bishop 4. The period of his life is uncertain Yet certain it is that he lived to a very old age for many years after this he was transferr'd by Aurelius Ambrosius then raigning to the Arch-Bishoprick of Caër-Leon in the Province of Monmouth So that he will once more occurre in our History As for his Disciples Saint Theliaus Saint Iâ—tutus c. eminent Saints and Doctours which therefore could not likewise escape the calumnious pens of the Lutheran Centuriators we shall treat of them in the following age 5. But here we must not omitt what a learned French writer Andrew Saussay in his French Martyrologe relates of another famous Disciple of Saint Germanus named Saint Briocus a Brittain who was afterward Bishop in Armorica or lesser Brittany so illustrious for his Sanctity that the See of his Bishoprick is to this day from his name called S. Brieu a suffragan Bishoprick to Tours 6. Saint Briocus saith he was by countrey an Englishman he should have said a Brittain of the Province of Corticia descended of a Noble Stock He was by Saint Germanus of Auxeâ—â—e preaching the Orthodoxe Faith there brought out of Brittany into Gaule and here by him instructed happily in the Discipline of Piety After he had enriched his mind with saving Doctrins he returned into his Native countrey and there informed his parents in the true Faith which he likewise preached with great successe in the countrey about After this being desirous to employ our Lords Talent yet more copiously he came over into Armorica where having shed the beams of Evangelicall Light on the minds of his kinsman Conanus Count of Triguâ—er Trecorensem he afterward cleansed him with the Laver of Baptism Then assembling severall devout persons aspiring to the perfection of a Religious life he built a Monastery and there by the liberality of the said Count he layd the foundations of an Episcopall See and being consecrated Bishop by the Archbishop of Tours Metropolitan of that countrey he with an admirable splendour of vertue ad piety governed the said Diocese the space of thirty years Afterward making a journey to Angiers to furnish himself with Ecclesiasticall ornaments he there breathed forth his spotlesse soule From thence his Body was caried back and with great honour buried in the Church which himself had built where frequent miracles were wrought at his Relicks Thus as he gave his name to the Monastery Town and Mother-Church of that Diocese so he likewise afforded continuall protection to them 7. Certain Irish Historians would challenge S. Briocus to their countrey as having been born in the Territory of Cork But his having been a Disciple of Saint Germanus who had nothing to doe with Ireland proves him a Brittain And whereas Bishop Vther conjectures that the Master of Saint Briocus might have been another Saint Germanus Bishop of Paris who lived in the following age His living with Conanus and relation of kinred to him demonstrate him both a Brittain and more ancient then the
called Acluid in which he lay sick Vpon King Arthurs approach saith Mathew of Westminster the Enemies retired to a place called Mureif whither he pursued them But they escaping by night fled to a Lake named Lumonoy Whereupon Arthur gathering many ships together encompassed the Island and in fifteen days brought them to such extreme famine that many thousands of them perish'd In which utmost danger the Bishops of that Regioâ— came bare-foot to the King with teares beseeching him to take pitty of that miserable people and to give them some small portion of that countrey to inhabit under the Yoake of perpetual servitude The King mollified with the teares of the Bishops both pardon'd his Enemies and granted their request 9. Here it is that some of our Brittish and Saxâ—n Writers ground the subjection of Scotland to the Crown of Brittany Particularly Walsingham relates how King Arthur having subdued Scotland placed over it as King a certain person named Angulsel who at a publick Feast in Caer-leon caried King Arthurs sword before him and did homage to him for his Kingdom And that successively all the Kings of Scotland were subject to the crown of Brittany But it seems very improbable that King Arthur at a time when his own countrey was peece-meale renting from him should be at leasure to conquer forrain Nations And however if the Scots were indeed now subdued certain it is that they shortly shook off that yoke XV. CHAP. 1.2.3 Of the Holy Bishop Nennion And of S. Finanus 1. WHereas in the last recited exploit of King Arthur it is sayd that certain Pictish or Scottish Bishops were suppliants to him in behalf of their distressed countreymen our inquiry must be what Bishops those probably were That the Province of the Picts where the Citty of Acluid was seated had many years since received the Christian Faith by the preaching of S. Ninianus hath been already demonstrated But who were his Successours till this time we can only find by conjecture In the Annals of Ireland there is mention of a certain Bishop call'd Nennion who is sayd to have flourished in Brittany about the year five hundred and twenty and to have had his seat in a place called the great Monastery This man probably was the Successour of S. Ninianus and this Great Monastery the same with Candida Casa where was the Monument of that Apostolick Bishop which by reason of frequent miracles wrought there invited great numbers of devout men to embrace a Coenobiticall Life as hath been shewd from Alcuinus Of this Bishop Nennion we read in the life of S. Finanus this passage That the said S. Finanus having in his childhood been instructed by S. Colman a Bishop was afterward recommended to â—he care of Nennion The words of Tinmouth extant in Capgrave are these Behold certain ships out of Brittany entred the said haven in Ireland in which ships was the Holy Bishop Nennion and severall others accompanying him These men being received with great ioy and honour Coelanus Abbot of Noendrum or as Iocelin writes of Edrum very diligently recommended young Finanus to the Venerable Bishop Thereupon Finanus presently after returned with him into his countrey and for severall years learned from him the Rules of a Monasticall life at his â—ee called the great Monastery Moreover with great proficiency he studied the Holy Scriptures and by invoking the name of Christ wrought many Miracles 2. Concerning the same Finanus it is further added Having been more then ordinarily instructed in Monastick institutions and holy Scripture by S. Nennion Finanus determined to take a journey to the See Apostolick to the end he might there supply whatsoever was defective in saving knowledge At Rome therefore he continued the space of seaven years dayly studying and advancing in Sacred science And after that he ascended to the degree of Preisthood 3. Thus much by the way concerning the holy Bishop Nennion who probably was one of those who interceded with King Arthur in behalfe of their countrey And it was about this time that S. Finanus lived under his Discipline For thus B. Vsher in his Chronologicall Index writes in the year five hundred and twenty Nennion Bishop of the See called The great Monastery flourish'd at this time in Brittany XVI CHAP. 1.2 Fables concerning King Arthur censured 1. IN the year of Grace five hundred twenty three King Arthur after the death of his wife Guenevera maried a Noble Lady called Guenhumara By occasion of which mariage his fame was spread through all countreyes This is thus declared by Florilegus In the forenamed year saith he King Arthur having reduced the Isle of Brittany to its former state maried a wife named Guenhumara descended from the Noble stock of the Romans She had been brought up in the Court of the Duke of Cornwal and in beauty excelled all the women of Brittany To this mariage he invited all Princes and Noble persons in the Regions adjacent and during the celebration of it such sports and such magnificence both in feasting and military exploits were shewn by him that Nations far removed did admire and emulate him By this means from some transmarine Kings he gained love and in others he imprinted a fear and terrour 2. Within little more then a year after this mariage he is sayd to have passed into Ireland and there to have taken Prisoners the King Gillamur and his Nobles and subdued the whole Island From thence to have sayled into Holland Gott-land and the Isles of Orkney all which Regions he brought under Tribute 3. Such Fables as these invented by idle and ignorant Bards and with addition published in a Latin stile by Geffrey of Monmouth have passed for true stories not only among the Brittains in succeeding times who might be pardond if in their poverty and miseries they recreated their minds with the imagined past glory of their Ancestours but they have imposed on forrain Writers and some of them otherwise not unlearned Hence it is that Malbranque a diligent French Antiquary has been induced to acknowledge that King Arthur after having forced Brittany from the Saxons subdued afterward that part of France which was inhabited by his own countreymen the Morini 4. Neither hath the Brittish Fables ended here They have sent King Arthur into Norway and his exploits there are thus recorded by Mathew of Westminster In the year of Grace five hundred thirty three King Arthur having a design to subdue all Europe passed with a Navy into Norway Where being arrived he found Sichelin King of that countrey dead who had bequeathed that Kingdom to Loth sisters son to King Arthur a Prince of great vertue and magnificence The sayd Loth had at that time a son called Walwan a youth twelve years old who was recommended to Pope Vigilius to be by him brought up from whom likewise he received the Order of Knight hood In the end King Arthur
