impar'd they as readily hearkning to his request send Aidan a Scotch Monk and Bishop but of singular zeal and meekness with others to assist him whom at thir own desire he seated in Lindisfarne as the Episcopal Seat now Holy Iland and being the Son of Ethelfrid by the Sister of Edwin as right Heir others failing easily reduc'd both Kingdoms of Northumberland as before into one nor of Edwins Dominion lost any part but enlarg'd it rather over all the fowr British Nations Angles Britans Picts and Scots exerciseing regall Authority Of his Devotion Humility and Almes-deeds much is spok'n that he disdain'd not to be the interpreter of Aidan preaching in Scotch or bad English to his Nobles and Houshold Servants and had the poor continually serv'd at his Gate after the promiscuous manner of those times his meaning might be upright but the manner more antient of privat or of Church contribution is doubtless more Evangelical About this time the West-Saxons An. Dom. 635 antiently call'd Gevissi by the preaching of Berinus a Bishop whom Pope Honorius had sent were converted to the Faith with Kinegils thir King him Oswald receav'd out of the Font An. Dom. 636 and his Daughter in mariage The next year Cuichelm was baptiz'd in Dorchester but liv'd not to the years end The East-Angles also this year were reclaim'd to the Faith of Christ which for som years past they had thrown off But Sigbert the Brother of Eorpwald now succeeded in that Kingdom prais'd for a most Christian and Learned Man who while his Brother yet reign'd living in France an exile for some displeasure conceav'd against him by Redwald his Father lern'd there the Christian Faith and reigning soon after in the same instructed his people by the preaching of Felix a Burgundian Bishop An. Dom. 640 In the year 640. Eadbald deceasing left to Ercombert his Son by Emma the French Kings Daughter the Kingdom of Kent recorded the first of English Kings who commanded through his limits the destroying of Idols laudably if all Idols without exception and the first to have establisht Lent among us under strict penalty not worth remembring but only to inform us that no Lent was observ'd heer till his time by compulsion especially being noted by some to have fraudulently usurp'd upon his Elder Brother Ermenred whose right was precedent to the Crown An. Dom. 642 Oswald having reign'd 8 years worthy also as might seem of longer life fell into the same fate with Edwin and from the same hand in a great Battel overcom and slain by Penda at a place call'd Maserfeild now Oswestre in Shropshire miraculous as saith Beda after his Death His Brother Oswi succeeded him reigning though in much trouble 28 years oppos'd either by Penda or his own Son Alfred or his Brothers Son Ethilwald An. Dom. 643 Next year Kinegils the West-Saxon dying left his Son Kenwalk in his stead though as yet unconverted About this time Sigebert King of East-Angles having lernt in France ere his coming to Reign the manner of thir Schools with the assistance of some Teachers out of Kent instituted a School heer after the same Discipline thought to be the University of Cambridge then first founded and at length weary of his Kingly Office betook him to a Monastical life commending the care of Government to his Kinsman Egric who had sustain'd with him part of that burden before It happen'd some years after that Penda made War on the East-Angles they expecting a sharp encounter besought Sigebert whom they esteem'd an expert Leader with his presence to confirm the Souldiery and him refuseing carried by force out of the Monastery into the Camp where acting the Monk rather then the Captain with a single wand in his hand he was slain with Egric and his whole Army put to flight Anna of the Royal Stock as next in right succeeded and hath the praise of a vertuous and most Christian Prince An. Dom. 645 But Kenwalk the West-Saxon having maried the Daughter of Penda and divorc't her was by him with more appearance of a just cause vanquisht in fight and depriv'd of his Crown whence retiring to Anna King of the East-Angles after three years abode in his Court he there became Christian An. Dom. 648 and afterwards regain'd his Kingdom Oswi in the former years of his Reign had sharer with him Oswin Nephew of Edwin who rul'd in Deira 7 years commended much for his zeal in Religion and for comliness of person with other princely qualities belov'd of all Notwithstanding which dissentions growing between them it came to Armes Oswin seeing himself much exceeded in numbers thought it more prudence dismissing his Army to reserve himself for some better occasion But committing his person with one faithfull attendant to the Loyalty of Hunwald an Earl his imagin'd friend he was by him treacherously discoverd and by command of Oswi slain An. Dom. 651 After whom within 12 days and for greif of him whose death he foretold dy'd Bishop Aidan famous for his Charity meekness and labour in the Gospel The fact of Oswi was detestable to all which therfore to expiate a Monastery was built in the place where it was don and Prayers there daily offerd up for the Souls of both Kings the slain and the slayer Kenwalk by this time reinstall'd in his Kingdom kept it long but with various Fortune for Beda relates him oft-times afflicted by his Enemies with great losses An. Dom. 652 and in 652. by the Annals fought a Battel Civil War Ethelwerd calls it at Bradanford by the River Afene against whom and for what cause or who had the Victory they write not Camden names the place Bradford in Wiltshire by the River Avon and Cuthred his neer Kinsman against whom he fought but cites no Autority certain it is that Kenwalk fowr years before had giv'n large possessions to his Nephew Cuthred the more unlikely therefore now to have rebell'd An. Dom. 653 The next year Peada whom his Father Penda though a Heathen had for his Princely Vertues made Prince of Middle-Angles belonging to the Mercians was with that people converted to the Faith For coming to Oswi with request to have in mariage Alfâ—eda his Daughter he was deni'd her but on condition that he with all his people should receave Christianity Heering therefore not unwillingly what was preach't to him of Resurrection and Eternal life much persuaded also by Alfrid the Kings Son who had his Sister Kyniburg to Wife he easily assented for the truths sake only as he profess'd whether he obtain'd the Virgin or no and was baptiz'd with all his followers Returning he took with him fowr Presbyters to teach the people of his Province who by thir daily preaching won many Neither did Penda though himself no Beleever prohibit any in his Kingdome to heer to beleeve the Gospel but rather hated and despis'd those who professing to beleeve atested not thir Faith by good works condemning them for
the Altar he fell down immediatly and carried out by his Servants three daies after dy'd Mean while beyond Humber the Danes though much aw'd were not idle Inguald one of thir Kings took possession of Yorke Sitric who some years before had slain Niel his Brother by force took Davenport in Châ—shire and however he defended these doings grew so considerable that Athelstan with great solemnity gave him his Sister Edgith to Wife but he enjoy'd her not long dying ere the years end nor his Sons Anlaf and Guthfert the Kingdome driv'n out the next An. Dom. 927 year by Athelstan not unjustly saith Huntingdon as being first raisers of the War Simeon calls him Gudsrid a British King whom Athelstan this year drove out of his Kingdome and perhaps they were both one the name and time not much differing the place only mistak'n Malmsbury differs in the name also calling him Aldulf a certain Rebel Them also I wish as much mistak'n who write that Athelstan jealous of his younger Brother Edwin's towardly vertues least added to the right of Birth they might some time or other call in question his illegitimate precedence caus'd him to be drown'd in the An. Dom. 933 Sea expos'd some say with one Servant in a rott'n Bark without Sail or Oar where the youth far off land and in rough weather despairing threw himself over-board the Servant more patient got to land and reported the success But this Malmsbury confesses to be sung in old Songs not read in warrantable Authors and Huntingdon speaks as of a sad accident to Athelstan that he lost his Brother Edwin by Sea far the more credible in that Athelstan as is writ'n by all tenderly lov'd and bred up the rest of his Brethren of whom he had no less cause to be jealous And the year following he prosperd better An. Dom. 934 then from so foul a fact passing into Scotland with great Puissance both by Sea and Land and chaceing his Enemies before him by Land as far as Dunseoder and Wertermore by Sea as far as Cathness The cause of this expedition saith Malmsbury was to demand Gudfert the Son of Sitric thether fled though not deny'd at length by Constantine who with Eugenius King of Cumberland at a place call'd Dacor or Dacre in that Shire surrenderd himself and each his Kingdome to Athelstan who brought back with him for hostage the Son of Constantine But Gudfert escaping in the mean while out of Scotland and Constantine exasperated by this invasion perswaded Anlaf the other Son of Sitric then fled into Ireland others write Anlaf King of Ireland and the Iles his An. Dom. 938 Son in law with 615 Ships and the King of Cumberland with other forces to his aid This within fowr years effected they enterd England by Humber and fought with Athelstan at a place call'd Wendune others term it Brunanburg others Bruneford which Ingulf places beyond Humber Camden in Glendale of Northumberland on the Scotch Borders the bloodiest fight say Authors that ever this Iland saw to describe which the Saxon Annalist wont to be sober and succinct whether the same or another writer now labouring under the weight of his Argument and over-charg'd runs on a sudden into such extravagant fansies and metaphors as bare him quite beside the scope of being understood Huntingdon though himself peccant enough in his kind transcribes him word for word as a pastime to his Readers I shall only summe up what of him I can attain in usuall language The Battel was fought eagerly from morning till night some fell of King Edwards old Army try'd in many a Battel before but on the other side great multitudes the rest fled to thir Ships Five Kings and 7 of Anlafs Chief Captains were slain on the place with Froda a Norman Leader Constantine escap'd home but lost his Son in the fight if I understand my Author Anlaf by Sea to Dublin with a small remainder of his great hoast Malmsbury relates this War adding many circumstances after this manner That Anlaf joining with Constantine and the whole power of Scotland besides those which he brought with him out of Ireland came on far Southwards till Athelstan who had retir'd on set purpose to be the surer of his Enimies enclos'd from all succour and retreat met him at Brunesord Anlaf perceaving the valour and resolution of Athelstan and mistrusting his own Forces though numerous resolv'd first to spie in what posture his Enemies lay and imitating perhaps what he heard attempted by King Alfred the Age before in the habit of a Musitian got access by his lute and voice to the Kings tent there playing both the minstrel and the spie then towards Evening dismis't he was observ'd by one who had bin his Souldier and well knew him veiwing earnestly the Kings Tent and what approaches lay about it then in the twilight to depart The Souldier forthwith acquaints the King and by him blam'd for letting go his Enemy answerd that he had giv'n first his military Oath to Anlaf whom if he had betrai'd the King might suspect him of like treasonous minde towards himself which to disprove he advis'd him to remove his Tent a good distance off and so don it happ'nd that a Bishop with his retinue coming that night to the Army pich'd his Tent in the same place from whence the King had remov'd Analf coming by night as he had design'd to assault the Camp and especially the Kings Tent finding there the Bishop in stead flew him with all his followers Athelstan took the Allarm and as it seems was not found so unprovided but that the day now appearing he put his men in order and maintain'd the fight till Evening wherin Constantine himself was slain with five other Kings and twelve Earls the Annals were content with seav'n in the rest not disagreeing Ingulf Abbot of Croyland from the autority of Turketul a principal Leader in this Battel relates it more at large to this effect that Athelstan above a mile distant from the place where execution was done upon the Bishop and his supplies allarm'd at the noise came down by break of day upon Anlaf and his Army over-watch't and wearied now with the slaughter they had made and something out of order yet in two main Battels The King therfore in like manner dividing led the one part consisting most of West Saxons against Anlaf with his Danes and Irish committing the other to his Chancellor Turketul with the Mercians and Londoners against Constantine and his Scots The showr of Arrows and Darts over-pass't both Battells attack'd each other with a close and terrible ingagement for a long space neither side giving ground Till the Chancellor Turketul a man of great stature and strength taking with him a few Londoners of select valour and Singin who led the Worstershire men a Captain of undaunted courage broke into the thickest making his way first through the Picts and Orkeners then through the
the Squadron where those two Kings had plac'd themselvs in fight from that part which they thought securest assaults and dispatches them Then displaying his own Ensignes which before he had conceal'd and sending notice to the other part of his Army what was don adds to them new courage and gains a final Victory This Dunwallo was the first in Britain that wore a Crown of Gold and therfore by som reputed the first King He established the Molmutine Laws famous among the English to this day writt'n long after in Latine by Gildas and in Saxon by King Alfred so saith Geofrey but Gildas denies to have known aught of the Britans before Caesar much less knew Alfred These Laws whoever made them bestow'd on Temples the privilege of Sanctuary to Cities also and the waies thether leading yea to Plows granted a kind of like refuge and made such riddance of Theeves and Robbers that all passages were safe Forty Years he Govern'd alone and was buried nigh to the Temple of Concord which he to the memory of peace restor'd had built in Trinovant His two Sons Belinus and Brennus contending about the Crown by decision of Freinds came at length to an accord Brennus to have the North of Humber Belinus the Sovrantie of all But the younger not long so contented that he as they whisper'd to him whose valour had so oft repell'd the invasions of Ceulphus the Morine Duke should now be subject to his Brother upon new Designe fails into Norway enters League and Affinitie with Elsing that King which Belinus perceaving in his absence disposseses him of all the North. Brennus with a Fleet of Norwegians makes toward Britain but encounter'd by Guithlac the Danish King who laying claim to his Bride pursu'd him on the Sea his hast was retarded and he berest of his Spouse who from the fight by a sudden Tempest was by the Danish King driv'n on Northumberland and brought to Belinus Brennus nevertheless recollecting his Navy lands in Albania and gives Battell to his Brother in the Wood Calaterium but loosing the day escapes with one single Ship into Gaul Mean while the Dane upon his own offer to become tributary sent home with his new prise Belinus returns his thoughts to the administring of Justice and the perfeting of his Fathers Laws and to explain what High-waies might enjoy the foresaid privileges he caus'd to be drawn out and pav'd fowr main Roades to the utmost length and bredth of the Iland and two others athwart which are since attributed to the Romans Bren-Brennus on the other side solliciting to his aid the Kings of Gaul happ'ns at last on Seginus Duke of the Allobreges where his worth and comliness of person wan him the Dukes Daughter and Heir In whose right he shortly succeeding and by obtain'd leave passing with a great Host through the length of Gaul gets footing once again in Britain Nor was Belinus unprepar'd and now the Battell ready to joyn Conuvenna the Mother of them both all in a fright throws her self between and calling earnestly to Brennus her Son whose absence had so long depriv'd her of his sight after imbracements and teares assails him with such a motherly power and the mention of things so dear and reverend as irresistibly wrung from him all his enmity against Belinus Then are hands joyn'd reconciliation made firm and Counsel held to turn thir united preparations on Foren parts Thence that by these two all Gallia was overrun the story tells and what they did in Italy and at Rome if these be they and not Gauls who took that City the Roman Authors can best relate So far from home I undertake not for the Monmouth Chronicle which heer against the stream of History carries up and down these Brethren now into Germany then again to Rome pursuing Gabius and Porsena two unheard of Consuls Thus much is more generally beleev'd that both this Brennus and another famous Captain Britomarus whom the Epitomist Florus and others mention were not Gauls but Britans the name of the first in that Tongue signifying a King and of the other a Great Britan. However Belinus after a while returning home the rest of his daies rul'd in Peace Wealth and Honour above all his Predecessors building som Cities of which one was Caerose upon Osca since Caerlegion beautifying others as Trinovant with a Gate a Hav'n and a Towr on the Thames retaining yet his name on the top wherof his Ashes are said to have bin laid up in a Golden Urne After him Gurguntius Barbirus was King mild and just but yet inheriting his Fathers Courage he subdu'd the Dacian or Dane who refus'd to pay the Tribute Covnanted to Belinus for his enlargement In his return finding about the Orkneies 30 Ships of Spain or Biscay fraught with Men and Women for a Plantation whose Captain also Bartholinus wrongfully banish't as he pleaded besaught him that som part of his Territory might be assign'd them to dwell in he sent with them certain of his own men to Ireland which then lay unpeopl'd and gave them that Iland to hold of him as in Homage He was buried in Caerlegion a City which he had wall'd about Guitheline his Son is also remember'd as a just and good Prince and his Wife Martia to have excell'd so much in wisdom as to venture upon a new Institution of Laws Which King Alfred translating call'd Marchen Leage but more truly therby is meant the Mertian Law not translated by Alfred but digested or incorporated with the West-Saxon In the minority of her Son she had the rule and then as may be suppos'd brought forth these Laws not her self for Laws are Masculin Births but by the advice of her sagest Counselors and therin she might doe vertuously since it befell her to supply the nonage of her Son else nothing more awry from the Law of God and Nature then that a Woman should give Laws to Men. Hir Son Sisilius comming to Yeares receav'd the Rule then in order Kimarus then Danius or Elanius his Brother Then Morindus his Son by Tanguestela a Concubine who is recorded a man of excessive Strength Valiant Liberal and fair of Aspect but immanely Cruell not sparing in his Anger Enemy or Freind if any Weapon were in his hand A certain King of the Morines or Picards invaded Northumberland whose Army this King though not wanting sufficient numbers cheifly by his own prowess overcame But dishonour'd his Victory by the cruel usage of his Prisners whom his own hands or others in his presence put all to several Deaths well fitted to such a bestiall Cruelty was his end for hearing of a huge Monster that from the Irish Sea infested the Coast and in the Pride of his Strength foolishly attempting to set manly valour against a Brute vastness when his Weapons were all in vain by that horrible mouth he was catch't up and devour'd Gorbonian the Eldest of his five Sons then whom a Juster man liv'd not in his Age was a great
Merlin Nevertheless Faustus who was the Son thus incestuously begott'n under the instructions of German or some of his Disciples for German was dead before prov'd a religious man and liv'd in devotion by the River Remnis in Clamorganshire But the Saxons though finding it so easy to subdue the Ile with most of thir Forces uncertain for what cause return'd home when as the easiness of thir Conquest might seem rather likely to have call'd in more Which makes more probable that which the British write of Guortemir For he coming to Reigne instead of his Father depos'd for incest is said to have thrice driv'n and beseig'd the Saxons in the I le of Taneth and when they issu'd out with powerful supplies sent from Saxony to have fought with them fowr other Battells wherof three are nam'd the first on the River Darwent the second at Episford wherin Horsa the Brother of Hengist fell and on the British part Catigern the other Son of Vortiger The third in a Feild by Stonar then call'd Lapis tituli in Tanct where he beat them into thir Ships that bore them home glad to have so scap'd and not venturing to land again for 5 years after In the space wherof Guortemir dying commanded they should bury him in the Port of Stonar perswaded that his bones lying there would be terror enough to keep the Saxons from ever landing in that place they saith Ninnius neglecting his command buried him in Lincoln But concerning these times antientest annals of the Saxons relate in this manner An. Dom. 455 In the year 455. Hengist and Horsa fought against Vortigern in a place called Eglesthrip now Ailsford in Kent where Horsa lost his life of whom Horsted the place of his burial took name After this first Battel and the Death of his Brother Hengist with his Son Esca took on him Kingly Title and peopl'd Kent with Jutes who also then or not long after possess'd the I le of Wight and part of Hamshire lying opposite An. Dom. 457 Two years after in a fight at Creganford or Craford Hengist and his Son slew of the Britans four Cheif Commanders and as many thousand men the rest in great disorder flying to London with the total loss of Kent An. Dom. 465 And 8 years passing between he made new Warr on the Britans of whom in a Battel at Wippeds-fleot 12 Princes were slain and Wipped the Saxon Earl who left his name to that place though not sufficient to direct us where it now stands An. Dom. 473 His last encounter was at a place not mention'd where he gave them such an overthrow that flying in great fear they left the spoil of all to thir Enemies And these perhaps are the 4 Battells according to Nennius fought by Guortemir though by these Writers far differently related and happ'ning besides many other bickerings in the space of 20 years as Malmsbury reck'ns Nevertheless it plainly appears that the Saxons by whomsoever were put to hard shifts being all this while fought withall in Kent thir own allotted dwelling and somtimes on the very edge of the Sea which the word Wippeds-fleot seems to intimat But Guortemir now dead and none of courage left to defend the Land Vortigern either by the power of his faction or by consent of all reassumes the Government and Hengist thus rid of his grand opposer hearing gladly the restorement of his old favourer returns again with great Forces but to Vortigern whom he well knew how to handle without warring as to his Son in Law now that the only Author of dissention between them was remov'd by Death offers nothing but all terms of new league and amity The King both for his Wives sake and his own sottishness consulting also with his Peers not unlike himself readily yeilds and the place of parly is agree'd on to which either side was to repair without Weapons Hengist whose meaning was not peace but treachery appointed his men to be secretly arm'd and acquainted them to what intent The watch-word was Nemet eour Saxes that is Draw your Daggers which they observing when the Britans were throughly heated with Wine for the Treaty it seems was not without Cups and provok'd as was plotted by som affront dispatch'd with those Poniards every one his next man to the number of 300. the cheif of those that could do ought against him either in Counsel or in Field Vortigern they only bound and kept in Custody untill he granted them for his ransome three Provinces which were called afterward Essex Sussex and Middlesex Who thus dismist retiring again to his solitary abode in the Country of Guorthigirniaun so call'd by his name from thence to the Castle of his own building in North-Wales by the River Tiebi and living there obscurely among his Wives was at length burnt in his Towre by fire from Heav'n at the Praier as some say of German but that coheres not as others by Ambrosius Aurelian of whom as we have heard at first he stood in great fear and partly for that cause invited in the Saxons Who whether by constraint or of thir own accord after much mischeif don most of them returning back into thir own Country left a fair opportunity to the Britans of avenging themselves the easier on those that staid behinde Repenting therefore and with earnest supplication imploring divine help to prevent thir final rooting out they gather from all parts and under the leading of Ambrosius Aurelianus a vertuous and modest man the last heer of Roman stock advancing now onward against the late Victors defeat them in a memorable Battell Common opinion but grounded cheifly on the British Fables makes this Ambrosius to be a younger Son of that Constantine whose eldest as we heard was Constance the Monk who both lost thir lives abroad usurping the Empire But the express words both of Gildas and Bede assures us that the Parents of this Ambrosius having heer born regal dignity were slain in these Pictish Wars and commotions in the Iland And if the fear of Ambrose induc'd Vortigern to call in the Saxons it seems Vortigern usurp'd his right I perceave not that Nennius makes any difference between him and Merlin for that Child without Father that propheci'd to Vortigern he names not Merlin but Ambrose makes him the Son of a Roman Consul but conceal'd by his mother as fearing that the King therfore sought his life yet the youth no sooner had confess'd his parentage but Vortigern either in reward of his predictions or as his right bestow'd upon him all the West of Britain himself retiring to a solitary life Whose ever Son he was he was the first according to surest Authors that led against the Saxons and overthrew them but whether before this time or after none have writt'n This is certain that in a time when most of the Saxon Forces were departed home the Britans gather'd strength and either against those who were left remaining
