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Title: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Translator: J. Ingram
J. A. Giles

Release date: September 1, 1996 [eBook #657]
Most recently updated: January 1, 2021

Language: English

Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/657

Credits: Produced by Douglas B. Killings

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ANGLO-
SAXON CHRONICLE ***

Produced by Douglas B. Killings

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Originally compiled on the orders of King Alfred the Great,
approximately A.D. 890, and subsequently maintained and added to by
generations of anonymous scribes until the middle of the 12th Century. The
original language is Anglo-Saxon (Old English), but later entries are
essentially Middle English in tone.

Translation by Rev. James Ingram (London, 1823), with additional
readings from the translation of Dr. J.A. Giles (London, 1847).

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PREPARER'S NOTE:

At present there are nine known versions or fragments of the "Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle" in existence, all of which vary (sometimes greatly) in
content and quality. The translation that follows is not a translation of any
one Chronicle; rather, it is a collation of readings from many different
versions.

The nine known "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" MS. are the following:

A-Prime The Parker Chronicle (Corpus Christi College,
Cambridge, MS. 173)
A Cottonian Fragment (British Museum, Cotton MS. Otho B
xi, 2)
B The Abingdon Chronicle I (British Museum, Cotton MS.

Tiberius A vi.)
C The Abingdon Chronicle II (British Museum, Cotton MS.
Tiberius B i.)
D The Worcester Chronicle (British Museum, Cotton MS.
Tiberius B iv.)
E The Laud (or "Peterborough") Chronicle (Bodleian, MS.
Laud 636)
F The Bilingual Canterbury Epitome (British Museum,
Cotton MS. Domitian A viii.) NOTE: Entries in English
and Latin.
H Cottonian Fragment (British Museum, Cotton MS. Domitian
A ix.)
I An Easter Table Chronicle (British Museum, Cotton MS.
Caligula A xv.)

This electronic edition contains primarily the translation of Rev. James
Ingram, as published in the Everyman edition of this text. Excerpts from the
translation of Dr. J.A. Giles were included as an appendix in the Everyman
edition; the preparer of this edition has elected to collate these entries into
the main text of the translation. Where these collations have occurred I have
marked the entry with a double parenthesis (()).

WARNING: While I have elected to include the footnotes of Rev. Ingram
in this edition, please note that they should be used with extreme care. In
many cases the views expressed by Rev. Ingram are severally out of date,
having been superseded by almost 175 years of active scholarship. At best,
these notes will provide a starting point for inquiry. They should not,
however, be treated as absolute.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

ORIGINAL TEXT—

Classen, E. and Harmer, F.E. (eds.): "An Anglo-Saxon Chronicle from
British Museum, Cotton MS. Tiberius B iv." (Manchester, 1926)

Flower, Robin and Smith, Hugh (eds.): "The Peterborough Chronicle and
Laws" (Early English Text Society, Original Series 208, Oxford, 1941).

Taylor, S. (ed.): "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: MS B" <aka "The
Abingdon Chronicle I"> (Cambridge, 1983)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS—

Garmonsway, G.N.: "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" (Everyman Press,
London, 1953, 1972). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Contains side-by-side
translations of all nine known texts.

RECOMMENDED READING—

Bede: "A History of the English Church and People" <aka "The
Ecclesiastical History">, translated by Leo Sherley-Price
(Penguin Classics, London, 1955, 1968).

Poole, A.L.: "Domesday Book to Magna Carta" (Oxford University
Press, Oxford, 1951, 1953)

Stenton, Sir Frank W.: "Anglo-Saxon England" (Oxford University
Press, Oxford, 1943, 1947, 1971)

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ORIGINAL INTRODUCTION TO INGRAM'S EDITION [1823]

England may boast of two substantial monuments of its early history; to
either of which it would not be easy to find a parallel in any nation, ancient
or modern. These are, the Record of Doomsday (1) and the "Saxon
Chronicle" (2). The former, which is little more than a statistical survey, but
contains the most authentic information relative to the descent of property
and the comparative importance of the different parts of the kingdom at a
very interesting period, the wisdom and liberality of the British Parliament
long since deemed worthy of being printed (3) among the Public Records,
by Commissioners appointed for that purpose. The other work, though not
treated with absolute neglect, has not received that degree of attention
which every person who feels an interest in the events and transactions of
former times would naturally expect. In the first place, it has never been
printed entire, from a collation of all the MSS. But of the extent of the two
former editions, compared with the present, the reader may form some idea,
when he is told that Professor Wheloc's "Chronologia Anglo-Saxonica",
which was the first attempt (4) of the kind, published at Cambridge in 1644,
is comprised in less than 62 folio pages, exclusive of the Latin appendix.
The improved edition by Edmund Gibson, afterwards Bishop of London,
printed at Oxford in 1692, exhibits nearly four times the quantity of the
former; but is very far from being the entire (5) chronicle, as the editor
considered it. The text of the present edition, it was found, could not be
compressed within a shorter compass than 374 pages, though the editor has
suppressed many notes and illustrations, which may be thought necessary to
the general reader. Some variations in the MSS. may also still remain
unnoticed; partly because they were considered of little importance, and
partly from an apprehension, lest the commentary, as it sometimes happens,
should seem an unwieldy burthen, rather than a necessary appendage, to the
text. Indeed, till the editor had made some progress in the work, he could
not have imagined that so many original and authentic materials of our
history still remained unpublished.

To those who are unacquainted with this monument of our national
antiquities, two questions appear requisite to be answered:— "What does it
contain?" and, "By whom was it written?" The indulgence of the critical
antiquary is solicited, whilst we endeavour to answer, in some degree, each
of these questions.

To the first question we answer, that the "Saxon Chronicle" contains the
original and authentic testimony of contemporary writers to the most
important transactions of our forefathers, both by sea and land, from their
first arrival in this country to the year 1154. Were we to descend to
particulars, it would require a volume to discuss the great variety of subjects
which it embraces. Suffice it to say, that every reader will here find many
interesting facts relative to our architecture, our agriculture, our coinage,
our commerce, our naval and military glory, our laws, our liberty, and our
religion. In this edition, also, will be found numerous specimens of Saxon
poetry, never before printed, which might form the ground-work of an
introductory volume to Warton's elaborate annals of English Poetry.
Philosophically considered, this ancient record is the second great
phenomenon in the history of mankind. For, if we except the sacred annals
of the Jews, contained in the several books of the Old Testament, there is no
other work extant, ancient or modern, which exhibits at one view a regular
and chronological panorama of a PEOPLE, described in rapid succession by
different writers, through so many ages, in their own vernacular
LANGUAGE. Hence it may safely be considered, nor only as the primaeval
source from which all subsequent historians of English affairs have
principally derived their materials, and consequently the criterion by which
they are to be judged, but also as the faithful depository of our national
idiom; affording, at the same time, to the scientific investigator of the
human mind a very interesting and extraordinary example of the changes
incident to a language, as well as to a nation, in its progress from rudeness
to refinement.

But that the reader may more clearly see how much we are indebted to
the "Saxon Chronicle", it will be necessary to examine what is contained in
other sources of our history, prior to the accession of Henry II., the period
wherein this invaluable record terminates.

The most ancient historian of our own island, whose work has been
preserved, is Gildas, who flourished in the latter part of the sixth century.
British antiquaries of the present day will doubtless forgive me, if I leave in
their original obscurity the prophecies of Merlin, and the exploits of King
Arthur, with all the Knights of the Round Table, as scarcely coming within
the verge of history. Notwithstanding, also, the authority of Bale, and of the
writers whom he follows, I cannot persuade myself to rank Joseph of
Arimathea, Arviragus, and Bonduca, or even the Emperor Constantine
himself, among the illustrious writers of Great Britain. I begin, therefore,
with Gildas; because, though he did not compile a regular history of the
island, he has left us, amidst a cumbrous mass of pompous rhapsody and
querulous declamation some curious descriptions of the character and
manners of the inhabitants; not only the Britons and Saxons, but the Picts
and Scots (6). There are also some parts of his work, almost literally
transcribed by Bede, which confirm the brief statements of the "Saxon
Chronicle" (7). But there is, throughout, such a want of precision and
simplicity, such a barrenness of facts amidst a multiplicity of words, such a
scantiness of names of places and persons, of dates, and other
circumstances, that we are obliged to have recourse to the Saxon Annals, or
to Venerable Bede, to supply the absence of those two great lights of history
—Chronology and Topography.

The next historian worth notice here is Nennius, who is supposed to have
flourished in the seventh century: but the work ascribed to him is so full of
interpolations and corruptions, introduced by his transcribers, and
particularly by a simpleton who is called Samuel, or his master Beulanus, or

both, who appear to have lived in the ninth century, that it is difficult to say
how much of this motley production is original and authentic. Be that as it
may, the writer of the copy printed by Gale bears ample testimony to the
"Saxon Chronicle", and says expressly, that he compiled his history partly
from the records of the Scots and Saxons (8). At the end is a confused but
very curious appendix, containing that very genealogy, with some brief
notices of Saxon affairs, which the fastidiousness of Beulanus, or of his
amanuensis, the aforesaid Samuel, would not allow him to transcribe. This
writer, although he professes to be the first historiographer (9) of the
Britons, has sometimes repeated the very words of Gildas (10); whose name
is even prefixed to some copies of the work. It is a puerile composition,
without judgment, selection, or method (11); filled with legendary tales of
Trojan antiquity, of magical delusion, and of the miraculous exploits of St.
Germain and St. Patrick: not to mention those of the valiant Arthur, who is
said to have felled to the ground in one day, single-handed, eight hundred
and forty Saxons! It is remarkable, that this taste for the marvelous, which
does not seem to be adapted to the sober sense of Englishmen, was
afterwards revived in all its glory by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the Norman
age of credulity and romance.

We come now to a more cheering prospect; and behold a steady light
reflected on the "Saxon Chronicle" by the "Ecclesiastical History" of Bede;
a writer who, without the intervention of any legendary tale, truly deserves
the title of Venerable (12). With a store of classical learning not very
common in that age, and with a simplicity of language seldom found in
monastic Latinity, he has moulded into something like a regular form the
scattered fragments of Roman, British, Scottish, and Saxon history. His
work, indeed, is professedly ecclesiastical; but, when we consider the
prominent station which the Church had at this time assumed in England,
we need not be surprised if we find therein the same intermixture of civil,
military, and ecclesiastical affairs, which forms so remarkable a feature in

the "Saxon Chronicle". Hence Gibson concludes, that many passages of the
latter description were derived from the work of Bede (13). He thinks the
same of the description of Britain, the notices of the Roman emperors, and
the detail of the first arrival of the Saxons. But, it may be observed, those
passages to which he alludes are not to be found in the earlier MSS. The
description of Britain, which forms the introduction, and refers us to a
period antecedent to the invasion of Julius Caesar; appears only in three
copies of the "Chronicle"; two of which are of so late a date as the Norman
Conquest, and both derived from the same source. Whatever relates to the
succession of the Roman emperors was so universally known, that it must
be considered as common property: and so short was the interval between
the departure of the Romans and the arrival of the Saxons, that the latter
must have preserved amongst them sufficient memorials and traditions to
connect their own history with that of their predecessors. Like all rude
nations, they were particularly attentive to genealogies; and these, together
with the succession of their kings, their battles, and their conquests, must be
derived originally from the Saxons themselves, and not from Gildas, or
Nennius, or Bede (14). Gibson himself was so convinced of this, that he
afterwards attributes to the "Saxon Chronicle" all the knowledge we have of
those early times (15). Moreover, we might ask, if our whole dependence
had been centered in Bede, what would have become of us after his death?
(16) Malmsbury indeed asserts, with some degree of vanity, that you will
not easily find a Latin historian of English affairs between Bede and himself
(17); and in the fulness of self-complacency professes his determination, "to
season with Roman salt the barbarisms of his native tongue!" He affects
great contempt for Ethelwerd, whose work will be considered hereafter; and
he well knew how unacceptable any praise of the "Saxon Annals" would be
to the Normans, with whom he was connected (18). He thinks it necessary
to give his reasons, on one occasion, for inserting from these very "Annals"

what he did not find in Bede; though it is obvious, that the best part of his
materials, almost to his own times, is derived from the same source.

The object of Bishop Asser, the biographer of Alfred, who comes next in
order, was to deliver to posterity a complete memorial of that sovereign,
and of the transactions of his reign. To him alone are we indebted for the
detail of many interesting circumstances in the life and character of his
royal patron (19); but most of the public transactions will be found in the
pages of the "Saxon Chronicle": some passages of which he appears to have
translated so literally, that the modern version of Gibson does not more
closely represent the original. In the editions of Parker, Camden, and Wise,
the last notice of any public event refers to the year 887. The interpolated
copy of Gale, called by some Pseudo-Asserius, and by others the Chronicle
of St. Neot's, is extended to the year 914 (20). Much difference of opinion
exists respecting this work; into the discussion of which it is not our present
purpose to enter. One thing is remarkable: it contains the vision of
Drihtelm, copied from Bede, and that of Charles King of the Franks, which
Malmsbury thought it worth while to repeat in his "History of the Kings of
England". What Gale observes concerning the "fidelity" with which these
annals of Asser are copied by Marianus, is easily explained. They both
translated from the "Saxon Chronicle", as did also Florence of Worcester,
who interpolated Marianus; of whom we shall speak hereafter.

But the most faithful and extraordinary follower of the "Saxon Annals" is
Ethelwerd; who seems to have disregarded almost all other sources of
information. One great error, however, he committed; for which Malmsbury
does nor spare him. Despairing of the reputation of classical learning, if he
had followed the simplicity of the Saxon original, he fell into a sort of
measured and inverted prose, peculiar to himself; which, being at first
sufficiently obscure, is sometimes rendered almost unintelligible by the
incorrect manner in which it has been printed. His authority, nevertheless,

in an historical point of view, is very respectable. Being one of the few
writers untainted by monastic prejudice (21), he does not travel out of his
way to indulge in legendary tales and romantic visions. Critically
considered, his work is the best commentary on the "Saxon Chronicle" to
the year 977; at which period one of the MSS. which he seems to have
followed, terminates. Brevity and compression seem to have been his aim,
because the compilation was intended to be sent abroad for the instruction
of a female relative of high rank in Germany (22), at her request. But there
are, nevertheless, some circumstances recorded which are not to be found
elsewhere; so that a reference to this epitome of Saxon history will be
sometimes useful in illustrating the early part of the "Chronicle"; though
Gibson, I know not on what account, has scarcely once quoted it.