following Now in his Letters to King Edwin calld by S. Beda exhortatory Letters the Copy of which is recorded by him after â—ongratulating with him for his piety and zeal he with a fatherly charity incites him to persist continually and advance in the Faith of that saving truth which he had embraced Adding withall that at his request he had sent two Palls for the two Metropolitans Honorius and Paulinus with a Faculty enabling each of them by his authority to subrogate another when either of them should depart this life This priviledge he granted as well out of his affection to the King as in consideration of the great distance between Rome and Brittany 4. At the same time likewise Pope Honorius wrote letters to Honorius the new Arch-bishop of Canterbury in which saith S Beda he renewd the Decree mentioned in the former letter That when the Arch-bishop of Canterbury or York should dye he who remaind alâ—ve being of the same degree should have power to ordain another in the place of him who was dead that it might not be necessary to weary themselves with sending to Rome through so far extended spaces of land and Sea for the ordaining an Arch-bishop He further signified that he had sent him a Pall and another to S. Paulinus for the same purpose The Exemplar of this Letter is likewise extant in S. Beda 5. Moreover the same year Pope Honorius wrote to the Scotts touching their Errour about Easter for thus writes the same Authour The same Pope likewise directed Letters to the Nation of the Scotts having found that they erred in the observation of the Paschal solemnity Whom he earnestly exhorted not to prefer their own reason being inconsiderable for their paucity and living in the utmost bounds of the world before all other Churches both ancient and Modern through the whole world and consequently that they would not celebrate another different Easter contrary to the Paschall computations and Synodal Decrees of the Vneversal Church 6 The successe of which Letters is thus declared by B. Vsher That these admonitions were not unproffitable I partly collect from Beda who relates how the Scotts dwelling in the Southern parts of Ireland by the advice given them from the Bishop of the Apostolick See were taught to observe Easter after the Canonical Rite and partly from Cummian who lived at the same time and in his Epistle to Segeni Abbot of the Monastery of Hye writes thus touching the first admitting in Ireland the great Cycle of the Alexandrins consisting of five hundred thirty two years composed of the multiplication of nineteen or the Cycle of the Sun into eight and twenty the Cycle of the Moon The first year saith he in which the Cycle of five hundred thirty two years was received by our countrey-men I my self received it not but held my peace neither daring to discommend nor commend it But after a year was passed I consulted the Successour of our Holy Fathers Albeus Bishop Queran of Cloen Brendin Nessan and Lugid who being assembled in the feild of Lena made a Decree that the year following Easter should be celebrated the same time with the Church Vniversal 7. By this narration of Cummian it seems that in the Synod of Lena two years since at least the more sound and considerable part of the Irish Ecclesiasticks determined to conform to the generall practise of the Church but that those inhabiting the Northern and more rude parts continued refractary Which the Abbot Lasrean signifying to the Pope occasioned the writing of these Letters in which the Church of Ireland in generall is not taxed but onely some part of it for the Popes expression related by S. Beda is this I am informed that certain persons of your Province in opposition to the Orthodox Faith doe endeavour to renew an Heresy already antiquated c. It was so of old in Asia for not that whole Province even of Lesser Asia but some particular Churches in it obstinatly maintained the Errour of the Quarto decimani XXI CHAP. 1.2 c. King Edwin slain and acknowledged a Martyr c. 8. His Queen Ethelburga returned into Kent 1. WHilst these contentions were agitated among the Scotts who desired to draw the Brittains into the same faction the English-Saxon Churches flourished wonderfully Christian Faith having changed their manners heretofore extremely barbarous but now exemplary to the whole world for their Modesty Iustice and Charity especially in the Kingdom of the Northumbers In which saith William of Malmsbury there were no domestick theeves no treacherous under-miners of conjugal chastity no fraudulent usurpers of other mens Estates which happines is to be attributed to King Edwins care For this large extended Empire was limited by Iustice and peace which there mutually kissed each other And this felicity had been accomplished but that an immature death unfortunatly snatchd him from his countrey His death indeed which hapned this year was most deplorable to his countrey but most happy to himself For the cheif blessing promised him by the forementioned Divine Oracle remaind alone not yet accomplished which was after many temporal Crowns one that was eternal The manner how he attaind it is now to be declared 2. We have before shewd how Cadwan Prince of north-Northwales for his valour and good conduct against Ethelfrid King of the Northumbers was chosen King of all the Brittains After his death his Son succeeded in the same power called by Writers severally Cadwallin Cedwalla and by Saint Beda Carduella but the Brittains call him Caswallo Now there hapned a Controversy between him and King Edwin saith Florilegus which could not be decided without war Whereupon they came to a battell in which Cadwallin was putt to flight and lost many thousands of his Soldiers King Edwin therefore having obtaind the Victory marchd with his Army into the Provinces of the Brittains burning their Citties destroying the inhabitants till at last he brought under his Dominion their three kingdoms of Demetia Venedotia and Menevia 3. Cadwallin seing his power thus broken enters into a league with the potent King of the Mercians Penda by which both of them conspired to the destruction of King Edwin Cadwallin was a Christian and Penda a violent Pagan yet the Christian Prince was in his manners and cruelty far more barbarous and cruel then the Pagan Wherefore ioyning all their forces together they invaded King Edwins Territories 4. The time and successe of this war is thus describ'd by S. Beda King Edwin saith he had now raignd seaventeen years most gloriously over the English and Brittains of which he spent six years in the service and Spirituall warfare of Christ. Then did Carduella King of the Brittains rebell against him and was assisted with the auxiliary forces of Penda the potent Prince of the Mercians who governed that Kingdom with variable fortune the space of two and twenty years They came at length to a furious combat in a
you know this But he unwilling to publish that which he had received by revelation said Doe you not see how suddenly and strangely the weather is changed and grown tempestuous But who can find out the iudgments of God 3. After this he immediatly went to the Queen and speaking with her secretly it was then Saturday Be sure said he that on Munday morning betimes you take coach for on Sunday you must not travell and make hast into the Royall Citty for fear the King be killed And because to morrow I am entreated to consecrate a Church in a Monastery near at hand assoon as the dedication is dispatched I will make all hast after you Thus writes S. Beda and a little after he addes The day following one who had fled out of the battell arrived who plainly enough declared the secret predictions of the man of God and by computation it was found that the same moment the King was killed in which it had been revealed to the Holy Bishop whilst he stood by the forementioned fountain 4. Thus unhappily dyed this famous King Egfrid and has left to posterity an argument of much dispute whether he be to be numbred among good or evill Kings William of Malmsbury after a curious debate and examination of his particular acts abstains notwithstanding from a resolute Sentence whom we will imitate Certain it is that he had a great zeale in defending and propagating the Catholick Faith that he was wonderfully munificent towards Churches and Monasteries that he bore great reverence to holy men as to S. Cuthbert c. But on the other side what excuse can we find for his obstinat and irreconcileable hatred to S. Wilfrid or his cruelty against the innocent Irish c. We will therefore leave him to the Iudgement of Him who cannot iudge unjustly 5. Some Writers affirme that he was slain by Bride or Birde his cousin germain King of the Picts However certain it is that by his death the Kingdom of the Northumbers suffred an irreparable losse for by the testimony of Saint Beda from that time the hopes and strength of the English began to decay for both the Picts recovered all their lands of which the English had been possessed and the Scotts likewise living in Brittany and some part of the Brittains regained their liberty which they enioy to this time forty six years after that battell By which last clause and computation it appears that S Beda wrote his History in the year of Grace seaven hundred thirty and one 6. The Picts puffed up with Victory drove all the English out of their countrey and among others their worthy Bishop Trumwin who as hath been said betook himself to Streneshalâ— the Monastery of Saint Elfleda where he lived a great comfort and assistant to her in the government of her Monastery XVIII CHAP. 1.2 To Lothere King of Kent succeeds Edric 3.4 5. Kentuin King of