thou expect from these poor Laity so he goes on these beasts all belly shall these amend thee who are themselves laborious in evil doings shalt thou see with their Eyes who see right forward nothing but gain Leave them rather as bids our Saviour lest ye fall both blind-fold into the same perdition Are all thus Perhaps not all or not so grosly But what avail'd it Eli to be himself blameless while he conniv'd at others that were abominable who of them hath bin envi'd for his better life who of them hath hated to consort with these or withstood thir entring the Ministry or endeavour'd zealously thir casting out Yet som of these perhaps by others are legended for great Saints This was the state of Goverment this of Religion among the Britans in that long calm of peace which the fight at Badon Hill had brought forth Wherby it came to pass that so fair a Victory came to nothing Towns and Citties were not reinhabited but lay ruin'd and wast nor was it long ere domestic War breaking out wasted them more For Britain as at other times had then also several Kings Five of whom Gildas living then in Armorica at a safe distance boldly reproves by name First Constantine fabl'd the Son of Cador Duke of Cornwall Arturs half Brother by the Mothers side who then reign'd in Cornwall and Devon a Tyrannical and bloody King polluted also with many Adulteries he got into his power two young Princes of the Blood Royal uncertain whether before him in right or otherwise suspected and after solemn Oath giv'n of thir safety the year that Gildas wrote slew them with thir two Governours in the Church and in thir Mothers Arms through the Abbots Coap which he had thrown over them thinking by the revernce of his vesture to have withheld the murderer These are commonly suppos'd to be the Sons of Mordred Arturs Nefew said to have revolted from his Uncle giv'n him in a Battel his Deaths wound and by him after to have bin slain Which things were they true would much diminish the blame of cruelty in Constantine revenging Artur on the Sons of so false a Mordred In another part but not express'd where Aurelius Conanus was King him he charges also with Adulteries and Parricide cruelties worse then the former to be a hater of his Countries Peace thirsting after civil War and Prey His condition it seems was not very prosperous for Gildas wishes him being now left alone like a Tree withering in the midst of a barren field to remember the vanity and arrogance of his Father and elder Brethren who came all to untimely Death in thir youth The third reigning in Demetia or South Wales was Vortipor the Son of a good Father he was when Gildas wrote grown old not in years only but in Adulteries and in governing full of falshood and cruel Actions In his latter dales putting away his Wife who dy'd in divorce he became if we mistake not Gildas incestuous with his Daughter The fourth was Cuneglas imbru'd in civil War he also had divorc'd his Wife and tak'n her Sister who had vow'd Widdowhood he was a great Enemy to the Clergy high-minded and trusting to his wealth The last but greatest of all in power was Maglocune and greatest also in wickedness he had driv'n out or slain many other Kings or Tyrants and was called the Island Dragon perhaps having his seat in Anglesey a profuse giver a great Warrior and of a goodly stature While he was yet young he over-threw his Uncle though in the head of a compleat Army and took from him the Kingdom then touch't with remorse of his doings not without deliberation took upon him the profession of a Monk but soon forsook his vow and his wife also which for that vow he had left making love to the wife of his Brothers Son then living Who not refusing the offer if she were not rather the first that entic'd found means both to dispatch her own Husband and the former wife of Maglocune to make her marriage with him the more unquestionable Neither did he this for want of better instructions having had the learnedest and wisest man reputed of all Britain the instituter of his youth Thus much the utmost that can be learnt by truer story of what past among the Britans from the time of their useless Victory at Badon to the time that Gildas wrote that is to say as may be guess't from 527 to 571 is here set down altogether not to be reduc't under any certainty of years But now the Saxons who for the most part all this while had bin still unless among themselves began afresh to assault them and ere long to drive them out of all which they yet maintain'd on this side Wales An. Dom. 571 For Cuthulf the Brother of Reaulin by a Victory obtain'd at Bedanford now Bedford took from them 4 good Towns Liganburgh Eglesburh Besington now Benson in Oxfordshire and Ignesham but outliv'd not many months his good success And after 6 years more Keaulin and Cuthwin his Son An. Dom. 577 gave them a great overthrow at Deorrham in Glostershire slew three of thir Kings Comail Condidan and Farinmaile and took three of thir Cheif Citties Glocester Cirencester and Badencester An. Dom. 584 The Britans notwithstanding after some space of time judging to have out-grown thir losses gather to a head and encounter Keaulin with Cutha his Son at Fethanleage whom valiantly fighting they slew among the thickest and as is said forc'd the Saxons to retire But Keaulin reinforcing the fight put them to a main rout and following his advantage took many Towns and return'd lad'n with rich booty The last of those Saxons who rais'd thir own acheivments to a Monarchy was Crida much about this time first founder of the Mercian Kingdom drawing also his Pedigree from Woden Of whom all to write the several Genealogies though it might be done without long search were in my opinion to encumber the story with a sort of barbarous names to little purpose This may suffice that of Wodens 3 Sons from the Eldest issu'd Hengist and his succession from the second the Kings of Mercia from the third all that reign'd in West-Saxon and most of the Northumbers of whom Alla was one the first King of Deira which after his death the race of Ida seis'd and made it one Kingdom with Bernicia usurping on the Childhood of Edwin Alla's Son Whom Ethelric the Son of Ida expel'd An. Dom. 559 Notwithstanding others write of him that from a poor life and beyond hope in his old Age coming to the Crown he could hardly by the access of a Kingdom have overcome his former obscurity had not the fame of his Son preserv'd him An. Dom. 588 Once more the Britans ere they quitted all on this side the Mountains forgot not to shew some manhood for meeting Keaulin at Wodens Beorth An. Dom. 592 that is to say Wodens
meeting Whom Austin being already there before them neither arose to meet nor receiv'd in any brotherly sort but sat all the while pontifically in his Chair Whereat the Britans as they were counsel'd by the holy man neglected him and neither hark'n'd to his proposals of conformity nor would acknowledge him for an Archbishop And in name of the rest Dinothus then Abbot of Bangor is said thus sagely to have answer'd him As to the subjection which you require be thus perswaded of us that in the bond of love and charity we are all Subjects and Servants to the Church of God yea to the Pope of Rome and every good Christian to help them forward both by word and deed to be the Childern of God other obedience then this we know not to be due to him whom you term the Pope and this obedience we are ready to give both to him and to every Christian continually Besides we are govern'd under God by the Bishop of Caerleon who is to oversee us in spiritual matters To which Austin thus presaging some say menacing replies since ye refuse to accept of peace with your brethren ye shall have War from your enemies and since ye will not with us preach the word of life to whom ye ought from their hands ye shall receive death This though Writers agree not whether Austin spake it as his prophecy or as his plot against the Britans fell out accordingly For many years were not past when Ethelfrid whether of his own accord An. Dom. 607 or at the request of Ethelbert incens't by Austin with a powerful host came to Westchester then Caer-legion Where being met by the British Forces and both sides in readiness to give the onset he discernes a company of men not habited for War standing together in a place of some safety and by them a Squadron arm'd Whom having lernt upon some enquiry to be Priests and Monks assembl'd thither after three days fasting to pray for the good success of thir Forces against him therefore they first faith he shall feel our Swords for they who pray against us fight heaviest against us by thir prayers and are our dangerousest enemies And with that turns his first charge upon the Monks Brocmail the Captain set to guard them quickly turns his back and leaves above 1200 Monks to a sudden massacher whereof scarse fifty scap'd but not so easie work found Ethelfrid against another part of Britans that stood in arms whom though at last he overthrew yet with slaughter nigh as great to his own souldiers To excuse Austin of this bloodshed lest some might think it his revengeful policy Beda writes that he was dead long before although if the time of his sitting Archbishop be right computed sixteen years he must survive this action Other just ground of charging him with this imputatión appears not save what evidently we have from Geffry Monmouth whose weight we know The same year Kelwulf made War on the South-Saxons bloody saith Huntingdon to both sides but most to them of the South An. Dom. 611 and four years after dying left the Government of West-Saxons to Kinegils and Cuichelm the sons of his brother Keola Others as Florent of Worster and Mathew of Westminster will have Cuichelm son of Kinegils but admitted to reign with his father An. Dom. 614 in whose third year they are recorded with joynt Forces or conduct to have fought against the Britans in Beandune now Bindon in Dorsetshire An. Dom. 616 and to have slain of them above two thousand More memorable was the second year following by the death of Ethelbert the first Christian King of Saxons and no less a favourer of all civility in that rude age He gave Laws and Statutes after the example of Roman Emperors written with the advice of his sagest Counsellors but in the English tongue and observ'd long after Wherein his special care was to punish those who had stoln ought from Church or Church-man thereby shewing how gratefully he receiv'd at thir hands the Christian Faith Which he no sooner dead but his son Eadbald took the course as fast to extinguish not only falling back to Heathenism but that which Heathenism was wont to abhor marrying his fathers second wife Then soon was perceiv'd what multitudes for fear or countenance of the King had profess't Christianity returning now as eagerly to thir old Religion Nor staid the Apostacy within one Province but quickly spread over to the East-Saxons occasion'd there likewise or set forward by the death of thir Christian King Sebert whose three sons of whom two are nam'd Sexted and Seward neither in his life time would be brought to baptism and after his decease re-establish'd the free exercise of Idolatry nor so content they set themselves in despight to do some op'n profanation against the other Sacrament Coming therfore into the Church where Mellitus the Bishop was ministring they requir'd him in abuse and scorn to deliver to them unbaptiz'd the consecrated bread and him refuseing drove disgracefully out of their dominion Who cross'd forthwith into Kent where things were in the same plight and thence into France with Justus Bishop of Rochester But Divine vengeance deferr'd not long the punishment of men so impious for Eadbald vext with an evil Spirit fell oft'n into foul fits of distraction and the Sons of Sebert in a fight against the West-Saxons perish'd with their whole Army But Eadbald within the year by an extraordinary means became penitent For when Laurence the Archbishop and successor of Austin was preparing to ship for France after Justus and Mellitus the story goes if it be worth beleeving that St. Peter in whose Church he spent the night before in watching and praying appear'd to him and to make the Vision more sensible gave him many stripes for offering to desert his flock at sight whereof the King to whom next morning he shew'd the marks of what he had suffer'd by whom and for what cause relenting and in great fear dissolv'd his incestuous marriage and appli'd himself to the Christian Faith more sincerely then before with all his people But the Londoners addicted still to Paganism would not be perswaded to receave again Mellitus thir Bishop and to compell them was not in his power An. Dom. 617 Thus much through all the South was troubl'd in Religion as much were the North parts disquieted through Ambition For Ethelfrid of Bernicia as was touch't before having thrown Edwin out of Deira and join'd that Kingdome to his own not content to have bereav'd him of his right whose known vertues and high parts gave cause of suspition to his Enemies sends Messengers to demand him of Redwald King of East-Angles under whose protection after many years wandring obscurely through all the Iland he had plac'd his safety Redwald though having promis'd all defence to Edwin as to his suppliant yet tempted with continual and large offers of gold and not contemning the
miserable and justly to be despis'd who obey not that God in whom they choose to beleeve How well might Penda this Heathen rise up in judgment against many pretending Christians both of his own and these daies yet being a man bred up to War as no less were others then reigning and oft-times one against another though both Christians he warr'd on Anna An. Dom. 654 King of the East-Angles perhaps without cause for Anna was esteem'd a just man and at length slew him About this time the East-Saxons who as above hath bin said had expell'd thir Bishop Mellitus and renounc'd the Faith were by the means of Oswi thus reconverted Sigebert surnam'd the small being the Son of Seward without other memory of his Reign left his Son King of that Province after him Sigebert the Second who coming oft'n to visit Oswi his great friend was by him at several times fervently disuaded from Idolatry and convinc't at length to forsake it was there baptiz'd on his return home taking with him Kedda a laborious Preacher afterwards made Bishop by whose teaching with some help of others the people were again recoverd from misbeleef But Sigebert some years after though standing fast in Religion was by the Conspiracy of two Brethren in place neer about him wickedly murder'd who being ask'd what mov'd them to do a deed so hainous gave no other then this barbarous answer that they were angry with him for being so gentle to his Enemies as to forgive them thir injuries whenever they besought him Yet his Death seems to have happ'nd not without some cause by him giv'n of Divine displeasure For one of those Earls who slew him living in unlawfull wedlock and therfore excommunicated so severely by the Bishop that no man might presume to enter into his House much less to sit at meat with him the King not regarding this Church censure went to feast with him at his invitation Whom the Bishop meeting in his return though penitent for what he had don and faln at his feet touch'd with the rod in his hand and angerly thus foretold because thou hast neglected to abstain from the House of that Excommunicate in that House thou shalt die and so it fell out perhaps from that prediction God bearing witness to his Minister in the power of Church Discipline spiritually executed not juridically on the contemner therof An. Dom. 655 This year 655. prov'd fortunate to Oswi and fatal to Penda for Oswi by the continual inrodes of Penda having long endur'd much devastation to the endangering once by assault and fire Bebbanburg his strongest City now Bamborrow Castle unable to resist him with many rich presents offerd to buy his Peace Which not accepted by the Pagan who intended nothing but destruction to that King though more then once in affinity with him turning guifts into vows he implores Divine Assistance devoting if he were deliverd from his Enemy a Child of one year old his Daughter to be a Nun and 12 portions of land wheron to build Monasteries His vows as may be thought found better success then his profferd guifts for heerupon with his Son Alfrid gathering a small power he encounterd and discomfited the Mercians 30 times exceeding his in number and led on by expert Captains at a place call'd Loyden now Leeds in Yorkeshire Besides this Ethelwald the Son of Oswald who rul'd in Deira took part with the Mercians but in the fight withdrew his Forces and in a safe place expected the event with which unseasonable retreat the Mercians perhaps terrifi'd and misdoubting more danger fled thir Commanders with Penda himself most being slain among whom Edilhere the Brother of Anna who rul'd after him the East-Angles and was the Author of this War many more flying were drown'd in the River which Beda calls Winwed then swoln above her Banks The Death of Penda who had bin the Death of so many good Kings made generall rejoicing as the Song witness'd At the River Winwed Anna was aveng'd To Edelhere succeeded Ethelwald his Brother in the East-Angles to Sigebert in the East-Saxons Suidhelm the Son of Sexbald saith Bede the Brother of Sigebert saith Malmsbury he was baptiz'd by Kedda then residing in the East-Angles and by Ethelwald the King receav'd out of the Font. But Oswi in the strength of his late Victory An. Dom. 658 within three years after subdu'd all Mercia and of the Pictish Nation greatest part at which time he gave to Peada his Son in Law the Kingdome of South-Mercia divided from the Northern by Trent An. Dom. 659 But Peada the Spring following as was said by the Treason of his Wife the Daughter of Oswi married by him for a special Christian on the Feast of Faster not protected by the holy time was slain The Mercian Nobles Immin Eaba and Eadbert throwing off the Government of Oswi set up Wulser the other Son of Penda to be thir King whom till then they had kept hid and with him adherd to the Christian Faith Kenwalk the West-Saxon now settl'd at home and desirous to enlarge his Dominion prepares against the Britans joins Battel with them at Pen in Somerset-shire and over coming persues them to Pedridan Another fight he had with them before at a place call'd Witgeornesburg barely mention'd by the Monk of Malmsbury An. Dom. 661 Nor was it long ere he fell at variance with Wulser the Son of Penda his old Enemy scarce yet warm in his Throne fought with him at Possentesburg on the Easter Holy-days and as Ethelwerd saith took him Prisner but the Saxon Annals quite otherwise that Wulfer winning the field wasted the West-Saxon Country as far as Eskesdun nor staying there took and wasted the I le of Wight but causing the Inhabitants to be baptiz'd till then unbeleevers gave the Iland to Ethelwald King of South-Saxons whom he had receav'd out of the Font. An. Dom. 664 The year 664. a Synod of Scotish and English Bishops in the presence of Oswi and Alfred his Son was held at a Monastery in those parts to debate on what Day Easter should be kept a controverfie which long before had disturb'd the Greek and Latin Churches wherin the Scots not agreeing with the way of Rome nor yeilding to the disputants on that side to whom the King most enclin'd such as were Bishops heer resign'd and return'd home with thir Disciples Another clerical question was there also much controverted not so superstitious in my opinion as ridiculous about the right shaving of crowns The same year was seen an Eclips of the Sun in May followed by a sore pestilence beginning in the South but spreading to the North and over all Ireland with great mortality In which time the East-Saxons after Swithelms Decease being govern'd by Siger the Son of Sigebert the small and Sebbi of Seward though both subject to the Mercians Siger and his people unstedie of Faith supposing that this Plague was come upon them for renouncing
out of the Province till both by fire and Sword he had aveng'd the Death of his Brother An. Dom. 687 At length Victred the Son of Ecbert attaining the Kingdome both settl'd at home all things in peace and secur'd his Borders from all outward Hostility While thus Kedwalla disquieted both West and East after his winning the Crown Ecfrid the Northumbrian and Ethelred the Mercian fought a sore Battel by the River Trent wherin Elswin Brother to Ecfrid a youth of 18 years much belov'd was slain and the accident likely to occasion much more sheding of blood peace was happily made by the grave exhortation of Archbishop Theodore a pecuniary fine only paid to Ecfrid as some satisfaction for the loss of his Brothers life Another adversity befell Ecfrid in his Family by means of Ethildrith his Wife King Anna's Daughter who having tak'n him for hir Husband and professing to love him above all other men persisted twelve years in the obstinat refusal of his bed therby thinking to live the purer life So perversly then was chastity instructed against the Apostles rule At length obtaining of him with much importunity her departure she veild her self a Nun then made Abbess of Ely dy'd 7 years after the pestilence and might with better warrant have kept faithfully her undertak'n Wedlock though now canoniz'd St. Audrey of Ely In the mean while Ecfrid had sent Bertus with a power to subdue Ireland a harmless Nation saith Beda and ever friendly to the English in both which they seem to have left a posterity much unlike them at this day miserably wasted without regard had to places hallow'd or profane they betook them partly to thir Weapons partly to implore divine aid and as was thought obtain'd it in thir full avengement upon Ecfrid For he the next year against the mind and persuasion of his sagest friends and especially of Cudbert a famous Bishop of that Age marching unadvisedly against the Picts who long before had bin subject to Northumberland was by them feigning flight drawn unawares into narrow streights overtopt with Hills and cut off with most of his Army From which time saith Bede military valour began among the Saxons to decay nor only the Picts till then peaceable but some part of the Britans also recover'd by Armes thir liberty for many years after Yet Aldfrid elder but base Brother to Ecfrid a man said to be learned in the Scriptures recall'd from Ireland to which place in his Brothers Reign he had retir'd and now succeeding upheld with much honour though in narrower bounds the residue of his Kingdome Kedwalla having now with great disturbance of his Neighbours reign'd over the West-Saxons two years besides what time he spent in gaining it wearied perhaps with his own turbulence went to Rome desirous there to receave Baptism which till then his worldly affairs had deferr'd and accordingly on Easter Day 689. he was baptiz'd by Sergius An. Dom. 689 the Pope and his name chang'd to Peter All which notwithstanding surpris'd with a Disease he out-liv'd not the Ceremony so far sought much above the space of 5 weeks in the Thirtieth year of his Age and in the Church of St. Peter was there buried with a large Epitaph upon his Tomb. Him succeeded Ina of the Royal Family and from the time of his coming in for many years oppress'd the Land with like greevances as Kedwalla had done before him insomuch that in those times there was no Bishop among them His first expedition was into Kent to demand satisfaction for the burning of Mollo Victred loth to hazard all for the rash act of a few deliver'd up 30 of those that could be found accessory or as others say pacifi'd Ina with a great sum of money Mean while at the incitement of Ecbert a devout Monk Wilbrod a Priest eminent for learning past over Sea having 12 others in Company with intent to preach the Gospel in Germany And coming to â—epin Cheif Regent of the Franks who An. Dom. 694 a little before had conquer'd the hither Frisia by his countnance and protection promise also of many benefits to them who should beleeve they found the work of conversion much the easier and Wilbrod the first Bishoprick in that Nation But two Priests each of them Hewald by name and for distinction surnam'd from the colour of thir Hair the black and the white by his example piously affected to the Souls of thir Country-men the old Saxons at thir coming thether to convert them met with much worse entertainment For in the House of a Farmer who had promis'd to convey them as they desir'd to the Governour of that Country discoverd by thir daily Ceremonies to be Christian Priests and the cause of thir coming suspected they were by him and his Heathen Neighbours cruelly butcherd yet not unaveng'd for the Governour enrag'd at such violence offerd to his Strangers sending Armed Men slew all those Inhabitants and burnt thir Village An. Dom. 697 After three years in Mercia Ostrid the Queen Wife to Ethelred was kill'd by her own Nobles as Beda's Epitomy records Florence calls them Southimbrians negligently omitting the cause of so strange a fact An. Dom. 698 And the year following Bertred a Northumbrian General was slain by the Picts An. Dom. 704 Ethelred 7 years after the violent Death of his Queen put on the Monk and resign'd his Kingdome to Kenred the Son of Wulfer his Brother An. Dom. 705 The next year Aldfrid in Northumberland dy'd leaving Osred a Child of 8 years to succeed him An. Dom. 709 Fowr years after which Kenred having a while with praise govern'd the Mercian Kingdome went to Rome in the time of Pope Constantine and shorn a Monk spent there the residue of his daies Kelred succeeded him the Son of Ethelred who had reign'd the next before With Kenred went Offa the Son of Siger King of East-Saxons and betook him to the same habit leaving his Wife and Native Country a comely Person in the prime of his youth much desir'd of the people and such his vertue by report as might have otherwise bin worthy to have reign'd An. Dom. 710 Ina the West-Saxon one year after fought a Battell at first doubtfull at last successfull against Gerent King of Wales An. Dom. 711 The next year Bertfrid another Northumbrian Captain fought with the Picts and slaughterd them saith Huntingdon to the full avengment of Ecfrids Death An. Dom. 715 The fowrth year after Ina had another doubtfull and cruell Battel at Wodnesburg in Wiltshire with Kelred the Mercian who dy'd the year following a lamentable Death for as he sat one day feasting with his Nobles An. Dom. 716 suddenly possess'd with an evill Spirit he expir'd in despair as Boniface Archbishop of Ments an English man who taxes him for a defiler of Nuns writes by way of caution to Ethelbald his next of Kin who succeeded him Osred also the young Northumbrian King slain by his Kindred in the 11.