During the sanguinary conflicts of the eleventh century, which ended first
in the temporary triumph of the Danes, and afterwards in the total
subjugation of the country by the Normans, literary pursuits, as might be
expected, were so much neglected, that scarcely a Latin writer is to be
found: but the "Saxon Chronicle" has preserved a regular and minute detail
of occurrences, as they passed along, of which subsequent historians were
glad to avail themselves. For nearly a century after the Conquest, the Saxon
annalists appear to have been chiefly eye-witnesses of the transactions
which they relate (23). The policy of the Conqueror led him by degrees to
employ Saxons as well as Normans: and William II. found them the most
faithful of his subjects: but such an influx of foreigners naturally corrupted
the ancient language; till at length, after many foreign and domestic wars,
tranquillity being restored on the accession of Henry II., literature revived; a
taste for composition increased; and the compilation of Latin histories of
English and foreign affairs, blended and diversified with the fabled romance
and legendary tale, became the ordinary path to distinction. It is remarkable,
that when the "Saxon Chronicle" ends, Geoffrey of Monmouth begins.
Almost every great monastery about this time had its historian: but some

still adhered to the ancient method. Florence of Worcester, an interpolator
of Marianus, as we before observed, closely follows Bede, Asser, and the
"Saxon Chronicle" (24). The same may be observed of the annals of
Gisburne, of Margan, of Meiros, of Waverley, etc.; some of which are
anonymous compilations, whilst others have the name of an author, or
rather transcriber; for very few aspired to the character of authors or
original historians. Thomas Wikes, a canon of Oseney, who compiled a
Latin chronicle of English affairs from the Conquest to the year 1304, tells
us expressly, that he did this, not because he could add much to the histories
of Bede, William of Newburgh, and Matthew Paris, but "propter minores,
quibus non suppetit copia librorum." (25) Before the invention of printing,
it was necessary that numerous copies of historical works should be
transcribed, for the instruction of those who had not access to libraries. The
transcribers frequently added something of their own, and abridged or
omitted what they thought less interesting. Hence the endless variety of
interpolators and deflorators of English history. William of Malmsbury,
indeed, deserves to be selected from all his competitors for the superiority
of his genius; but he is occasionally inaccurate, and negligent of dates and
other minor circumstances; insomuch that his modern translator has
corrected some mistakes, and supplied the deficiencies in his chronology,
by a reference to the "Saxon Chronicle". Henry of Huntingdon, when he is
not transcribing Bede, or translating the "Saxon Annals", may be placed on
the same shelf with Geoffrey of Monmouth.

As I have now brought the reader to the period when our "Chronicle"
terminates, I shall dismiss without much ceremony the succeeding writers,
who have partly borrowed from this source; Simon of Durham, who
transcribes Florence of Worcester, the two priors of Hexham, Gervase,
Hoveden, Bromton, Stubbes, the two Matthews, of Paris and Westminster,
and many others, considering that sufficient has been said to convince those
who may not have leisure or opportunity to examine the matter themselves,

that however numerous are the Latin historians of English affairs, almost
everything original and authentic, and essentially conducive to a correct
knowledge of our general history, to the period above mentioned, may be
traced to the "Saxon Annals".

It is now time to examine, who were probably the writers of these
"Annals". I say probably, because we have very little more than rational
conjecture to guide us.

The period antecedent to the times of Bede, except where passages were
afterwards inserted, was perhaps little else, originally, than a kind of
chronological table of events, with a few genealogies, and notices of the
death and succession of kings and other distinguished personages. But it is
evident from the preface of Bede and from many passages in his work, that
he received considerable assistance from Saxon bishops, abbots, and others;
who not only communicated certain traditionary facts "viva voce", but also
transmitted to him many written documents. These, therefore, must have
been the early chronicles of Wessex, of Kent, and of the other provinces of
the Heptarchy; which formed together the ground-work of his history. With
greater honesty than most of his followers, he has given us the names of
those learned persons who assisted him with this local information. The first
is Alcuinus or Albinus, an abbot of Canterbury, at whose instigation he
undertook the work; who sent by Nothelm, afterwards archbishop of that
province, a full account of all ecclesiastical transactions in Kent, and in the
contiguous districts, from the first conversion of the Saxons. From the same
source he partly derived his information respecting the provinces of Essex,
Wessex, East Anglia, and Northumbria. Bishop Daniel communicated to
him by letter many particulars concerning Wessex, Sussex, and the Isle of
Wight. He acknowledges assistance more than once "ex scriptis priorum";
and there is every reason to believe that some of these preceding records
were the "Anglo-Saxon Annals"; for we have already seen that such records

were in existence before the age of Nennius. In proof of this we may
observe, that even the phraseology sometimes partakes more of the Saxon
idiom than the Latin. If, therefore, it be admitted, as there is every reason to
conclude from the foregoing remarks, that certain succinct and
chronological arrangements of historical facts had taken place in several
provinces of the Heptarchy before the time of Bede, let us inquire by whom
they were likely to have been made.

In the province of Kent, the first person on record, who is celebrated for
his learning, is Tobias, the ninth bishop of Rochester, who succeeded to that
see in 693. He is noticed by Bede as not only furnished with an ample store
of Greek and Latin literature, but skilled also in the Saxon language and
erudition (26). It is probable, therefore, that he left some proofs of this
attention to his native language and as he died within a few years of Bede,
the latter would naturally avail himself of his labours. It is worthy also of
remark, that Bertwald, who succeeded to the illustrious Theodore of Tarsus
in 690, was the first English or Saxon archbishop of Canterbury. From this
period, consequently, we may date that cultivation of the vernacular tongue
which would lead to the composition of brief chronicles (27), and other
vehicles of instruction, necessary for the improvement of a rude and
illiterate people. The first chronicles were, perhaps, those of Kent or
Wessex; which seem to have been regularly continued, at intervals, by the
archbishops of Canterbury, or by their direction (28), at least as far as the
year 1001, or by even 1070; for the Benet MS., which some call the
Plegmund MS., ends in the latter year; the rest being in Latin. From internal
evidence indeed, of an indirect nature, there is great reason to presume, that
Archbishop Plegmund transcribed or superintended this very copy of the
"Saxon Annals" to the year 891 (29); the year in which he came to the see;
inserting, both before and after this date, to the time of his death in 923,
such additional materials as he was well qualified to furnish from his high
station and learning, and the confidential intercourse which he enjoyed in

the court of King Alfred. The total omission of his own name, except by
another hand, affords indirect evidence of some importance in support of
this conjecture. Whether King Alfred himself was the author of a distinct
and separate chronicle of Wessex, cannot now be determined. That he
furnished additional supplies of historical matter to the older chronicles is, I
conceive, sufficiently obvious to every reader who will take the trouble of
examining the subject. The argument of Dr. Beeke, the present Dean of
Bristol, in an obliging letter to the editor on this subject, is not without its
force;—that it is extremely improbable, when we consider the number and
variety of King Alfred's works, that he should have neglected the history, of
his own country. Besides a genealogy of the kings of Wessex from Cerdic to
his own time, which seems never to have been incorporated with any MS.
of the "Saxon Chronicle", though prefixed or annexed to several, he
undoubtedly preserved many traditionary facts; with a full and
circumstantial detail of his own operations, as well as those of his father,
brother, and other members of his family; which scarcely any other person
than himself could have supplied. To doubt this would be as incredulous a
thing as to deny that Xenophon wrote his "Anabasis", or Caesar his
"Commentaries". From the time of Alfred and Plegmund to a few years
after the Norman Conquest, these chronicles seem to have been continued
by different hands, under the auspices of such men as Archbishops Dunstan,
Aelfric, and others, whose characters have been much misrepresented by
ignorance and scepticism on the one hand; as well as by mistaken zeal and
devotion on the other. The indirect evidence respecting Dunstan and Aelfric
is as curious as that concerning Plegmund; but the discussion of it would
lead us into a wide and barren field of investigation; nor is this the place to
refute the errors of Hickes, Cave, and Wharton, already noticed by Wanley
in his preface. The chronicles of Abingdon, of Worcester, of Peterborough,
and others, are continued in the same manner by different hands; partly,
though not exclusively, by monks of those monasteries, who very naturally

inserted many particulars relating to their own local interests and concerns;
which, so far from invalidating the general history, render it more
interesting and valuable. It would be a vain and frivolous attempt ascribe
these latter compilations to particular persons (31), where there were
evidently so many contributors; but that they were successively furnished
by contemporary writers, many of whom were eye-witnesses of the events
and transactions which they relate, there is abundance of internal evidence
to convince us. Many instances of this the editor had taken some pains to
collect, in order to lay them before the reader in the preface; but they are so
numerous that the subject would necessarily become tedious; and therefore
every reader must be left to find them for himself. They will amply repay
him for his trouble, if he takes any interest in the early history of England,
or in the general construction of authentic history of any kind. He will see
plagarisms without end in the Latin histories, and will be in no danger of
falling into the errors of Gale and others; not to mention those of our
historians who were not professed antiquaries, who mistook that for original
and authentic testimony which was only translated. It is remarkable that the
"Saxon Chronicle" gradually expires with the Saxon language, almost
melted into modern English, in the year 1154. From this period almost to
the Reformation, whatever knowledge we have of the affairs of England has
been originally derived either from the semi-barbarous Latin of our own
countrymen, or from the French chronicles of Froissart and others.

The revival of good taste and of good sense, and of the good old custom
adopted by most nations of the civilised world—that of writing their own
history in their own language—was happily exemplified at length in the
laborious works of our English chroniclers and historians.

Many have since followed in the same track; and the importance of the
whole body of English History has attracted and employed the imagination
of Milton, the philosophy of Hume, the simplicity of Goldsmith, the

industry of Henry, the research of Turner, and the patience of Lingard. The
pages of these writers, however, accurate and luminous as they generally
are, as well as those of Brady, Tyrrell, Carte, Rapin, and others, not to
mention those in black letter, still require correction from the "Saxon
Chronicle"; without which no person, however learned, can possess
anything beyond a superficial acquaintance with the elements of English
History, and of the British Constitution.

Some remarks may here be requisite on the CHRONOLOGY of the
"Saxon Chronicle". In the early part of it (32) the reader will observe a
reference to the grand epoch of the creation of the world. So also in
Ethelwerd, who closely follows the "Saxon Annals". It is allowed by all,
that considerable difficulty has occurred in fixing the true epoch of Christ's
nativity (33), because the Christian aera was not used at all till about the
year 532 (34), when it was introduced by Dionysius Exiguus; whose code
of canon law, joined afterwards with the decretals of the popes, became as
much the standard of authority in ecclesiastical matters as the pandects of
Justinian among civilians. But it does not appear that in the Saxon mode of
computation this system of chronology was implicitly followed. We
mention this circumstance, however, not with a view of settling the point of
difference, which would not be easy, but merely to account for those
variations observable m different MSS.; which arose, not only from the
common mistakes or inadvertencies of transcribers, but from the liberty
which the original writers themselves sometimes assumed in this country, of
computing the current year according to their own ephemeral or local
custom. Some began with the Incarnation or Nativity of Christ; some with
the Circumcision, which accords with the solar year of the Romans as now
restored; whilst others commenced with the Annunciation; a custom which
became very prevalent in honour of the Virgin Mary, and was not formally
abolished here till the year 1752; when the Gregorian calendar, commonly
called the New Style, was substituted by Act of Parliament for the

Dionysian. This diversity of computation would alone occasion some
confusion; but in addition to this, the INDICTION, or cycle of fifteen years,
which is mentioned in the latter part of the "Saxon Chronicle", was carried
back three years before the vulgar aera, and commenced in different places
at four different periods of the year! But it is very remarkable that, whatever
was the commencement of the year in the early part of the "Saxon
Chronicle", in the latter part the year invariably opens with Midwinter-day
or the Nativity. Gervase of Canterbury, whose Latin chronicle ends in 1199,
the aera of "legal" memory, had formed a design, as he tells us, of
regulating his chronology by the Annunciation; but from an honest fear of
falsifying dates he abandoned his first intention, and acquiesced in the
practice of his predecessors; who for the most part, he says, began the new
year with the Nativity (35).

Having said thus much in illustration of the work itself, we must
necessarily be brief in our account of the present edition. It was
contemplated many years since, amidst a constant succession of other
occupations; but nothing was then projected beyond a reprint of Gibson,
substituting an English translation for the Latin. The indulgence of the
Saxon scholar is therefore requested, if we have in the early part of the
chronicle too faithfully followed the received text. By some readers no
apology of this kind will be deemed necessary; but something may be
expected in extenuation of the delay which has retarded the publication. The
causes of that delay must be chiefly sought in the nature of the work itself.
New types were to be cast; compositors to be instructed in a department
entirely new to them; manuscripts to be compared, collated, transcribed; the
text to be revised throughout; various readings of great intricacy to be
carefully presented, with considerable additions from unpublished sources;
for, however unimportant some may at first sight appear, the most trivial
may be of use. With such and other difficulties before him, the editor has,
nevertheless, been blessed with health and leisure sufficient to overcome

them; and he may now say with Gervase the monk at the end of his first
chronicle,

"Finito libro reddatur gratia Christo." (36)

Of the translation it is enough to observe, that it is made as literal as
possible, with a view of rendering the original easy to those who are at
present unacquainted with the Saxon language. By this method also the
connection between the ancient and modern language will be more obvious.
The same method has been adopted in an unpublished translation of
Gibson's "Chronicle" by the late Mr. Cough, now in the Bodleian Library.
But the honour of having printed the first literal version of the "Saxon
Annals" was reserved for a learned LADY, the Elstob of her age (37);
whose Work was finished in the year 1819. These translations, however, do
not interfere with that in the present edition; because they contain nothing
but what is found in the printed texts, and are neither accompanied with the
original, nor with any collation of MSS.

ENDNOTES: (1) Whatever was the origin of this title, by which it is now
distinguished, in an appendix to the work itself it is called "Liber de
Wintonia," or "The Winchester-Book," from its first place of custody. (2)
This title is retained, in compliance with custom, though it is a collection of
chronicles, rather than one uniform work, as the received appellation seems
to imply. (3) In two volumes folio, with the following title: "Domesday-
Book, seu Liber Censualis Willelmi Primi Regis Angliae, inter Archlyos
Regni in Domo Capitulari Westmonasterii asservatus: jubente rege
augustissimo Georgio Tertio praelo mandatus typis MDCCLXXXIII" (4)
Gerard Langbaine had projected such a work, and had made considerable
progress in the collation of MSS., when he found himself anticipated by
Wheloc. (5) "Nunc primum integrum edidit" is Gibson's expression in the
title-page. He considers Wheloc's MSS. as fragments, rather than entire

chronicles: "quod integrum nacti jam discimus." These MSS., however,
were of the first authority, and not less entire, as far as they went, than his
own favourite "Laud". But the candid critic will make allowance for the
zeal of a young Bachelor of Queen's, who, it must be remembered, had
scarcely attained the age of twenty-three when this extraordinary work was
produced. (6) The reader is forcibly reminded of the national dress of the
Highlanders in the following singular passage: "furciferos magis vultus
pilis, quam corporum pudenda, pudendisque proxima, vestibus tegentes."
(7) See particularly capp. xxiii. and xxvi. The work which follows, called
the "Epistle of Gildas", is little more than a cento of quotations from the
Old and New Testament. (8) "De historiis Scotorum Saxonumque, licet
inimicorum," etc. "Hist. Brit. ap." Gale, XV. Script. p. 93. See also p. 94 of
the same work; where the writer notices the absence of all written
memorials among the Britons, and attributes it to the frequent recurrence of
war and pestilence. A new edition has been prepared from a Vatican MS.
with a translation and notes by the Rev. W. Gunn, and published by J. and
A. Arch. (9) "Malo me historiographum quam neminem," etc. (10) He
considered his work, perhaps, as a lamentation of declamation, rather than a
history. But Bede dignifies him with the title of "historicus," though he
writes "fiebili sermone." (11) But it is probable that the work is come down
to us in a garbled and imperfect state. (12) There is an absurd story of a
monk, who in vain attempting to write his epitaph, fell asleep, leaving it
thus: "Hac sunt in fossa Bedae. ossa:" but, when he awoke, to his great
surprise and satisfaction he found the long-sought epithet supplied by an
angelic hand, the whole line standing thus: "Hac sunt in fossa Bedae
venerabilis ossa." (13) See the preface to his edition of the "Saxon
Chronicle". (14) This will be proved more fully when we come to speak of
the writers of the "Saxon Chronicle". (15) Preface, "ubi supra". (16) He
died A.D. 734, according to our chronicle; but some place his death to the
following year. (17) This circumstance alone proves the value of the "Saxon