the West-Saxons dying Cedwalla succeeds him 6 Cadwaâ—lader last King of the Brittains 1. THIS year was fatall to severall of our Saxon Kings in Brittany for besides Egfria King of the Northumbers slain by the Picts Lothere King of Kent was also slain by his Nephew Edric This Lothere was brother to the former King Egbert after whom he seised upon the Kingdom to the prejudice of his Nephews as hath been declared of which he kept the possession twelve years though with much trouble and danger For Edric the elder of his Nephews and lawfull heir of the Crown after he was come to years sought to gain his right by force insomuch as many battells were fought between them with various successe At last Edric assisted with an army of the South-Saxons fought with his Vsurping Vncle in which battell Lothere was sore wounded of which wounds he shortly after dyed He is said to have left behind him a son named Richard eminent for sanctity of whom we shall treat hereafter 2. Concerning these two Brothers Egbert and Lothere successively Kings of Kent our ancient Ecclesiasticall Writers doe observe saith William of Malmsbury that for their cruelty they both came to an untimely end in as much as Egbert slew or at least connived at the murder of his uncles children Ethelred and Etheâ—â—bert who were Canonized Martyrs and Lotherâ— derided the honour done to their memory Truâ— it is Egbert afterward bewayld the fact anâ— in testimony of his sorrow gave part of the Isle of Thanet to their Mother for the endowment of a Monastery 3. Besides these this year also dyed Kentwin King of the West-Saxons after a raign of nine years His memory is celebrated for his great victories against the Brittainâ— whom he invaded with great forces and without much difficulty drove them to the Sea wasting their countrey and inhabitants with fire and sword 4. His piety and munificence to the famous and ancient Monastery of Glastonbury is recorded in the Antiquities of the same where we read that Kentwin granted to the said Monastery a liberty from all service six hides of land and a priviledge that the Monks of the same place might have the power of electing and constituting to themselves an Abbot according to the Rule of S. Benedict He gave moreover near the wood called Cantodun the Mannour of West-munkaton three and twenty hides and in Caric twenty hides of land for a supplement of Regular Observance in the same Monastery And when he had raigned nine years he departed to our Lord. His Body reposes in the Church-yard under a Pyramid of an ancient and noble structure Some Writers are of opinion that before his death he layd aside his Crown in the said Monastery spending his last dayes as his Successours did in solitude and devotion 5. To Kentwin succeeded Cedwalla in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons to Lothere Edric in Kent and to Egfrid Alfrid among the Northumbers according to the Prophecy of S. Cuthbert to his Sister the Holy Abbesse and Virgin Saint Elfleda Of which severall Princes more hereafter 6 To this same year likewise is consigned the beginning of the raign of Cadwallader Son of Cadwallon and last King of the Brâ—ttains in Wales For after his death hapning twelve years from this time the Brittains lost all shew of Monarchy THE NINETEENTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 Of Boysil the Holy Priour of Mailros 3.4 c. The Gests and vertues of S. Cuthbert before he was Bishop 1. THE same year that the foresaid Kings dyed the famous and glorious S. Cuthbert having the year before with great repugnance been drawn out of his beloved Solitude was consecrated Bishop of Lindesfarn The admirable way by which Almighty God drew him from keeping sheep to a spirituall life of contemplation by representing to him in a Vision the assumption into heaven of S. Aidaeus soule Bishop of Lindesfarn and how thereupon he betook himself to the Monastery of Mailrâ—s seated beyond the River of Tweed in the Province
of Media call'd Nacianus whom S. Ioseph had formerly baptis'd in a Citty call'd Saram and who was sent by our Lord with an army to deliver S. Ioseph out of prison into which a wicked King of north-Northwales had cast him which King is sayd to be mentiond in a Book found by the Emperour Theodosius in Pilats palace at Ierusalem Such foolish dreames as these as they are not with out scorn to be recited so neither ought they to be made use of for the disgracing or discrediting sober History prudently grounded on Tradition III. CHAP. 1. S. Ioseph first addresses himself to the Brittish King 2.3 c. The Kings name was Arviragus whether he and Caractacus were the same person 7. He is sayd to be the Founder of the Vniversity of Oxford by the advice of Olenus Calenus an Hetrurian Augur 1. THis Tradition informs us that S. Ioseph at his first abord in the Western parts of this Island with his companions assumed the confidence to repaire to the Brittish Kings presence raigning there to whom he gave an account of the design of his journey which was to bring the happy newes and to offer the only assured means of eternall happines to all that would embrace it It is not to be doubted but this Message gravely and modestly delivered by one filled with the spirit of God and also of a venerable presence one that renounced all worldly designs of power or riches Professour of a Religion sufficiently recommended in that it deserved the hatred of Nero a Prince then infamous beyond any ever mention'd in former Histories such a message I say could not but at least be hearkned to without displeasure if not with favour at least by such a King as this is described by our ancient Annals 2. His name was Arviragus the same no doubt who in an ancient coyn is called Arivog but from what Ancestours he was descended is not clearly enough reported in History Certain Modern Writers will needs make him the same with Caractacus before spoken of suppos'd likewise by them to be the same with Cogidunus the youngest son of Cunobelin from whom also they are willing to deduce King Lucius in a direct line who raigned in the following Age By which art they indeed give some grace to their Histories by a distinct sorting of actions and occurrents to the precise years of Kings then suppos'd to raign in this Island 3. It cannot truly be denied but that the Character given by Historians to Caractacus and Arviragus is very much agreeing in resemblance For as Caractacus is described by Tacitus and Dio to be a Prince of great courage magnanimity and Beneficence and moreover a freind to the Romans so likewise is Arviragus represented by others For thus doth a Writer learned in Antiquity describe him Arviragus saith he was well acquainted with those arts which adorn and dispose the mind to humanity Neither did he alone himselfe love learning but was also a singular favourer of those who were learned c. He was valiant and couragious in warre mild and clement in peace He was in his conversation affable and chearfully pleasant liberall in bestowing gifts and always most deare to his subiects 4. But the resemblance of their Characters is not a proof sufficient to render their persons one and the same unlesse we must be obliged to beleive that Brittany was a soyle too barren to produce more then one brave and commendable Prince And there are in ancient Records severall grounds of more then a suspicion that they were distinct Kings raigning in severall parts of this Island and in severall times also 5. It cannot be denyed that in Brittany there were very many petty Kings and Princes independent of one another some of them subject to the Romans and others free In Caesars time there were in Kent no fewer then three As for Cynobelin and his family their Dominions for ought appears were confind to the Trinobantes that is Essex and Middlesex whereas Arviragus raigned in the Western parts upon the Confines of the Belgae in the Provinces of Dorsetshire and Somersetshire Which argues that he was of a different race 6. But moreover this King Arviragus seems to have raigned much later then Caractacus who after his captivity by the Emperour Claudius is suppos'd to have been sent back to his Kingdom though no Roman Writers speak of his restitution Wheras the Roman Satyrist mentions Arviragus as a Prince of great renown in the dayes of Domitian the seaventh Emperour after Claudius and as an enemy very formidable to the Romans which certainly Caractacus never was For upon occasion of an enormously great fish a Mullet presented to Domitian he brings in a flatterer making that Present an Omen of some great conquest to follow Thou shalt take captive some great King says he or the famous Arviragus shall be â—umbled down from his Brittish chariot c. By which expression it seems more then probable that Arviragus though bred up in the Roman civility and literature yet upon advantage of the great factions succeeding in the Empire after Nero's death shook off his chains and renounced his dependance on the Romans Certain it is so great and famous a King he was that without any wrong to Caractacus he might be mistaken for him 7. Among other illustrious Monuments of his affection to literature and munificence for promoting it this is recorded that he was the Founder of the famous Vniversity of Oxford For thus writeth a modern learned Authour It is the opinion of some that in the seaventieth yeare after the Nativity of our Lord the Citty of Oxford was built during the raign of King Arviragus And that then there came into Brittany a certain Hetrurian Prophet or Augur named Olenus Calenus concerning whom Pliny in his naturall History Writes and that this man layd the foundations yea and perfected the building of it from his own name calling it Calena which name was continued to it till the entrance of the Saxons into Brittany after which is was called Oxenford IV. CHAP. 1. c. Arviragus though not converted affords to S. Ioseph c the Isle of Glastonbury for a place of retreat and twelve Hydes of Land for their nourishment 1. TO this renowned King Arviragus S. Ioseph and his Companions addressed themselves and expounded their Message The successe hereof was though not a Conversion of the King himselfe yet a free leave to publish their Doctrin among his Subjects And herein we ought withtrembling to adore the most holy but with all most secret judgments of God It is probable that there could not be found a mind in all this Island at that time better dispos'd as far as nature and human education could dispose a soule for the entertaining of Saving Truch then in King Arviragus Yet though by his kindnes to the Professours of it he tacitly shewd his approbation therof he did not receive from heaven the Gift of
ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuments be asserted Vpon which grounds Malmsburiensis saith There is no certainty in what place was seated the Archiepiscopall Iurisdiction in the time of the Brittains before the entry of the Saxons X. CHAP. 1.2 S. Fugatius and Damianus return to Rome to obtain a Confirmation of their Acts. 3.4 Recourse to the See Apostolick ancient 5 6. At their return they bring a blessed Crown and a Letter to King Lucius 7. The extent of King Lucius his Dominions 8. Of Archflamens and Flamens 1. AFter three years succesfull labours in this new Vineyard of our Lord these two Holy Apostolick Preachers Fugatius and Damâ—anus returned to Rome to give an account to S. Eleutherius of the affairs of Brittany This is testified by our ancient Historians Geffrey of Monmouth Roger Wendover the compiler of the History of Rochester as likewise a Brittish ancient Poet taking the name of Gildas and quoted by Bishop Vsher. 2. But most expresly by Matthew of Westminster whose words are these In the year of Grace one hundred eighty six the Blessed Prelats Fugatius and Damianus returned to Rome and obtained from the holy Pope Eleutherius a Confirmation of all they had done in Brittany And having perform'd this the foresayd Doctours came back into Brittany accompanied with many others By whose inctructions the Nation of the Brittains being confirm'd in tho Faith of Christ became illustrious The names and Acts of these men are found in the Book which our Historian Gildas wrote of the Victory of Aurelius Ambrosius 3. That it was the practise of Christian Churches especially in the West upon severall occasions to have recourse to the Chair of S. Peter many examples occurre in the Ecclesiasticall History and this even from the beginning of Christianity We mention'd formerly a Message sent from the Christians of Brittany by S. Beatus to Rome for a more perfect instruction in the Christian Faith And about this time of King Lucius the Church of Lyons in France sent S. Irenaeus to this Holy Pope Eleutherius for resolving certain Questions about Ecclesiasticall affairs saith S. Ierome 4. This they did partly to shew their dependance and subordination to the supreme Tribunal of the Church as likewise for the preservation of Vnity of which the Chair of S. Peter was always acknowledged the Center But the present Church of Brittany having been constituted a Church by the zeale and authority of this blessed Pope Eleutherius there was a greater necessity and obligation of recourse to him for the confirmation of those Ordinances which had been made by his Delegats 5. Among other memorable passages touching the Answer sent by Pope Eleutherius to this Message of King Lucius this is one That Fugatius and Damianus presented the King from him with a Crown blessed by him This is asserted by a late learned Protestant Lawyer William Lambard who professes that in his search among the Ancient Lawes of England for many ages hid in darknes he produced this adding withall that besides a Crown bless'd by this Holy Pope he likewise ordain'd the limits of the Brittish Kingdom and withall prescrib'd the Duty and Right of a Christian King saying thus A King being the Minister and Delegat of the Supreme King is appointed by God for this end that he might govern this earthly Kingdom and people of our Lord and above all that he should venerate and govern his Church defending it from all who would injure it that he should root out of it and utterly destroy all evill doers 6. Roger Hoveden four hundred years before M. Lambard transcribing the same passage out of the Ancient Laws of King Edward onely differs from him in this That where mention is made of a Kings Office toward the Church he leaves out the word Regat 7. As touching the limits of King Lucius his Kingdom which this Authour saith was prescribed by Pope Eleutherius whether from thence it came that all the Northern Provinces of the Island afterwards called Scotland governed by a King of their own Nation were subiect to the Ecclesiasticall iurisdiction of the Metropolitan Church of York cannot now be determin'd Polydor Virgil out of ancient Scottish Records affirms that this subjection was a principio from the very beginning of Christianity and that the Bishop of Glasco was to receive his consecration from the Arch-Bishop of York More Maiorum by an immemoriall custom of their Ancestors But of this hereafter 8. One passage more relating to this Answer of Pope Eleutherius is recorded by Martinus Polonus who writes thus The foresaid Holy men Fugatius and Damianus by an Apostolicall Mandat of the Pope ordained that Bishops should be placed in those Citties where formerly there were Flamens and Arch-bishops where Arch-flamens Wherby he signifies that the Pope confirmed the Ordonances formerly made by these his Legats XI CHAP. 1. Severall Churches built by King Lucius 2.3 As Westminster deputed for the buriall of Princes 4. A second at York then the Cheif Citty 5. A third at CaeÌ„r-leon in Wales 6.7 It is question'd whether that was a Metropolitan See 8. A Church built at Dover 9. An Episcopall See said to be erected at Kungresbury in Somersetshire buâ— that is doubtfull 1. IT hath already been declared that King Lucius presently after his Baptism or Theanus consecrated first Bishop of London built a Cathedrall Church to the honour of S. Peter on Cornhill in London Now after the return of Fugatius and Damianus there were severall other Churches erected The names of many of which are still extant upon ancient Records 2. The first of these was the Church of Westminster concerning the first foundation wherof Sulcardus a Monk wrote a Book which he dedicated to Vitalis constituted Abbot there by King William the Conquerour From whence some have collected that in the same place had been formerly erected an Idol-temple consecrated to Apollo which by an Earthquake in the raign of Antoninus Pius was cast to the ground 3. Another Authour called Iohn Fleet who wrote in the year of our Lord one thousand four hundred forty three adds in consequence to Sulcardus out of an Ancient Chronicle written in the Saxon tongue that this place was from the days of King Lucius destin'd for the burying place of our Kings as wee see to this day His words quoted by Bishop Vsher are these From the Primitive age of Christian Faith among the Brittains that is from the days of Lucius their King who in the year of Grace one hundred eighty four is sayd to have received the Divine Law of Christ and together with it the Baptism of holy Regeneration this place of Westminster was founded and consecrated to the honour of God and specially deputed for the buriall of Kings and a Treasury or Repository of their Royall Ornaments To the same effect writes Radolphus Nigerâ— affirming that it was built in the last year of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
a feirce battell was begun and much blood shed on both sides But at last Hengist perceiving his army to give ground and that the Brittains began to prevayle he presently fled to a town call'd Caêr-conan now Cuningbury But considering the weaknes of the town to resist he knew his only safety consisted in the swords and spears of his followers Ambrosius pursued him and by the way putt to the sword all the Saxons he found Thus having obtaind the Victory he with great zeale and devotion gave praise to the God of heaven 8. As for Hengist he fortified his camp as well as he could neer the said town But after a few days saith Camden he was forc'd to come to a battell before his camp which was fatall to him and his for the greatest part of his army was cutt in peices and himself being taken prisoner was beheaded by the Brittains 9. This battell saith Florilegus was fought on the banks of the River Don. And the manner how Hengist was taken prisoner was this The valiant Eldot Duke or Consul of Glocester Claudiocestriae had an earnest desire to cope with Hengist Therefore with the forces under his command furiously peircing through the Enemies squadrons he at last found him and laying hold on the fore part of his helmet with main force he drew him in among his own troops saying God at last hath fullfilld my desire It is he who hath given us the Victory Presently after this the Saxons fled every one his own way whom Ambrosius pursuing manfully slew Octa the Son of Hengist with the greatest numbers fled to York But Esca and not a few with him betook themselves to another Citty call'd Aclud After this Victory Ambrosius took the Citty Caër-conan which he entred triumphantly staying there onely three days 10. The same Author consequently relates the manner how Hengist was sentenced and executed after the fight After the saith he Ambrosius