the rest Thence An. Dom. 1029 returning King of England Denmarke and Norway yet not secure in his mind under colour of an Embassey he sent into banishment Hacun a powerfull Dane who had married the Daughter of his Sister Gunildis having conceav'd some suspition of his practices against him but such course was tak'n that he never came back either perishing at Sea or slain by contrivance the next year in Orkney Canute An. Dom. 1030 therefore having thus establish't himself by bloodshed and oppression to wash away as he An. Dom. 1031 thought the guilt therof sailing again into Denmark went thence to Rome and offerd there to St. Peter great guifts of Gold and Silver and other pretious things besides the usuall tribute of Romscot giving great Alms by the way both thether and back again freeing many places of Custom and Toll with great expence where strangers were wont to pay having vow'd great amendment of life at the Sepulchre of Peter and Paul and to his whole people in a large letter writt'n from Rome yet extant At his return therfore he built and dedicated An. Dom. 1032 a Church to St. Edmund at Bury whom his Ancestors had slain threw out the secular Priests who had intruded there and plac'd Monks in thir stead then going into Scotland subdu'd and receav'd homage of Malcolm and two other Kings An. Dom. 1035 there Melbeath and Jermare Three years after having made Swane his suppos'd Son by Algiva of Northamton Duke Alshelms Daughter for others say the Son of a Preist whom Algiva barren had got ready at the time of her feign'd labour King of Norway and Hardecnute his Son by Emma King of Denmark and design'd Harold his Son by Algiva of Northamton King of England dy'd at Shaftsbury and was buried at Winchester in the old Monastery This King as appears ended better then he began for though he seems to have had no hand in the Death of Ironside but detested the fact and bringing the murderers who came to him in hope of great reward forth among his Courtiers as it were to receave thanks after they had op'nly related the manner of thir killing him deliver'd them to deserved punishment yet he spar'd Edric whom he knew to be the prime Authour of that detestable fact till willing to be rid of him grown importune upon the confidence of his merits and upbraided by him that he had first relinquisht then extinguisht Edmund for his sake angry to be so upbraided therfore said he with a chang'd countnance Traytor to God and to me thou shalt die thine own mouth accuses thee to have slain thy Master my confederate Brother and the Lords Anointed Whereupon although present and privat Execution was in rage done upon Edric yet he himself in cool blood scrupl'd not to make away the Brother and Children of Edmund who had better right to be the Lords Anointed heer then himself When he had obtain'd in England what he desir'd no wonder if he sought the love of his conquerd Subjects for the love of his own quiet the maintainers of his wealth and state for his own profit For the like reason he is thought to have married Emma and that Richard Duke of Normandy her Brother might the less care what became of Elfred and Edward her Sons by King Ethelred He commanded to be observ'd the antient Saxon Laws â—all'd afterwards the Laws of Edward the Confeâ—â—â—r not that hee made them but strictly observ'd them His Letter from Rome professes if he had done aught amiss in his youth through negligence or want of due temper full resolution with the help of God to make amends by governing justly and piously for the future charges and adjures all his Officers and Vicounts that neither for fear of him or favour of any person or to enrich the King they suffer injustice to be done in the land commands his treasurers to pay all his Debts ere his return home which was by Denmarke to compose matters there and what his Letter profess'd he perform'd all his life after But it is a fond conceit in many great ones and pernicious in the end to cease from no violence till they have attain'd the utmost of thir ambitions and desires then to think God appeas'd by thir seeking to bribe him with a share however large of thir ill-gott'n spoils and then lastly to grow zealous of doing right when they have no longer need to do wrong Howbeit Canute was famous through Europe and much honour'd of Conrade the Emperour then at Rome with rich guifts and many grants of what he there demanded for the freeing of passages from Toll and Custome I must not omit one remarkable action done by him as Huntingdon reports it with great Scene of circumstance and emphatical expression to shew the small power of Kings in respect of God which unless to Court-Parasites needed no such laborious demonstration He caus'd his Royal Seat to be set on the shoar while the Tide was coming in and with all the state that Royalty could put into his countnance said thus to the Sea Thou Sea belongst to me and the Land wheron I sit is mine nor hath any one unpunish'd resisted my commands I charge thee come no furder upon my Land neither presume to wet the Feet of thy Sovran Lord. But the Sea as before came rowling on and without reverence both wet and dash'd him Wherat the King quickly riseing wish'd all about him to behold and consider the weak and frivolous power of a King and that none indeed deserv'd the name of a King but he whose Eternal Laws both Heav'n Earth and Sea obey A truth so evident of it self as I said before that unless to shame his Court Flatterers who would not else be convinc't Canute needed not to have gone wet-shod home The best is from that time forth he never would wear a Crown esteeming Earthly Royalty contemptible and vain Harold HArold for his swiftness surnam'd Harefoot the Son of Canute by Algiva of Northampton though some speak doubtfully as if she bore him not but had him of a Shoo-makers Wife as Swane before of a Priest others of a Maid-Servant to conceal her barrenness in a great Assembly at Oxford was by Duke Leofric and the Mercians with the Londoners according to his Fathers Testament elected King but without the Regal Habiliments which Aelnot the Archbishop having in his Custody refus'd to deliver up but to the Sons of Emma for which Harold ever after hated the Clergy and as the Clergy are wont thence to inferr all Religion Godwin Earl of Kent and the West-Saxons with him stood for Hardecnute Malmsbury saith that the contest was between Dane and English that the Danes and Londoners grown now in a manner Danish were all for Hardecnute but he being then in Denmarke Harold prevail'd yet so as that the Kingdom should be divided between them the West and Southpart reserv'd by
Gospatric a noble man of that Country to be treacherously slain in the Kings Court and that Tosti himself the year before with like treachery had caus'd to be slain in his Chamber Gamel and Vls two other of thir noble men besides his intolerable exactions and oppressions Then in a manner the whole Country coming up to complain of their grievances met with Harold at Northampton whom the King at Tosti's request had sent to pacifie the Northumbrians but they laying op'n the cruelty of his Government and thir own birth-right of freedom not to endure the tyranny of any Governour whatsoever with absolute refusal to admit him again and Harold hearing reason all the complices of Tosti were expell'd the Earldom He himself banish't the Realm went in Flanders Morcar the Son of Algar made Earl in his stead Huntingdon tells another cause of Tosti's banishment that one day at Windsor while Harold reach'd the Cup to King Edward Tosti envying to see his younger Brother in greater favour then himself could not forbear to run furiously upon him and catching hold of his Hair the scuflle was soon parted by other attendants rushing between and Tosti forbidd'n the Court He with continu'd fury rideing to Hereford where Harold had many Servants preparing an entertainment for the King came to the House and set upon them with his followers then lopping off Hands Armes Legs of some Heads of others threw them into Butts of Wine Meath or Ale which were laid in for the Kings drinking and at his going away charg'd them to send him this word that of other fresh meats he might bring with him to his Farm what he pleas'd but of Sowce he should find plenty provided ready for him that for this barbarous Act the King pronounc't him banish'd that the Northumbrians taking advantage at the Kings displeasure and sentence against him rose also to be reveng'd of his cruelties done to themselves but this no way agrees for why then should Harold or the King so much labour with the Northumbrians to re-admit him if he were a banish'd man for his Crimes done before About this time it happ'nd that Harold putting to Sea one day for his pleasure in a Fisher Boat from his Mannor at Boseham in Sussex caught with a Tempest too far off land was carried into Normandy and by the Earl of Pontiew on whose Coast he was driv'n at his own request brought to Duke William who entertaining him with great courtesie so far won him as to promise the Duke by Oath of his own accord not only the Castle of Dover then in his tenure but the Kingdome also after King Edwards Death to his utmost endeavour therupon betrothing the Dukes Daughter then too young for marriage and departing richly presented Others say that King Edward himself after the Death of Edward his Nephew sent Harold thether on purpose to acquaint Duke William with his intention to bequeath him his Kingdom but Malmsbury accounts the former story to be the truer Ingulf writes that King Edward now grown old and perceaving Edgar his Nephew both in body and mind unfit to govern especially against the pride and insolence of Godwins Sons who would never obey him Duke William on the other side of high merit and his Kinsman by the Mother had sent Robert Archbishop of Canterbury to acquaint the Duke of his purpose not long before Harold came thether The former part may be true that King Edward upon such considerations had sent one or other but Arch-bishop Robert was fled the land and dead many years before Eadmer and Simeon write that Harold went of his own accord into Normandy by the Kings permission or connivence to get free his Brother Wulnod and Nephew Hacun the Son of Swane whom the King had tak'n hostages of Godwin and sent into Normandy that King Edward foretold Harold his journey thether would be to the detriment of all England and his own reproach that Duke William then acquainted Harold how Edward ere his coming to the Crown had promisd if ever he attain'd it to leave Duke William Successor after him Last of these Mathew Paris writes that Harold to get free of Duke William affirm'd his coming thether not to have been by accident or force of Tempest but on set purpose in that privat manner to enter with him into secret confederacie so variously are these things reported After this King Edward An. Dom. 1066 grew sickly yet as he was able kept his Christmas at London and was at the Dedication of St. Peters Church in Westminster which he had rebuilt but on the Eve of Epiphanie or Twelftide deceas'd much lamented and in the Church was Entoomb'd That he was harmless and simple is conjecturd by his words in anger to a Peasant who had cross'd his Game for with Hunting and Hawking he was much delighted by God and Gods Mother said hee I shall do you as shrew'd a turn if I can observing that Law-Maxim the best of all his Successors that the King of England can do no wrong The softness of his Nature gave growth to factions of those about him Normans especially and English these complaining that Robert the Archbishop was a sower of dissention between the King and his people a traducer of the English the other side that Godwin and his Sons bore themselves arrogantly and proudly towards the King usurping to themselves equall share in the Government oft-times making sport with his simplicity that through thir power in the land they made no scruple to kill men of whose inheritance they took a likeing and so to take possession The truth is that Godwin and his Sons did many things boistrously and violently much against the Kings minde which not able to resist he had as some say his Wife Edith Godwins Daughter in such aversation as in bed never to have touch'd her whether for this cause or mistak'n Chastitie not commendable to enquire further is not material His Laws held good and just and long after desir'd by the English of thir Norman Kings are yet extant He is said to be at Table not excessive at Festivals nothing puft up with the costly Robes he wore which his Queen with curious Art had woven for him in Gold He was full of Alms-deeds and exhorted the Monks to like Charitie He is said to be the first of English Kings that cur'd the Disease call'd thence the Kings Evil yet Malmsbury blames them who attribute that Cure to his Royaltie not to his Sanctitie said also to have cur'd certain blinde men with the water wherin he had wash'd his hands A little before his Death lying speechless two days the third day after a deep sleep he was heard to pray that if it were a true Vision not an Illusion which he had seen God would give him strength to utter it otherwise not Then he related how he had seen two devout Monks whom he knew in Normandy to have liv'd and dy'd well who appearing told him
259. he practises against the life of Prince Edmund and revolts to the Danes p. 260. his cunning devices to hinder Edmund in the prosecution of his Victories against Canute p. 263 264. is thought by some to have been the Contriver of King Edmunds murther p. 266. the Government of the Mercians conferr'd upon him p. 268. he is put to death by Canutus and his head stuck upon a pole and set upon the highest Tower in London p. 268. Edward the Elder Son and Successor of King Alfred hath War with Ethelwald his Kinsman who aspiring to the Crown stirs up the Danes against him p. 115 116. he proves successful and potent divers Princes and great Commanders of the Danes submitting to him p. 216 217 c. the King and whole Nation of Scotland with divers other Frinces and people do him homage as their Soveraign p. 221. he dies at Farendon and is buried at Winchester p. 222. Edward sirnamed the Younger Edgar's Son by his first Wife Egelfleda is advanc't to the Throne p. 241. the contest in his Reign between the Monks and secular Priests each abetted by their several parties p. 242. great mischief done by the falling of a house where a general Council for deciding the controversie was held ibid. Edward inhumanely murder'd by the treachery of his step-mother Elfrida p. 243. Edward Son of Edmund Ironside Heir apparent to the Crown dies at London p. 292. Edward sirnamed the Confessor the Son of King Ethelred by Emma after Hardecnute's death is crown'd at Winchester p. 280. he seizeth on the Treasures of his mother Queen Emma p. 281. he marries Edith Earl Godwin's Daughter ibid. he makes preparation against Magnus King of Norway but next year makes peace with Harold Harvager ibid. he advances the Normans in England which proves of ill consequence p. 283. he is oppos'd by Earl Godwin in the Cause of Eustace of Boloign banishes the Earl and divorces his Daughter whom he had married p. 285 286. entertains Duke William of Normandy p. 287. he sends Odo and Radulf with a Fleet against Godwin and his Sons exercising Piracy p. 288. reconciliation at length made he restores the Earl his Sons and Daughter all to their former dignities p. 289. he is said to have design'd Duke William of Normandy his Successor to the Crown p. 296. dies and is buried at Westminster p. 297. his Character p. 297 298. Edwi the Son and Successor of Edmund is crown'd at Kingston p. 233. he banisheth Bishop Dunstan for reproving his wantonness with Algiva and proves an enemy to all Monks p. 233 234. the Mercians and Northumbrians revolt from him and set up his Brother Edgar p. 234. with grief thereof he ends his days and is buried at Winchester ibid. Edwin thrown out of the Kingdom of Deira by Ethelfrid p. 133. 146. flying to Redwall the East-Angle for refuge he is defended against Ethelfrid p. 147. he exceeds in power and extent of Dominion all before him p. 148. marries Edelburga the Sister of Eadbald ibid. he is wounded by an Assassin from Cuichelm ibid. the strange relation of his Conversion to Christianity p. 149. 150. he perswades Eorpald the Son of Redwald to embrace the Christian Faith p. 153. he is slain in a Battel against Kedwalla ibid. Edwin Duke of the Mercians see Morcar Elanius reckon'd in the number of ancient British Kings p. 25. Eldadus p. 28. Eldol ibid. Eledancus ibid. Elfled the Sister of King Edward the Elder takes Derby from the Danes p. 218. her Army of Mercians victorious against the Welsh ibid. after several Martial Acts she dies at Tamworth p. 221. Elfred the Son of King Ethelred by Emma betray'd by Earl Godwin and cruelly made away by Harold p. 274 276. Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeding Ethelred in Northumberland is rebell'd against by two of his Noblemen Osbald and Ethelheard p. 177. he is slain by the conspiracy of Siggan one of his Nobles p. 179. Elfwin slain in a Battel between his Brother Ecfrid and Ethelred p. 166. Elidure's noble demeanor towards his deposed Brother p. 26. after Archigallo's death he resumes the Government but is driven out again and imprison'd by his two other Brethren p. 27. Elind reckon'd in the number of ancient British Kings p. 28. Ella the Saxon lands with his three Sons and beats the Britans in two Battels p. 119. he and his Son Cissa take Andredschester in Kent by force ibid. begins his Kingdom of the South-Saxons ibid. Elwold Nephew of Ethelwald reigns King of the East-Angles after Aldulf p. 187. Emeric succeeds Otha in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. Emma the Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy married first to K. p. 249. afterwards to Canute p. 268. banisht by her Son-in-Law Harold she retires to Flanders and is entertained by Earl Baldwin p. 274. her Treasures seized on by her Son King Edward p. 281. she dies and is buried at Winchester p. 287. a Tradition concerning her question'd ib. Eorpwald the Son of Redwald King of the East-Angles perswaded to Christianity by Edwin p. 113. he is slain in fight by Ricbert a Pagan ibid. Erchenwin said by Huntingdon to be the Erector of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons p. 121. Ercombert succeeds Eadbald in the Kingdom of Kent p. 156. Eric see Iric Ermenred thought to have had more right to the Kingdom than Ercombert p. 156. Escwin and Kenswin the Nephew and Son of Kinegil said to have succeeded Kenwalk in the Government of the West-Saxons p. 164. Escwin joyns Battel with Wulfer at Bedanhafer and not long after deceaseth ibid. Estrildis belov'd by Locrine p. 14. is with her Daughter Sabra thrown into a River p. 15. Ethelbald King of Mercia after Ina commands all the Provinces on this side Humber p. 171. he takes the Town of Somerton p. 173. fraudulently assaults part of Northumberland in Eadberts absence p. 174. his encounter at Beorford with Cuthred the West-Saxon p. 175. in another bloody fight at Secandune he is slain p. 176. Ethelbald and Ethelbert share the English-Saxon Kingdom between them after their Father Ethelwolf Ethelbald marries Judith his Father's Widow p. 198. is buried at Shirburn ibid. Ethelbert succeeds Emeric in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. he is defeated at Wibbandun by Keaulin and his Son Cutha p. 128. inlarges his Dominions from Kent to Humber p. 137. civilly receives Austin and his Fellow-preachers of the Gospel p. 139. is himself baptiz'd p. 140. mov'd by Austin he builds S. Peters Church in Canterbury and endows it p. 141. he builds and endows S. Paul's Church in London and the Cathedral at Rochester p. 142. his death p. 145. Ethelbert Eadbert and Alric succeed their Father Victred in the Kingdom of Kent p. 170. see Eadbright Ethelbert the Son of Ethelwolf after the death of his Brother Ethelbald enjoys the whole Kingdom to himself p. 198. during his Reign the Danes waste Kent p. 199. he is buried with his Brother at Shirburn ibid. Ethelfrid succeeds Ethelric in the Kingdom of
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
the Son and Successor of Samothes whom some fable to have been the first peopler of this Island p. 4. Malcolm Son of Kened King of Scots falling into Northumberland with his whole power utterly overthrown by Uthred p. 262. some say by Eric p. 269. Malcolm Son of the Cumbrian King made King of Scotland by Siward in the room of Macbeth p. 290 291. Malcolm King of Scotland coming to visit King Edward swears brotherhood with Tosti the Northumbrian p. 293. afterwards in his absence harrasses Northumberland ibid. Mandubratius Son of Immanuentius favour'd by the Trinobantes against Cassibelan p. 46. Marganus the Son of Gonorill deposeth his Aunt Cordelia p. 20. shares the Kingdom with his Cousin Cunedagius invades him but is met and overcome by him p. 20. Marganus the Son of Archigallo a good King p. 27. Marius the Son of Arviragus is said to have overcome the Picts and slain their King Roderic p. 79. Martia the Wife of King Guitheline said to have instituted the Law call'd Marchen Leage p. 24 25. Martinus made Deputy of the British Province failing to kill Paulus falls upon his own Sword p. 90. Maximianus Herculeus forc't to conclude a peace with Caransius and yield him Britain p. 86. Maximus a Spaniard usurping part of the Empire is overcome at length and slain by Theodosius p. 93. Maximus a friend of Gerontius is by him set up in Spain against Constantine the Vsurper p. 95. Mempricius one of Brutus his Council perswades him to hasten out of Greece p. 10. Mempricius and Malim succeed their Father Madan in the Kingdom p. 15. Mempricius treacherously slaying his Brother gets sole possession of the Kingdom reigns tyrannically and is at last devour'd by Wolves p. 15. Mellitus Justus and others sent with Austin to the Conversion of the Saxons p. 140. he converts the East-Saxons p. 142. S. Paul's Church in London built for his Cathedral by Ethelred as that of Rochester for Justus ibid. Mollo the Brother of Kedwalla pursu'd beset and burnt in a house whither he had fled for shelter p. 166. his death reveng'd by his Brother ibid. Morcar the Son of Algar made Earl of Northumberland in the room of Tosti p. 294. he and Edwin Duke of the Mercians put Tosti to flight p. 300. they give Battel to Harold Harfager King of Norwey but are put to the worst p. 302. they refuse to set up Edgar and at length are brought to swear fidelity to Duke William of Normandy p. 305. Mordred Arthur's Nephew said to have given him in a Battel his deaths wound p. 131. Morindus the Son of Elanius by Tanguestela a valiant man but infinitely cruel p. 25. Mulmutius see Dunwallo O. OCta and Ebissa call'd over by Hengist their Vncle p. 13. they possess themselves of that part of the Isle which is now Northumberland ibid. Oenus one in the Catalogue of ancient British Kings p. 28. Oeric or Oisc succeeds his Father Hengist in the Kingdom of Kent and from him the Kentish Kings call'd Oiscings p. 119. he is otherwise call'd Esca p. 127. Offa the Son of Siger quits his Kingdom of the East-Saxons to go to Rome and turn Monk with Kenred p. 169 170. 174. Offa defeating and slaying Beornred the Vsurper becomes King of Mercia after Ethelbald p. 176. he subdues a neighbouring people call'd Hestings p. 177. gets the Victory of Alric King of Kent at Occanford ibid. inviting Ethelbright King of the East-Angles to his Palace he there treacherously causeth him to be beheaded and seizeth his Kingdom p. 180. his at first enmity afterwards league with Charles the Great p. 181. he grants a perpetual Tribute to the Pope out of every house in his Kingdom ibid. he draws a Trench of wondrous length between Mercia and the British Confines his death ibid. Osbald a Nobleman exalted to the Throne of the Northumbrians after Ethelred p. 182. Osbert reigns in Northumberland after the last of the Ethelreds in the time of the Danish Invasion p. 193. Osbert and Ella helping the Picts against Donaldus King of Scotland put the Scots to flight at Sterlin-bridge with great slaughter and take the King prisoner p. 196. Osfrid and Eanfrid the Sons of Edwin converted and baptized p. 152. Osfrid slain together with his Father in a Battel against Kedwalla p. 153. Oslac and Cnebban two Saxon Earls slain by Keaulin at Wibbandun p. 128. Osmund King of the South-Saxons p. 176. Osred a Child succeeds Aldfrid in the Northumbrian Kingdom p. 169. he is slain by his kindred for his vicious life p. 170. Osred Son of Alcled advanc't to the Kingdom of Northumberland after Elfwald is soon driven out again p. 179. is taken and forcibly shaven a Monk at York p. 180. Osric the Son of Elfric baptiz'd by Paulinus succeeds in the Kingdom of Bernicia p. 154. turns Apostate and is slain by an Eruption of Kedwalla out of a besieg'd Town ibid. another Osric succeeds Kenred the second p. 170. Osric Earl of Southampton and Ethelwolf of Bark-shire beat the Danes back to their Ships p. 199. Ostorius sent Vice-praetor into Britain in the room of Plautius the Praetor p. 55. routs the Britans and improves his Victory to the best advantage p. 55 56. gives the Government of several Cities to Cogidunus a British King his Allie p. 56. defeats the Silures under the leading of Caractacus p. 57. Ostrid the Wife of Ethelred kill'd by her own Nobles p. 169. Oswald Brother of Eanfrid living exil'd in Scotland is there baptiz'd p. 154. with a small Army utterly overthrows Kedwalla ibid. settles Religion and very much enlarges his Dominions p. 155. overcome and slain in Battel by Penda at Maserfeild now Oswestre p. 156. Oswi succeeds his Brother Oswald in the Kingdom p. 156. he perswades Sigebert to receive the Christian Faith p. 159. he discomfits Penda's vast Army p. 160. he subdues all Mercia and the greatest part of the Pictish Nation p. 161. shaken off by the Persian Nobles and Wulfer set up in his stead ibid. his death p. 163. Oswin the Nephew of Edwin shares with Oswi in the Kingdom of Northumberland p. 157. coming to Arms with him he is over-match't and slain by his Command ibid. Oswulf hath the Crown of Northumberland relinquisht to him by Eadbert p. 176. slain by his own Servants p. 177. Otha succeeds Esca in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. Otter and Roald two Danish Leaders landing in Devonshire their whole Forces are scatter'd and Roald slain p. 218. P. PAndrasus a Grecian King keeps the Trojans in servitude p. 7. is set upon and beaten by Brutus p. 8 9. Paulinus sent spiritual Guardian with Edelburga endeavours to convert Northumberland to Christianity p. 148. the manner of his winning King Edwin to embrace the Christian Religion p. 149 151. he converts the Province of Lindsey and Blecca the Governour of Lincoln and builds a Church in that City p. 152. Peada the Son of Penda and Prince of the Middle-Angles is baptized with all his Followers p.