Chronicle". In the "Edinburgh Chronicle" of St. Cross, printed by H.
Wharton, there is a chasm from the death of Bede to the year 1065; a period
of 330 years. (18) The cold and reluctant manner in which he mentions the
"Saxon Annals", to which he was so much indebted, can only be ascribed to
this cause in him, as well as in the other Latin historians. See his prologue
to the first book, "De Gestis Regum," etc. (19) If there are additional
anecdotes in the Chronicle of St. Neot's, which is supposed to have been so
called by Leland because he found the MS. there, it must be remembered
that this work is considered an interpolated Asser. (20) The death of Asser
himself is recorded in the year 909; but this is no more a proof that the
whole work is spurious, than the character and burial of Moses, described in
the latter part of the book of "Deuteronomy", would go to prove that the
Pentateuch was not written by him. See Bishop Watson's "Apology for the
Bible". (21) Malmsbury calls him "noble and magnificent," with reference
to his rank; for he was descended from King Alfred: but he forgets his
peculiar praise—that of being the only Latin historian for two centuries;
though, like Xenophon, Caesar, and Alfred, he wielded the sword as much
as the pen. (22) This was no less a personage than Matilda, the daughter of
Otho the Great, Emperor of Germany, by his first Empress Eadgitha or
Editha; who is mentioned in the "Saxon Chronicle", A.D. 925, though not
by name, as given to Otho by her brother, King Athelstan. Ethelwerd adds,
in his epistle to Matilda, that Athelstan sent two sisters, in order that the
emperor might take his choice; and that he preferred the mother of Matilda.
(23) See particularly the character of William I. p. 294, written by one who
was in his court. The compiler of the "Waverley Annals" we find literally
translating it more than a century afterwards:—"nos dicemus, qui eum
vidimus, et in curia ejus aliquando fuimus," etc.—Gale, ii. 134. (24) His
work, which is very faithfully and diligently compiled, ends in the year
1117; but it is continued by another hand to the imprisonment of King
Stephen. (25) "Chron. ap." Gale, ii. 21. (26) "Virum Latina, Graec, et

Saxonica lingua atque eruditione multipliciter instructum."—Bede,
"Ecclesiastical History", v. 8. "Chron. S. Crucis Edinb. ap.", Wharton, i.
157. (27) The materials, however, though not regularly arranged, must be
traced to a much higher source. (28) Josselyn collated two Kentish MSS. of
the first authority; one of which he calls the History or Chronicle of St.
Augustine's, the other that of Christ Church, Canterbury. The former was
perhaps the one marked in our series "C.T." A VI.; the latter the Benet or
Plegmund MS. (29) Wanley observes, that the Benet MS. is written in one
and the same hand to this year, and in hands equally ancient to the year 924;
after which it is continued in different hands to the end. Vid. "Cat." p. 130.
(30) Florence of Worcester, in ascertaining the succession of the kings of
Wessex, refers expressly to the "Dicta Aelfredi". Ethelwerd had before
acknowledged that he reported many things—"sicut docuere parentes;" and
then he immediately adds, "Scilicet Aelfred rex Athulfi regis filius; ex quo
nos originem trahimus." Vid. Prol. (31) Hickes supposed the Laud or
Peterborough Chronicle to have been compiled by Hugo Candidus (Albus,
or White), or some other monk of that house. (32) See A.D. xxxiii., the aera
of Christ's crucifixion, p. 23, and the notes below. (33) See Playfair's
"System of Chronology", p. 49. (34) Playfair says 527: but I follow Bede,
Florence of Worcester, and others, who affirm that the great paschal cycle
of Dionysius commenced from the year of our Lord's incarnation 532—the
year in which the code of Justinian was promulgated. "Vid. Flor. an." 532,
1064, and 1073. See also M. West. "an." 532. (35) "Vid. Prol. in Chron."
Bervas. "ap. X." Script. p. 1338. (36) Often did the editor, during the
progress of the work, sympathise with the printer; who, in answer to his
urgent importunities to hasten the work, replied once in the classical
language of Manutius: "Precor, ut occupationibus meis ignoscas; premor
enim oneribus, et typographiae cura, ut vix sustineam." Who could be angry
after this? (37) Miss Gurney, of Keswick, Norfolk. The work, however, was
not published.

THE ANGLO-SAXON CHRONICLE

The island Britain (1) is 800 miles long, and 200 miles broad. And there are
in the island five nations; English, Welsh (or British) (2), Scottish, Pictish,
and Latin. The first inhabitants were the Britons, who came from Armenia
(3), and first peopled Britain southward. Then happened it, that the Picts
came south from Scythia, with long ships, not many; and, landing first in
the northern part of Ireland, they told the Scots that they must dwell there.
But they would not give them leave; for the Scots told them that they could
not all dwell there together; "But," said the Scots, "we can nevertheless give
you advice. We know another island here to the east. There you may dwell,
if you will; and whosoever withstandeth you, we will assist you, that you
may gain it." Then went the Picts and entered this land northward.
Southward the Britons possessed it, as we before said. And the Picts
obtained wives of the Scots, on condition that they chose their kings always
on the female side (4); which they have continued to do, so long since. And
it happened, in the run of years, that some party of Scots went from Ireland
into Britain, and acquired some portion of this land. Their leader was called
Reoda (5), from whom they are named Dalreodi (or Dalreathians).

Sixty winters ere that Christ was born, Caius Julius, emperor of the
Romans, with eighty ships sought Britain. There he was first beaten in a
dreadful fight, and lost a great part of his army. Then he let his army abide
with the Scots (6), and went south into Gaul. There he gathered six hundred
ships, with which he went back into Britain. When they first rushed
together, Caesar's tribune, whose name was Labienus (7), was slain. Then
took the Welsh sharp piles, and drove them with great clubs into the water,
at a certain ford of the river called Thames. When the Romans found that,
they would not go over the ford. Then fled the Britons to the fastnesses of

the woods; and Caesar, having after much fighting gained many of the chief
towns, went back into Gaul (8).

((B.C. 60. Before the incarnation of Christ sixty years, Gaius
Julius the emperor, first of the Romans, sought the land of
Britain; and he crushed the Britons in battle, and overcame them;
and nevertheless he was unable to gain any empire there.))

A.D. 1. Octavianus reigned fifty-six winters; and in the forty-second year
of his reign Christ was born. Then three astrologers from the east came to
worship Christ; and the children in Bethlehem were slain by Herod in
persecution of Christ.

A.D. 3. This year died Herod, stabbed by his own hand; and Archelaus
his son succeeded him. The child Christ was also this year brought back
again from Egypt.

A.D. 6. From the beginning of the world to this year were agone five
thousand and two hundred winters.

A.D. 11. This year Herod the son of Antipater undertook the government
in Judea.

A.D. 12. This year Philip and Herod divided Judea into four kingdoms.

((A.D. 12. This year Judea was divided into four tetrarchies.))

A.D. 16. This year Tiberius succeeded to the empire.

A.D. 26. This year Pilate began to reign over the Jews.

A.D. 30. This year was Christ baptized; and Peter and Andrew were
converted, together with James, and John, and Philip, and all the twelve

apostles.

A.D. 33. This year was Christ crucified; (9) about five thousand two
hundred and twenty six winters from the beginning of the world. (10)

A.D. 34. This year was St. Paul converted, and St. Stephen stoned.

A.D. 35. This year the blessed Peter the apostle settled an episcopal see
in the city of Antioch.

A.D. 37. This year (11) Pilate slew himself with his own hand.

A.D. 39. This year Caius undertook the empire.

A.D. 44. This year the blessed Peter the apostle settled an episcopal see at
Rome; and James, the brother of John, was slain by Herod.

A.D. 45. This year died Herod, who slew James one year ere his own
death.

A.D. 46. This year Claudius, the second of the Roman emperors who
invaded Britain, took the greater part of the island into his power, and added
the Orkneys to rite dominion of the Romans. This was in the fourth year of
his reign. And in the same year (12) happened the great famine in Syria
which Luke mentions in the book called "The Acts of the Apostles". After
Claudius Nero succeeded to the empire, who almost lost the island Britain
through his incapacity.

((A.D. 46. This year the Emperor Claudius came to Britain, and subdued
a large part of the island; and he also added the island of Orkney to the
dominion of the Romans.))

A.D. 47. This year Mark, the evangelist in Egypt beginneth to write the
gospel.

((A.D. 47. This was in the fourth year of his reign, and in this same year
was the great famine in Syria which Luke speaks of in the book called
"Actus Apostolorum".))

((A.D. 47. This year Claudius, king of the Romans, went with an army
into Britain, and subdued the island, and subjected all the Picts and Welsh to
the rule of the Romans.))

A.D. 50. This year Paul was sent bound to Rome.

A.D. 62. This year James, the brother of Christ, suffered.

A.D. 63. This year Mark the evangelist departed this life.

A.D. 69. This year Peter and Paul suffered.

A.D. 70. This year Vespasian undertook the empire.

A.D. 71. This year Titus, son of Vespasian, slew in Jerusalem eleven
hundred thousand Jews.

A.D. 81. This year Titus came to the empire, after Vespasian, who said
that he considered the day lost in which he did no good.

A.D. 83. This year Domitian, the brother of Titus, assumed the
government.

A.D. 84. This year John the evangelist in the island Patmos wrote the
book called "The Apocalypse".

A.D. 90. This year Simon, the apostle, a relation of Christ, was crucified:
and John the evangelist rested at Ephesus.

A.D. 92. This year died Pope Clement.

A.D. 110. This year Bishop Ignatius suffered.

A.D. 116. This year Hadrian the Caesar began to reign.

A.D. 145. This year Marcus Antoninus and Aurelius his brother
succeeded to the empire.

((A.D. 167. This year Eleutherius succeeded to the popedom, and held it
fifteen years; and in the same year Lucius, king of the Britons, sent and
begged baptism of him. And he soon sent it him, and they continued in the
true faith until the time of Diocletian.))

A.D. 189. This year Severus came to the empire; and went with his army
into Britain, and subdued in battle a great part of the island. Then wrought
he a mound of turf, with a broad wall thereupon, from sea to sea, for the
defence of the Britons. He reigned seventeen years; and then ended his days
at York. His son Bassianus succeeded him in the empire. His other son, who
perished, was called Geta. This year Eleutherius undertook the bishopric of
Rome, and held it honourably for fifteen winters. To him Lucius, king of the
Britons, sent letters, and prayed that he might be made a Christian. He
obtained his request; and they continued afterwards in the right belief until
the reign of Diocletian.

A.D. 199. In this year was found the holy rood. (13)

A.D. 283. This year suffered Saint Alban the Martyr.

A.D. 343. This year died St. Nicolaus.

A.D. 379. This year Gratian succeeded to the empire.

A.D. 381. This year Maximus the Caesar came to the empire. He was
born in the land of Britain, whence he passed over into Gaul. He there slew
the Emperor Gratian; and drove his brother, whose name was Valentinian,
from his country (Italy). The same Valentinian afterwards collected an
army, and slew Maximus; whereby he gained the empire. About this time
arose the error of Pelagius over the world.

A.D. 418. This year the Romans collected all the hoards of gold (14) that
were in Britain; and some they hid in the earth, so that no man afterwards
might find them, and some they carried away with them into Gaul.

A.D. 423. This year Theodosius the younger succeeded to the empire.

A.D. 429. This year Bishop Palladius was sent from Pope
Celesrinus to the Scots, that he might establish their faith.

A.D. 430. This year Patricius was sent from Pope Celestinus to preach
baptism to the Scots.

((A.D. 430. This year Patrick was sent by Pope Celestine to preach
baptism to the Scots.))

A.D. 435. This year the Goths sacked the city of Rome; and never since
have the Romans reigned in Britain. This was about eleven hundred and ten
winters after it was built. They reigned altogether in Britain four hundred
and seventy winters since Gaius Julius first sought that land.

A.D. 443. This year sent the Britons over sea to Rome, and begged
assistance against the Picts; but they had none, for the Romans were at war
with Atila, king of the Huns. Then sent they to the Angles, and requested
the same from the nobles of that nation.

A.D. 444. This year died St. Martin.

A.D. 448. This year John the Baptist showed his head to two monks, who
came from the eastern country to Jerusalem for the sake of prayer, in the
place that whilom was the palace of Herod. (15)

A.D. 449. This year Marcian and Valentinian assumed the empire, and
reigned seven winters. In their days Hengest and Horsa, invited by
Wurtgern, king of the Britons to his assistance, landed in Britain in a place
that is called Ipwinesfleet; first of all to support the Britons, but they
afterwards fought against them. The king directed them to fight against the
Picts; and they did so; and obtained the victory wheresoever they came.
They then sent to the Angles, and desired them to send more assistance.
They described the worthlessness of the Britons, and the richness of the
land. They then sent them greater support. Then came the men from three
powers of Germany; the Old Saxons, the Angles, and the Jutes. From the
Jutes are descended the men of Kent, the Wightwarians (that is, the tribe
that now dwelleth in the Isle of Wight), and that kindred in Wessex that men
yet call the kindred of the Jutes. From the Old Saxons came the people of
Essex and Sussex and Wessex. From Anglia, which has ever since remained
waste between the Jutes and the Saxons, came the East Angles, the Middle
Angles, the Mercians, and all of those north of the Humber. Their leaders
were two brothers, Hengest and Horsa; who were the sons of Wihtgils;
Wihtgils was the son of Witta, Witta of Wecta, Wecta of Woden. From this
Woden arose all our royal kindred, and that of the Southumbrians also.

((A.D. 449. And in their days Vortigern invited the Angles thither, and
they came to Britain in three ceols, at the place called Wippidsfleet.))

A.D. 455. This year Hengest and Horsa fought with Wurtgern the king on
the spot that is called Aylesford. His brother Horsa being there slain,
Hengest afterwards took to the kingdom with his son Esc.

A.D. 457. This year Hengest and Esc fought with the Britons on the spot
that is called Crayford, and there slew four thousand men. The Britons then
forsook the land of Kent, and in great consternation fled to London.

A.D. 465. This year Hengest and Esc fought with the Welsh, nigh
Wippedfleet; and there slew twelve leaders, all Welsh. On their side a thane
was there slain, whose name was Wipped.

A.D. 473. This year Hengest and Esc fought with the Welsh, and took
immense Booty. And the Welsh fled from the English like fire.

A.D. 477. This year came Ella to Britain, with his three sons,
Cymen, and Wlenking, and Cissa, in three ships; landing at a
place that is called Cymenshore. There they slew many of the
Welsh; and some in flight they drove into the wood that is called
Andred'sley.

A.D. 482. This year the blessed Abbot Benedict shone in this world, by
the splendour of those virtues which the blessed Gregory records in the
book of Dialogues.

A.D. 485. This year Ella fought with the Welsh nigh Mecred's-Burnsted.

A.D. 488. This year Esc succeeded to the kingdom; and was king of the
men of Kent twenty-four winters.

A.D. 490. This year Ella and Cissa besieged the city of Andred, and slew
all that were therein; nor was one Briten left there afterwards.