calling his Captains together commanded them to decreet what should becom of Hengist Whereupon Eldad Bishop of Glocester who was also Brother of Eldot impos'd silence on them all and gnashing his teeth for rage he thus said Though all here present had a desire to set him free I my self would cutt him in peices Why doe you delay O effeminat Brittains Did not Samuêl a Prophet having taken the King of Amalec prisoner in a battell cutt him in peices one limme after another saying As thou hast made many Mothers childles so will I make thy mother childles this day Doe you therefore deale in the same manner with this barbarous King who is another Agag and has depriv'd a world of Brittish Mothers of their children When he had thus sayd Eldad drew his sword and leading him out of the Citty cutt off his head sending his soule into hell 11. If this relation be true Eldad shew'd himself an unmercifull man and one who forgott the duty of a Christian Bishop who ought rather to have mitigated the rigour of other mens sentences then to pronounce so cruell a iudgment whilst others who were soldiers too held their peace He therefore little deserves the commendation given him by Pits for his piety and prudence which he â—ill express'd when gnashing his teeth for rage he extorted a Captive Kings death from an Assembly of soldiers The Book of Invective Orations for which the same Authour likewise reckons him among the ancient Brittish Writers probably proceeding from the same spirit deserved rather to be forgotten then recorded as in honour of our Ancestors 12. After this so signall a Victory Ambrosius mindfull of his Vow call'd together workmen Masons and Carpenters and took care to repaire the Houses of God which had been destroyed and placing in them Preists and other Clergy-men he reduc'd the Divine service to the pristine order And wheresoever he found any Idols or Temples of false Gods he defac'd them utterly out of the memory of men He was studious to observe iustice and peace especially to Ecclesiasticall persons and confer'd on them liberall revenews enjoyning them all to pray for the Kingdom and state of Gods Church 13. Hengist being thus dead his Son Aesca succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent He is call'd Oisc by S. Beda who addes that from him the succeeding Kings of Kent were call'd Oiskings As for his other Son Otta in the former narration of Florilegus said to have fled to York nothing can be found of him among the Ancient Writers So that small credit is to be given to what Modern Historians relate concerning him that King Ambrosius bestow'd on him the Province of Galloway in Scotland since in those days that Province was not in the disposall of the Brittains XII CHAP. 1.2 S. Brigit comes out of Ireland into Brittany for Relicks and returns 1. THE same year in which Hengist was slain the Holy Virgin S. Brigit came out of Ireland into Brittany as we find recorded in the Antiquities of Glastonbury and her busines was to obtain some Relicks of her most dear and honour'd Patron S. Patrick for she had been his Disciple and a great admirer of his sanctity which she zealously imitated Being in Brittany she pass'd some years in a certain small Island near Glastonbury where there was an Oratory consecrated to the honour of S. Mary Magdalen The Island was called Bekery or the Little Island Afterward having left behind her scripp chain bell and other vestments of her own weaving which for the memory of her Sanctity are there expos'd she return'd into Ireland where not long after she rested in our Lord and was buried in the Citty of Down 2. This is that famous Virgin for her Sanctity and miracles venerated by Gods Church on the first day of February On which day we read in the Martyrologes of Rome S. Beda and Ado these words This day is celebrated the Memory of S. Brigid a Virgin who in testimony of her virginity having touch'd the Wood of an Altar it became presently green Her death is frequently assign'd by writers to the eighteenth year of the following Century But truër Chronology saith Bishop Vsher makes her to out live S. Patrick only thirty years XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Sophias a Brittish Martyr and Bishop of Beneventum 1. IN our English Martyrologe on the four and twentieth of Ianuary there is a commemoration of a Brittish Saint and Martyr call'd S. Sophias whose death is assigned to the four hundred and ninetieth year of our Lord. 2. This S. Sophias was the Son of Guilleicus Prince of the Ordovices or north-Northwales He undertook a Monasticall Profession in a Monastery built by himself in the same Province It is written of him that he had such devotion to our Lords Passion that he made three pilgrimages to Ierusalem to visit the marks and footsteps of it He had likewise a great Veneration to Rome and those places which had been consecrated by the
blood and Martyrdom of the two Princes of the Apostles 3. At his being there S. Felix or his Predecessour S. Simplicius sate in the Apostles Chair By whom he was consecrated Bishop of Beneventum Which See he governed with prudence and Sanctity till at last he was slain by an impious Pagan whilst he was at the holy Altar celebrating the Mystery of our Redemption 4. This Saint Sophias was by another name call'd Cadocus being the same who gave advice to Saint Iltutus to forsake a secular life as hath been already declared And he is to be distinguish'd from another Saint Cadocus who was an Abbot concerning whom we shall treat in the year of Grace five hundred XIV CHAP. 1.2 c. Of Saint Keyna daugher of Braganus Prince of Brecknock and of her Brothers and sisters 4. c. The Gests of S. Keyna 1. NO lesse famous at the same time was the Holy Brittish Virgin Saint Keyna whose death in our Martyrologe is likewise placed in the same year four hundred and Ninety Illustrious she was for her Birth being the Daughter of Braganus Prince of that Province in Wales which from him was afterward called Brecknockshire but more illustrious for her zeale to preserve her Chastity for which reason she was call'd in the Brittish language Keynvayre that is Keyna the Virgin 2. This Prince Braganus or Brachanus the Father of Saint Keyna is said to have had twelve sons and twelve daughters by his Lady call'd Marcella daughter of Theodoric son of Tethphalt Prince of Garthmatrin the same region call'd afterward Brecnock Their first born Son was Saint Canoc of whom we shall speak ere long And their eldest daughter was Gladus who was mother of Cadocus by Saint Gunley a Holy King of the Southern Britons The second daughter was Melaria the Mother of the Holy Arch-Bishop Saint David Thus writes Capgrave neither doth he mention any other of their children besides S. Keyna 3. But in Giraldus Cambrensis another daughter is commemorated call'd Saint Almedha of whom more will be said presently And David Powel makes mention of a fifth named Tydvaâ—l who was the wife of â—ongen the Son of Cadel Prince of Powis-land and mother of Brochmaâ—l sirnamed Scithroc who slew Ethelfred King of the Northumbers 4. Concerning the Holy Virgin Saint Keyna we find this Narration in the Authour of her life extant in Capgrave She was of Royal blood being daughter of Braganus Prince of Brecknockshire When she came to ripe years many Noble persons sought her in mariage But she utterly refused that state having consecrated her virginity to our Lord by a perpetuall vow For which cause she was afterward by the Brittains called Keyn-wâ—ri that is Keyna the Virgin 5. At length she determined to forsake her countrey and find out some desart place where she might attend to Contemplation Therefore directing her journey beyond Severn and there meeting with certain wooddy places she made her request to the Prince of that countrey that she might be permitted to serve God in that solitude His answer was that he was very willing to grant her request but that the place did so swarm with serpents that neither men nor beasts could inhabite in it But she constantly replyed that her firm trust was in the name and assistance of Almighty God to drive all that poysonnous brood out of that region 6. Hereupon the place was granted to the Holy Virgin who presently prostrating her self in fervent prayer to God obtaind of him to change all the serpents and vipers there into stones And to this day the stones in that Region doe resemble the windings of Serpents through all the feilds and villages as if they had been framed so by the hand of the engraver 7. Our learned Camden in his diligent search after Antiquities seems to have visited this countrey being a part of Somersetshire though he is willing to disparage the miracle His words are On the western bank of Avon is seen the town of Cainsham Some are of opinion that it was named so from Keyna a most holy Brittish Virgin who according to the credulous perswasion of former ages is beleived to have turn'd serpents into stones because such like miracles of sporting nature are there sometimes found in the Quarries I my self saw a stone brought from thence representing a serpent rolled up into a spire The head of it stuck out in the outward surface and the end of the tayle terminated in the Center 8. But let us prosecute the life of this Holy Virgin Many years being spent by her in this solitary place and the fame of her Sanctity every where divulged and many Oratories built by her her Nephew Saint Cadoc performing a pilgrimage to the Mount of Saint Michaâ—l mett there with his blessed Aunt Saint Keyna at whose sight he was replenish'd with great ioy And being desirous to bring her back to her own countrey the inhabitants of that region would not permitt him But afterward by the admonition of an