158. he hath South-Mercia conferr'd on him by Oswi p. 161. is slain by the treachery of his Wife on Easter-day ibid. Pelagius a Britan brings new opinions into the Church p. 94. the Pelagian Doctrine refuted by Germanus p. 104. the Pelagians are judg'd to banishment by Germanus p. 108. Penda the Son of Wibba King of Mercia hath the Kingdom surrender'd him by Kearle p. 152. he joyns with Kedwalla against Edwin p. 153. he slays Oswald in Battel p. 156. in another Battel Sigebert p 157. in another Anna King of the East-Angles p. 159. he is slain in a Battel against Oswi p. 161. Penissel reckon'd in the number of ancientest British Kings p. 28. Peredure and Vigenius expel their Brother Elidure and share the Kingdom between them p. 27. Perjury an example of Divine vengeance in Alfred who conspir'd against King Athelstane p. 223. Petilius Cerealis utterly defeated by the Britans p. 64. he commands the Roman Army in Britain p. 68 69. Petronius Turpilianus commands in chief in Britain after Suetonius Paulinus p. 68. Pir one of the ancientest Race of British Kings p. 28. Picts and Scots harrass the South Coasts of Britain p. 91. c. See Scots Picts and Saxons beaten by the Britans through the pious Conduct of Germanus p. 104 105. Porrex the Son of Gorbogudo though assisted from France is slain by his Brother Ferrex p. 21. his death reveng'd by his Mother Videna ibid. another of that name reckon'd in the Catalogue of British Kings p. 28. Portsmouth denominated from the landing of Porta a Saxon Prince with his two Sons Bida and Megla p. 120. Prafutagus King of the Icenians leaving Caesar coheir with his Daughters causeth the Britans to revolt p. 62 63. Priscus Licinius Lieutenant in this Isle under Adrian p. 78. Probus subdues the Vsurper Bonosus who falls in the Battel p. 85. prevents by his wisdom new risings in Britain ibid. R. REadwulf succeeding Ethelred in Northumbria soon after his Coronation cut off with his whole Army by the Danes at Alvetheli p. 193. Rederchius reckon'd among the ancient British Kings p. 28. Redion another British King ibid. Redwald King of the East-Angles wars against Ethelfrid in defence of Edwin and slays him in Battel p. 147. Regin Son of Gorbonian a good King p. 27. Rivallo succeeds his Father Cunedagius p. 21. Rollo the Dane or Norman having fought unsuccessfully here turns his Forces into France and conquers the Country since call'd Normandy p. 212. Romans land in Britain under the Conduct of Julius Caesar p. 36 37. their sharp Conflict with the Britans near the Stoure in Kent p. 42 43. the cruel Massacre of the Britans upon them p. 64. they leave the Island to succour their declining affairs in other parts p. 104. they come and aid the Britans against the Scots and Picts ibid. they help them to build a new Wall p. 102. instruct them in War and take their last farewel ibid. Romanus nam'd among the four Sons of Histion sprung of Japhet and from him the Romans fabled to be derived p. 5. Rowen the Daughter of Hengist sent for over by her Father p. 112. she presents King Vortigern with a bowl of wine by her Fathers Command p. 112 113. she is upon the King's demand given him in Marriage p. 113. Rudancus King of Cambria subdued in fight and slain by Dunwallo Mulmutius p. 21. Rudhuddibras succeeds his Father Leil and founds Caerkeint or Canterbury with several other places p. 16. Runno the Son of Peredure not immediate Successor p. 28. S. SAbra thrown into the River thence call'd Sabrina with her Mother Estrildis by Guendolen p. 15. Samothes the first King that History or Fable mentions to have peopled this Island p. 4. Samulius recorded among the ancient British Kings p. 28. Saron the second King nam'd among the Successors of Samothes p. 4. Saxons harrass the South Coast of Britain slay Nectaridius and Bulcobandes p. 91. Saxons and Picts see Picts Saxons invited into Britain by Vortigern and the Britans against the Scots and Picts p. 109 110. their Original p. 110. they arrive under the leading of Hergist and Horsa p. 111. they beat the Scots and Picts near Stamford p. 112. fresh Forces sent them over and their bounds enlarged p. 112. 113. they making league with the Scots and Picts wast the land without resistance ibid. beaten by Guortimer in four Battels and driven into Thanet p. 115. they return most of them into their own Country p. 117. the rest notably defeated by Ambrosius Aurelianus and the Britans p. 118. Scots Picts and Attacots harrass the South Coast of Britain p. 91. overcome by Maximus p. 93. Scots possest Ireland first and named it Scotia p. 94. Scots and Picts beaten by the Romans sent to the supply of the Britans p. 101. they make spoil and havock with little or no opposition p. 103. Sebbi having reign'd over the East-Saxons 30 years takes on him the habit of a Monk p. 163. Sebert the Son of Sleda reigns over the East-Saxons by permission of Ethelbert p. 142. Segonax one of the four petty Kings in Britain that assaulted Caesar's Camp p. 46. Sejus Saturninus commands the Roman Navy in Britain p. 78. Selred the Son of Sigebert the Good succeeds Ossa in the East-Saxon Kingdom and comes to a violent end p. 174. Septimius Severus the Roman Emperour arrives in person with an Army in this Island p. 81. 82. his ill success against the Caledonians p. 82. nevertheless goes on and brings them to terms of peace p. 83. builds a Wall across the Island from Sea to Sea ibid. they taking Arms again he sends his Son Antoninus against them p. 84. he dies at York 't is thought of grief ibid. Severus sent over Deputy into this Island by the Emperour Valentinian p. 91. Sexburga the Wife of Kenwalk driven out by the Nobles disdaining female Government p. 163. Sexted and Seward re-establish Heathenism in East-Saxony after the Death of their Father Sebert p. 145. in a fight against the Britans they perish with their whole Army p. 146. Sigeard and Senfred succeed their Father Sebbi in the East-Saxon Kingdom p. 174. Sigebert succeeds his Brother Eorpwald in the Kingdom of the East-Angles p. 156. he founds a School or Colledge and betakes himself to a Monastical life p. 156. being forc't into the field against Penda he is slain with his Kinsman Egric p. 157. Sigebert sirnamed the Small succeeds his Father Seward King of the East-Saxons p. 159. his successour Sigebert the 2d is perswaded by Oswi to imbrace Christianity ibid. is murdered by the Conspiracy of two Brethren ibid. his Death denounc't by the Bishop for eating with an excommunicate person p. 160. Sigebert the Kinsman of Cuthred succeeds him in the West-Saxon Kingdom p. 175. Siger the Son of Sigebert the Small and Sebbi the Son of Seward succeed in the government of the East-Saxons after Swithelms decease p. 162. Silures a people of Britain chuse Caractacus for their Leader against
to recite a grand Fable though dignify'd by our best Poets while Brutus on a certain Festival day solemnly kept on that shoar where he first landed was with the people in great jollity and mirth a crew of these Savages breaking in upon them began on the suddain another sort of Game then at such a meeting was expected But at length by many hands overcome Goëmagog the hugest in higth twelv Cubits is reserv'd alive that with him Corineus who desir'd nothing more might try his strength Whom in a Wrestle the Giant catching aloft with a terrible hugg broke three of his Ribs nevertheless Corineus enrag'd heaving him up by main force and on his Shoulders bearing him to the next high Rock threw him headlong all shatter'd into the Sea and left his name on the Cliff call'd ever since Langoëmagog which is to say the Giants leap After this Brutus in a chosen place builds Troia nova chang'd in time to Trinovantum now London and began to enact Laws Heli beeing then high Preist in Judaea and having govern'd the whole Ile 24 Years dy'd and was buried in his new Troy His three Sons Locrine Albanact and Camber divide the Land by consent Locrine had the middle part Loëgria Camber possess'd Cambria or Wales Albanact Albania now Scotland But he in the end by Humber King of the Hunns who with a Fleet invaded that Land was slain in fight and his people driv'n back into Loëgria Locrine and his Brother goe out against Humber who now marching onward was by them defeated and in a River drown'd which to this day retains his name Among the spoils of his Camp and Navy were found certain young Maids and Estrildis above the rest passing fair the Daughter of a King in Germany from whence Humber as he went wasting the Sea-Coast had led her Captive whom Locrine though before contracted to the Daughter of Corineus resolvs to marry But beeing forc'd and threatn'd by Corineus whose Autority and power he fear'd Guendolen the Daughter he yeelds to marry but in secret loves the other and oft-times retiring as to som privat Sacrifice through Vaults and passages made under ground and seven years thus enjoying her had by her a Daughter equally fair whose name was Sabra But when once his fear was off by the Death of Corineus not content with secret enjoyment divorcing Guendolen he makes Estrildis now his Queen Guendolen all in rage departs into Cornwall where Madan the Son she had by Locrine was hitherto brought up by Corineus his Grandfather And gathering an Army of her Fathers Friends and Subjects gives Battail to her Husband by the River Sture wherein Locrine shot with an Arrow ends his life But not so ends the fury of Guendolen for Estrildis and her Daughter Sabra she throws into a River and to leave a Monument of revenge proclaims that the stream be thenceforth call'd after the Damsels name which by length of time is chang'd now to Sabrina or Severn Fifteen Years she governs in behalf of her Son then resigning to him at Age retires to her Fathers Dominion This saith my Author was in the daies of Samuel Madan hath the praise to have well and peacefully rul'd the space of 40 years leaving behind him two Sons Memprioius and Malim Mempricius had first to doe with the ambition of his Brother aspiring to share with him in the Kingdom whom therfore at a meeting to compose matters with a treachery which his cause needed not he slew Nor was he better in the sole possession wherof so ill he could endure a Partner killing his Nobles and those especially next to succeed him till lastly giv'n over to unnaturall lust in the twentith of his Reigne hunting in a Forest he was devowr'd by Wolves His Son Ebranc a man of mighty strength and stature Reign'd 40 Years He first after Brutus wasted Gaul and returning rich and prosperous builded Caerebranc now York in Albania Alclud Mount Agned or the Castle of Maydens now Edinburgh He had 20 Sons and 30 Daughters by 20 Wives His Daughters he sent to Silvius Alba into Italy who bestow'd them on his Peers of the Trojan Line His Sons under the leading of Assaracus thir Brother won them Lands and Signories in Germany thence call'd from these Brethren Germania a derivation too hastily suppos'd perhaps before the word Germannus or the Latin Tongue was in use Som who have describ'd Henault as Jacobus â—ergomas and Lessabeus are cited to affirm that Ebrâ—◠〈◊〉 his Warre there was by Brunchildis Lord of 〈◊〉 put to the worse Brutus therfore surnamed Greenshield succeeding to repair his Fathers losses as the sam Lessabeus reports fought a second Battail in Henault with Brunchild at the mouth of Scaldis and Encamp'd on the River Hania Of which our Spencer also thus Sings Let Scaldis tell and let tell Hania And let the Marsh of Esthambruges tell What colour were thir Waters that same day And all the Moar twixt Elversham and Dell With blood of Henalois which therin fell How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see The Greenshield dy'd in dolorous Vermeil c. But Henault and Brunchild and Greenesheild seeme newer names then for a Story pretended thus Antient. Him succeeded Leil a maintainer of Peace and Equity but slackn'd in his latter end whence arose som civil discord He built in the North Cairleil and in the daies of Solomon Rudhuddibras or Hudibras appeasing the commotions which his Father could not fownded Caerkeynt or Canturbury Caerguent or Winchester and Mount Paladur now Septonia or Shaftsbury but this by others is contradicted Bladud his Son built Caerbadus or Bathe and those medcinable Waters he dedicated to Minerva in whose Temple there he kept fire continually burning He was a man of great invention and taught Necromancie till having made him Wings to fly he fell down upon the Temple of Apollo in Trinovant and so dy'd after twenty years Reigne Hitherto from Father to Son the direct Line hath run on but Leir who next Reign'd had only three Daughters and no Male Issue govern'd laudably and built Caer-Leir now Leicestre on the Bank of Sora. But at last failing through Age he determines to bestow his Daughters and so among them to divide his Kingdom Yet first to try which of them lov'd him best a Trial that might have made him had he known as wisely how to try as he seem'd to know how much the trying behoov'd him he resolves a simple resolution to ask them solemly in order and which of them should profess largest her to beleev Gonorill th' Eldest apprehending too well her Fathers weakness makes answer invoking Heav'n That she lov'd him above her Soul Therfore quoth the old man overjoy'd since thou so honourst my declin'd Age to thee and the Husband whom thou shalt choose I give the third part of my Realm So fair a speeding for a few words soon utter'd was to Regan the second ample instruction what to say She on the same demand spares no protesting
builder of Temples and gave to all what was thir due to his Gods devout Worship to men of desert honour and preferment to the Commons encouragement in thir Labours and Trades defence and protection from injuries and oppressions so that the Land florish'd above her Neighbours Violence and Wrong seldom was heard of his Death was a general loss he was buried in Trinovant Archigallo the second Brother follow'd not his Example but depress'd the ancient Nobility and by peeling the wealthier sort stuff'd his Treasury and took the right way to be depos'd Elidure the next Brother surnam'd the Pious was set up in his place a mind so noble and so moderat as almost is incredible to have bin ever found For having held the Scepter five Years hunting one day in the Forest of Calater he chanc'd to meet his deposed Brother wandring in mean condition who had bin long in vain beyond the Seas importuning Foren aides to his Restorement and was now in a poor Habit with only ten followers privatly return'd to find subsistence among his secret freinds At the unexpected sight of him Elidure himself also then but thinly accompanied runns to him with open Arms and after many dear and sincere welcomings convaines him to the Citty Alclud there hides him in his own Bed-Chamber Afterwards faining himself sick summons all his Peers as about greatest affairs where admitting them one by one as if his weakness endur'd not the disturbance of more at once causes them willing or unwilling once more to swear Allegiance to Archigallo Whom after reconciliation made on all sides he leads to York and from his own Head places the Crown on the Head of his Brother Who thenceforth Vice it self dissolving in him and forgetting her firmest hold with the admiration of a deed so Heroic became a true converted man rul'd worthily 10 Years dy'd and was Buried in Caerleir Thus was a Brother sav'd by a Brother to whom love of a Crown the thing that so often dazles and vitiats mortal men for which thousands of neerest blood have destroy'd each other was in respect of Brotherly dearness a contemptible thing Elidure now in his own behalf re-assumes the Government and did as was worthy such a man to doe When providence that so great vertue might want no sort of trial to make it more illustrious stirs up Vigenius and Peredure his youngest Brethren against him who had deserv'd so nobly of that relation as lest of all by a Brother to be injur'd Yet him they defeat him they Imprison in the Towr of Trinovant and divide his Kingdom the North to Peredure the South to Vigenius After whose Death Peredure obtaining all so much the better us'd his power by how much the worse he got it So that Elidure now is hardly miss't But yet in all right owing to his Elder the due place wherof he had depriv'd him Fate would that he should die first and Elidure after many years Imprisonment is now the third time seated on the Throne which at last he enjoy'd long in Peace finishing the interrupted course of his mild and just Reign as full of vertuous deeds as daies to his end After these five Sons of Morindus succeeded also thir Sons in Order Regin of Gorbonian Marganus of Archigallo both good Kings But Enniaunus his Brother taking other courses was after six years depos'd Then Idwallo taught by a neer Example Govern'd soberly Then Runno then Geruntius He of Peredure this last the Son of Elidure From whose Loyns for that likely is the durable and surviving Race that springs of just Progenitors issu'd a long descent of Kings whose names only for many successions without other memory stand thus register'd Catellus Coillus Porrex Cherin and his three Sons Fulgenius Eldadus and Andragius his Son Vrianus Eliud Eledaueus Clotenus Gurguntius Merianus Bleduno Capis Oënus Sisillius twentie Kings in a continu'd row that either did nothing or liv'd in Ages that wrote nothing at least a foul pretermission in the Author of this whether Story or Fable himself wearie as seems of his own tedious Tale. But to make amends for this Silence Blegabredus next succeeding is recorded to have excell'd all before him in the Art of Music oppertunely had he but left us one Song of his 20 Predecessors doings Yet after him nine more succeeded in name His Brother Archimailus Eldol Redion Rederchius Samulius Penissel Pir Capoirus but Cliguellius with the addition of Modest Wise and Just His Son Heli Reign'd 40 Years and had three Sons Lud Cassibelaun and Nennius This Heli seems to be the same whom Ninnius in his fragment calls Minocan for him he writes to be the Father of Cassibelan Lud was he that enlarg'd and wall'd about Trinovant there kept his Court made it the prime City and call'd it from his own name Caer-lud or Luds Town now London Which as is alledg'd out of Gildas became matter of great dissention betwixt him and his Brother Nennius who took it hainously that the name of Troy thir ancient Country should be abolish'd for any new one Lud was hardy and bold in Warr in Peace a jolly Feaster He conquer'd many Ilands of the Sea saith Huntingdon and was buried by the Gate which from thence wee call Ludgate His two Sons Androgeus and Tenuantius were left unto the tuition of Cassibelan whose bounty and high demeanor so wraught with the common people as got him easily the Kingdom transferr'd upon himself He nevertheless continuing to favour and support his Nefews conferrs freely upon Androgeus London with Kent upon Tenuantius Cornwall reserving a superiority both over them and all the other Princes to himself till the Romans for a while circumscrib'd his power Thus farr though leaning only on the creâ—â—t of Geffrey Monmouth and his assertors I yet for the specify'd causes have thought it not beneath my purpose to relate what I found Wherto I neither oblige the beleif of other person nor over-hastily subscribe mine own Nor have I stood with others computing or collating years and Chronologies lest I should be vainly curious about the time and circumstance of things wherof the substance is so much in doubt By this time like one who had set out on his way by night and travail'd through a Region of smooth or idle Dreams our History now arrivs on the Confines where day-light and truth meet us with a cleer dawn representing to our view though at a farr distance true colours and shapes For albeit Caesar whose Autority we are now first to follow wanted not who tax'd him of mis-reporting in his Commentaries yea in his Civil Warrs against Pompey much more may wee think in the British affairs of whose little skill in writing he did not easily hope to be contradicted yet now in such variety of good Authors we hardly can miss from one hand or other to be sufficiently inform'd as of things past so long agoe But this will better be referr'd to a second discourse The End of