A.D. 495. This year came two leaders into Britain, Cerdic and Cynric his
son, with five ships, at a place that is called Cerdic's-ore. And they fought
with the Welsh the same day. Then he died, and his son Cynric succeeded to
the government, and held it six and twenty winters. Then he died; and

Ceawlin, his son, succeeded, who reigned seventeen years. Then he died;
and Ceol succeeded to the government, and reigned five years. When he
died, Ceolwulf, his brother, succeeded, and reigned seventeen years. Their
kin goeth to Cerdic. Then succeeded Cynebils, Ceolwulf's brother's son, to
the kingdom; and reigned one and thirty winters. And he first of West-
Saxon kings received baptism. Then succeeded Cenwall, who was the son
of Cynegils, and reigned one and thirty winters. Then held Sexburga, his
queen, the government one year after him. Then succeeded Escwine to the
kingdom, whose kin goeth to Cerdic, and held it two years. Then succeeded
Centwine, the son of Cynegils, to the kingdom of the West-Saxons, and
reigned nine years. Then succeeded Ceadwall to the government, whose kin
goeth to Cerdic, and held it three years. Then succeeded Ina to the kingdom
of the West-Saxons, whose kin goeth to Cerdic, and reigned thirty-seven
winters. Then succeeded Ethelheard, whose kin goeth to Cerdic, and
reigned sixteen years. Then succeeded Cuthred, whose kin goeth to Cerdic,
and reigned sixteen winters. Then succeeded Sigebriht, whose kin goeth to
Cerdic, and reigned one year. Then succeeded Cynwulf, whose kin goeth to
Cerdic, and reigned one and thirty winters. Then succeeded Brihtric, whose
kin goeth to Cerdic, and reigned sixteen years. Then succeeded Egbert to
the kingdom, and held it seven and thirty winters, and seven months. Then
succeeded Ethelwulf, his son, and reigned eighteen years and a half.
Ethelwulf was the son of Egbert, Egbert of Ealmund, Ealmund of Eafa,
Eafa of Eoppa, Eoppa of Ingild, Ingild of Cenred (Ina of Cenred, Cuthburga
of Cenred, and Cwenburga of Cenred), Cenred of Ceolwald, Ceolwald of
Cuthwulf, Cuthwulf of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Celm, Celm of Cynric,
Cynric of Creoda, Creoda of Cerdic. Then succeeded Ethelbald, the son of
Ethelwulf, to the kingdom, and held it five years. Then succeeded Ethelbert,
his brother, and reigned five years. Then succeeded Ethelred, his brother, to
the kingdom, and held it five years. Then succeeded Alfred, their brother, to
the government. And then had elapsed of his age three and twenty winters,

and three hundred and ninety-six winters from the time when his kindred
first gained the land of Wessex from the Welsh. And he held the kingdom a
year and a half less than thirty winters. Then succeeded Edward, the son of
Alfred, and reigned twenty-four winters. When he died, then succeeded
Athelstan, his son, and reigned fourteen years and seven weeks and three
days. Then succeeded Edmund, his brother, and reigned six years and a
half, wanting two nights. Then succeeded Edred, his brother, and reigned
nine years and six weeks. Then succeeded Edwy, the son of Edmund, and
reigned three years and thirty-six weeks, wanting two days. When he died,
then succeeded Edgar, his brother, and reigned sixteen years and eight
weeks and two nights. When he died, then succeeded Edward, the son of
Edgar, and reigned—

A.D. 501. This year Porta and his two sons, Beda and Mela, came into
Britain, with two ships, at a place called Portsmouth. They soon landed, and
slew on the spot a young Briton of very high rank.

A.D. 508. This year Cerdic and Cynric slew a British king, whose name
was Natanleod, and five thousand men with him. After this was the land
named Netley, from him, as far as Charford.

A.D. 509. This year St. Benedict, the abbot, father of all the monks, (16)
ascended to heaven.

A.D. 514. This year came the West-Saxons into Britain, with three ships,
at the place that is called Cerdic's-ore. And Stuff and Wihtgar fought with
the Britons, and put them to flight.

A.D. 519. This year Cerdic and Cynric undertook the government of the
West-Saxons; the same year they fought with the Britons at a place now
called Charford. From that day have reigned the children of the West-Saxon
kings.

A.D. 527. This year Cerdic and Cynric fought with the Britons in the
place that is called Cerdic's-ley.

A.D. 530. This year Cerdic and Cynric took the isle of Wight, and slew
many men in Carisbrook.

A.D. 534. This year died Cerdic, the first king of the West-Saxons.
Cynric his son succeeded to the government, and reigned afterwards
twenty-six winters. And they gave to their two nephews, Stuff and Wihtgar,
the whole of the Isle of Wight.

A.D. 538. This year the sun was eclipsed, fourteen days before the
calends of March, from before morning until nine.

A.D. 540. This year the sun was eclipsed on the twelfth day before the
calends of July; and the stars showed themselves full nigh half an hour over
nine.

A.D. 544. This year died Wihtgar; and men buried him at
Carisbrook.

A.D. 547. This year Ida began his reign; from whom first arose the royal
kindred of the Northumbrians. Ida was the son of Eoppa, Eoppa of Esa, Esa
of Ingwy, Ingwy of Angenwit, Angenwit of Alloc, Alloc of Bennoc, Bennoc
of Brand, Brand of Balday, Balday of Woden. Woden of Fritholaf, Fritholaf
of Frithowulf, Frithowulf of Finn, Finn of Godolph, Godolph of Geata. Ida
reigned twelve years. He built Bamburgh-Castle, which was first
surrounded with a hedge, and afterwards with a wall.

A.D. 552. This year Cynric fought with the Britons on the spot that is
called Sarum, and put them to flight. Cerdic was the father of Cynric,
Cerdic was the son of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wye,

Wye of Frewin, Frewin of Frithgar, Frithgar of Brand, Brand of Balday,
Balday of Woden. In this year Ethelbert, the son of Ermenric, was born,
who on the two and thirtieth year of his reign received the rite of baptism,
the first of all the kings in Britain.

A.D. 556. This year Cynric and Ceawlin fought with the Britons at
Beranbury.

A.D. 560. This year Ceawlin undertook the government of the West-
Saxons; and Ella, on the death of Ida, that of the Northumbrians; each of
whom reigned thirty winters. Ella was the son of Iff, Iff of Usfrey, Usfrey of
Wilgis, Wilgis of Westerfalcon, Westerfalcon of Seafowl, Seafowl of
Sebbald, Sebbald of Sigeat, Sigeat of Swaddy, Swaddy of Seagirt, Seagar of
Waddy, Waddy of Woden, Woden of Frithowulf. This year Ethelbert came
to the kingdom of the Cantuarians, and held it fifty-three winters. In his
days the holy Pope Gregory sent us baptism. That was in the two and
thirtieth year of his reign. And Columba, the mass-priest, came to the Picts,
and converted them to the belief of Christ. They are the dwellers by the
northern moors. And their king gave him the island of Hii, consisting of five
hides, as they say, where Columba built a monastary. There he was abbot
two and thirty winters; and there he died, when he was seventy-seven years
old. The place his successors yet have. The Southern Picts were long before
baptized by Bishop Ninnia, who was taught at Rome. His church or
monastery is at Hwiterne, hallowed in the name of St. Martin, where he
resteth with many holy men. Now, therefore, shall there be ever in Hii an
abbot, and no bishop; and to him shall be subject all the bishops of the
Scots; because Columba was an abbot—no bishop.

((A.D. 565. This year Columba the presbyter came from the Scots among
the Britons, to instruct the Picts, and he built a monastery in the island of
Hii.))

A.D. 568. This year Ceawlin, and Cutha the brother of Ceawlin, fought
with Ethelbert, and pursued him into Kent. And they slew two aldermen at
Wimbledon, Oslake and Cnebba.

A.D. 571. This year Cuthulf fought with the Britons at Bedford, and took
four towns, Lenbury, Aylesbury, Benson, and Ensham. And this same year
he died.

A.D. 577. This year Cuthwin and Ceawlin fought with the Britons, and
slew three kings, Commail, and Condida, and Farinmail, on the spot that is
called Derham, and took from them three cities, Gloucester, Cirencester,
and Bath.

A.D. 583. This year Mauricius succeeded to the empire of the
Romans.

A.D. 584. This year Ceawlin and Cutha fought with the Britons on the
spot that is called Fretherne. There Cutha was slain. And Ceawlin took
many towns, as well as immense booty and wealth. He then retreated to his
own people.

A.D. 588. This year died King Ella; and Ethelric reigned after him five
years.

A.D. 591. This year there was a great slaughter of Britons at
Wanborough; Ceawlin was driven from his kingdom, and Ceolric reigned
six years.

A.D. 592. This year Gregory succeeded to the papacy at Rome.

A.D. 593. This year died Ceawlin, and Cwichelm, and Cryda; and
Ethelfrith succeeded to the kingdom of the Northumbrians. He was the son
of Ethelric; Ethelric of Ida.

A.D. 596. This year Pope Gregory sent Augustine to Britain with very
many monks, to preach the word of God to the English people.

A.D. 597. This year began Ceolwulf to reign over the West-Saxons; and
he constantly fought and conquered, either with the Angles, or the Welsh, or
the Picts, or the Scots. He was the son of Cutha, Cutha of Cynric, Cynric of
Cerdic, Cerdic of Elesa, Elesa of Gewis, Gewis of Wye, Wye of Frewin,
Frewin of Frithgar, Frithgar of Brand, Brand of Balday, and Balday of
Woden. This year came Augustine and his companions to England. (17)

A.D. 601. This year Pope Gregory sent the pall to Archbishop
Augustine in Britain, with very many learned doctors to assist
him; and Bishop Paulinus converted Edwin, king of the
Northumbrians, to baptism.

A.D. 603. This year Aeden, king of the Scots, fought with the
Dalreathians, and with Ethelfrith, king of the Northumbrians, at
Theakstone; where he lost almost all his army. Theobald also, brother of
Ethelfrith, with his whole armament, was slain. None of the Scottish kings
durst afterwards bring an army against this nation. Hering, the son of Hussa,
led the army thither.

((A.D. 603. This year Aethan, King of the Scots, fought against the
Dalreods and against Ethelfrith, king of the North-humbrians, at
Daegsanstane [Dawston?], and they slew almost all his army. There
Theodbald, Ethelfrith's brother, was slain with all his band. Since then no
king of the Scots has dared to lead an army against this nation. Hering, the
son of Hussa, led the enemy thither.))

A.D. 604. This year Augustine consecrated two bishops, Mellitus and
Justus. Mellitus he sent to preach baptism to the East-Saxons. Their king
was called Seabert, the son of Ricola, Ethelbert's sister, whom Ethelbert

placed there as king. Ethelbert also gave Mellitus the bishopric of London;
and to Justus he gave the bishopric of Rochester, which is twenty-four miles
from Canterbury.

((A.D. 604. This year Augustine consecrated two bishops,
Mellitus and Justus. He sent Mellitus to preach baptism to the
East-Saxons, whose king was called Sebert, son of Ricole, the
sister of Ethelbert, and whom Ethelbert had there appointed king.
And Ethelbert gave Mellitus a bishop's see in London, and to
Justus he gave Rochester, which is twenty-four miles from
Canterbury.))

A.D. 606. This year died Gregory; about ten years since he sent us
baptism. His father was called Gordianus, and his mother Silvia.

A.D. 607. This year Ceolwulf fought with the South-Saxons. And
Ethelfrith led his army to Chester; where he slew an innumerable host of the
Welsh; and so was fulfilled the prophecy of Augustine, wherein he saith "If
the Welsh will not have peace with us, they shall perish at the hands of the
Saxons." There were also slain two hundred priests, (18) who came thither
to pray for the army of the Welsh. Their leader was called Brocmail, who
with some fifty men escaped thence.

A.D. 611. This year Cynegils succeeded to the government in Wessex,
and held it one and thirty winters. Cynegils was the son of Ceol, Ceol of
Cutha, Cutha of Cynric.

A.D. 614. This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought at Bampton, and
slew two thousand and forty-six of the Welsh.

A.D. 616. This year died Ethelbert, king of Kent, the first of English
kings that received baptism: he was the son of Ermenric. He reigned fifty-

six winters, and was succeeded by his son Eadbald. And in this same year
had elapsed from the beginning of the world five thousand six hundred and
eighteen winters. This Eadbald renounced his baptism, and lived in a
heathen manner; so that he took to wife the relict of his father. Then
Laurentius, who was archbishop in Kent, meant to depart southward over
sea, and abandon everything. But there came to him in the night the apostle
Peter, and severely chastised him, (19) because he would so desert the flock
of God. And he charged him to go to the king, and teach him the right
belief. And he did so; and the king returned to the right belief. In this king's
days the same Laurentius, who was archbishop in Kent after Augustine,
departed this life on the second of February, and was buried near Augustine.
The holy Augustine in his lifetime invested him bishop, to the end that the
church of Christ, which yet was new in England, should at no time after his
decease be without an archbishop. After him Mellitus, who was first Bishop
of London, succeeded to the archbishopric. The people of London, where
Mellitus was before, were then heathens: and within five winters of this
time, during the reign of Eadbald, Mellitus died. To him succeeded Justus,
who was Bishop of Rochester, whereto he consecrated Romanus bishop.

((A.D. 616. In that time Laurentius was archbishop, and for the
sorrowfulness which he had on account of the king's unbelief he was
minded to forsake this country entirely, and go over sea; but St. Peter the
apostle scourged him sorely one night, because he wished thus to forsake
the flock of God, and commanded him to teach boldly the true faith to the
king; and he did so, and the king turned to the right (faith). In the days of
this same king, Eadbald, this Laurentius died. The holy Augustine, while
yet in sound health, ordained him bishop, in order that the community of
Christ, which was yet new in England, should not after his decease be at
any time without an archbishop. After him Mellitus, who had been
previously Bishop of London, succeeded to the archbishopric. And within

five years of the decease of Laurentius, while Eadbald still reigned, Mellitus
departed to Christ.))

A.D. 617. This year was Ethelfrith, king of the Northumbrians, slain by
Redwald, king of the East-Angles; and Edwin, the son of Ella, having
succeeded to the kingdom, subdued all Britain, except the men of Kent
alone, and drove out the Ethelings, the sons of Ethelfrith, namely, Enfrid.
Oswald, Oswy, Oslac, Oswood. Oslaf, and Offa.

A.D. 624. This year died Archbishop Mellitus.

A.D. 625. This year Paulinus was invested bishop of the Northumbrians,
by Archbishop Justus, on the twelfth day before the calends of August.

((A.D. 625. This year Archbishop Justus consecrated Paulinus bishop of
the North-humbrians.))

A.D. 626. This year came Eamer from Cwichelm, king of the West-
Saxons, with a design to assassinate King Edwin; but he killed Lilla his
thane, and Forthere, and wounded the king. The same night a daughter was
born to Edwin, whose name was Eanfleda. Then promised the king to
Paulinus, that he would devote his daughter to God, if he would procure at
the hand of God, that he might destroy his enemy, who had sent the assassin
to him. He then advanced against the West-Saxons with an army, felled on
the spot five kings, and slew many of their men. This year Eanfleda, the
daughter of King Edwin, was baptized, on the holy eve of Pentecost. And
the king within twelve months was baptized, at Easter, with all his people.
Easter was then on the twelfth of April. This was done at York, where he
had ordered a church to be built of timber, which was hallowed in the name
of St. Peter. There the king gave the bishopric to Paulinus; and there he
afterwards ordered a larger church to be built of stone. This year Penda
began to reign; and reigned thirty winters. He had seen fifty winters when

he began to reign. Penda was the son of Wybba, Wybba of Creoda, Creoda
of Cynewald, Cynewald of Cnebba, Cnebba of Icel, Icel of Eomer, Eomer
of Angelthew, Angelthew of Offa, Offa of Wearmund, Wearmund of
Whitley, Whitley of Woden.