Angel the holy Mayd returned to the place of her Nativity Where on the topp of a hillock seated at the foot of a high mountain she made a little habitation for her self and by her prayers to God obtaind a spring there to flow out of the earth which by the merits of the Holy Virgin afforded health to divers infirmities 9. But when the time of her consummation approached one night she by the revelation of the holy Ghost saw in a vision as it were a fiery pillar the base whereof was fixed on her bed Now her bed was the pavement strow'd over with a few branches of trees And in this Vision two Angels appear'd to her One of which approaching respectfully to her seem'd to take off the sack cloath with which she was covered and instead thereof to putt on her a smock of fine linnen and over that a tunick of purple and last of all a mantell all woven with gold Which having done he thus sayd to her Prepare your self to come with us that we may lead you into your heavenly Fathers Kingdom Hereupon she wept with excesse of joy and endeavouring to follow the Angels she awak'd and found her body inflamed with a feaver so that she perceiv'd her end was near 10. Therefore sending for her Nephew Saint Cadocus she sayd to him This is the place above all others beloved by mee Here my memory shall be perpetuated This place I will often visit in spirit if it may be permitted mee And I am assured it shall be permitted mee because our Lord has granted mee this place as a certain inheritance The time will come when this place shall be inhabited by a sinfull people which notwithstanding I will violently root out of this seat My Tomb shall lye a long time unknown till the coming of other people whom by my prayers I shall bring hither them will I protect and defend and in this place shall the name of our Lord
c. Pascentius a Son of K. Vortigern comes with forces into Brittany And contrives the murder of K. A. Ambrosius But is slain by K. Vther 6. Vther overcomes the Saxons 1. THE Brittains though they had seen their Island thus dismembred and on all sides oppress'd by barbarous enemies yet sustained a greater dammage by civill dissensions rais'd by a Son of the late King Vortigern call'd Pascentius who in the end treacherously depriv'd them of their Noble King Ambrosius 2. This Pascentius after the death of his Father Vortigern seing the minds of the Brittains out of hatred to his Father inclin'd to Ambrosius fled into Germany where he remained severall years endeavouring to gather forces sufficient to place himself in the throne of his Ancestors At length in the year four hundred ninety six he came saith Florilegus with a powerfull and well furnish'd Army and landed in the Northern parts of the Island intending to revenge his own and his fathers injuries upon Ambrosius Who upon news hereof gathered likewise an Army and march'd speedily to meet him Shortly they came to a battell in which Pascentius was overcom and forc'd to fly 3. His refuge was into the countrey of the Scotts where again recruiting his army he return'd to try his fortune once more against the Brittains But hearing that Ambrosius lay sick in the Citty of Winchester he thought it best to work his revenge by treason rather then open force Therefore by gifts and promises he hired a certain Saxon call'd Eopa to fain himself a Physicion and a Brittain and by that means to attempt the murder Who under this feigned shew and with a pretence of great piety and affection to the King being admitted mingled poyson in a potion administred to him of which Ambrosius presently dyed in the one and thirtieth year of his raign 4. But Pascentius did not long enjoy the fruit of his Treason For Vther-pendragon the Brother of Ambrosius who during his Sicknes was Generall of the Brittish forces marching against Pascentius in a battell slew him and all his Captains that came along with him over whom he obtain'd a signall Victory 5. The year following saith Florilegus Vther the Brother of the late King Ambrosius came with hast to Winchester and calling an Assembly of the people and Clergy of the Kingdom took on him the Crown of Brittany which is said to have been set on his head by the Holy Bishop Dubritius And calling to mind how the year before a Comet had appear'd of a wonderfull magnitude darting forth onely one beam at the end whereof was seen a globe of fire shaped like a dragon out of whose mouth proceeded two beames one reaching to Gaule and the other shooting towards Ireland which ended in seaven lesser beames For this reason he commanded two Dragons to be made of gold like to that which had appear'd One of them he gave in oblation to the Church of Winchester the other he caried with him placing it in every combat in his Ensign And from that time he was call'd in the Brittish language Vther-pendragon And hence it is that to this day our Kings in their warlick expeditions cary the like Ensign 6. But Vther had no sooner put on his crown but he was forc'd to exchange it for a Head-peice for as the same Authour relates Eska the Successour of Hengist and his Son Octa attended with a mighty army of Saxons invaded the Northern Provinces of Brittany and destroyd all the Munitions between Albany and York At last when they attempted the seige of a Citty call'd Alcluid Vther-pendragon came upon them with all the strength of the countrey and entred battell against them The Saxons manfully resisted and in the end compell'd the Brittains to fly as far as to a mountain calld Danet which they seis'd upon as a place of refuge being so dismay'd that they scarce knew what they did But at last they resolv'd upon a prudent exploit which was to sett courageously upon the enemies by night This design they executed prosperously For the Saxons being thus unexpectedly invaded scarce rendred any combat at all but were utterly routed and Octa and Eska were taken prisoners whom the King caried with him to London where he caus'd them to be kept safe 7. That which follows in Florilegus touching King Vthers love to Igerna wife to Gorlo Duke of Cornwall on whom he is sayd to have begott Arthur with many other Fables repugnant to all order of time are not worth the exscribing In the narration of the Gests of Arthur wee shall follow William of Malmsbury a far more authentick Guide then Geffrey of Monmouth By him we are informed that Arthur at this time was of a full ripe age and by his assistance King Ambrosius had repress'd the Saxons XXI CHAP. 1.2 c Of S. Gunléus a Brittish Prince and Hermite and of his Son S. Cadoc and his Tutour S. Tathai 9. Of S. Dogmael and S. Bernach Brittish Saints 10. Of S. Finguar an Irish Saint in Cornwall 1. THE year of Grace five hundred is in our Ecclesiasticall monuments mark'd with the death of S. Cadoc not the Martyr sirnamed Sophias but the holy Abbot Son of Gunlaeus Prince of the Southern Brittains and of Gladus or Gundalus a daughter of Braghan who gave the name to the Province of Brecknock of whom we have already treated 2. His Father Gunleus by divine vocation growing weary of the world built a Church saith Capgrave where he began to live in great abstinence and purity of conversation His cloathing was sack-cloath his dyet barley bread mingled with ashes and his drink water He usually rose at midnight and to abate carnall desires cast himself into cold water He received nothing from any but sustained himself with the Labour of his hands 3. This retirement of his Father begun during the child-hood of S. Cadoc who when he came to years of understanding chose rather to imitate his Fathers devotion then enjoying his Principality to be expos'd to the tentations and vicissitudes of the world 4. He had for his Master and directour in the way of Piety a learned and holy man famous in that age called Tathai who liv'd a solitary life in all austerity among the mountains in Southwales till he was invited by Caradoc Prince of that Province to live coenobitically and to institure young men in learning and piety at a Citty calld Venta Silurum in the Province of Monmouth Which Region saith Camden from that Citty Venta was by the Brittains calld Guent And as wee read in the life of Tathai a Brittish Saint it was as an Academy dedicated to the studies of litterature over which was President the said Tathai invited from his solitude to that employment by King Caradoc the Son of Inirius This Office Tathai executed with great commendation and there built a Church 5. Vnder so worthy a Master S. Cadoc made wonderfull progresse in vertue and piety and