left heer in Garrison other outlandish Cohorts detain'd listed the very Merchants and Factors of Gallia and with the allurement of spoile invited great numbers of other barbarous Nations to his part and train'd them to Sea service wherein the Romans at that time were grown so out of skill that Carausius with his Navie did at Sea what he listed robbing on every Coast whereby Maximian able to come no neerer than the shoar of Boloigne was forc't to conclude a Peace with Carausius and yeild him Britain as one fittest to guard the Province there against inroads from the North. An. Dom. 291 But not long after having assum'd Constantius Chlorus to the dignity of Caesar sent him against Carausius who in the mean while had made himself strong both within the Land and without Galfred of Monmouth writes that he made the Ticts his confederates to whom lately com out of Scythia he gave Albany to dwell in and it is observ'd that before his time the Picts are not known to have bin any where mentioned and then first by Eumenius a Rhetorician He repair'd and fortifi'd the Wall of Severus with 7 Castles and a round House of smooth stone on the Bank of Carron which River saith Ninnius was of his Name so call'd he built also a Triumphal Arch in remembrance of some Victory there obtain'd In France he held Gessoriacum or Boloigne and all the Franks which had by his permission seated themselves in Belgia were at his devotion But Constantius hasting into Gallia besieges Boloigne and with Stones and Timber obstructing the Port keeps out all relief that could be sent in by Carausius Who ere Constantius with the great Fleet which he had prepar'd could arrive hither was slain treacherously by Alectus one of his Friends who long'd to step into his place An. Dom. 292 when he 7 years and worthily as som say as others tyrannically had rul'd the Iland So much the more did Constantius prosecute that opportunity before Alectus could well strengthen his Affairs and though in ill weather putting to Sea with all urgency from several Hav'ns to spread the terror of his landing and the doubt where to expect him in a Mist passing the British Fleet unseen that lay scouting neer the I le of Wight no sooner got a shoar but fires his own Ships to leave no hope of refuge but in Victory Alectus also though now much dismaid transfers his fortune to a Battel on the shoar but encountred by Asclepiodotus Captain of the Praetorian Bands and desperately rushing on unmindful both of ordering his men or bringing them all to fight save the accessories of his Treason and his outlandish hirelings is overthrown and slain with little or no loss to the Romans but great execution on the Franks His Body was found almost naked in the field for his Purple Robe he had thrown aside lest it should descry him unwilling to be found The rest taking flight to London and purposing with the pillage of that City to escape by Sea are met by another part of the Roman Armie whom the Mist at Sea disjoining had by chance brought thither and with a new slaughter chas'd through all the Streets The Britans thir Wives also and Children with great joy go out to meet Constantius as one whom they acknowledge their deliverer from bondage and insolence All this seems by Eumenius who then liv'd and was of Constantius houshold to have bin don in the course of one continu'd action so also thinks Sigonius a learned Writer though all others allow three years to the tyranny of Alectus In these days were great store of Workmen and excellent Builders in this Iland whom after the alteration of things heer the Aeduans in Burgundie entertain'd to build thir Temples and publick Edifices Dioclesian having hitherto successfully us'd his valour against the Enemies of his Empire uses now his rage in a bloodie persecution against his obedient and harmless Christian Subjects from the feeling whereof neither was this Iland though most remote far anough remov'd Among them heer who suffer'd gloriously Aron and Julius of Caer leon upon Vsk but chiefly Alban of Verulam were most renown'd The story of whose Martyrdom soil'd and worse martyr'd with the fabling zeal of some idle fancies more fond of Miracles than apprehensive of Truth deserves not longer digression Constantius after Dioclesian dividing the Empire with Galerius had Britain among his other Provinces where either preparing or returning with victorie from an expedition against the Caledonians he di'd at York His Son Constantine who happily came Post from Rome to Boloigne just about the time An. Dom. 306 saith Eumenius that his Father was setting sail his last time hither and not long before his death was by him on his death-bed nam'd and after his Funeral by the whole Army saluted Emperor There goes a fame and that seconded by most of our own Historians though not those the ancientest that Constantine was born in this Iland his Mother Helena the Daughter of Coilus a British Prince not sure the Father of King Lucius whose Sister she must then be for that would detect her too old by an hunderd years to be the Mother of Constantine But to salve this incoherence another Coilus is feign'd to be then Earl of Colchester To this therefore the Roman Authors give no testimony except a passage or two in the Panegyrics about the sense whereof much is argu'd others neerest to those times clear the doubt and write him certainly born of Helena a mean Woman at Naisus in Dardania Howbeit ere his departure hence he seems to have had some bickerings in the North which by reason of more urgent affairs compos'd he passes into Gallia An. Dom. 307 and after 4 years returns either to settle or to alter the state of things heer An. Dom. 311 until a new Warr against Maxentius call'd him back leaving Pacatianus his Vicegerent He deceasing Constantine his eldest Son enjoy'd for his part of the Empire with all the Provinces that lay on this side the Alpes this Iland also But falling to Civil Warr with Constans his Brother was by him slain who with his third Brother Constantius coming into Britain seis'd it as Victor An. Dom. 340 Against him rose Magnentius one of his chief Commanders by som affirm'd the Son of a Britan An. Dom. 343 he having gain'd on his side great Forces contested with Constantius in many Battels for the sole Empire but vanquish't in the end slew himself Somwhat before this time Gratianus Funarius An. Dom. 350 the Father of Valentinian afterwards Emperor An. Dom. 353 had chief command of those Armies which the Romans kept heer And the Arrian Doctrine which then divided Christendom wrought also in this Iland no small disturbance a Land saith Gildas greedy of every thing new stedfast in nothing An. Dom. 359 At last Constantius appointeda Synod of
hearing themselves entreated by the Britans to that which gladly they would have wish't to obtain of them by entreating to the British Embassy return this answer Be assur'd henceforth of the Saxons as of faithful friends to the Britans no less ready to stand by them in thir need than in thir best of fortune The Embassadors return joyful and with news as welcome to thir Countrie whose sinister fate had now blinded them for destruction The Saxons consulting first thir Gods for they had answer that the Land whereto they went they should hold 300 years half that time conquering and half quietly possessing furnish out three long Gallies or Kyules with a chos'n company of warlike youth under the conduct of two Brothers Hengist and Horsa descended in the fourth degree from Woden of whom deify'd for the fame of his acts most Kings of those Nations derive thir pedigree These and either mixt with these or soon after by themselves two other Tribes or neighbouring people Jutes and Angles the one from Jutland the other from Anglen by the City of Sleswich both Provinces of Denmark An. Dom. 450 arrive in the first year of Martian the Greek Emperor from the birth of Christ 450 receav'd with much good will of the people first then of the King who after some assurances giv'n and tak'n bestows on them the I le of Tanet where they first landed hoping they might be made heerby more eager against the Picts when they fought as for thir own Countrie and more loyal to the Britans from whom they had receav'd a place to dwell in which before they wanted The British Nennius writes that these Brethren were driv'n into exile out of Germany and to Vortigern who reigned in much fear one while of the Picts then of the Romans and Ambrosius came opportunely into the Hav'n For it was the custom in old Saxony when thir numerous off-spring overflow'd the narrowness of thir bounds to send them out by lot into new dwellings wherever they found room either vacant or to be forc't But whether sought or unsought they dwelt not heer long without employment For the Scots and Picts were now come down som say as far as Stamsord in Lincoln-shire whom perhaps not imagining to meet new opposition the Saxons though not till after a sharp encounter put to flight and that more than once slaying in fight as some Scotch Writers affirm thir King Eugenius the Son of Fergus Hengist percaeving the Iland to be rich and fruitful but her Princes and other inhabitants giv'n to vicious ease sends word home inviting others to a share of his good success Who returning with 17 Ships were grown up now to a sufficient Army and entertain'd without suspicion on these terms that they should bear the brunt of War against the Picts receaving stipend and some place to inhabit With these was brought over the Daughter of Hengist a Virgin wondrous fair as is reported Rowen the British call her she by commandment of her Father who had invited the King to a Banquet coming in presence with a Bowle of Wine to welcome him and to attend on his Cup till the Feast ended won so much upon his fancy though already wiv'd as to demand her in mariage upon any conditions Hengist at first though it fell out perhaps according to his drift held off excusiing his meanness then obscurely intimating a desire and almost a necessity by reason of his augmented numbers to have his narrow bounds of Tanet enlarg'd to the Circuit of Kent had it streit by donation though Guorangonus till then was King of that place and so as it were overcome by the great munificence of Vortiger gave his Daughter And still encroaching on the Kings favour got furder leave to call over Octa and Ebissa his own and his Brothers Son pretending that they if the North were giv'n them would sit there as a continual defence against the Scots while himself guarded the East They therfore sayling with forty Ships eev'n to the Orcades and every way curbing the Scots and Picts possess'd that part of the Ile which is now Northumberland Notwithstanding this they complain that thir monthly pay was grown much into arrear which when the Britans found means to satisfie though alleging withall that they to whom promise was made of wages were nothing so many in number quieted with this a while but still seeking occasion to fall off they find fault next that thir pay is too small for the danger they undergo threatning op'n Warr unless it be augmented Guortimer the Kings Son perceaving his Father and the Kingdom thus betray'd from that time bends his utmost endeavour to drive them out They on the other side making League with the Picts and Scots and issuing out of Kent wasted without resistance almost the whole Land eev'n to the Western Sea with such a horrid devastation that Towns and Colonies overturn'd Preists and people slain Temples and Palaces what with fire and Sword lay alltogether heap'd in one mixt ruin Of all which multitude so great was the sinfullness that brought this upon them Gildas adds that few or none were likely to be other then lew'd and wicked persons The residue of these part overtak'n in the Mountains were slain others subdu'd with hunger preferr'd slavery before instant death som getting to Rocks Hills and Woods inaccessible preferr'd the fear and danger of any Death before the shame of a secure slavery many fled over Sea into other Countries some into Holland where yet remain the ruins of Brittenburgh an old Castle on the Sea to be seen at low water not far from Leiden either built as Writers of thir own affirm or seis'd on by those Britans in thir escape from Hengist Others into Armorica peopl'd as som think with Britans long before either by guift of Constantine the Great or else of Maximus to those British Forces which had serv'd them in Forein Wars to whom those also that miscarried not with the latter Constantine at Arles and lastly these exiles driv'n out by Saxons fled for refuge But the antient Chronicles of those Provinces attest thir coming thether to be then first when they fled the Saxons and indeed the name of Britain in France is not read till after that time Yet how a sort of fugitives who had quitted without stroke thir own Country should so soon win another appears not unless joyn'd to som party of thir own settl'd there before Vortiger nothing better'd by these calamities grew at last so obdurat as to commit incest with his daughter tempted or tempting him out of an ambition to the Crown For which beeing censur'd and condemn'd in a great Synod of Clercs and Laics and partly for fear of the Saxons according to the Counsel of his Peers he retir'd into Wales and built him there a strong Castle in Radnorshire by the advice of Ambrosius a young prophet whom others call
thir flowing hither then to have won Kingdoms as far as Russia scarce able heer to defend his own Buchanan our Neighbour Historian reprehends him of Monmouth and others for fabling in the deeds of Arms yet what he writes thereof himself as of better credit shews not whence he had but from those Fables which he seems content to believe in part on condition that the Scots and Picts may be thought to have assisted Arthur in all his Wars and atchievments whereof appears as little grownd by any credible story as of that which he most counts Fabulous But not furder to contest about such uncertainties An. Dom. 547 In the year 547. Ida the Saxon sprung also from Woden in the tenth degree began the Kingdome of Bernicia in Northumberland built the Town Bebbanburg which was after wall'd and had 12 Sons half by Wives and half by Concubines Hengist by leave of Vortigern we may remember had sent Octa and Ebissa to seek them seats in the North and there by warring on the Picts to secure the Southern parts Which they so prudently effected that what by force and fair proceeding they well quioted those Countries and though so far distant from Kent nor without power in thir hands yet kept themselves nigh 180 years within moderation and as inferiour Governors they and their off-spring gave obedience to the Kings of Kent as to the elder Family Till at length following the example of that Age when no less then Kingdoms were the prize of every fortunat Commander they thought it but reason as well as others of thir Nation to assume Royalty Of whom Ida was the first a man in the prime of his years and of Parentage as we heard but how he came to wear the Crown aspiring or by free choise is not said Certain enough it is that his vertues made him not less noble then his birth in War undaunted and unfoil'd in peace tempring the aw of Magistracy with a naturall mildness he raign'd about 12 years An. Dom. 552 In the mean while Kenric in a fight at Searesbirig now Salsbury kil'd and put to flight many of the Britans An. Dom. 556 and the fourth year after at Beranvirig now Banbury as some think with Keaulin his son put them again to flight Keaulin shortly after succeeded his father in the West-Saxons And Alla descended also of Woden An. Dom. 560 but by another line set up a second Kingdom in Deira the South part of Northumberland and held it 30 years while Adda the son of Ida and five more after him reign'd without other memory in Bernicia and in Kent Ethelbert the next year began An. Dom. 561 For Esca the son of Hengist had left Otha and he Emeric to rule after him both which without adding to their bounds kept what they had in peace 53 years But Ethelbert in length of reign equal'd both his progenitors and as Beda counts 3 years exceeded Young at his first entrance and unexperienc'd he was the first raiser of civill War among the Saxons claiming from the priority of time wherin Hengist took possession here a kind of right over the later Kingdomes and thereupon was troublesome to thir Confines but by them twise defeated he who but now thought to seem dreadfull became almost contemptible For Keaulin and Cutha his Son An. Dom. 568 persuing him into his own Territory slew there in Battel at Wibbandun 2 of his Earls Oslac and Cnebban By this means the Britans but cheifly by this Victory at Badon for the space of 44 years ending in 571 receav'd no great annoyance from the Saxons but the peace they enjoy'd by ill using it prov'd more destructive to them then War For being rais'd on a sudden by two such eminent successes from the lowest condition of thraldome they whose Eyes had beheld both those deliverances that by Ambrose and this at Badon were taught by the experience of either Fortune both Kings Magistrates Priests and privat men to live orderly But when the next Age unacquainted with past Evils and only sensible of thir present ease and quiet succeeded strait follow'd the apparent subversion of all truth and justice in the minds of most men scarse the lest footstep or impression of goodness left remaining through all ranks and degrees in the Land except in some so very few as to be hardly visible in a general corruption which grew in short space not only manifest but odious to all the Neighbour Nations And first thir Kings among whom also the Sons or Grand-Children of Ambrose were fouly degenerated to all Tyranny and vitious life Wherof to hear som particulars out of Gildas will not be impertinent They avenge saith he and they protect not the innocent but the guilty they swear oft but perjure they wage War but civil and unjust War They punish rigorously them that rob by the high way but those grand Robbers that sit with them at Table they honour and reward They give alms largly but in the face of thir Alms-deeds pile up wickedness to a far higher heap They sit in the seat of Judgment but goe seldome by the rule of right neglecting and proudly overlooking the modest and harmless but countenancing the audacious though guilty of abominablest crimes they stuff thir Prisons but with men committed rather by circumvention then any just cause Nothing better were the Clergy but at the same pass or rather worse then when the Saxons came first in Unlerned Unapprehensive yet impudent suttle Prowlers Pastors in Name but indeed Wolves intent upon all occasions not to feed the Flock but to pamper and well line themselves not call'd but seising on the Ministry as a Trade not as a Spiritual Charge teaching the people not by sound Doctrin but by evil Example usurping the Chair of Peter but through the blindness of thir own worldly lusts they stumble upon the Seat of Judas deadly haters of truth broachers of lies looking on the poor Christian with Eyes of Pride and Contempt but fawning on the wickedest rich men without shame great promoters of other mens Alms with thir set exhortations but themselves contributing ever least slightly touching the many vices of the Age but preaching without end thir own greivances as don to Christ seeking after preferments and degrees in the Church more then after Heav'n and so gain'd make it thir whole study how to keep them by any Tyranny Yet lest they should be thought things of no use in thir eminent places they have thir niceties and trivial points to keep in aw the superstitious multitude but in true saving knowledge leave them still as gross and stupid as themselves bunglers at the Scripture nay forbidding and silencing them that know but in worldly matters practis'd and cunning Shifters in that only art and symony great Clercs and Maisters bearing thir heads high but thir thoughts abject and low He taxes them also as gluttonous incontinent and daily Drunkards And what shouldst
some Legend then any warrantable Record Mean while Ecbert having with much Prudence Justice and Clemency An. Dom. 813 a work of more then one year establisht his Kingdome and himself in the affections of his people turns his first enterprise against the Britans both them of Cornwal and those beyond Seavern subdueing both In Mercia Kenulf the 6th year after having reign'd with great praise of his religious mind and vertues both in Peace and War deceas'd An. Dom. 819 His Son Kenelm a Child of seaven years was committed to the care of his Elder Sister Quendrid who with a female ambition aspiring to the Crown hir'd one who had the charge of his nurture to murder him led into a woody place upon pretence of hunting The murder as is reported was miraculously reveal'd but to tell how by a Dove droping a writt'n note on the Altar at Rome is a long story told though out of order by Malmsbury and under the year 821. by Mat. West where I leave it to be sought by such as are more credulous then I wish my Readers Only the note was to this purpose Low in a mead of Kine under a Thorn Of head bereft li'th poor Kenelm King-born An. Dom. 820 Keolwulf the Brother of Kenulf after one years Reign was driv'n out by one Bernulf an Usurper who in his third year An. Dom. 823 uncertain whether invading or invaded was by Ecbert though with great loss on both sides overthrown and put to flight at Ellandune or Wilton yet Malmsbury accounts this Battel fought in 806 a wide difference but frequently found in thir computations Bernulf thence retireing to the East-Angles as part of his Dominion by the late seisure of Offa was by them met in the field and slain but they doubting what the Mercians might do in revenge hereof forthwith yielded themselves both King and people to the Sovrantie of Ecbert As for the Kings of East-Angles our Annals mention them not since Ethelwald him succeeded his Brothers Sons as we find in Malmsbury Aldulf a good King well acquainted with Bede and Elwold who left the Kingdome to Beorn he to Ethelred the Father of Ethelbrite whom Offa perfidiously put to Death Simeon and Hoveden in the year 749. write that Elfwald King of East-Angles dying Humbeanna and Albert shar'd the Kingdom between them but where to insert this among the former successions is not easie nor much material after Ethelbrite none is nam'd of that Kingdom till thir submitting now to Ecbert he from this Victory against Bernulf sent part of his Army under Ethelwulf his Son with Alstan Bishop of Shirburn and Wulferd a Chief Commander into Kent Who finding Baldred there reigning in his 18th year overcame and drove him over the Thames whereupon all Kent Surrey Sussex and lastly Essex with her King Swithred became subject to the Dominion of Ecbert Neither were these all his exploits of this year the first in order set down in Saxon Annals being his fight against the Devonshire Welch at a place call'd Gasulford now Camelford in Cornwal An. Dom. 825 Ludiken the Mercian after two years preparing to avenge Bernulf his Kinsman on the East-Angles was by them with his five Consuls as the Annals call them surpris'd and put to the Sword and Withlaf his successor first vanquisht then upon submission with all Mercia made tributary to Ecbert Mean while the Northumbrian Kingdom of it self was fall'n to shivers thir Kings one after another so oft'n slain by the people no man dareing though never so ambitious to take up the Scepter which many had found so hot the only effectual cure of ambition that I have read for the space of 33 years after the Death of Ethelred Son of Mollo as Malmsbury writes there was no King many Noblemen and Prelats were fled the Country Which mis-rule among them the Danes having understood oft-times from thir Ships entring far into the land infested those parts with wide depopulations wasting Towns Churches and Monasteries for they were yet Heathen The Lent before whose coming on the North-side of St. Peters Church in Yorke was seen from the roof to rain blood The causes of these calamities and the ruin of that Kingdom Alcuin a learned Monk living in those days attributes in several Epistles and well may to the general ignorance and decay of lerning which crept in among them after the Death of Beda and of Ecbert the Archbishop thir neglect of breeding up youth in the Scriptures the spruce and gay apparel of thir Preists and Nuns discovering thir vain and wanton minds examples are also read eev'n in Beda's days of thir wanton deeds thence Altars defil'd with perjuries Cloisters violated with Adulteries the Land polluted with blood of thir Princes civil dissentions among the people and finally all the same vices which Gildas alledg'd of old to have ruin'd the Britans In this estate Ecbert who had now conquerd all the South finding them in the year 827. An. Dom. 827 for he was march'd thether with an Army to compleat his Conquest of the whole Iland no wonder if they submitted themselves to the yoke without resistance Eandred thir King becoming Tributary An. Dom. 828 Thence turning his forces the year following he subdu'd more throughly what remain'd of North-Wales The End of the Fourth Book THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN The Fifth Book THE sum of things in this Iland or the best part therof reduc't now under the power of one man and him one of the worthiest which as far as can be found in good Authors was by none attain'd at any time heer before unless in Fables men might with some reason have expected from such Union peace and plenty greatness and the flourishing of all Estates and Degrees but far the contrary fell out soon after Invasion Spoil Desolation slaughter of many slavery of the rest by the forcible landing of a fierce Nation Danes commonly call'd and somtimes Dacians by others the same with Normans as barbarous as the Saxons themselves were at first reputed and much more for the Saxons first invited came hither to dwell these unsent for unprovok'd came only to destroy But if the Saxons as is above related came most of them from Jutland and Anglen a part of Denmarke as Danish Writers affirm and that Danes and Normans are the same then in this invasion Danes drove out Danes thir own posterity And Normans afterwards none but antienter Normans Which invasion perhaps had the Heptarchie stood divided as it was had either not bin attempted or not uneasily resisted while each Prince and people excited by thir neerest concernments had more industriously defended thir own bounds then depending on the neglect of a deputed Governour sent oft-times from the remote residence of a secure Monarch Though as it fell out in those troubles the lesser Kingdoms revolting from the West-Saxon yoke and not aiding each other too much concern'd with thir own safety it came to no
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
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