A.D. 627. This year was King Edwin baptized at Easter, with all his
people, by Paulinus, who also preached baptism in Lindsey, where the first
person who believed was a certain rich man, of the name of Bleek, with all
his people. At this time Honorius succeeded Boniface in the papacy, and
sent hither to Paulinus the pall; and Archbishop Justus having departed this
life on the tenth of November, Honorius was consecrated at Lincoln
Archbishop of Canterbury by Paulinus; and Pope Honorius sent him the
pall. And he sent an injunction to the Scots, that they should return to the
right celebration of Easter.

((A.D. 627. This year, at Easter, Paulinus baptized Edwin king of the
North-humbrians, with his people; and earlier within the same year, at
Pentecost, he had baptized Eanfled, daughter of the same king.))

A.D. 628. This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought with Penda at
Cirencester, and afterwards entered into a treaty there.

A.D. 632. This year was Orpwald baptized.

A.D. 633. This year King Edwin was slain by Cadwalla and Penda, on
Hatfield moor, on the fourteenth of October. He reigned seventeen years.
His son Osfrid was also slain with him. After this Cadwalla and Penda went
and ravaged all the land of the Northumbrians; which when Paulinus saw,
he took Ethelburga, the relict of Edwin, and went by ship to Kent. Eadbald
and Honorius received him very honourably, and gave him the bishopric of
Rochester, where he continued to his death.

A.D. 634. This year Osric, whom Paulinus baptized, succeeded to the
government of Deira. He was the son of Elfric, the uncle of Edwin. And to
Bernicia succeeded Eanfrith, son of Ethelfrith. This year also Bishop
Birinus first preached baptism to the West-Saxons, under King Cynegils.
The said Birinus went thither by the command of Pope Honorius; and he
was bishop there to the end of his life. Oswald also this year succeeded to
the government of the Northumbrians, and reigned nine winters. The ninth
year was assigned to him on account of the heathenism in which those lived
who reigned that one year betwixt him and Edwin.

A.D. 635. This year King Cynegils was baptized by Bishop Birinus at
Dorchester; and Oswald, king of the Northumbrians, was his sponsor.

A.D. 636. This year King Cwichelm was baptized at Dorchester, and died
the same year. Bishop Felix also preached to the East-Angles the belief of
Christ.

A.D. 639. This year Birinus baptized King Cuthred at Dorchester, and
received him as his son.

A.D. 640. This year died Eadbald, King of Kent, after a reign of twenty-
five winters. He had two sons, Ermenred and Erkenbert; and Erkenbert
reigned there after his father. He overturned all the idols in the kingdom,
and first of English kings appointed a fast before Easter. His daughter was
called Ercongota—holy damsel of an illustrious sire! whose mother was
Sexburga, the daughter of Anna, king of the East-Angles. Ermenred also
begat two sons, who were afterwards martyred by Thunnor.

A.D. 642. This year Oswald, king of the Northumbrians, was slain by
Penda, king of the Southumbrians, at Mirfield, on the fifth day of August;
and his body was buried at Bardney. His holiness and miracles were
afterwards displayed on manifold occasions throughout this island; and his

hands remain still uncorrupted at Barnburgh. The same year in which
Oswald was slain, Oswy his brother succeeded to the government of the
Northumbrians, and reigned two less than thirty years.

A.D. 643. This year Kenwal succeeded to the kingdom of the
West-Saxons, and held it one and thirty winters. This Kenwal ordered
the old (20) church at Winchester to be built in the name of St.
Peter. He was the son of Cynegils.

A.D. 644. This year died at Rochester, on the tenth of October, Paulinus,
who was first Archbishop at York, and afterwards at Rochester. He was
bishop nineteen winters, two months, and one and twenty days. This year
the son of Oswy's uncle (Oswin), the son of Osric, assumed the government
of Deira, and reigned seven winters.

A.D. 645. This year King Kenwal was driven from his dominion by
King Penda.

A.D. 646. This year King Kenwal was baptized.

A.D. 648. This year Kenwal gave his relation Cuthred three thousand
hides of land by Ashdown. Cuthred was the son of Cwichelm, Cwichelm of
Cynegils.

A.D. 650. This year Egelbert, from Gaul, after Birinus the
Romish bishop, obtained the bishopric of the West-Saxons.

((A.D. 650. This year Birinus the bishop died, and Agilbert the
Frenchman was ordained.))

A.D. 651. This year King Oswin was slain, on the twentieth day of
August; and within twelve nights afterwards died Bishop Aidan, on the
thirty-first of August.

A.D. 652. This year Kenwal fought at Bradford by the Avon.

A.D. 653. This year, the Middle-Angles under alderman Peada received
the right belief.

A.D. 654. This year King Anna was slain, and Botolph began to build
that minster at Icanhoe. This year also died Archbishop Honorius, on the
thirtieth of September.

A.D. 655. This year Penda was slain at Wingfield, and thirty royal
personages with him, some of whom were kings. One of them was
Ethelhere, brother of Anna, king of the East-Angles. The Mercians after this
became Christians. From the beginning of the world had now elapsed five
thousand eight hundred and fifty winters, when Peada, the son of Penda,
assumed the government of the Mercians. In his time came together himself
and Oswy, brother of King Oswald, and said, that they would rear a minster
to the glory of Christ, and the honour of St. Peter. And they did so, and gave
it the name of Medhamsted; because there is a well there, called Meadswell.
And they began the groundwall, and wrought thereon; after which they
committed the work to a monk, whose name was Saxulf. He was very much
the friend of God, and him also loved all people. He was nobly born in the
world, and rich: he is now much richer with Christ. But King Peada reigned
no while; for he was betrayed by his own queen, in Easter-tide. This year
Ithamar, Bishop of Rochester, consecrated Deus-dedit to Canterbury, on the
twenty-sixth day of March.

A.D. 656. This year was Peada slain; and Wulfhere, son of Penda,
succeeded to the kingdom of the Mercians. In his time waxed the abbey of
Medhamsted very rich, which his brother had begun. The king loved it
much, for the love of his brother Peada, and for the love of his wed-brother
Oswy, and for the love of Saxulf the abbot. He said, therefore, that he
would dignify and honour it by the counsel of his brothers, Ethelred and

Merwal; and by the counsel of his sisters, Kyneburga and Kyneswitha; and
by the counsel of the archbishop, who was called Deus-dedit; and by the
counsel of all his peers, learned and lewd, that in his kingdom were. And he
so did. Then sent the king after the abbot, that he should immediately come
to him. And he so did. Then said the king to the abbot: "Beloved Saxulf, I
have sent after thee for the good of my soul; and I will plainly tell thee for
why. My brother Peada and my beloved friend Oswy began a minster, for
the love of Christ and St. Peter: but my brother, as Christ willed, is departed
from this life; I will therefore intreat thee, beloved friend, that they
earnestly proceed on their work; and I will find thee thereto gold and silver,
land and possessions, and all that thereto behoveth." Then went the abbot
home, and began to work. So he sped, as Christ permitted him; so that in a
few years was that minster ready. Then, when the king heard say that, he
was very glad; and bade men send through all the nation, after all his
thanes; after the archbishop, and after bishops: and after his earls; and after
all those that loved God; that they should come to him. And he fixed the
day when men should hallow the minster. And when they were hallowing
the minster, there was the king, Wulfere, and his brother Ethelred, and his
sisters, Kyneburga and Kyneswitha. And the minster was hallowed by
Archbishop Deusdedit of Canterbury; and the Bishop of Rochester, Ithamar;
and the Bishop of London, who was called Wina; and the Bishop of the
Mercians, whose name was Jeruman; and Bishop Tuda. And there was
Wilfrid, priest, that after was bishop; and there were all his thanes that were
in his kingdom. When the minster was hallowed, in the name of St. Peter,
and St. Paul, and St. Andrew, then stood up the king before all his thanes,
and said with a loud voice: "Thanks be to the high almighty God for this
worship that here is done; and I will this day glorify Christ and St. Peter,
and I will that you all confirm my words.—I Wulfere give to-day to St.
Peter, and the Abbot Saxulf, and the monks of the minster, these lands, and
these waters, and meres, and fens, and weirs, and all the lands that

thereabout lye, that are of my kingdom, freely, so that no man have there
any ingress, but the abbot and the monks. This is the gift. From
Medhamsted to Northborough; and so to the place that is called Foleys; and
so all the fen, right to Ashdike; and from Ashdike to the place called
Fethermouth; and so in a right line ten miles long to Ugdike; and so to
Ragwell; and from Ragwell five miles to the main river that goeth to Elm
and to Wisbeach; and so about three miles to Trokenholt; and from
Trokenholt right through all the fen to Derworth; that is twenty miles long;
and so to Great Cross; and from Great Cross through a clear water called
Bradney; and thence six miles to Paxlade; and so forth through all the meres
and fens that lye toward Huntingdon-port; and the meres and lakes
Shelfermere and Wittlesey mere, and all the others that thereabout lye; with
land and with houses that are on the east side of Shelfermere; thence all the
fens to Medhamsted; from Medhamsted all to Welmsford; from Welmsford
to Clive; thence to Easton; from Easton to Stamford; from Stamford as the
water runneth to the aforesaid Northborough."—These are the lands and the
fens that the king gave unto St. Peter's minster.—Then quoth the king: "It is
little—this gift— but I will that they hold it so royally and so freely, that
there be taken there from neither gild nor gable, but for the monks alone.
Thus I will free this minster; that it be not subject except to Rome alone;
and hither I will that we seek St. Peter, all that to Rome cannot go." During
these words the abbot desired that he would gant him his request. And the
king granted it. "I have here (said he) some good monks that would lead
their life in retirement, if they wist where. Now here is an island, that is
called Ankerig; and I will request, that we may there build a minster to the
honour of St. Mary; that they may dwell there who will lead their lives in
peace and tranquillity." Then answered the king, and quoth thus: "Beloved
Saxulf, not that only which thou desirest, but all things that I know thou
desirest in our Lord's behalf, so I approve, and grant. And I bid thee, brother
Ethelred, and my sisters, Kyneburga and Kyneswitha, for the release of

your souls, that you be witnesses, and that you subscribe it with your
fingers. And I pray all that come after me, be they my sons, be they my
brethren, or kings that come after me, that our gift may stand; as they would
be partakers of the life everlasting, and as they would avoid everlasting
punishment. Whoso lesseneth our gift, or the gift of other good men, may
the heavenly porter lessen him in the kingdom of heaven; and whoso
advanceth it, may the heavenly porter advance him in the kingdom of
heaven." These are the witnesses that were there, and that subscribed it with
their fingers on the cross of Christ, and confirmed it with their tongues.
That was, first the king, Wulfere, who confirmed it first with his word, and
afterwards wrote with his finger on the cross of Christ, saying thus: "I
Wulfere, king, in the presence of kings, and of earls, and of captains, and of
thanes, the witnesses of my gift, before the Archbishop Deus-dedit, I
confirm it with the cross of Christ." (+)—"And I Oswy, king of the
Northumbrians, the friend of this minster, and o[oe] the Abbot Saxulf,
commend it with the cross of Christ." (+)—"And I Sighere, king, ratify it
with the cross of Christ." (+)—"And I Sibbi, king, subscribe it with the
cross of Christ." (+)—"And I Ethelred, the king's brother, granted the same
with the cross of Christ." (+)—"And we, the king's sisters, Kyneburga and
Kyneswitha, approve it."—"And I Archbishop of Canterbury, Deus-dedit,
ratify it."—Then confirmed it all the others that were there with the cross of
Christ (+): namely, Ithamar, Bishop of Rochester; Wina, Bishop of London;
Jeruman, Bishop of the Mercians; and Tuda, bishop; and Wilfrid, priest,
who was afterwards bishop; and Eoppa, priest, whom the king, Wulfere,
sent to preach christianity in the Isle of Wight; and Saxulf, abbot; and
Immine, alderman, and Edbert, alderman, and Herefrith, alderman, and
Wilbert, alderman, and Abo, alderman; Ethelbald, Brord, Wilbert, Elmund,
Frethegis. These, and many others that were there, the king's most loyal
subjects, confirmed it all. This charter was written after our Lord's Nativity
664—the seventh year of King Wulfere—the ninth year of Archbishop

Deus-dedir. Then they laid God's curse, and the curse of all saints, and all
christian folks, on whosoever undid anything that there was done. "So be
it," saith all. "Amen."—When this thing was done, then sent the king to
Rome to the Pope Vitalianus that then was, and desired, that he would ratify
with his writ and with his blessing, all this aforesaid thing. And the pope
then sent his writ, thus saying: "I Vitalianus, pope, grant thee, King
Wulfere, and Deus-dedit, archbishop, and Abbot Saxulf, all the things that
you desire. And I forbid, that any king, or any man, have any ingress, but
the abbot alone; nor shall he be Subject to any man, except the Pope of
Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury. If any one breaketh anything of
this, St. Peter with his sword destroy him. Whosoever holdeth it, St. Peter
with heaven's key undo him the kingdom of heaven."—Thus was the
minster of Medhamsted begun, that was afterwards called Peter-borough.
Afterwards came another archbishop to Canterbury, who was called
Theodorus; a very good man and wise; and held his synod with his bishops
and with his clerk. There was Wilfrid, bishop of the Mercians, deprived of
his bishopric; and Saxulf, abbot, was there chosen bishop; and Cuthbald,
monk of the same minster, was chosen abbot. This synod was holden after
our Lord's Nativity six hundred and seventy-three winters.

A.D. 658. This year Kenwal fought with the Welsh at Pen, and pursued
them to the Parret. This battle was fought after his return from East-Anglia,
where he was three years in exile. Penda had driven him thither and
deprived him of his kingdom, because he had discarded his sister.

A.D. 660. This year Bishop Egelbert departed from Kenwal; and Wina
held the bishopric three years. And Egbert accepted the bishopric of Paris,
in Gaul, by the Seine.

A.D. 661. This year, at Easter, Kenwal fought at Pontesbury; and
Wulfere, the son of Penda, pursued him as far as Ashdown. Cuthred, the son

of Cwichelm, and King Kenbert, died in one year. Into the Isle of Wight
also Wulfere, the son of Penda, penetrated, and transferred the inhabitants
to Ethelwald, king of the South-Saxons, because Wulfere adopted him in
baptism. And Eoppa, a mass-priest, by command of Wilfrid and King
Wulfere, was the first of men who brought baptism to the people of the Isle
of Wight.

A.D. 664. This year the sun was eclipsed, on the eleventh of May; and
Erkenbert, King of Kent, having died, Egbert his son succeeded to the
kingdom. Colman with his companions this year returned to his own
country. This same year there was a great plague in the island Britain, in
which died Bishop Tuda, who was buried at Wayleigh—Chad and Wilferth
were consecrated—And Archbishop Deus-dedit died.

A.D. 667. This year Oswy and Egbert sent Wighard, a priest, to
Rome, that he might be consecrated there Archbishop of
Canterbury; but he died as soon as he came thither.

((A.D. 667. This year Wighard went to Rome, even as King Oswy, and
Egbert had sent him.))

A.D. 668. This year Theodore was consecrated archbishop, and sent into
Britain.

A.D. 669. This year King Egbert gave to Bass, a mass-priest,
Reculver—to build a minster upon.