himself became a Guide in a spirituall life and Father of Monks For which purpose he also built a Monastery which was calld Lancarvan from an admirable accident in the building of it in which saith Harpsfeild he employ'd will Harts which became familiar obedient and serviceable to him 6. Thus both the Father and Son contemning the world liv'd in it to God only and dyed happily And as touching the death of S. Gunlaeus the Father wee read thus in Capgrave When the end of his dayes approch'd he sent to S. Dubricius who had been Bishop of Landaff but now had translated the Bishoprick to another place and to his Son Cadoc desiring the charity of a visit from them Who came and comforted him and after he had receiv'd the Holy Communion for a Viaticum and defence of his soule he departed to our Lord the fourth day before the Calends of April He was honourably buried and at his sepulcher Angels were often seen Sick persons of all infirmities coming thither and imploring his intercession were healed and glorified God in his Saint The day of his consummation is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the twenty ninth of March. 7. Concerning his Son S. Cadocus it is further related there That he dayly sustain'd a hundred Ecclesiasticall persons as many Widows and as many other poor people besides strangers which frequently visited him For though he was an Abbot and had many Monks under his Government yet he reserved a portion of his Fathers Principality to be charitably distributed to such as had need Now we are not to iudge that hereby this Holy Abbot did trangresse a Monasticall Profession which forbids Propriety in temporall goods for in the distribution of them he only exercised a pious Procuration as he did in other Goods of his Monastery 8. He dyed with a great opinion of Sanctity in the Province of the Ordovices and there was held in high veneration among the Brittains For Harpsâ—eild testifies that a Church was erected to his honour among the Danmonij at a place call'd Corinia which to this day conserves his memory The year wherin he dyed is uncertain But since S. Dubritius is recorded to have been present at it it could not happen so late as Harpsfeild places it In â—he ancient English Martyrologe he is commemorated on the four and twentieth of February 9. In the same Martyrologe are recorded the names of other Brittish Saints who dyed about the year of Grace five hundred Among the rest is named S. Dogmael called also by the Brittains S. Tegwel illustrious for his great vertues his Sanctity and Miracles A famous Abbey in Penbrockshire took its name â—rom him His memory is celebrated on the four-teenth of Iune There likewise on the seaventh of the Ides of April is a commemoration of S. Bernach Abbot a man of admirable Sanâ—â—ity Who in devotion made a journey to Rome and from thence returning into Brittany fill'd all places with the fame of his piety and miracles 10. The same year likewise a famous Irish Saint and Martyr call'd S. Finguar is recorded to have dyed He was the Son of Cliâ—on a Prince in Ireland Who to enjoy a commodious vacancy for contemplation is said to have retir'd into Cornwall where together with many others he was slain by Theodorick a Prince of that Countrey His life is found written by S. Anselm Arch-bishop of Canterbury XXIII CHAP. 1. Aesca King of Kent escapes out of prison 2. New forces arrive from Germany to Cerdic at Portsmouth 3. The Scottish Kingdom of Albania erected 1. Aesca the Son of Hengist who had been taken prisoner by Vther-pendragon was confind at London Who yet shortly after escap'd out of prison and return'd to his kingdom of Kent Where being not like his Father of a stirring spirit he contented himself with what his Father had conquered enjoying quietly the fruits of his labours 2. As for Cerdicius who landed in Northfolk after some years stay in those parts he in the year five hundred sought a more commodious Seat in the Western parts of Brittany And being with his present forces unable to establish a kingdom there he sent into Germany for new supplies so the year following there arrived a German captain call'd Port with his two sons Bleda and Magla in two great ships furnish'd with souldiers who landed at a haven from him call'd Portsmouth though Ptolomy affirms that the ancient Name of it was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Great haven or port Thus writes Mathew of Westminster And Henry of Huntingdon adds that this hapned in the seaventh year after Cerdicius his first coming Moreover that upon his landing a great clamour fill'd the whole Province Insomuch as the Brittish Governour and the whole multitude with great boldnes but without order set upon the Saxons and were presently dispers'd by them 3. This year likewise whilst the Saxons dayly made a progresse in the Southern and more fertile Provinces of Brittany the Scotts in the North layd a foundation of their New kingdom at the foot of the Mountain Grampius which was call'd the Kingdom of Albany For so we read in the Annals of Tigernac anâ— is Writer cited by Bishop Vsher where it is sayd that Fergus the Son of Eric with a Nation call'd Dalraids or Dalreudins possess'd themselves of a part of Brittany And Camden likewise writes That Fergus the Son of Eric of the seed of Chonare was the first who took on him the Title of King of Albany from Brun Albain to the Irish Sea And the following Kings of the Seed of Fergus to Alpin the Son of Eochal raign'â— in Brun Albain This Nation saith S. Beda were call'd Dalreudini from Reuda under whose conduct they first came out of Ireland XXIV CHAP. 1 2. c Of S. Petroc His Gests And of S Coemgen 8.9 Translation of the Relicks of S. Petroc of S. Meven 1. AS from Ireland many Holy men sought a retreat for their devotions in Brittany so there were not wanting some who from the same motives were induced especially in these tumultuous times to retire out of Brittany into Ireland Among which Bishop Vsher exemplifies in S. Petroc who being a stranger born in Brittany lived in Ireland where there was recommended to his care and instruction a youth of seaven years old call'd Coâ—mgen or Kegnius to be by him educated in learning and piety Which Coëmgen was afterward Abbot of Glindelac 2. S Petroc was by Nation a Cambrian not a Cimbrian as by mistake is set down in the Gallican Martyrologe He was born of Princely parentage in Wales and saith the authour of his life in Capgrave from his infancy he did so well imitate the Faith and vertues of Saint Peter the Prince of the Apostles that his name may seem to have been given him by Divine inspiration as if God had destin'd him also to be a Rock Petra upon which Truth would
Offrings to the Church of Tours and of Saint Martins and some to the Church of Mans. This was the substance of her Will and a few months after spent with sicknes she departed this life by orders left in writing having given freedom to many of her servants At her death she was as I conjecture seaventy years old By the vertues devotion and charity of this good Queen we may collect that Aldiburga her daughter at least unquestionably her neer kinswoman brought the like into Brittany XXII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Saxon Heptarchy or Seaven Kingdoms of the Saxons in Brittany with their respective limits and Princes at this time when S. Augustin came to convert our Nation 1. THE next thing that occurrs in our Ecclesiasticall Records touching Brittany is the rising of the Sun of righteousnes upon it by the Light whereof the darknes of Idolatry and Pagan superstition was dispelled and a new seed of pious Princes zealous Bishops immaculate Virgins devout Monks and multitudes of all sorts far excelling in all Christian vertues and Graces the late Brittish inhabitants sprung up and flourished to the admiration of all other Christian Churches insomuch as that from this time Brittany began to deserve the Title afterwards annexed to it of being called The Isle of Saints 2. But before I relate how and by what degrees the foundations of so great a Happines were layd it will be expedient to give a generall prospect at one view of the present state of Brittany how the Provinces were divided into severall Saxon-Goverments and what Princes ruled in each 3. It is agreed generally among our Writers that the Day-star of Christianity at least bâ—gan to shine in Brittany in the year of Grace five hundred ninety six for then the Apostolick Messengers from Rome received their Mission from the most worthy Successour of Saint Peter S. Gregory the Great in the seaventh year of his Pontificate and begun their iourney towards our Island though they did not arrive here till the year following 4. Now at that time the Saxon Heptarchy was established in Brittany for all the Provinces of it excluding the Northern Kingdoms of the Scotts and Picts with the Western parts called Cambria or Wales possessed by the Brittains and likewise Cornwall not yet wholly subdued by the Saxons were entirely under the dominion of the Angli and Saxons and having been by degrees conquered by severall Princes and Captains out of Germany which were independent of one another each one challenged his conquest and governed the Provinces subdued by him as his own lawfull right possessions though some of them proving lesse powerfull and confind within narrower limits then others in a short time were forced to demand protection and consequently acknowledge some dependance on their more powerfull neighbours 5. The Kings so governing each his respective portion were in number Seaven Their Names and Provinces were as followeth in order according to the antiquity of each Kingdom 6. First Ethelbert was then in the thirty sixth year of his Raign over the Kingdom of Kent He was Son of Irmeric Son of Otha Son of Eska Son of Hengist who founded that Kingdom in the year of Grace four hundred fifty seaven His Kingdom containd the County of Kent as it is at this day bounded without any considerable difference 7. Next over the Southsaxons which Kingdom comprised Sussex and Surrey raignd Edilwalch the Son of Cissa the Son of Ella who established that Kingdom in the year four hundred ninety one Then was the seaventh year of Edilwalch's raign 8. Thirdly the Kingdom of the West-Saxons was now the fifth year possessed by Celrick Brothers Son to Ceaulin Son of Kenric Son of Cerdic founder of that Kingdom in the year of our Lord five hundred and nineteen Within whose Dominions were comprehended Hantshire Berkshire Wiltshire Somerset Dorsetshire Devonshire and part of Cornwal 9. Next over the East-Saxons Sebert then was in the first year of his Raign He was Son of Sledda Son of Erkenwin who in the year of Grace five hundred twenty seaven founded that Kingdom containing Essex Middlesex and so much of Hartfordshire as is under the Bishop of Londons Iurisdiction whose Diocese is adequate to this Kingdom 10. After this was