so frequent Alarms came to agreement with them for a certain sum of money but ere the peace could be ratifi'd and the money gatherd the Danes impatient of delay by a sudden eruption in the night soon wasted all the East of Kent Mean while or something before Ethelbert deceasing was buried as his Brother at Sherburne Ethelred EThelred the third Son of Ethelwolf at his first An. Dom. 866 coming to the Crown was entertain'd with a fresh invasion of Danes led by Hinguar and Hubba two Brothers who now had got footing among the East-Angles there they winterd and coming to terms of peace with the Inhabitants furnish'd themselves of Horses forming by that means many Troops with Riders of thir own These Pagans Asser saith came from the River Danubius Fitted An. Dom. 867 thus for a long expedition they ventur'd the next year to make thir way over land and over Humber as far as Yorke them they found to thir hands imbroil'd in civil dissentions thir King Osbert they had thrown out and Ella Leader of another faction chosen in his room who both though late admonish'd by thir common danger towards the years end with united powers made head against the Danes and prevail'd but persueing them over-eagerly into Yorke then but slenderly wall'd the Northumbrians were every where slaughter'd both within and without thir Kings also both slain thir City burnt saith Malmsbury the rest as they could made thir peace over-run and vanquisht as far as the River Tine and Egbert of English race appointed King over them Bromton no antient Author for he wrote since Mat. West nor of much credit writes a particular cause of the Danes coming to Yorke that Bruern a Nobleman whose Wife King Osbert had ravisht call'd in Hinguar and Hubba to revenge him The example is remarkable if the truth were as evident Thence victorious the Danes next year enterd into Mercia towards An. Dom. 868 Nottingham where they spent the Winter Burhed then King of that Country unable to resist implores the aid of Ethelred and young Alfred his Brother they assembling thir Forces and joining with the Mercians about Nottingham offer Battel the Danes not daring to come forth kept themselves within that Town and Castle so that no great fight was hazarded there at length the Mercians weary of long suspence enterd into conditions of peace with thir Enemies After which the Danes returning back to Yorke made thir abode there the space of one year committing some say many cruelties An. Dom. 869 An. Dom. 870 Thence imbarking to Lindsey and all the Summer destroying that Country about September they came with like fury into Kesteven another part of Lincolnshire where Algar the Earl of Howland now Holland with his Forces and two hunderd stout Souldiers belonging to the Abbey of Croiland three hunderd from about Boston Morcard Lord of Brunne with his numerous Family well train'd and arm'd Osgot Governour of Lincoln with 500. of that City all joyning together gave Battel to the Danes slew of them a great multitude with three of thir Kings and persu'd the rest to thir Tents but the night following Gothrun Baseg Osketil Halfden and Hamond five Kings and as many Earls Frena Hinguar Hubba Sidroc the Elder and Younger coming in from several parts with great forces and spoils great part of the English began to slink home Nevertheless Algar with such as forsook him not all next day in order of Battel facing the Danes and sustaining unmov'd the brunt of thir assaults could not withhold his men at last from persueing thir counterfitted flight wherby op'nd and disorder'd they fell into the snare of thir Enemies rushing back upon them Algar and those Captains fore-nam'd with him all resolute men retreating to a hill side and slaying of such as follow'd them manifold thir own number dy'd at length upon heaps of dead which they had made round about them The Danes thence passing on into the Country of East-Angles rifl'd and burnt the Monastery of Elie overthrew Earl Wulketul with his whole Army and lodg'd out the Winter at Thetford where King Edmund assailing them was with his whole Army put to flight himself tak'n bound to a stake and shot to Death with Arrows his whole Country subdu'd The next year An. Dom. 871 with great supplies saith Huntingdon bending thir march toward the West-Saxons the only people now left in whom might seem yet to remain strength or courage likely to oppose them they came to Reading fortifi'd there between the two Rivers of Thames and Kenet and about three dayes after sent out wings of Horse under two Earls to forage the Country but Ethelwulf Earl of Barkshire at Englefeild a Village nigh encounterd them slew one of thir Earls and obtain'd a great Victory Four dayes after came the King himself and his Brother Alfred with the main Battail and the Danes issuing forth a bloody fight began on either side great slaughter in which Earl Ethelwulf lost his life but the Danes loosing no ground kept thir place of standing to the end Neither did the English for this make less hast to another conflict at Escesdunc or Ashdown four dayes after where both Armies with thir whole force on either side met The Danes were imbattail'd in two great Bodies the one led by Bascai and Halfden thir two Kings the other by such Earls as were appointed in like manner the English divided thir powers Ethelred the King stood against their Kings and though on the lower ground and coming later into the Battail from his Orisons gave a fierce onset wherin Bascai the Danish History names him Erazus the Son of Regicerus was slain Alfred was plac'd against the Earls and beginning the Battail ere his Brother came into the field with such resolution charg'd them that in the shock most of them were slain they are nam'd Sidroc Elder and Younger Osbern Frean Harald at length in both Divisions the Danes turn thir backs many thousands of them cut off the rest persu'd till night So much the more it may be wonderd to hear next in the Annals that the Danes 14 days after such an over-throw fighting again with Ethelred and his Brother Alfred at Basing under conduct saith the Danish History of Agnerus and Hubbo Brothers of the slain Evacus should obtain the Victory especially since the new supply of Danes mention'd by Asser arriv'd after this action But after two Months the King and his Brother fought with them again at Mertun in two Squadrons as before in which fight hard it is to understand who had the better so darkly do the Saxon Annals deliver thir meaning with more then wonted infancy Yet these I take for Asser is heer silent to be the Chief Fountain of our story the ground and basis upon which the Monks later in time gloss and comment at thir pleasure Nevertheless it appears that on the Saxon part not Heamund the Bishop only but many valiant men
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
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
other remedy submitted himself with all the Northumbrians giving hostages to Canute Nevertheless by his command or connivence and the hand of one Turebrand a Danish Lord Vthred was slain and Tric another Dane made Earl in his stead This Vthred Son of Walteof as Simeon writes in his treatise of the Seige of Durham in his youth obtain'd a great Victory against Malcolm Son of Kened King of Scots who with the whole power of his Kingdome was fall'n into Northumberland and laid seige to Durham Walteof the old Earl unable to resist had secur'd himself in Bebbanburg a strong Town but Vthred gathering an Army rais'd the Seige slew most of the Scots thir King narrowly escaping and with the heads of thir slain fixt upon Poles beset round the Walls of Durham The year of this exploit Simeon cleers not for in 969. and in the Reign of Ethelred as he affirms it could not bee Canute by another way returning Southward joyfull of his success before Easter came back with all the Army to his Fleet. About the end of April ensueing Ethelred after a long troublesome and ill govern'd Reign ended his daies at London and was buried in the Church of St. Paul Edmund Ironside AFter the decease of Ethelred they of the Nobility who were then at London together with the Citizens chose Edmund his Son not by Emma but a former Wife the Daughter of Earl Thored in his Fathers room but the Archbishops Abbots and many of the Nobles assembling together elected Canute and coming to Southamton where he then remain'd renounc'd before him all the race of Ethelred and swore him fidelity he also swore to them in matters both religious and secular to be thir faithfull Lord. But Edmund with all speed going to the West-Saxons was joyfully receav'd of them as thir King and of many other Provinces by their example Mean while Canute about mid May came with his whole Fleet up the River to London then causing a great Dike to be made on Surrey side turn'd the stream and drew his Ships thether West of the Bridge then begirting the City with a broad and deep trench assail'd it on every side but repulst as before by the valorous Defendants and in despair of success at that time leaving part of his Army for the defence of his Ships with the rest sped him to the West-Saxons ere Edmund could have time to assemble all his powers who yet with such as were at hand invoking divine aid encounterd the Danes at Pen by Gillingham in Dorsetshire and put him to flight After mid-summer encreast with new Forces he met with him again at a place call'd Sherastan now Sharstan but Edric Almar and Algar with the Hamshire and Wiltshire men then sideing with the Danes he only maintain'd the fight obstinatly fought on both sides till night and weariness parted them Day light returning renu'd the conflict wherein the Danes appearing inferiour Edric to dishart'n the English cuts off the Head of one Osmer in countnance and hair somewhat resembling the King and holding it up cries aloud to the English that Edmund being slain and this his head it was time for them to flie which falacy Edmund perceaving and op'nly shewing himself to his Souldiers by a spear thrown at Edric that missing him yet slew one next him and through him another behinde they recoverd heart and lay sore upon the Danes till night parted them as before for ere the third morn Canute sensible of his loss march'd away by stealth to his Ships at London renuing there his leagre Some would have this Battell at Sherastan the same with that at Scorastan before mention'd but the circumstance of time permits not that having bin before the landing of Canute this a good while after as by the Process of things appears from Sherastan or Sharstan Edmund return'd to the West-Saxons whose valour Edric fearing least it might prevail against the Danes sought pardon of his revolt and obtaining it swore loyalty to the King who now the third time coming with an Army from the West-Saxons to London rais'd the Seige chaseing Canute and his Danes to thir Ships Then after two daies passing the Thames at Branford and so coming on thir backs kept them so turn'd and obtain'd the Victory then returns again to his West Saxons and Canute to his Seige but still in vain riseing therfore thence he enterd with his Ships a River then call'd Arenne and from the Banks therof wasted Mercia thence thir Horse by land thir Foot by Ship came to Medway Edmund in the mean while with multipli'd Forces out of many Shires crossing again at Branford came into Kent seeking Canute encounterd him at Ocford and so defeated that of his Horse they who escap'd fled to the I le of Sheppey and a full Victory he had gain'd had not Edric still the Traytor by some wile or other detain'd his persuit and Edmund who never wanted courage heer wanted prudence to be so misled ever after forsak'n of his wonted Fortune Canute crossing with his Army into Essex thence wasted Mercia worse then before and with heavy prey return'd to his Ships them Edmund with a collected Army persueing overtook at a place call'd Assandune or Asseshill now Ashdown in Essex the Battel on either side was fought with great vehemence but perfidious Edric perceaving the Victory to incline towards Edmund with that part of the Army which was under him fled as he had promis'd Canute and left the King over-match't with numbers by which desertion the English were overthrown Duke Alfric Duke Godwin and Vlfketel the valiant Duke of East-Angles with a great part of the Nobility slain so as the English of a long time had not receav'd a greater blow Yet after a while Edmund not absurdly call'd Ironside preparing to try again his Fortune in another feild was hinderd by Edric and others of his faction adviseing him to make peace and divide the Kingdome with Canute To which Edmund over-rul'd a treaty appointed and pledges mutually giv'n both Kings met together at a place call'd Deorhirst in Glostershire Edmund on the West side of Severn Canute on the East with thir Armies then both in person wafted into an Iland at that time call'd Olanege now Alney in the midst of the River swearing amity and brotherhood they parted the Kingdome between them Then interchanging Armes and the habit they wore assessing also what pay should be allotted to the Navy they departed each his way Concerning this interveiw and the cause therof others write otherwise Malmsbury that Edmund greiving at the loss of so much blood spilt for the ambition only of two men striveing who should reign of his own accord sent to Canute offering him single Combate to prevent in thir own cause the effusion of more blood then thir own that Canute though of courage anough yet not unwisely doubting to adventure his body of small Timber against a man of Iron sides refus'd the Combate offring
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
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
they were sent Messengers from God to foretell that because the great ones of England Dukes Lords Bishops and Abbots were not Ministers of God but of the Devil God had deliverd the Land to thir Enemies and when he desir'd that he might reveal this Vision to the end they might repent it was answerd they neither will repent neither will God pardon them at this relation others trembling Stigand the Simonious Archbishop whom Edward much to blame had sufferd many years to sit Primate in the Church is said to have laugh't as at the feavourish Dream of a doteing old man but the event prov'd it true Harold Son of Earl Godwin HArold whether by King Edward a little before Hoved. Florent his Death ordain'd Successor to the Crown as Simeon of Durham and others affirm or by the prevalence of his faction excluding Edgar the right Heir Grandchild to Edmund Ironside as Malmsbury and Huntingdon agree no sooner was the Funeral of King Edward ended but on the same day was elected and Crown'd King and no sooner plac't in the Throne but began to frame himself by all manner of compliances to gain affection endeavour'd to make good Laws repeal'd bad became a great Patron to Church and Church-men courteous and affable to all reputed good a hater of evill doers charg'd all his Officers to punish Theeves Robbers and all disturbers of the peace while he himself by Sea and Land labourd in the defence of his Country so good an actor is ambition In the mean while a blazing Star 7 Mornings together about the end of April was seen to stream terribly not only over England but other parts of the World foretelling heer as was thought the great changes approaching plainliest prognosticated by Elmer a Monk of Malmsbury who could not foresee when time was the breaking of his own Leggs for soaring too high he in his youth strangely aspiring had made and fitted Wings to his Hands and Feet with these on the top of a Tower spread out to gather air he flew more then a Furlong but the wind being too high came fluttering down to the maiming of all his Limbs yet so conceited of his Art that he attributed the cause of his fall to the want of a Tail as Birds have which he forgot to make to his hinder parts This story though seeming otherwise too light in the midst of a sad narration yet for the strangness therof I thought worthy anough the placeing as I found it plac't in my Authour But to digress no farder Tosti the Kings Brother coming from Flanders full of envy at his younger Brothers advancement to the Crown resolv'd what he might to trouble his Reign forcing therfore them of Wight I le to contribution he sail'd thence to Sandwich committing Piracies on the Coast between Harold then residing at London with a great number of Ships drawn together and of Horse Troops by Land prepares in person for Sandwich wherof Tosti having notice directs his course with 60 Ships towards Lindsey taking with him all the Sea-men he found willing or unwilling where he burnt many Villages and slew many of the Inhabitants but Edwin the Mercian Duke and Morcar his Brother the Northumbrian Earl with thir Forces on either side soon drove him out of the Country Who thence betook him to Malcolm the Scottish King and with him abode the whole Summer About the same time Duke William sending Embassadors to admonish Harold of his promise and Oath to assist him in his Plea to the Kingdom he made answer that by the death of his Daughter betroth'd to him on that condition he was absolv'd of his Oath or not Dead he could not take her now an out-landish woman without consent of the Realm that it was presumptuously done and not to be persisted in if without consent or knowledge of the States he had sworn away the right of the Kingdome that what he swore was to gain his liberty being in a manner then his Prisner that it was unreasonable in the Duke to require or expect of him the foregoing of a Kingdome conferr'd upon him with universal favour and acclamation of the people to this flat deniall he added contempt sending the Messengers back saith Mathew Paris on maim'd Horses The Duke thus contemptuously put off addresses himself to the Pope setting forth the Justice of his cause which Harold whether through haughtiness of mind or distrust or that the ways to Rome were stop'd sought not to do Duke William besides the promise and Oath of Harold alleg'd that King Edward by the advice of Seward Godwin himself and Stigand the Archbishop had giv'n him the right of succession and had sent him the Son and Nephew of Godwin pledges of the guift the Pope sent to Duke William after this demonstration of his right a consecrated Banner Wherupon he having with great care and choice got an Army of tall and stout Souldiers under Captains of great skill and mature Age came in August to the Port of St. Valerie Mean while Harold from London comes to Sandwich there expecting his Navy which also coming he sails to the I le of Wight and having heard of Duke William's preparations and readiness to invade him kept good watch on the Coast and Foot Forces every where in fit places to guard the shoar But ere the middle of September provision failing when it was most needed both Fleet and Army return home When on a sudden Harold Harvager King of Norway with a Navy of more then 500 great Ships others less'n them by two hunderd others augment them to a thousand appears at the mouth of Tine to whom Earl Tosti with his Ships came as was agreed between them whence both uniting set sail with all speed and enterd the River Humber Thence turning into Ouse as far as Rical landed and won Yorke by assault At these tideings Harold with all his power hasts thetherward but ere his coming Edwin and Morcar at Fulford by Yorke on the North side of Ouse about the Feast of St. Mathew had giv'n them Battel successfully at first but over-born at length with numbers and forc't to turn thir backs more of them perish'd in the River then in the Fight The Norwegians taking with them 500 Hostages out of Yorke and leaving there 150 of thir own retir'd to thir Ships But the fift day after King Harold with a great and well appointed Army coming to York and at Stamford-Bridge or Battell-Bridge on Darwent assailing the Norwegians after much bloodshed on both sides cut off the greatest part of them with Harfager thir King and Tosti his own Brother But Olave the Kings Son and Paul Earl of Orkney left with many Souldiers to guard the Ships surrendring themselves with Hostages and Oath giv'n never to return as Enemies he sufferd freely to depart with 20 Ships and the small remnant of thir Army One man of the Norwegians is not to be forgott'n who with incredible valour keeping the