A.D. 670. This year died Oswy, King of Northumberland, on the fifteenth
day before the calends of March; and Egferth his son reigned after him.
Lothere, the nephew of Bishop Egelbert, succeeded to the bishopric over
the land of the West-Saxons, and held it seven years. He was consecrated by

Archbishop Theodore. Oswy was the son of Ethelfrith, Ethelfrith of
Ethelric, Ethelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa.

A.D. 671. This year happened that great destruction among the fowls.

A.D. 672. This year died King Cenwal; and Sexburga his queen held the
government one year after him.

A.D. 673. This year died Egbert, King of Kent; and the same year there
was a synod at Hertford; and St. Etheldritha began that monastery at Ely.

A.D. 674. This year Escwin succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex.
He was the son of Cenfus, Cenfus of Cenferth, Cenferth of
Cuthgils, Cuthgils of Ceolwulf, Ceolwulf of Cynric, Cynric of
Cerdic.

A.D. 675. This year Wulfere, the son of Penda, and Escwin, the son of
Cenfus, fought at Bedwin. The same year died Wulfere, and Ethelred
succeeded to the government. In his time sent he to Rome Bishop Wilfrid to
the pope that then was, called Agatho, and told him by word and by letter,
how his brothers Peada and Wulfere, and the Abbot Saxulf, had wrought a
minster, called Medhamsted; and that they had freed it, against king and
against bishop, from every service; and he besought him that he would
confirm it with his writ and with his blessing. And the pope sent then his
writ to England, thus saying: "I Agatho, Pope of Rome, greet well the
worthy Ethelred, king of the Mercians, and the Archbishop Theodorus of
Canterbury, and Saxulf, the bishop of the Mercians, who before was abbot,
and all the abbots that are in England; God's greeting and my blessing. I
have heard the petition of King Ethelred, and of the Archbishop Theodorus,
and of the Bishop Saxulf, and of the Abbot Cuthbald; and I will it, that it in
all wise be as you have spoken it. And I ordain, in behalf of God, and of St.
Peter, and of all saints, and of every hooded head, that neither king, nor

bishop, nor earl, nor any man whatever, have any claim, or gable, or gild, or
levy, or take any service of any kind, from the abbey of Medhamsted. I
command also, that no shire-bishop be so bold as to hold an ordination or
consecration within this abbacy, except the abbot intreat him, nor have there
any claim to proxies, or synodals, or anything whatever of any kind. And I
will, that the abbot be holden for legate of Rome over all that island; and
whatever abbot is there chosen by the monks that he be consecrated by the
Archbishop of Canterbury. I will and decree, that, whatever man may have
made a vow to go to Rome, and cannot perform it, either from infirmity, or
for his lord's need, or from poverty, or from any other necessity of any kind
whatever, whereby he cannot come thither, be he of England, or of
whatever other island he be, he may come to that minster of Medhamsted,
and have the same forgiveness of Christ and St. Peter, and of the abbot, and
of the monks, that he should have if he went to Rome. Now bid I thee,
brother Theodorus, that thou let it be proclaimed through all England, that a
synod be gathered, and this writ be read and observed. Also I tell thee,
Bishop Saxulf, that, as thou desirest it, that the minster be free, so I forbid
thee, and all the bishops that after thee come, from Christ and from all his
saints, that ye have no demand from that minster, except so much as the
abbot will. Now will I say in a word, that, whoso holdeth this writ and this
decree, then be he ever dwelling with God Almighty in the kingdom of
heaven. And whoso breaketh it, then be he excommunicated, and thrust
down with Judas, and with all the devils in hell, except he come to
repentance. Amen!" This writ sent the Pope Agatho, and a hundred and
twenty-five bishops, by Wilfrid, Archbishop of York, to England. This was
done after our Lord's Nativity 680, the sixth year of King Ethelred. Then the
king commanded the Archbishop Theodorus, that he should appoint a
general Wittenmoot at the place called Hatfield. When they were there
collected, then he allowed the letter to be read that the pope sent thither; and
all ratified and confirmed it. Then said the king: "All things that my brother

Peada, and my brother Wulfere, and my sisters, Kyneburga and
Kyneswitha, gave and granted to St. Peter and the abbot, these I will may
stand; and I will in my day increase it, for their souls and for my soul. Now
give I St. Peter to-day into his minster, Medhamsted, these lands, and all
that thereto lyeth; that is, Bredon, Repings, Cadney, Swineshead, Hanbury,
Lodeshall, Scuffanhall, Cosford, Stratford, Wattleburn, Lushgard, Ethelhun-
island, Bardney. These lands I give St. Peter just as freely as I possessed
them myself; and so, that none of my successors take anything therefrom.
Whoso doeth it, have he the curse of the Pope of Rome, and the curse of all
bishops, and of all those that are witnesses here. And this I confirm with the
token of Christ." (+) "I Theodorus, Archbishop of Canterbury, am witness to
this charter of Medhamsted; and I ratify it with my hand, and I
excommunicate all that break anything thereof; and I bless all that hold it."
(+) "I Wilfrid, Archbishop of York, am witness to this charter; and I ratify
this same curse." (+) "I Saxulf, who was first abbot, and now am bishop, I
give my curse, and that of all my successors, to those who break this."—"I
Ostritha, Ethelred's queen, confirm it."—"I Adrian, legate, ratify it."—"I
Putta, Bishop of Rochester, subscribe it."—"I Waldhere, Bishop of London,
confirm it."—"I Cuthbald, abbot, ratify it; so that, whoso breaketh it, have
he the cursing of all bishops and of all christian folk. Amen."

A.D. 676. This year, in which Hedda succeeded to his bishopric,
Escwin died; and Centwin obtained the government of the
West-Saxons. Centwin was the son of Cynegils, Cynegils of Ceolwulf.
Ethelred, king of the Mercians, in the meantime, overran the land
of Kent.

A.D. 678. This year appeared the comet-star in August, and shone every
morning, during three months, like a sunbeam. Bishop Wilfrid being driven
from his bishopric by King Everth, two bishops were consecrated in his
stead, Bosa over the Deirians, and Eata over the Bernicians. About the same

time also Eadhed was consecrated bishop over the people of Lindsey, being
the first in that division.

A.D. 679. This year Elwin was slain, by the river Trent, on the spot
where Everth and Ethelred fought. This year also died St. Etheldritha; and
the monastery of Coldingiham was destroyed by fire from heaven.

A.D. 680. This year Archbishop Theodore appointed a synod at
Hatfield; because he was desirous of rectifying the belief of
Christ; and the same year died Hilda, Abbess of Whitby.

A.D. 681. This year Trumbert was consecrated Bishop of Hexham, and
Trumwin bishop of the Picts; for they were at that time subject to this
country. This year also Centwin pursued the Britons to the sea.

A.D. 684. This year Everth sent an army against the Scots, under the
command of his alderman, Bright, who lamentably plundered and burned
the churches of God.

A.D. 685. This year King Everth commanded Cuthbert to be consecrated
a bishop; and Archbishop Theodore, on the first day of Easter, consecrated
him at York Bishop of Hexham; for Trumbert had been deprived of that see.
The same year Everth was slain by the north sea, and a large army with
him, on the thirteenth day before the calends of June. He continued king
fifteen winters; and his brother Elfrith succeeded him in the government.
Everth was the son of Oswy. Oswy of Ethelferth, Ethelferth of Ethelric,
Ethelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. About this time Ceadwall began to struggle
for a kingdom. Ceadwall was the son of Kenbert, Kenbert of Chad, Chad of
Cutha, Cutha of Ceawlin, Ceawlin of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic. Mull, who
was afterwards consigned to the flames in Kent, was the brother of
Ceadwall. The same year died Lothhere, King of Kent; and John was
consecrated Bishop of Hexham, where he remained till Wilferth was

restored, when John was translated to York on the death of Bishop Bosa.
Wilferth his priest was afterwards consecrated Bishop of York, and John
retired to his monastery (21) in the woods of Delta. This year there was in
Britain a bloody rain, and milk and butter were turned to blood.

((A.D. 685. And in this same year Cuthbert was consecrated
Bishop of Hexham by Archbishop Theodore at York, because Bishop
Tumbert had been driven from the bishopric.))

A.D. 686. This year Ceadwall and his brother Mull spread devastation in
Kent and the Isle of Wight. This same Ceadwall gave to St. Peter's minster,
at Medhamsted, Hook; which is situated in an island called Egborough.
Egbald at this time was abbot, who was the third after Saxulf; and Theodore
was archbishop in Kent.

A.D. 687. This year was Mull consigned to the flames in Kent, and
twelve other men with him; after which, in the same year, Ceadwall overran
the kingdom of Kent.

A.D. 688. This year Ceadwall went to Rome, and received baptism at the
hands of Sergius the pope, who gave him the name of Peter; but in the
course of seven nights afterwards, on the twelfth day before the calends of
May, he died in his crisom-cloths, and was buried in the church of St. Peter.
To him succeeded Ina in the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned thirty-seven
winters. He founded the monastery of Glastonbury; after which he went to
Rome, and continued there to the end of his life. Ina was the son of Cenred,
Cenred of Ceolwald; Ceolwald was the brother of Cynegils; and both were
the sons of Cuthwin, who was the son of Ceawlin; Ceawlin was the son of
Cynric, and Cynric of Cerdic.

((A.D. 688. This year King Caedwalla went to Rome, and received
baptism of Pope Sergius, and he gave him the name of Peter, and in about

seven days afterwards, on the twelfth before the kalends of May, while he
was yet in his baptismal garments, he died: and he was buried in St. Peter's
church. And Ina succeeded to the kingdom of the West-Saxons after him,
and he reigned twenty-seven years.))

A.D. 690. This year Archbishop Theodore, who had been bishop twenty-
two winters, departed this life, (22) and was buried within the city of
Canterbury. Bertwald, who before this was abbot of Reculver, on the
calends of July succeeded him in the see; which was ere this filled by
Romish bishops, but henceforth with English. Then were there two kings in
Kent, Wihtred and Webherd.

A.D. 693. This year was Bertwald consecrated archbishop by Godwin,
bishop of the Gauls, on the fifth day before the nones of July; about which
time died Gifmund, who was Bishop of Rochester; and Archbishop
Bertwald consecrated Tobias in his stead. This year also Dryhtelm (23)
retired from the world.

A.D. 694. This year the people of Kent covenanted with Ina, and gave
him 30,000 pounds in friendship, because they had burned his brother Mull.
Wihtred, who succeeded to the kingdom of Kent, and held it thirty-three
winters, was the son of Egbert, Egbert of Erkenbert, Erkenbert of Eadbald,
Eadbald of Ethelbert. And as soon as he was king, he ordained a great
council to meet in the place that is called Bapchild; in which presided
Wihtred, King of Kent, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Brihtwald, and
Bishop Tobias of Rochester; and with him were collected abbots and
abbesses, and many wise men, all to consult about the advantage of God's
churches that are in Kent. Now began the king to speak, and said, "I will
that all the minsters and the churches, that were given and bequeathed to the
worship of God in the days of believing kings, my predecessors, and in the
days of my relations of King Ethelbert and of those that followed him—

shall so remain to the worship of God, and stand fast for evermore. For I
Wihtred, earthly king, urged on by the heavenly king, and with the spirit of
righteousness annealed, have of our progenitors learned this, that no layman
should have any right to possess himself of any church or of any of the
things that belong to the church. And, therefore, strongly and truly, we set
and decree, and in the name of Almighty God, and of all saints, we forbid
all our succeeding kings, and aldermen, and all lawmen, ever, any lordship
over churches, and over all their appurtenances, which I or my elders in old
days have given for a perpetual inheritance to the glory of Christ and our
Lady St. Mary, and the holy apostles. And look! when it happeneth, that
bishop, or abbot, or abbess, depart from this life, be it told the archbishop,
and with his counsel and injunction be chosen such as be worthy. And the
life of him, that shall be chosen to so holy a thing, let the archbishop
examine, and his cleanness; and in no wise be chosen any one, or to so holy
a thing consecrated, without the archbishop's counsel. Kings shall appoint
earls, and aldermen, sheriffs, and judges; but the archbishop shall consult
and provide for God's flock: bishops, and abbots, and abbesses, and priests,
and deacons, he shall choose and appoint; and also sanctify and confirm
with good precepts and example, lest that any of God's flock go astray and
perish—"

A.D. 697. This year the Southumbrians slew Ostritha, the queen of
Ethelred, the sister of Everth.

A.D. 699. This year the Picts slew Alderman Burt.

A.D. 702. This year Kenred assumed the government of the
Southumbrians.

A.D. 703. This year died Bishop Hedda, having held the see of
Winchester twenty-seven winters.

A.D. 704. This year Ethelred, the son of Penda, King of Mercia, entered
into a monastic life, having reigned twenty-nine winters; and Cenred
succeeded to the government.

A.D. 705. This year died Ealdferth, king of the Northumbrians, on the
nineteenth day before the calends of January, at Driffield; and was
succeeded by his son Osred. Bishop Saxulf also died the same year.

A.D. 709. This year died Aldhelm, who was bishop by Westwood. The
land of the West-Saxons was divided into two bishoprics in the first days of
Bishop Daniel; who held one whilst Aldhelm held the other. Before this it
was only one. Forthere succeeded to Aldhelm; and Ceolred succeeded to the
kingdom of Mercia. And Cenred went to Rome; and Offa with him. And
Cenred was there to the end of his life. The same year died Bishop Wilferth,
at Oundle, but his body was carried to Ripon. He was the bishop whom
King Everth compelled to go to Rome.

A.D. 710. This year Acca, priest of Wilferth, succeeded to the bishopric
that Wilferth ere held; and Alderman Bertfrith fought with the Picts between
Heugh and Carau. Ina also, and Nun his relative, fought with Grant, king of
the Welsh; and the same year Hibbald was slain.

A.D. 714. This year died Guthlac the holy, and King Pepin.

A.D. 715. This year Ina and Ceolred fought at Wanborough; (24) and
King Dagobert departed this life.

A.D. 716. This year Osred, king of the Northumbrians, was slain near the
southern borders. He reigned eleven winters after Ealdferth. Cenred then
succeeded to the government, and held it two years; then Osric, who held it
eleven years. This same year died Ceolred, king of the Mercians. His body
lies at Lichfield; but that of Ethelred, the son of Penda, at Bardney.

Ethelbald then succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia, and held it one and
forty winters. Ethelbald was the son of Alwy, Alwy of Eawa, Eawa of
Webba, whose genealogy is already written. The venerable Egbert about
this time converted the monks of Iona to the right faith, in the regulation of
Easter, and the ecclesiastical tonsure.

A.D. 718. This year died Ingild, the brother of Ina. Cwenburga and
Cuthburga were their sisters. Cuthburga reared the monastery of Wimburn;
and, though given in marriage to Ealdferth, King of Northumberland, they
parted during their lives.

A.D. 721. This year Bishop Daniel went to Rome; and the same year Ina
slew Cynewulf, the etheling. This year also died the holy Bishop John; who
was bishop thirty-three years, and eight months, and thirteen days. His body
now resteth at Beverley.

A.D. 722. This year Queen Ethelburga destroyed Taunton, which
Ina had formerly built; Ealdbert wandered a wretched exile in
Surrey and Sussex; and Ina fought with the South-Saxons.

A.D. 725. This year died Wihtred, King of Kent, on the ninth day before
the calends of May, after a reign of thirty-two winters. His pedigree is
above; and he was succeeded by Eadbert. Ina this year also fought with the
South-Saxons, and slew Ealdbert, the etheling, whom he had before driven
into exile.