the Kingdom of the Northumbers to which belonged whatsoever lyeth between Humber and Edenborough-Frith It was sometimes subdivided into two Kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira Bernicia contain'd Northumberland with the South of Scotland to Edenborough and Deira consisted of part of Lancashire with the entire counties of York Durham Westmorland and Cumberland The whole Kingdom at this time was governed by Ethelfrid in the fourth year of his Raign Who was Son of Edelric Son of Alla Son of Ida who founded that Kingdom in the year of our Lord five hundred forty seaven 11. After this was the Kingdom of the East-Angles containing Norfolk Suffolk Cambridgshire with the Isle of Ely and some part of Bedfordshire At that time Redwald had been four years King thereof who was Son of Titillus Son of Vffa esteem'd the first King and founder of it in the year of Grace five hundred seaventy five 12. The last though largest of the Saxon Heptarchy was the Kingdom of the Mercians so call'd because being seated in the middle of the Island it was the Marches or Limits on which the other Kingdoms did border It comprehended the whole Counties of Lincoln Northampton RutlaÌ„d Huntingdoâ— Buckingham Oxford Worcester Warwick Darby Nottingham Leicester Stafford Chester Glocester Part of Lancashire Herefordshire Shropshire and Bedfordshire At this time when S. Augustin the Monk was sent by Pope Gregory to the Conversion of the Saxons the King or at least Cheif Governour of Mercia was Wibba son of Crida who layd the foundations of it in the year of our Lord five hundred eighty five 13. These were the Kings raigning in Brittany when Almighty God from heaven visited it by sending Apostolicall men to teach the blind Inhabitants the wayes to glory and Happines And these were the limits of their respective kingdoms Which limits notwithstanding were in continuall motion varying according to the successe good or bad of the Princes invading as oft they did the bounds of their Neighbours And among these seaven Kings commonly one was most puissant overruling the rest who stiled himself King of the English Nation Which supereminence Ethelbert King of Kent at this time enjoyd to whom the Word of life was first offred and by him thankfully accepted as shall consequently be declared 14. Now since in the poursuit of our History we are to give an Account of occurrents relating to another new Government and Church in Brittany being little concerned hereafter in the affaires of the Brittains themselves We will therefore in the following Books denote the Succession of times not by the Brittish but Saxon Kings in whose raigns they shall happen respectively And though at this time in the Saxon Heptarchy the Kingdom of Kent was both the most powerfull
who call'd himself Ioseph of Arimathea and sayd that he was clos'd up there by the Iews because he had buried Christ and that till that time he had been nourished with heavenly food 8. But common reason will shew how little force such a particular ungrounded story ought to have against the Tradition of a whole Nation Therefore the English Oratours in opposition hereto gave full assurance that in our most Ancient Books and Archives especially in the Records of the most famous Abbey of Glastonbury it is expressly declared that Ioseph with his companions being persecuted either by Herod or the Roman President were brought into this Island where he preached the things which he had seen and heard of Christ and by his preaching converted many who being converted bestowed on him a world of rich gifts all which he left to the Church erected by him in the honour of Christ. The which Church built by S. Ioseph was afterward transfer'd into a Religious Monastery and Abbatiall dignity and by that famous Monastery the praises of our Lord have been continued to that present day 9. Thus publickly and with so great Authority was this Tradition concerning S. Ioseph's preaching and converting the Brittains confirm'd in severall Generall Councils And more particularly as touching the Ancient Records testifying the Truth of this story we find them with great advantage mention'd in an illustrious Charter extant to this day which was given by our King Henry the second at westminster to the Abbay of Glastonbury In which Charter the sayd King signifying his intention to rebuild that Monastery not long before consum'd by fire And to renew all the Priviledges confer'd on it by his Predecessours King william the first and second and his Grandfather King Henry the first as likewise by more Ancient Kings S. Edgar the Father of S. Edward King Edmond and his Father Edward and his Grandfather King Alfred King Bringwalth Hentwyn Baldred Ina the famous King Arthur Candred and many other Christian Kings yea moreover by Kenewalla in former times a Pagan King of Brittany For this purpose he affirms that he caused a diligent inquisition to be made of the sayd Priviledges and Charters which were presented and read in his presence all which he confirmed and rene'wd to the same Church anciently call'd by some the Mother of Saints and by others the Tomb of Saints because it had been built by the very immediat Disciples of our Lord and in the beginning dedicated by our Lord himselfe as Venerable Antiquity doth testify This testimony is given by King Henry the Second in his sayd Charter All which considered to deny so great a blessing conferd on our Nation as the arrivall here of S. Ioseph can only be an act of passion and unexcusable partiality II. CHAP. 1.2.3 The time and occasion of S. Iosephs coming into Brittany not cleared by ancient Writers 4.5.6 Bishop Godwins mistake wrongfully grounded on Freculphus 7. The Holy Graal an old senceles Legend 1. HAd it not been for that visible lasting Monument of Glastonbury perhaps posterity had never been acquainted with the name of so illustrious a Patron of our Nation as S. Ioseph since no Books of that Age if any were written are now extant and the wonderfull changes in the very constitution of this Island by a succession of severall new Nations would problably extinguish all ancient Traditions 2. These things considered it will be difficult to give any rationall or satisfactory Account of the precise time and occasion of S. Iosephs arrivall in Brittany and much lesse of the particular Acts of himselfe and his companions during the space of so many years as interven'd between their first coming and deaths 3. Those Modern Writers which have most studiously searchd into Antiquity and with greatest candour and sincerity reiected severall fabulous inventions of some of our Authours who wrote not many Ages since doe agree that S. Ioseph first entred Brittany in the raign of Nero when Suctonius Paulinus was Pretâ—r here at which time great opportunity was afforded for such a Voyage by reason of severall Troops and companies of soldiers sent out of Gaule to re-inforce the Roman Army as likewise the coming hither of Nero's freed servant and favourite Policletus with a great retinue c. 4. But what particular occasion or Motive might induce S. Ioseph to undertake such a journey and employment is altogether uncertain Our late Protestant Historians to exclude any relation dependence or obligation that our Countrey might have to S. Peter are willing it should be beleiv'd that he was commissiond from S. Philip the Apostle then preaching in Gaule To this effect Doctour Godwin late Bishop of Hereford writes thus Freculphus Lexoviensis saith he gives the reason why S. Ioseph pass'd ouer into Brittany For when S. Philip the Apostle or as others rather thinke the Evangelist for the Acts of these two are much confounded and mingled in history preach'd the Gospell in Gaule he had much conâ—estat on with the Druids the cheif Doctours of whose superstition lived in Brittany Therfore being inform'd that our Island was by a very narrow sea divided from the continent of Gaule he thought it very expedient to send hither twelve Preachers the Cheif and President of which was S. Ioseph who in the sixty third yeare of Christ began their employment of converting the Brittains Thus writes the Bishop pretending Freculphus for his warrant 5. Wher as Freculphus treating of S. Philip neither mentions S. Ioseph nor the Druid's nor Brittany all that he writes being onely this S. Philip preach'd Christ to the Gaules and moreover brought to the light of knowledge and secure Haven of Faith certain barbarous Nations neighbouring to darknes and ioynd to them by the swelling Ocean Afterwards in Hierapolis a Citty of Phrygia he suffred death by crucifying and stoning This passage Freculpus extraited out of Isidor and consequently it is to be interpreted according to Isidors mind who by the Gaules or Galatae understood that Nation then inhabiting Asia not Europe and by the barbarous Nations neighbouring to Northern darknes the Scythians divided from the Galatians by the Euxin Sea Besides according to the coÌ„sent of Antiquity S. Philips Martyrdom hapned many years before the time mention'd by the Bishop 6. Let the Apostles name therfore who sent S. Ioseph and his companions into Brittany remain in obscurity to Protestants though the forecited Text of S. Innocent first Pope of that name expressly affims that none converted any of these Western and Northern Nations but only S. Peter or his Successours or such as were delegated by them His coming cannot be questiond nor that he came with the authority of a Spirituall Pastour and Apostolick Preacher 7. As for his six hundred companions which a senceles Legend upon the authority of a more senceles old Book call'd the Holy Graal says came along with him some men and some women as lâ—kewise the arrivall of a certain Prince