them promis'd peace and defence yet permitted his men the while to burn and make prey Coming to London with all his Army he was on Christmass day sollemly Crown'd in the great Church at Westminster by Aldred Archbishop of York having first giv'n his Oath at the Altar in presence of all the people to defend the Church well govern the people maintain right Law prohibit rapine and unjust judgment Thus the English while they agreed not about the choice of thir native King were constrein'd to take the Yoke of an out-landish Conquerer With what minds and by what course of life they had fitted themselves for this servitude William of Malmsbury spares not to lay op'n Not a few years before the Normans came the Clergy though in Edward the Confessors daies had lost all good literature and Religion scarse able to read and understand thir Latin Service he was a miracle to others who knew his Grammar The Monks went clad in fine stuffs and made no difference what they eat which though in it self no fault yet to their Consciences was irreligious The great men giv'n to gluttony and dissolute life made a prey of the common people abuseing thir Daughters whom they had in service then turning them off to the Stews the meaner sort tipling together night and day spent all they had in Drunk'ness attended with other Vices which effeminate mens minds Whence it came to pass that carried on with fury and rashness more then any true fortitude or skill of War they gave to William thir Conquerour so easie a Conquest Not but that some few of all sorts were much better among them but such was the generality And as the long suffering of God permits bad men to enjoy prosperous daies with the good so his severity oft times exempts not good men from thir share in evil times with the bad If these were the Causes of such misery and thraldom to those our Ancestors with what better close can be concluded then here in fit season to remember this Age in the midst of her security to fear from like Vices without amendment the Revolutions of like Calamities FINIS AN INDEX Of all the Chief Persons and material passages contained in the foregoing HISTORY A. ADda succeeds his Father Ida in the Kingdom of Bernicia p. 127. Adminius the Son of Cunobeline banish't his Country flies to the Emperour Caligula and stirs him up against it p. 51. Aganippus a Gaulish King marries Cordelia the Daughter of King Leir p. 20. Agricola Son of Severianus spreads the Pelagian Doctrine in Britain p. 104. Aidan a Scotch Bishop sent for by Oswald to settle Religion p. 155. he hath his Episcopal Seat at Lindisfarne ibid. he dies for grief of the Murder of Oswin p. 157. Alaric takes Rome from the Emperour Honorius p. 97. Alban of Verulam with others suffers Martyrdom under Dioclesian p. 88. Albanact one of the three Sons of Brutus hath Albania now Scotland for his share in the Kingdom p. 14. Albion the ancient name of this Island p. 4 5. whence derived ibid. Albina said to be the Eldest of Dioclesians 50 Daughters p. 5. from her the name Albion derived ibid. Alcled slaying Ethelwald usurps the Kingdom of the Northumbrians p. 177. Aldfrid recall'd from Ireland succeeds his Brother Ecfrid in the Northumbrian Kingdom p. 168. he leaves Osred a Child to succeed him p. 169. Aldulf the Nephew of Ethelwald succeeds King of the East-Angles p. 187. Alectus treacherously slays his friend Carausius to get the Dominion p. 87. is overthrown by Asclepiodotus and slain ibid. Alemannus reported one of the four Sons of Histion descended from Japhet and of whom the Alemanni or Germans p. 5. Alfage Archbishop of Canterbury inhumanly us'd by the Danes p. 256. kill'd outright by Thrum a Dane in commiseration of his misery ibid. Alfred the fourth Son of Ethelwolf and successour of his Brother Ethelred encounters the Danes at Wilton p. 204. he gives Battel to the whole Danish power at Edinton and totally routing them brings them to terms p. 206. 207. he is said to have bestow'd the East-Angles upon Gytro a Danish King who had been lately baptis'd p. 207. a long tedious War afterwards maintain'd between him and the Danes p. 209. 210. c. he dies in the 30th year of his Reign and is buried at Winchester p. 212. his noble Character p. 213. 214. Alfwold driving out Eardulf usurps the Kingdom of Northumberland p. 185. Algar Earl of Howland now Holland Morcard Lord of Brunne and Osgot Governour of Lincoln slaughter a great multitude of the Danes in Battail with three of their Kings p. 201. overpowr'd with numbers and drawn into a snare Algar dies valiantly fighting ibid. Algar the Son of Leofric banisht by King Edward joins with Griffin Prince of South-Wales p. 291. 292. unable to withstand Harold Earl of Kent he submits to the King and is restor'd p. 292. banisht again he recovers his Earldom by force p. 293. Alipius made Deputy of the British Province in the room of Martinus p. 90. Alla begins the Kingdom of Deira in the South-part of Northumberland p. 127. 133. Alric King of Kent after Ethelbert the II. p. 177. with him dying ends the race of Hengist p. 181. Ambrosius Aurelianus dreaded by Vortimer p. 117. defeats the Saxons in a memorable Battel p. 118. uncertain whether the Son of Constantine the Vsurper or the same with Merlin and Son of a Roman Consul p. 118. he succeeds Vortigern as Chief Monarch of the I le ibid. Anacletus the friend of King Pandrasus is taken in fight by Brutus p. 9. he is forc't by Brutus to betray his own Countrymen ibid. Andragius one in the Catalogue of ancient British Kings p. 28. Androgeus one of Lud's Sons hath London assign'd him and Kent p. 29. forsakes his claim to the Kingdom and follows Caesars fortune p. 51. Anlaf the Dane with his Army of Irish and Constantine King of Scotland utterly discomfited by King Athelstan p. 225. 226. c. Anna succeeds Sigebert in the Kingdom of the East-Angles p. 157. he is slain in War by Penda the Mercian p. 159. Antigonus the Brother of King Pandrasus taken in fight by Brutus p. 9. Antoninus sent against the Caledonians by his Father Severus p. 84. after whose Death he takes hostages and departs to Rome ibid. Archigallo depos'd for his Tyranny p. 26. being restor'd by his Brother he becomes a new man and reigns worthily p. 27. Archimailus one in the number of ancient British Kings p. 28. Armorica in France peopled by Britans that fled from the Saxons p. 114. Arthur the Victory at Badon-hill by some ascrib'd to him which by others is attributed to Ambrose p. 122. who he was and whether the Authour of such famous Acts as are related of him p. 122. 123. c. Arviragus ingaging against Claudius keeps up the Battail to a Victory by personating his slain Brother Guiderius p. 54. Athelstan the Son of King Edward the Elder by
a Concubine solemnly Crown'd at Kingston upon Thames p. 223. the Conspiracy of one Alfred and his accomplices against him discover'd ibid. he gives his Sister Edgith to Sitric the Dane but drives out Anlaf and Guthferd out of their Kingdom p. 224. the story of his dealing with his Brother Edwin question'd as improbable ibid. he over-throws a vast Army of Scotch and Irish under Anlaf and Constantine King of Scotland p. 225. 226. c. he dies at Glocester and is buried at Malmsbury p. 228. his Character p. 229. Assaracus a Trojan Prince joins with Brutus against Pandrasus p. 8. Aulus Plautins sent against this Island by the Emperour Claudius p. 52. he overthrows Caractacus and Togodumnus ibid. is very much put to it by the Britans p. 53. sends to Claudius to come over and joins with him ibid. leaves the Country quiet and returns triumphant to Rome p. 54. 55. Aurelius Conanus a British King one of the five that is said to have reign'd toward the beginning of the Saxon Heptarchie p. 131. Austin with others sent over from Rome to preach the Gospel to the Saxons p. 138. he is receiv'd by King Ethelbert who hears him in a great Assembly p. 139. he is ordain'd Archbishop of the English p. 140. he hath his seat at Canterbury p. 141. he summons together the British Bishops requiring them to conform with him in points wherein they differ'd p. 142. upon their refusal he stirs up Ethelfrid against them to the slaughter of 1200 Monks p. 144. B. BArdus one of the first race of Kings fabled to have reign'd in this Island p. 4. descended from Samothes ibid. Beorn precedes Ethelred in the Kingdom of the East-Angles p. 187. Bericus flying to Rome perswades the Emperour Claudius to invade this Island p. 51. Bernulf usurping the Kingdom of Mercia from Keolwulf is overthrown by Ecbert at Ellandune p. 186. flying to the East-Angles is by them slain ib. Berinus a Bishop sent by Pope Honorius converts the West-Saxons and their Kings to Christianity p. 155. Birthric King of the West-Saxons after Kinwulf p. 179. he secretly seeks the Life of Ecbert p. 183. is poison'd by a Cup which his Wife had prepar'd for another p. 184. Bladud the Son of Rudhuddibras builds Caerbadus or Bath p. 17. Bleduno one in the number of the ancient British Kings p. 28. Blegabedus his Excellency in Music p. 28. Boadicia the Wife of Prasutagus together with her Daughters abus'd by the Roman Souldiers p. 62. commands in Chief in the Brittish Army against the Romans p. 65. vanquish't by Suetonius is thought to have poison'd her self p. 67. Bonosus a Britan by descent indeavouring to make himself Emperour but vanquisht by Probus hangs himself p. 84. 85. Brennus and Belinus the Sons of Dunwallo Mulmutius contend about the Kingdom p. 22. after various conflicts they are reconcil'd by their Mother Conuvenna p. 23. they turn their united Forces into Foreign parts but Belinus returns and reigns long in Peace p. 23. 24. Britain the History of the affairs thereof altogether obscure and uncertain till the coming of Julius Caesar p. 2. by whom first peopled p. 4. nam'd first Samothea from Samothes ibid. next Albion and from whence p. 4. 5. Britans stoutly oppose Caesar at his landing in this Island p. 36. 37. they offer him terms of Peace p. 38. their manner of fighting p. 39. 40. they are defeated by Caesar and brought anew to terms of Peace p. 40. a sharp dispute between the Britans and the Romans near the Stowr in Kent p. 42. 43. their Nature and Customs p. 48. 49. their cruel Massacre upon the Romans p. 64. they are acquitted of the Roman jurisdiction by the Emperour Honorius not able to defend them against their Enemies p. 97. they again supplicate Honorius for aid who spares them a Roman Legion p. 101. and again at their renew'd request a new supply ibid. their submissive Letters to Aetius the Roman Consul p. 106. their Luxury and wickedness and the corruption of their Clergy p. 107. 129. 130. their Embassy to the Saxons for their aid against the Scots and Picts with the Saxons answer p. 110. 111. Miserably harrass't by the Saxons whom they call'd in p. 113. 114. routed by Kerdic p. 120. by Kenric and Keaulin p. 127. 133. by Cuthulf p. 132. they totally vanquish Keaulin p. 134. they are put to flight by Kenwalk p. 161. Britto nam'd among the four Sons of Histion sprung of Japhet and from him the Britans said to be deriv'd p. 5. Brutus said to be descended from Aeneas a Trojan Prince p. 7. retiring into Greece after having unfortunately kill'd his Father he delivers his Countrymen from the Bondage of Pandrasus p. 7. 8. c. marries Innogen the eldest Daughter of Pandrasus p. 10. he lands upon a desert Island call'd Leogicia p. 10. where he consults the Oracle of Diana p. 11. meets with Corineus p. 12. overcomes Goffarius Pictus p. 12. 13. arrives in this Island p. 13. builds Troja Nova p. 14. Brutus sirnamed Greenshield succeeds Ebranc and gives Battel to Brunchildis p. 16. Burhead holding of Ethelwolf the Mercian Kingdom after Bertulf reduceth the North Welch to obedience p. 194. he marries Ethelswida the Daughter of King Ethelwolf p. 195. driven out of his Kingdom by the Danes he flies to Rome where dying he is buried in the English School p. 104. his Kingdom let out by the Danes to Kelwulf ibid. C. CAdwallon see Kedwalla Caesar see Julius Caesar Cajus Sidius Geta behaves himself valiantly against the Britans p. 53. Cajus Volusenus sent into Britain by Caesar to make discovery of the Country and people p. 34. Caligula a Roman Emperour p. 51. Camalodunum or Maldon the chief seat of Kymbeline p. 51. made a Roman Colony p. 56. 62. 63. Camber one of the Sons of Brutus hath allotted to him Cambria or Wales p. 14. Canute the Son of Swane chosen King after his Father's Death by the Danish Army and Fleet. p. 258. is driven back to his Ships by Ethelred p. 259. returns with a great Navy from Denmark accompanied with Lachman King of Sweden and Olav of Norway p. 259. 260. after several conflicts with Edmund he at length divides the Kingdom with him by agreement p. 265. after Edmunds Death Reigns sole King p. 267. he endeavours the extirpation of the Saxon line p. 267. he settles his Kingdom and makes peace with the Princes round about him p. 268. he causes Edric whose treason he had made use of to be slain and his body to be thrown over the City Wall c. ibid. he subdues Norway p. 270. takes a Voyage to Rome and offring there rich gifts vows amendment of life ibid. he dies at Shaftsbury and is buried at Winchester p. 271. his censure p. 271. 272. Capis one in the Catalogue of the Ancient Kings p. 28. Capoirus another of the same number p. 28. Caractacus the youngest Son of Cunobeline succeeds in the Kingdom p. 51. is overthrown by Aulus
Plautius p. 53. heads the Silures against the Romans p. 56. 57. is betray'd by Cartismandua to whom he fled for refuge p. 57. is sent to Rome ibid. his Speech to the Emperour p. 58. by the braveness of his carriage he obtains pardon for himself and all his Company ibid. Carausius grown rich with Piracy possesses himself of this Island p. 86. he fortifies the Wall of Severus ibid. in the midst of the great preparations of Constantius Chlorus against him he is slain by his friend Alectus p. 87. Carinus sent by his Father Carus the Emperour to govern this Isle of Britain is overcome and slain by Dioclesian p. 85. Cartismandua Queen of the Brigantes delivers Caractacus bound to the Romans p. 57. deserts her Husband Venutius and gives both her self and Kingdom to Vellocatus one of his Squires p. 60. Carvilius a petty King in Britain assaults the Roman Camp with three others p. 46. Cassibelaun one of the Sons of Heli gains the Kingdom by common consent p. 29. his generosity to his Brothers Sons ibid. he heads the Britans against Julius Caesar and the Romans p. 45. he is deserted by the Trinobantes and why p. 46. he yields to Caesar p. 47. is reported to have had War with Androgeus dies and is buried at York ibid. Cataracta an ancient City in Yorkshire burnt by Arnred a Tyrant Catellus an ancient Brittish King p. 28. Cerdic a Saxon Prince lands at Cerdic shore and overthrows the Britans p. 120. defeats their King Natanleod in a memorable Battel ibid. founds the Kingdom of West-Saxons p. 121. see Kerdic Cherin an ancient Brittish King p. 28. Christian Faith receiv'd in Britain by King Lucius p. 79. said to have been preach't by Faganus and Deruvianus p. 79. others say long before by Simon Zelotes or Joseph of Arimathaea p. 80. upon what occasion preach't to the Saxons p. 137. 138. Chrysanthus the Son of Marcianus a Bishop made Deputy of Britain by Theodosius p. 93. Cingetorix a petty King in Britain assaults the Roman Camp p. 46. is taken Prisoner by Caesar p. 47. Claudius the Emperour is perswaded by Bericus though a Britan to invade this Island p. 51. he sends Aulus Plautius hither with an Army p. 52. he comes over himself and joins with Plautius p. 53. defeats the Britans in a set Battel and takes Camalodunum p. 54. he returns to Rome leaving Plautius behind ibid. he hath excessive honours decreed him by the Senate ibid. Cliguellius an ancient Brittish King p. 28. Clodius Albinus succeeds Pertinax in the Government of Britain for the Romans p. 81. he is vanquish't and slain in a Battel against Septimius Severus p. 81. Coilus the Son of Marius leaves the Kingdom to Lucius p. 79. Coillus an ancient British King p. 28. Comail and two other British Kings slain by Keaulin and his Son Cuthwin p. 133. Comius of Arras sent by Caesar to make a party among the Britans p. 35. Constans of a Monk made a Caesars reduce all Spain to his Father Constantius's Obedience p. 95. displacing Gerontius is oppos'd by him and at last slain ibid. Constantine the Son of Constantius Chlorus saluted Emperour after his Fathers Death p. 88. 89. his Mother said to be Helena the Daughter of Coilus a British Prince p. 89. his eldest Son of the same name enjoys among other Provinces of the Empire this Island also ibid. a common Souldier of the same name saluted Emperour p. 95. by the valour of Oedebecus and Gerontius he gains in France as far as Arles ibid. by the conduct of his Son Constans and of Gerontius he reduces all Spain ibid. Gerontius displac't by him calls in the Vandals against him ibid. beseig'd by Constantius Comes he turns Priest is afterwards carried into Italy and put to Death p. 96. Constantine the Son of Cador sharply inveigh'd against by Gildas p. 131. he is said to have murder'd two young Princes of the blood Royal. ibid. Constantine King of Scotland joining with the Danes and Irish under Anlaf is overthrown by Athelstan p. 225. 226. Constantius Chlorus sent against Carausius p. 86. defeats Alectus who is slain in the Battel p. 87. is acknowledg'd by the Britans as their deliverer p. 88. divides the Empire with Galerius ibid. dies at York ibid. Constantius the Son of Constantine overcomes Magnentius who contested with him for the sole Empire p. 89. Cordeilla's sincere answer to her Father begets his displeasure p. 18. she is married to Aganippus a King in Gaul ibid. she receives her Father rejected by his other Daughters with most dutiful affection p. 19. restores him to his Crown and Reigns after him p. 20. is vanquisht depos'd and imprison'd by her two Sister's Sons ibid. Corineus a Trojan Commander joins Forces with Brutus p. 12. slaies Imbertus ibid. arrives with Brutus in this Island p. 13. Cornwal from him denominated falls to his Lot p. 14. he overcomes the Giant Goemagog p. 14. Crida the first of the Mercian Kingdom p. 133. Cuichelm the West-Saxon sends Eumerus a Sword-man to assassin King Edwin p. 148. is baptis'd in Dorchester but dies the same year p. 155. Cunedagius the Son of Regan deposeth his Aunt Cordelia p. 20. shares the Kingdom with his Cosin Marganus is invaded by him meets him and overcomes him p. 20. Cuneglas a British King Reigns one of five a little before the Saxons were setled p. 131. Cunobeline see Kymbeline Cutha helps his Father Keaulin against Ethelbert p. 128. Cuthred King of West-Saxons joyns with Ethelbald the Mercian and gains a great victory over the Welsh p. 174. he hath a fierce battel with Ethelbald the Mercian which he not long survives p. 175. a King of Kent of the same name p. 185. Cuthulf the Brother of Keaulin vanquisheth the Britains at Bedanford and takes several Towns p. 132. Cuthwin see Keaulin D. DAnes first appear in the West p. 179. they stay the Kings Gatherers of Custom ibid. landing at Lindisfarne in York-shire they pillage that Monastery slay and captivate several both Fryars and others p. 181. attempting to spoil another Monastery they are cut off by the English p. 182. they make very great waste and havock in Northumberland p. 188. they waste Shepey in Kent and engage with Ecbert near the River Carr p. 191. they are overthrown and put to flight by Ecbert p. 192. their various success in the reign of Ethelwolf p. 192 193 c. many great battels between them and the English in the reign of Ethelred with various fortune p. 201 202 c. their whole Army being defeated they are brought to terms by King Alfred p. 207. in the same Kings reign several vast Fleets of Danes arrive with fresh supplies p. 208. a vast Army of them over-thrown by King Athelstan p. 225. a massicre committed upon them by the English in all parts of the Land in the reign of King Ethelred p. 249. Danius reckon'd among the Ancient British Kings p. 25. Deruvianus see Faganus Dinothus Abbot of Bangor his
Speech to Bishop Austin p. 143. Dioclesian supposed a King of Syria and his 50 Daughters having all but one murder'd their Husbands to have been driven upon this Iland p. 5. Dis the first peopler of this Iland as some fabulously affirm p. 9. the same with Samothes ibid. Donaldus said to have headed the Caledonians against Septimius Severus p. 84. Donaldus King of Scotland brought to hard conditions by Osbert and Ella Kings of Northumberland p. 196. Druids falsly alledg'd out of Caesar to have forbidden the Britans to write their memorable deeds p. 2. Druis the third from Samothes fabulously written the ancientest King of this Iland p. 4. Dunstane sent the Nobles to reprove King Edw. for his luxury p. 233. banisht by the King and his Monastery rifled p. 234. recall'd by King Edgar ibid. his miraculous escape when the rest of the company were kill'd by the fall of a house p. 242. Dunwallo Mulmutius Son of Cloten King of Cornwall reduces the whole Iland into a Monarchy p. 21. establisheth the Molmutin Laws p. 22. Durslus King of the Picts said to be slain by the joynt Forces of the Britans and Romans p. 102. E. EAdbald after the death of his Father Ethelbert falls back to Heathenism p. 145. he runs distracted but afterwards returns to his right mind and faith p. 146. by what means it happen'd ibid. he gives his Sister Edelburga in marriage to Edwin ibid. he dies and leaves his Son Ercombert to succeed p. 156. Eadbert shares with his two Brothers in the Kingdom of Kent after Victred p. 170. his death p. 174. Eadbert King of Northumberland after Kelwulf wars against the Picts p. 174. joyns with Unust King of the Picts against the Britans in Cumberland p. 175 176. forsakes his Crown for a Monks hood p. 176. Eatbright otherwise call'd Ethelbert usurping the Kingdom of Kent and contending with Kenulph the Mercian is taken prisoner p. 182. Eadburga by chance poysons her Husband Birthric with a cup which she had prepar'd for another p. 184. the choice propos'd to her by Charles the Great to whom she fled ibid. he assigns her a rich Monastery to dwell in as Abbess ibid. detected of unchastity she is expelled and dies in beggery at Pavia p. 185. Eandred Son of Eardulf reigns 30 years King of Northumberland after Alfwold the Vsurper p. 185. becomes tributary to Ecbert p. 188. Eanfrid the Son of Ethelfrid succeeds in the Kingdom of Bernicia p. 154. Eardulf supposed to have been slain by Ethelred is made King of the Northumbrians in York after Osbald p. 182. in a War rais'd against him by his people he gets the victory p. 183. is driven out of his Kingdom by Alswold p. 185. East-Angle Kingdom by whom erected p. 121. East-Saxon Kingdom by whom hegun p. 121. the people converted by Mellitus p. 142. they expel their Bishop and renounce their faith p. 146. are reconverted by means of Edwi p. 159. Ebranc succeeds his Father Mempricius in the Kingdom of Britain p. 15. builds Caer-Ebranc now York and other places ibid. Ecbert succeeds his Father Ercombert in the Kingdom of Kent p. 163. dying leaves a suspition of having slain his Vncle's Sons Elbert and Egelbright p. 163. Ecbert of the West-Saxon linage flies from Birthric's suspition to Offa and thence into France p. 183. after Birthric's decease is recall'd and with general applause made King ibid. he subdues the Britans of Cornwall and beyond Severn p. 186. overthrows Bernulf the Vsurper of Mercia at Ellandune or Wilton ibid. the East-Angles having slain Bernulf yield to his Soveraignty ibid. drives Baldred King of Kent out of his Kingdom and causeth both Kent and other Provinces to submit to his Scepter p. 187. Withlaf of Mercia becomes tributary to him ibid. he gives the Danes battel by the River Carr p. 191. in another battel he puts to flight a great Army of them together with the Cornish men joyning with them p. 192. he dies and is buried at Winchester ibid. Ecferth the Son of Offa the Mercian within four months ends his Reign p. 181 182. Ecfrid Oswi's eldest Son succeeds him in the Kingdom of Northumberland p. 163. wins Lindsey from Wulfer the Mercian ibid. he wars against Ethelred the Brother of Wulfer p. 166. he sends Bertus with an Army to subdue Ireland p. 167. marching against the Picts is cut off with most of his Army ib. his death reveng'd by Bertfrid a Northumbrian Captain p. 170. Edan a King of the Scots in Britain put to flight by Ethelfrid p. 141. Edelard King of the West-Saxons after Ina molested with the Rebellion of his Kinsman Oswald p. 174. overcoming those troubles dies in peace ibid. Edgar the Brother and Successor of Edwi in the English Monarchy calls home Dunstan from Banishment p. 234. his peaceable and prosperous Reign and his favour towards the Monks ibid. his strict observance of justice and his care to secure the Nation with a strong Fleet p. 235. he is homag'd and row'd down the River Dee by eight Kings p. 236. his expostulation with Kened King of Scotland p. 237. he is cheated by the treacherous Duke Athelwold of Elflida whom avenging himself upon the said Duke he marries p. 237 238. attempting on the chastity of a young Lady at Andover he is pleasantly deceiv'd by the mother p. 239. dying in the height of his glory he is buried at Glaston-Abby p. 236. Edgar sirnamed Atheling his right and title to the Crown of England from his Grandfather Edmund Ironside p. 292. excluded by Harold Son of Earl Godwin p. 299. Edilhere the Brother and Successor of Anna in the Kingdom of the East-Angles slain in a battel against Oswi p. 161. Edilwalk the South-Saxon perswaded to Christianity by Wulfer p. 164. Edmund crown'd King of the East-Angles at Burie p. 196. his whole Army put to flight by the Danes he is taken bound to a stake and shot with arrows p. 201. Edmund the Brother and Successor of Athelstane in the English Monarchy frees Mercia and takes several Towns from the Danes p. 230. he drives Anlaf and Suthfrid out of Northumberland and Dummail out of Cumberland p. 231. the strange manner of his death p. 231 232. Edmund sirnamed Ironside the Son of Ethelred set up by divers of the Nobles against Canute p. 262. in several Battels against the Danes he comes off for the most part victorious p. 263 264. at length consents to divide the Kingdom with him p. 265. his death thought to have been violent and not without Canute's consent p. 266. Edred the third Brother and Successor of Athelstane with much ado reduceth the Northumbrians and puts an end to that Kingdom p. 232. dies in the flower of his age and is buried at Winchester p. 233. Edric the Son of Edelwalk King of South-Saxons slain by Kedwalla the West-Saxon p. 165. Edric sirnamed Streon advanc't by King Ethelred marries his Daughter Elgiva p. 254. he secretly murthers two Noblemen whom he had invited to his Lodging p.