A.D. 727. This year died Tobias, Bishop of Rochester: and
Archbishop Bertwald consecrated Aldulf bishop in his stead.

A.D. 728. This year (25) Ina went to Rome, and there gave up the ghost.
He was succeeded in the kingdom of Wessex by Ethelhard his relative, who
held it fourteen years; but he fought this same year with Oswald the

etheling. Oswald was the son of Ethelbald, Ethelbald of Cynebald,
Cynebald of Cuthwin, Cuthwin of Ceawlin.

A.D. 729. This year appeared the comet-star, and St. Egbert died in Iona.
This year also died the etheling Oswald; and Osric was slain, who was
eleven winters king of Northumberland; to which kingdom Ceolwulf
succeeded, and held it eight years. The said Ceolwulf was the son of Cutha,
Cutha of Cuthwin, Cuthwin of Leodwald, Leodwald of Egwald, Egwald of
Ealdhelm, Ealdhelm of Occa, Occa of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. Archbishop
Bertwald died this year on the ides of January. He was bishop thirty-seven
winters, and six months, and fourteen days. The same year Tatwine, who
was before a priest at Bredon in Mercia, was consecrated archbishop by
Daniel Bishop of Winchester, Ingwald Bishop of London, Aldwin Bishop of
Lichfield, and Aldulf Bishop of Rochester, on the tenth day of June. He
enjoyed the archbishopric about three years.

((A.D. 729. And the same year Osric died; he was king eleven years; then
Ceolwulf succeeded to the kingdom, and held it eight years.))

A.D. 733. This year Ethelbald took Somerton; the sun was eclipsed; and
Acca was driven from his bishopric.

A.D. 734. This year was the moon as if covered with blood; and
Archbishop Tatwine and Bede departed this life; and Egbert was
consecrated bishop.

A.D. 735. This year Bishop Egbert received the pall at Rome.

A.D. 736. This year Archbishop Nothelm received the pall from the
bishop of the Romans.

A.D. 737. This year Bishop Forthere and Queen Frithogitha went to
Rome; and King Ceolwulf received the clerical tonsure, giving his kingdom
to Edbert, his uncle's son: who reigned one and twenty winters. Bishop
Ethelwold and Acca died this year, and Cynewulf was consecrated bishop.
The same year also Ethelbald ravaged the land of the Northumbrians.

A.D. 738. This year Eadbery, the son of Eata the son of Leodwald,
succeeded to the Northumbrian kingdom, and held it one and twenty
winters. Archbishop Egbert, the son of Eata, was his brother. They both rest
under one porch in the city of York.

A.D. 740. This year died King Ethelhard; and Cuthred, his relative,
succeeded to the West-Saxon kingdom, which he held fourteen winters,
during which time he fought many hard battles with Ethelbald, king of the
Mercians. On the death of Archbishop Nothelm, Cuthbert was consecrated
archbishop, and Dunn, Bishop of Rochester. This year York was on fire.

A.D. 742. This year there was a large synod assembled at
Cliff's-Hoo; and there was Ethelbald, king of Mercia, with
Archbishop Cuthbert, and many other wise men.

A.D. 743. This year Ethelbald, king of Mercia, and Cuthred, king of the
West-Saxons, fought with the Welsh.

A.D. 744. This year Daniel resigned the see of Winchester; to which
Hunferth was promoted. The stars went swiftly shooting; and Wilferth the
younger, who had been thirty winters Bishop of York, died on the third day
before the calends of May.

A.D. 745. This year died Daniel. Forty-three winters had then elapsed
since he received the episcopal function.

A.D. 746. This year was King Selred slain.

A.D. 748. This year was slain Cynric, etheling of the West-Saxons;
Edbert, King of Kent, died; and Ethelbert, son of King Wihtred, succeeded
to the kingdom.

A.D. 750. This year Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons, fought with the
proud chief Ethelhun.

A.D. 752. This year, the twelfth of his reign, Cuthred, king of the West-
Saxons, fought at Burford (27) with Ethelbald, king of the Mercians, and
put him to flight.

A.D. 753. This year Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons, fought against the
Welsh.

A.D. 754. This year died Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons; and Sebright,
his relative, succeeded to the kingdom, which he held one year; Cyneard
succeeded Humferth in the see of Winchester; and Canterbury was this year
on fire.

A.D. 755. This year Cynewulf, with the consent of the West-Saxon
council, deprived Sebright, his relative, for unrighteous deeds, of his
kingdom, except Hampshire; which he retained, until he slew the alderman
who remained the longest with him. Then Cynewulf drove him to the forest
of Andred, where he remained, until a swain stabbed him at Privett, and
revenged the alderman, Cumbra. The same Cynewulf fought many hard
battles with the Welsh; and, about one and thirty winters after he had the
kingdom, he was desirous of expelling a prince called Cyneard, who was
the brother of Sebright. But he having understood that the king was gone,
thinly attended, on a visit to a lady at Merton, (28) rode after him, and beset
him therein; surrounding the town without, ere the attendants of the king

were aware of him. When the king found this, he went out of doors, and
defended himself with courage; till, having looked on the etheling, he
rushed out upon him, and wounded him severely. Then were they all
fighting against the king, until they had slain him. As soon as the king's
thanes in the lady's bower heard the tumult, they ran to the spot, whoever
was then ready. The etheling immediately offered them life and rewards;
which none of them would accept, but continued fighting together against
him, till they all lay dead, except one British hostage, and he was severely
wounded. When the king's thanes that were behind heard in the morning
that the king was slain, they rode to the spot, Osric his alderman, and
Wiverth his thane, and the men that he had left behind; and they met the
etheling at the town, where the king lay slain. The gates, however, were
locked against them, which they attempted to force; but he promised them
their own choice of money and land, if they would grant him the kingdom;
reminding them, that their relatives were already with him, who would
never desert him. To which they answered, that no relative could be dearer
to them than their lord, and that they would never follow his murderer. Then
they besought their relatives to depart from him, safe and sound. They
replied, that the same request was made to their comrades that were
formerly with the king; "And we are as regardless of the result," they
rejoined, "as our comrades who with the king were slain." Then they
continued fighting at the gates, till they rushed in, and slew the etheling and
all the men that were with him; except one, who was the godson of the
alderman, and whose life he spared, though he was often wounded. This
same Cynewulf reigned one and thirty winters. His body lies at Winchester,
and that of the etheling at Axminster. Their paternal pedigree goeth in a
direct line to Cerdic. The same year Ethelbald, king of the Mercians, was
slain at Seckington; and his body lies at Repton. He reigned one and forty
years; and Bernred then succeeded to the kingdom, which he held but a
little while, and unprosperously; for King Offa the same year put him to

flight, and assumed the government; which he held nine and thirty winters.
His son Everth held it a hundred and forty days. Offa was the son of
Thingferth, Thingferth of Enwulf, Enwulf of Osmod, Osmod of Eawa,
Eawa of Webba, Webba of Creoda, Creoda of Cenwald, Cenwald of
Cnebba, Cnebba of Icel, Icel of Eomer, Eomer of Angelthew, Angelthew of
Offa, Offa of Wermund, Wermund of Witley, Witley of Woden.

((A.D. 755. This year Cynewulf deprived King Sigebert of his kingdom;
and Sigebert's brother, Cynehard by name, slew Cynewulf at Merton; and
he reigned thirty-one years. And in the same year Ethelbald, king of the
Mercians, was slain at Repton. And Offa succeeded to the kingdom of the
Mercians, Bernred being driven out.))

A.D. 757. This year Eadbert, king of the Northumbrians, received the
tonsure, and his son Osulf the kingdom; which he held one year. Him his
own domestics slew on the ninth day before the kalends of August.

A.D. 758. This year died Archbishop Cuthbert. He held the archbishopric
eighteen years.

A.D. 759. This year Bregowin was invested archbishop at Michaelmas,
and continued four years. Mull Ethelwold this year succeeded to the
Northumbrian kingdom, held it six winters, and then resigned it.

A.D. 760. This year died Ethelbert, King of Kent, who was the son of
King Wihtred, and also of Ceolwulf.

A.D. 761. This year was the severe winter; and Mull, king of the
Northumbrians, slew Oswin at Edwin's-Cliff, on the eighth day before the
ides of August.

A.D. 762. This year died Archbishop Bregowin.

A.D. 763. This year Eanbert was invested archbishop, on the fortieth day
over mid-winter; and Frithwald, Bishop of Whitern, died on the nones of
May. He was consecrated at York, on the eighteenth day before the calends
of September, in the sixth year of the reign of Ceolwulf, and was bishop
nine and twenty winters. Then was Petwin consecrated Bishop of Whitern
at Adlingfleet, on the sixteenth day before the calends of August.

A.D. 764. This year Archbishop Eanbert received the pall.

A.D. 765. This year Alred succeeded to the kingdom of the
Northumbrians, and reigned eight winters.

A.D. 766. This year died Archbishop Egbert at York, on the thirteenth
day before the calends of December, who was bishop thirty-six winters; and
Frithbert at Hexham, who was bishop there thirty-four winters. Ethelbert
was consecrated to York, and Elmund to Hexham.

A.D. 768. This year died King Eadbert, the son of Eata, on the fourteenth
day before the calends of September.

A.D. 772. This year died Bishop Mildred.

A.D. 774. This year the Northumbrians banished their king, Alred, from
York at Easter-tide; and chose Ethelred, the son of Mull, for their lord, who
reigned four winters. This year also appeared in the heavens a red crucifix,
after sunset; the Mercians and the men of Kent fought at Otford; and
wonderful serpents were seen in the land of the South-Saxons.

A.D. 775. This year Cynewulf and Offa fought near Bensington, and Offa
took possession of the town. In the days of this king, Offa, there was an
abbot at Medhamsted, called Beonna; who, with the consent of all the
monks of the minster, let to farm, to Alderman Cuthbert, ten copyhold lands

at Swineshead, with leasow and with meadow, and with all the
appurtenances; provided that the said Cuthbert gave the said abbot fifty
pounds therefore, and each year entertainment for one night, or thirty
shillings in money; (29) provided also, that after his decease the said lands
should revert to the monastery. The king, Offa, and King Everth, and
Archbishop Hibbert, and Bishop Ceolwulf, and Bishop Inwona, and Abbot
Beonna, and many other bishops, and abbots, and rich men, were witnesses
to this. In the days of this same Offa was an alderman, of the name of
Brorda, who requested the king for his sake to free his own monastery,
called Woking, because he would give it to Medhamsted and St. Peter, and
the abbot that then was, whose name was Pusa. Pusa succeeded Beonna;
and the king loved him much. And the king freed the monastery of Woking,
against king, against bishop, against earl, and against all men' so that no
man should have any claim there, except St. Peter and the abbot. This was
done at the king's town called Free-Richburn.

A.D. 776. This year died Bishop Petwin, on the thirteenth day before the
calends of October, having been bishop fourteen winters. The same year
Ethelbert was consecrated Bishop of Whitern, at York, on the seventeenth
day before the calends of July.

A.D. 778. This year Ethelbald and Herbert slew three high-sheriffs—
Eldulf, the son of Bosa, at Coniscliff; Cynewulf and Eggo at Helathyrn—on
the eleventh day before the calends of April. Then Elwald, having banished
Ethelred from his territory, seized on his kingdom, and reigned ten winters.

A.D. 780. This year a battle was fought between the Old-Saxons and the
Franks; and the high-sheriffs of Northumbria committed to the flames
Alderman Bern at Silton, on the ninth day before the calends of January.
The same year Archbishop Ethelbert died at York, and Eanbald was
consecrated in his stead; Bishop Cynewulf retired to Holy-island; Elmund,

Bishop of Hexham, died on the seventh day before the ides of September,
and Tilbert was consecrated in his stead, on the sixth day before the nones
of October; Hibbald was consecrated Bishop of Holy-island at Sockbury;
and King Elwald sent to Rome for a pall in behoof of Archbishop Eanbald.

A.D. 782. This year died Werburga, Queen of Ceolred, and Bishop
Cynewulf, in Holy-island; and the same year there was a synod at
Acley.

A.D. 784. This year Cyneard slew King Cynewulf, and was slain himself,
and eighty-four men with him. Then Bertric undertook the government of
the West-Saxons, and reigned sixteen years. His body is deposited at
Wareham; and his pedigree goeth in a direct line to Cerdic. At this time
reigned Elmund king in Kent, the father of Egbert; and Egbert was the
father of Athulf.

A.D. 785. This year died Bothwin, Abbot of Ripon, and a litigious synod
was holden at Chalk-hythe; Archbishop Eanbert resigned some part of his
bishopric, Hibbert was appointed bishop by King Offa, and Everth was
consecrated king. In the meantime legates were sent from Rome to England
by Pope Adrian, to renew the blessings of faith and peace which St.
Gregory sent us by the mission of Bishop Augustine, and they were
received with every mark of honour and respect.

A.D. 787. This year King Bertric took Edburga the daughter of Offa to
wife. And in his days came first three ships of the Northmen from the land
of robbers. The reve (30) then rode thereto, and would drive them to the
king's town; for he knew not what they were; and there was he slain. These
were the first ships of the Danish men that sought the land of the English
nation.

A.D. 788. This year there was a synod assembled at Fingall in
Northumberland, on the fourth day before the nones of September; and
Abbot Albert departed this life.

A.D. 789. This year Elwald, king of the Northumbrians, was slain by
Siga, on the eleventh day before the calends of October; and a heavenly
light was often seen on the spot where he was slain. He was buried in the
church of Hexham; and Osred, the son of Alred, who was his nephew,
succeeded him in the government. This year there was a synod assembled at
Acley.

A.D. 790. This year Archbishop Eanbert died, and Abbot Ethelherd
was chosen archbishop the same year. Osred, king of the
Northumbrians, was betrayed and banished from his kingdom, and
Ethelred, the son of Ethelwald, succeeded him.

A.D. 791. This year Baldulf was consecrated Bishop of Whitern, on the
sixteenth day before the calends of August, by Archbishop Eanbald and
Bishop Ethelbert.

A.D. 792. This year Offa, King of Mercia, commanded that King
Ethelbert should be beheaded; and Osred, who had been king of the
Northumbrians, returning home after his exile, was apprehended and slain,
on the eighteenth day before the calends of October. His body is deposited
at Tinemouth. Ethelred this year, on the third day before the calends of
October, took unto himself a new wife, whose name was Elfleda.

A.D. 793. This year came dreadful fore-warnings over the land of the
Northumbrians, terrifying the people most woefully: these were immense
sheets of light rushing through the air, and whirlwinds, and fiery, dragons
flying across the firmament. These tremendous tokens were soon followed
by a great famine: and not long after, on the sixth day before the ides of

January in the same year, the harrowing inroads of heathen men made
lamentable havoc in the church of God in Holy-island, by rapine and
slaughter. Siga died on the eighth day before the calends of March.

A.D. 794. This year died Pope Adrian; and also Offa, King of Mercia, on
the fourth day before the ides of August, after he had reigned forty winters.
Ethelred, king of the Northumbrians, was slain by his own people, on the
thirteenth day before the calends of May; in consequence of which, Bishops
Ceolwulf and Eadbald retired from the land. Everth took to the government
of Mercia, and died the same year. Eadbert, whose other name was Pryn,
obtained the kingdom of Kent; and Alderman Ethelherd died on the calends
of August. In the meantime, the heathen armies spread devastation among
the Northumbrians, and plundered the monastery of King Everth at the
mouth of the Wear. There, however, some of their leaders were slain; and
some of their ships also were shattered to pieces by the violence of the
weather; many of the crew were drowned; and some, who escaped alive to
the shore, were soon dispatched at the mouth of the river.