Northumberland p. 134. he wasts the Britans p. 141. overthrows Edan King of Scots ibid. in a Battel at Westchester against the British Forces he slays above 1200 Monks p. 144. Ethelmund and Weolstan the opposite Leaders of each party in a fight between the Worster-shire men and Wilt-shire men slain p. 184. Ethelred succeeding his Brother Wulfer in the Kingdom of Mercia recovers Lindsey and other parts p. 164. invades the Kingdom of Kent ibid. a sore Battel between him and Ecfrid the Northumbrian p. 166. after the violent death of his Queen he exchanges his Crown for a Monks Cowl p. 169. Ethelred the Soâ— of Mollo the Vsurper Alcled being forsaken bâ— the Northumbrians and depos'd is crown'd in his stead p. 177. having caused three of his Noblemen to be treacherously slain he is driven into banishment ibid. after 10 year's banishment restor'd again p. 179. he cruelly and treacherously puts to death Oelf and Oelfwin the Sons of Elfwald formerly King p. 180. and afterwards Osred who though shaven a Monk attempted again upon the Kingdom ibid. he marries Elfled the Daughter of Offa p. 180. is miserably slain by his people p. 182. Ethelred the Son of Eandred driven out in his 4. year p. 193. is re-exalted to his Seat but slain the 4. year after ibid. Ethelred the third Son of Ethelwolf the third Monarch of the English-Saxons infested with fresh Invasions of the Danes p. 199. he fights several great Battels with the Danes with various success p. 202 203 he dies in the 5. year of his Reign and is buried at Winburn p. 203. Ethelred the Son of Edgar by Elfrida crown'd at Kingston p. 243. Dunstan at his Baptism presages ill of his future slothful Reign ibid. new Invasions of the Danes and great spoils committed by them in his Reign p. 244 245 c. being reduc't to streights by the Danes he retires into Normandy p. 258. is recall'd by his people and joyfully received ibid. drives Canute the Dane back to his Ships p. 259. he dies at London p. 262. Ethelric Ida's Son expels Edwin the Son of Alla out of the Kingdom of Deira p. 133. Ethelwald the Son of Oswald King of Deira taking part with the Mercians withdraws his Forces p. 160. Ethelwald the Brother of Edelhere succeeds him in the Kingdom of the East-Angles p. 161. Ethelwald sirnamed Mollo set up King of the Northumbrians in the room of Oswulf p. 177. he slays in Battel Oswin a Lord that rebell'd against him ib. is set upon by Alcled who assumes his place ibid. Ethelwolf the second Monarch of the English-Saxons of a mild nature not warlike or ambitious p. 192. he with his Son Ethelbald gives the Danes a total defeat at Ak-Lea or Oak-Lea p. 194. he dedicatea the tenth of his whole Kingdom toward the maintenance of Masses and Psalms for the prospering of him and his Captains against the Danes p. 195. takes a journey to Rome with his Son Alfrid and marries Judith the Daughter of Charles the Bald of France ibid. he is driven by a Conspiracy to consign half his Kingdom to his Son Ethelbald p. 195. dies and is buried at Winchester p. 197. Ethelwolf Earl of Bark-shire obtains a Victory against the Danes at Englefield p. 201 202. in another Battel is slain himself p. 202. Ethildrith refusing for 12 years her Husband Ecfrids Bed at length veils her self a Nun and is made Abbess of Ely p. 167. Eustace Count of Boloign revenging the death of one of his servants is set upon by the Citizens of Canterbury p. 284. he complains to King Edward who takes his part against the Canterburians and commands Earl Godwin against them but in vain p. 284 285. F. FAganus and Deruvianus said to have preach't the Gospel here and to have converted almost the whole Island p. 79. Faustus incestuously born of Vortimer and his Daughter lives a devout life in Glamorgan-shire p. 115. Fergus King of Scots said to be slain by the joynt Forces of the Britans and Romans p. 102. Ferrex the Son of Gorbogudo slays in fight his Brother Porrex though assisted with Forces out of France p. 21. is in revenge slain himself in bed by his Mother Videna ibid. Flattery odious and contemptible to a generous Spirit p. 273. Francus nam'd among the four Sons of Istion sprung of Japhet and from him the Francs said to be deriv'd p. 5. Fulgenius reckon'd among the ancient British Kings p. 28. the Commander in chief of the Caledonians against Septimius Severus so call'd by Geoffry of Monmouth p. 84. G. GAlgacus heads the Britans against Julius Agricola p. 74. Germanus in a publick disputation at Verulam puts to silence the chief of the Pelagians p. 104. he is intreated by the Britans to head them against the Picts and Saxons p. 104. he gains the Victory by a religious Stratagem p. 105. his death p. 108. Gerontius a Britan by his valour advances the success of Constantine the Vsurper in France and Spain p. 95. displac't by him he calls in the Vanâ—â—â—â— against him ibid. deserted by his Souldiers he depands himself valiantly with the slaughter of 300 of his enemies p. 96. he kills his Wife Nonnichia refusing to out-live him ibid. Geruntius the Son of Elidure not his immediate Successor p. 28. Godwin Earl of Kent and the West-Saxons stand for Hardecnute p. 274. he betrays Prince Elfred to Harold p. 274. 276. being called to account by Hardecnute he appeaseth him with a very rich Present p. 277. he earnestly exhorts Edward to take upon him the Crown of England p. 280. marries his Daughter to King Edward p. 281. he raises Forces in opposition of the French whom the King favour'd p. 285. is banisht p. 286. he and his Sons uniting in a great Fleet grow formidable p. 288. coming up to London with his Ships and preparing for Battel a Reconciliation is suddenly made between him and the King p. 289. sitting with the King at Table he suddenly sinks down dead in his seat p. 290. Gomer the eldest Son of Japhet believ'd the first that peopled these West and Northern Climes p. 4. Gonorill gains upon the affection of her Father King Lier by her dissimulation p. 17. she is married with Maglaunus Duke of Albania p. 18. her ingratitude to her Father after she had gain'd from him what she could p. 19. Gorbogudo or Gorbodego succeeds Kinmarcus in the Kingdom p. 21. Gorbonian succeeds Morindus in the Kingdom p. 25. his justice and piety p. 25 26. Gratianus Funarius the Father of Valentinian Commander in chief of the Roman Armies in Britain p. 89. Gregory Archdeacon of Rome and afterward Pope procures the sending over of Abbot Austin and others to preach the Gospel to the Saxons in this Island p. 138. Griffin Prince of South-Wales joyning with Algar and committing great spoil in Hereford is pursued by Harold Earl of Kent p. 292. after a peace concluded he breaks his faith and returns to Hostility ibid. is again reduc't ibid. Harold
brings them anew to terms of peace and sets sail for Belgia p. 40. the year following he lands his Army again p. 42. he hath a very sharp dispute with the Britans near the Stowr in Kent p. 42 43. he receives terms of peace from the Trinobantes p. 46. he brings Cassibelan to Terms p. 47. he leaves the Island ibid. offers to Venus the Patroness of his Family a Corselet of British Pearl ibid. Julius Frontinus the Emperours Lieutenant in Britain tames the Silures a warlike people p. 69. Julius Severus governs Britain under Adrian the Emperour p. 78. K. KEarl surrenders the Kingdom of Mercia to his Kinsman Penda p. 152. Keaulin succeeds his Father Kenric in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons p. 127. he and his Son Cuthin slay three British Kings at Deorham p. 133. gives the Britans a very great rout at Fethanleage ibid. is totally routed by the Britans at Wodensbeorth and chac't out of his Kingdom dies in poverty p. 134. Kendwalla or Kadwallon a British King joyning with Penda the Mercian slays Edwin in Battel p. 157. Kedwalla a West-Saxon Prince returned from Banishment slays in fight Edelwalk the South-Saxon and after that Edric his Successor p. 165. going to the Isle of Wight he devotes the fourth part thereof to holy uses ibid. the Sons of Arwald King of that Isle slain by his order p. 166. he harrasses the Country of the South-Saxons ibid. is repell'd by the Kentish men ibid. yet revenges the death of his Brother Mollo ibid. going to Rome to be baptiz'd he dies there about five weeks after his Baptism p. 168. Kelred the Son of Ethelred succeeds Kenred in the Mercian Kingdom p. 169. possest with an evil Spirit he dies in despair p. 170. Kelwulf reigns King of the West-Saxons after Keola p. 140. he makes War upon the South-Saxons p. 145. dying leaves the Kingdom to his Brothers Sons ibid. Kenwulf adopted by Osric the Northumbrian to be his Successor in the Kingdom p. 171. he becomes a Monk in Lindisfarn p. 173. Kened King of the Scots does high honour to King Edgar p. 236. receives great favours from him ibid. is challeng'd by him upon some words let fall but soon pacifies him p. 237. Kenelm succeeding a Child in the Kingdom of Mercia after Kenulf is murther'd by order of his Sister Quendrid p. 186. Kenred the Son of Wulfer succeeds Ethelred in the Mercian Kingdom p. 169. having reign'd a while he goes to Rome and is there shorn a Monk ibid. another Kenred succeeds in the Kingdom of Northumberland p. 170. Kenric the Son of Kerdic overthrows the Britans that oppose him p. 120. kills and puts to flight many of the Britans at Searesbirig now Salisbury p. 127. afterwards at Beranvirig now Banbury ibid. Kentwin a West-Saxon King chaces the Welsh-Britans to the Sea-shore p. 165. Kenulf hath the Kingdom of Mercia bequeath'd him by Ecferth p. 182. he leaves behind him the praise of a vertuous Reign p. 186. Kenwalk succeeds his Father Kinegils in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons p. 156. his successes variously deliver'd p. 158. he is said to have discomfited the Britans at Pen in Somerset-shire p. 161. and giving Battel to Wulfer to have taken him prisoner p. 162. dying leaves the Government to Sexburga his Wife p. 163. Kenwulf entituled Clito slain by Ina the West-Saxon p. 171. Kenwulf King of the West-Saxons see Kinwulf Keola the Son of Cuthulf succeeds his Vncle Keaulin in the West-Saxon Kingdom p. 134. Keolwulf the Brother of Kenulf the Mercian after two years reign driven out by Bernulf a Vsurper p. 186. Keorle with the Forces of Devonshire overthrows the Danes at Wigganbeorch p. 193. Kerdic a Saxon Prince lands at Kerdicshore and over-throws the Britans p. 120. defeats their King Natanled in a memorable Battel ibid. founds the Kingdom of the West-Saxons p. 121. he overthrows the Britans again twice at Kerdic's Ford and at Kerdic's League p. 121 122. Kimarus reckon'd among the ancient British Kings p. 25. Kinegils and Cuichelm succeed Kelwulf in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons p. 145. they make Truce with Penda the Mercian p. 152 153. they are converted to the Christian Faith p. 155. Kinegils dying leaves his son Kenwalk to succeed p. 156. Kinmarcus succeeds Sisillius in the Kingdom p. 21. Kinwulf or Kenwulf Sigebert being thrown out and slain by a Swineherd is saluted King of the West-Saxons p. 175. behaves himself valorously in several Battels against the Welsh p. 177. put to the worst at Besington by Offa the Mercian ibid. is routed and slain in Battels by Kineard whom he had commanded into Banishment p. 178. Kymbeline or Cunobeline the Successor of Tenuantius said to be brought up in the Court of Augustus p. 51. his chief Seat Camalodunum or Maldon ibid. L. LEarning and Arts when began to flourish among the Saxons p. 163. Leil succeeds Brute Greensheild and builds Caerleil p. 16. Leofric Duke of Mercia and Siward of Northumberland sent by Hardecnute against the people of Worcester p. 277 278. by their Counsel King Edward seizeth on the Treasures of his Mother Queen Emma p. 281. they raise Forces for the King against Earl Godwin p. 285. Leofric's death p. 293. Leofwin Son of Earl Godwin after his Father Banishment goes over with his Brother Harold into Ireland p. 286. he and Harold assist their Father with a Fleet against King Edward p. 288. be is slain with his Brothers Harold and Gyrtha in the Battel against William Duke of Normandy p. 305. Linceus deliver'd in fabulous story to be the Husband of one of the feign'd 50 Daughters of Dioclesian King of Syria p. 5. the only man sav'd by his Wife when all the rest of the 50 slew their Husbands ib. Locrin the eldest Son of Brutus hath the middle part of this Island call'd Leogria for his share in the Kingdom p. 14. Lollius Urbicus draws a Wall of Turfs between the frith of Dunbritton and Edinborough p. 78. London with a great multitude of her Inhabitants by a sudden fire consumed p. 183. Lothair succeeds his Brother Ecbert in the Kingdom of Kent p. 163. Lucius a King in some part of Britain thought the first of any King in Europe who receiv'd the Christian Faith p. 79. is made the second by descent from Marius ibid. after a long Reign buried at Glocester p. 80. Lud walls about Trinovant and calls it Caer Lud or Luds Town p. 28. Ludiken the Mercian going to avenge Bernulf is surpris'd by the East-Angles and put to the sword p. 187. Lupicinus sent over Deputy into this Island by Julian the Emperour but soon recall'd p. 91. Lupus Bishop of Troyes assistant to Germanus of Auxerre in the Reformation of the British Church p. 104. M. MAdan succeeds his Father Locrin in the Kingdom p. 15. Maglaunus Duke of Albania marries Gonorill eldest Daughter of King Leir p. 18. Magoclune sirnamed the Island Dragon one of the five that reign'd toward the beginning of the Saxon Heptarchy p. 132. Magus
requests him to sail with him to Sandwich and reconcile him to the King as he had promis'd Beorn mistrusting no evill where he intended good went with him in his Ship attended by three only of his Servants but Swane set upon barbarous cruelty not reconciliation with the King took Beorn now in his power and bound him then coming to Dertmouth slew and buried him in a deep Ditch After which the men of Hastings took six of his Ships and brought them to the King at Sandwich with the other two he escap'd into Flanders there remaining till Aldred Bishop of Worster by earnest mediation wrought his peace with the King About this time King Edward sent to Pope Leo desiring absolution from a vow which he had made in his younger years to take a journey to Rome if God voutsaf'd him to reign in England the Pope dispenc'd with his vow but not without the expence of his journey giv'n to the poor and a Monastery built or re-edifi'd to St. Peter who in a Vision to a Monk as is said chose Westminster which King Edward thereupon rebuilding endow'd with large privileges and revennues The same year saith Florent of Worster certain Irish Pirats with 36 Ships enterd the mouth of Severn and with the aid of Griffin Prince of South-Wales did some hurt in those parts then passing the River Wey burnt Dunedham and slew all the Inhabitants they found Against whom Aldred Bishop of Worster with a few out of Gloster and Herefordshire went out in hast but Griffin to whom the Welch and Irish had privily sent Messengers came down upon the English with his whole power by night and early in the morning suddenly assaulting them slew many and put the rest to flight The next An. Dom. 1051 year but one King Edward remitted the Danish Tax which had continu'd 38 years heavy upon the land since Ethelred first paid it to the Danes and what remain'd therof in his treasury he sent back to the owners but through imprudence laid the foundation of a far worse mischeif to the English while studying gratitude to those Normans who to him in exile had bin helpfull he call'd them over to public Offices heer whom better he might have repaid out of his privat purse by this means exasperating either Nation one against the other and making way by degrees to the Norman Conquest Robert a Monk of that Country who had bin serviceable to him there in time of need he made Bishop first of London then of Canterbury William his Chaplain Bishop of Dorchester Then began the English to lay aside thir own antient Customes and in many things to imitate French manners the great Peers to speak French in thir Houses in French to write thir Bills and Letters as a great peece of Gentility asham'd of thir own a presage of thir subjection shortly to that people whose fashions and language they affected so slavishly But that which gave begining to many troubles ensueing happ'nd this year and upon this occasion Eustace Earl of Boloign Father of the famous Godfrey who won Jerusalem from the Saracens and Husband to Goda the Kings Sister having bin to visit King Edward and returning by Canterbury to take Ship at Dover one of his Harbingers insolently seeking to lodge by force in a House there provok'd so the Master therof as by chance or heat of anger to kill him The Count with his whole train going to the House where his Servant had bin kill'd slew both the slayer and 18 more who defended him But the Townsmen running to Arms requited him with the slaughter of 21 more of his Servants wounded most of the rest hee himself with one or two hardly escapeing ran back with clamour to the King whom seconded by other Norman Courtiers he stirr'd up to great anger against the Citizens of Canterbury Earl Godwin in hast is sent for the cause related and much aggravated by the King against that City the Earl commanded to raise Forces and use the Cittizens therof as Enemies Godwin sorry to see strangers more favour'd of the King then his native people answerd that it were better to summon first the Cheif men of the Town into the Kings Court to charge them with Sedition where both parties might be heard that not found in fault they might be acquitted if otherwise by fine or loss of life might satisfie the King whose peace they had brok'n and the Count whom they had injur'd till this were done refuseing to prosecute with hostile punishment them of his own County unheard whom his Office was rather to defend The King displeas'd with his refusal and not knowing how to compell him appointed an Assembly of all the Peers to be held at Gloster where the matter might be fully try'd the Assembly was full and frequent according to summons but Godwin mistrusting his own cause or the violence of his adversaries with his two Sons Swane and Harold and a great power gatherd out of his own and his Sons Earldomes which contein'd most of the South-East and West parts of England came no furder then Beverstan giving out that thir Forces were to go against the Welch who intended an irruption into Hereford-shire and Swane under that pretence lay with part of his Army thereabout The Welch understanding this device and with all diligence clearing themselves before the King left Godwin detected of false accusation in great hatred to all the Assembly Leofric therfore and Siward Dukes of great power the former in Mercia the other in all parts beyond Humber both ever faithfull to the King send privily with speed to raise the Forces of thir Provinces Which Godwin not knowing sent boldly to King Edward demanding Count Eustace and his followers together with those Boloignians who as Simeon writes held a Castle in the jurisdiction of Canterbury The King as then having but little force at hand entertain'd him a while with treaties and delays till his summond Army drew nigh then rejected his demands Godwin thus match'd commanded his Sons not to begin fight against the King begun with not to give ground The Kings Forces were the flower of those Counties whence they came and eager to fall on But Leofric and the wiser sort detesting civil War brought the matter to this accord that Hostages giv'n on either side the whole cause should be again debated at London Thether the King and Lords coming with thir Army sent to Godwin and his Sons who with thir powers were come as far as Southwarke commanding thir appearance unarm'd with only 12 attendants and that the rest of thir Souldiers they should deliver over to the King They to appear without pledges before an adverse faction deny'd but to dismiss thir Souldiers refus'd not nor in ought else to obey the King as far as might stand with honour and the just regard of thir safety This answer not pleasing the King an edict was presently issu'd forth that Godwin and his Sons