A.D. 795. This year was the moon eclipsed, between cock-crowing and
dawn, (31) on the fifth day before the calends of April; and Erdulf
succeeded to the Northumbrian kingdom on the second before the ides of
May. He was afterwards consecrated and raised to his throne, at York, on
the seventh day before the calends of June, by Archbishop Eanbald, and
Bishops Ethelbert, Hibbald, and Baldulf.

A.D. 796. This year died Archbishop Eanbald, on the fourth day before
the ides of August; and his body is deposited at York. The same year also
died Bishop Ceolwulf; and another Eanbald was consecrated to the see of
the former, on the nineteenth day before the calends of September. About
the same time Cynewulf, King of Mercia, made inroads upon the
inhabitants of Kent as far as the marsh; and the Mercians seized Edbert

Pryn, their king, led him bound into Mercia, and suffered men to pick out
his eyes, and cut off his hands. (32) And Ethelard, Archbishop of
Canterbury, held a synod, wherein he ratified and confirmed, by command
of Pope Leo, all things concerning God's monasteries that were fixed in
Witgar's days, and in other king's days, saying thus: "I Ethelard, the humble
Archbishop of Canterbury, with the unanimous concurrence of the whole
synod, and of all the congregations of all the minsters, to which in former
days freedom was given by faithful men, in God's name and by his terrible
judgment do decree, as I have command from Pope Leo, that henceforth
none dare to choose them lords from lewd men over God's inheritance; but,
as it is in the writ that the pope has given, or holy men have settled, our
fathers and our teachers, concerning holy minsters, so they continue
untainted without any resistance. If there is any man that will not observe
this decree of God, of our pope, and of us, but overlooketh it, and holdeth it
for nought, let them know, that they shall give an account before the
judgment-seat of God. And I Ethelard, archbishop, with twelve bishops, and
with three and twenty abbots, this same with the rood-token of Christ
confirm and fasten."

((A.D. 796. This year Offa, king of the Mercians, died on the fourth
before the kalends of August; he reigned forty years.))

A.D. 797. This year the Romans cut out the tongue of Pope Leo, put out
his eyes, and drove him from his see; but soon after, by the assistance of
God, he could see and speak, and became pope as he was before. Eanbald
also received the pall on the sixth day before the ides of September, and
Bishop Ethelherd died on the third before the calends of November.

A.D. 798. This year a severe battle was fought in the Northumbrian
territory, during Lent, on the fourth day before the nones of April, at

Whalley; wherein Alric, the son of Herbert, was slain, and many others with
him.

A.D. 799. This year Archbishop Ethelbert, and Cynbert, Bishop of
Wessex, went to Rome. In the meantime Bishop Alfun died at Sudbury, and
was buried at Dunwich. After him Tidfrith was elected to the see; and Siric,
king of the East Saxons, went to Rome. In this year the body of Witburga
was found entire, and free from decay, at Dercham, after a lapse of five and
fifty years from the period of her decease.

A.D. 800. This year was the moon eclipsed, at eight in the evening, on
the seventeenth day before the calends of February; and soon after died
King Bertric and Alderman Worr. Egbert succeeded to the West-Saxon
kingdom; and the same day Ethelmund, alderman of the Wiccians, rode
over the Thames at Kempsford; where he was met by Alderman Woxtan,
with the men of Wiltshire, and a terrible conflict ensued, in which both the
commanders were slain, but the men of Wiltshire obtained the victory.

((A.D. 801. This year Beornmod was ordained Bishop of
Rochester.))

A.D. 802. This year was the moon eclipsed, at dawn, on the thirteenth
day before the calends of January; and Bernmod was consecrated Bishop of
Rochester.

A.D. 803. This year died Hibbald, Bishop of Holy-island, on the twenty-
fourth of June, and Egbert was consecrated in his stead, on the thirteenth of
June following. Archbishop Ethelherd also died in Kent, and Wulfred was
chosen archbishop in his stead. Abbot Forthred, in the course of the same
year, departed this life.

A.D. 804. This year Archbishop Wulfred received his pall.

A.D. 805. This year died King Cuthred in Kent, and Abbess
Colburga, and Alderman Herbert.

A.D. 806. This year was the moon eclipsed, on the first of September;
Erdwulf, king of the Northumbrians, was banished from his dominions; and
Eanbert, Bishop of Hexham, departed this life. This year also, on the next
day before the nones of June, a cross was seen in the moon, on a
Wednesday, at the dawn; and afterwards, during the same year, on the third
day before the calends of September, a wonderful circle was displayed
about the sun.

A.D. 807. This year was the sun eclipsed, precisely at eleven in the
morning, on the seventeenth day before the calends of August.

A.D. 812. This year died the Emperor Charlemagne, after a reign of five
and forty winters; and Archbishop Wulfred, accompanied by Wigbert,
Bishop of Wessex, undertook a journey to Rome.

A.D. 813. This year Archbishop Wulfred returned to his own see, with
the blessing of Pope Leo; and King Egbert spread devastation in Cornwall
from east to west.

A.D. 814. This year died Leo, the noble and holy pope; and
Stephen succeeded him in the papal government.

A.D. 816. This year died Pope Stephen; and Paschalis was consecrated
pope after him. This same year the school of the English nation at Rome
was destroyed by fire.

A.D. 819. This year died Cenwulf, King of Mercia; and Ceolwulf (33)
succeeded him. Alderman Eadbert also departed this life.

A.D. 821. This year Ceolwulf was deprived of his kingdom.

A.D. 822. This year two aldermen were slain, whose names were
Burhelm and Mucca; and a synod was holden at Cliff's-Hoo.

A.D. 823. This year a battle was fought between the Welsh in Cornwall
and the people of Devonshire, at Camelford; and in the course of the same
year Egbert, king of the West-Saxons, and Bernwulf, King of Mercia,
fought a battle at Wilton, in which Egbert gained the victory, but there was
great slaughter on both sides. Then sent he his son Ethelwulf into Kent,
with a large detachment from the main body of the army, accompanied by
his bishop, Elstan, and his alderman, Wulfherd; who drove Baldred, the
king, northward over the Thames. Whereupon the men of Kent immediately
submitted to him; as did also the inhabitants of Surrey, and Sussex, and
Essex; who had been unlawfully kept from their allegiance by his relatives.
The same year also, the king of the East-Angles, and his subjects besought
King Egbert to give them peace and protection against the terror of the
Mercians; whose king, Bernwulf, they slew in the course of the same year.

A.D. 825. This year Ludecan, King of Mercia, was slain, and his five
aldermen with him; after which Wiglaf succeeded to the kingdom.

A.D. 827. This year was the moon eclipsed, on mid-winter's mass-night;
and King Egbert, in the course of the same year, conquered the Mercian
kingdom, and all that is south of the Humber, being the eighth king who
was sovereign of all the British dominions. Ella, king of the South-Saxons,
was the first who possessed so large a territory; the second was Ceawlin,
king of the West-Saxons: the third was Ethelbert, King of Kent; the fourth
was Redwald, king of the East-Angles; the fifth was Edwin, king of the
Northumbrians; the sixth was Oswald, who succeeded him; the seventh was
Oswy, the brother of Oswald; the eighth was Egbert, king of the West-
Saxons. This same Egbert led an army against the Northumbrians as far as

Dore, where they met him, and offered terms of obedience and subjection,
on the acceptance of which they returned home.

A.D. 828. This year Wiglaf recovered his Mercian kingdom, and Bishop
Ethelwald departed this life. The same year King Egbert led an army
against the people of North-Wales, and compelled them all to peaceful
submission.

A.D. 829. This year died Archbishop Wulfred; and Abbot Feologild was
after him chosen to the see, on the twenty-fifth of April, and consecrated on
a Sunday, the eleventh of June. On the thirteenth of August he was dead!

A.D. 830. This year Ceolnoth was chosen and consecrated archbishop on
the death of Abbot Feologild.

A.D. 831. This year Archbishop Ceolnoth received the pall.

A.D. 832. This year heathen men overran the Isle of Shepey.

A.D. 833. This year fought King Egbert with thirty-five pirates at
Charmouth, where a great slaughter was made, and the Danes remained
masters of the field. Two bishops, Hereferth and Wigen, and two aldermen,
Dudda and Osmod, died the same year.

A.D. 835. This year came a great naval armament into West-Wales,
where they were joined by the people, who commenced war against Egbert,
the West-Saxon king. When he heard this, he proceeded with his army
against them and fought with them at Hengeston, where he put to flight
both the Welsh and the Danes.

A.D. 836. This year died King Egbert. Him Offa, King of Mercia, and
Bertric, the West-Saxon king, drove out of England into France three years
before he was king. Bertric assisted Offa because he had married his

daughter. Egbert having afterwards returned, reigned thirty-seven winters
and seven months. Then Ethelwulf, the son of Egbert, succeeded to the
West-Saxon kingdom; and he gave his son Athelstan the kingdom of Kent,
and of Essex, and of Surrey, and of Sussex.

A.D. 837. This year Alderman Wulfherd fought at Hamton with thirty-
three pirates, and after great slaughter obtained the victory, but he died the
same year. Alderman Ethelhelm also, with the men of Dorsetshire, fought
with the Danish army in Portland-isle, and for a good while put them to
flight; but in the end the Danes became masters of the field, and slew the
alderman.

A.D. 838. This year Alderman Herbert was slain by the heathens, and
many men with him, among the Marshlanders. The same year, afterwards,
in Lindsey, East-Anglia, and Kent, were many men slain by the army.

A.D. 839. This year there was great slaughter in London,
Canterbury, and Rochester.

A.D. 840. This year King Ethelwulf fought at Charmouth with thirty-five
ship's-crews, and the Danes remained masters of the place. The Emperor
Louis died this year.

A.D. 845. This year Alderman Eanwulf, with the men of Somersetshire,
and Bishop Ealstan, and Alderman Osric, with the men of Dorsetshire,
fought at the mouth of the Parret with the Danish army; and there, after
making a great slaughter, obtained the victory.

A.D. 851. This year Alderman Ceorl, with the men of Devonshire, fought
the heathen army at Wemburg, and after making great slaughter obtained
the victory. The same year King Athelstan and Alderman Elchere fought in
their ships, and slew a large army at Sandwich in Kent, taking nine ships

and dispersing the rest. The heathens now for the first time remained over
winter in the Isle of Thanet. The same year came three hundred and fifty
ships into the mouth of the Thames; the crew of which went upon land, and
stormed Canterbury and London; putting to flight Bertulf, king of the
Mercians, with his army; and then marched southward over the Thames into
Surrey. Here Ethelwulf and his son Ethelbald, at the head of the West-Saxon
army, fought with them at Ockley, and made the greatest slaughter of the
heathen army that we have ever heard reported to this present day. There
also they obtained the victory.

A.D. 852. About this time Abbot Ceolred of Medhamsted, with the
concurrence of the monks, let to hand the land of Sempringham to Wulfred,
with the provision, that after his demise the said land should revert to the
monastery; that Wulfred should give the land of Sleaford to Meohamsted,
and should send each year into the monastery sixty loads of wood, twelve
loads of coal, six loads of peat, two tuns full of fine ale, two neats' carcases,
six hundred loaves, and ten kilderkins of Welsh ale; one horse also each
year, and thirty shillings, and one night's entertainment. This agreement was
made in the presence of King Burhred. Archbishop Ceolnoth, Bishops
Tunbert, Kenred, Aldhun, and Bertred; Abbots Witred and Weftherd,
Aldermen Ethelherd and Hunbert, and many others.

A.D. 853. This year Burhred, King of Mercia, with his council, besought
King Ethelwulf to assist him to subdue North-Wales. He did so; and with an
army marched over Mercia into North-Wales, and made all the inhabitants
subject to him. The same year King Ethelwulf sent his son Alfred to Rome;
and Leo, who was then pope, consecrated him king, and adopted him as his
spiritual son. The same year also Elchere with the men of Kent, and Huda
with the men of Surrey, fought in the Isle of Thanet with the heathen army,
and soon obtained the victory; but there were many men slain and drowned
on either hand, and both the aldermen killed. Burhred, the Mercian king,

about this time received in marriage the daughter of Ethelwulf, king of the
West-Saxons.

A.D. 854. This year the heathen men (34) for the first time remained over
winter in the Isle of Shepey. The same year King Ethelwulf registered a
TENTH of his land over all his kingdom for the honour of God and for his
own everlasting salvation. The same year also he went to Rome with great
pomp, and was resident there a twelvemonth. Then he returned homeward;
and Charles, king of the Franks, gave him his daughter, whose name was
Judith, to be his queen. After this he came to his people, and they were fain
to receive him; but about two years after his residence among the Franks he
died; and his body lies at Winchester. He reigned eighteen years and a half.
And Ethelwulf was the son of Egbert, Egbert of Ealhmund, Ealhmund of
Eafa, Eafa of Eoppa, Eoppa of Ingild; Ingild was the brother of Ina, king of
the West-Saxons, who held that kingdom thirty-seven winters, and
afterwards went to St. Peter, where he died. And they were the sons of
Cenred, Cenred of Ceolwald, Ceolwald of Cutha, Cutha of Cuthwin,
Cuthwin of Ceawlin, Ceawlin of Cynric, Cynric of Creoda, Creoda of
Cerdic, Cerdic of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wig, Wig of
Freawine, Freawine of Frithugar, Frithugar of Brond, Brond of Balday,
Balday of Woden, Woden of Frithuwald, Frithuwald of Freawine, Freawine
of Frithuwualf, Frithuwulf of Finn, Finn of Godwulf, Godwulf of Great,
Great of Taetwa, Taetwa of Beaw, Beaw of Sceldwa, Sceldwa of Heremod,
Heremod of Itermon, Itermon of Hathra, Hathra of Hwala, Hwala of
Bedwig, Bedwig of Sceaf; that is, the son of Noah, who was born in Noah's
ark: Laznech, Methusalem, Enoh, Jared, Malalahel, Cainion, Enos, Seth,
Adam the first man, and our Father, that is, Christ. Amen. Then two sons of
Ethelwulf succeeded to the kingdom; Ethelbald to Wessex, and Ethelbert to
Kent, Essex, Surrey, and Sussex. Ethelbald reigned five years. Alfred, his
third son, Ethelwulf had sent to Rome; and when the pope heard say that he
was dead, he consecrated Alfred king, and held him under spiritual hands,

as his father Ethelwulf had desired, and for which purpose he had sent him
thither.

((A.D. 855. And on his return homewards he took to (wife) the daughter
of Charles, king of the French, whose name was Judith, and he came home
safe. And then in about two years he died, and his body lies at Winchester:
and he reigned eighteen years and a half, and he was the son of Egbert. And
then his two sons succeeded to the kingdom; Ethelbald to the kingdom of
the West-Saxons, and Ethelbert to the kingdom of the Kentish-men, and of
the East-Saxons, and of Surrey, and of the South-Saxons. And he reigned
five years.))

A.D. 860. This year died King Ethelbald, and his body lies at Sherborn.
Ethelbert his brother then succeeded to the whole kingdom, and held it in
good order and great tranquillity. In his days came a large naval force up
into the country, and stormed Winchester. But Alderman Osric, with the
command of Hampshire, and Alderman Ethelwulf, with the command of
Berkshire, fought against the enemy, and putting them to flight, made
themselves masters of the field of battle. The said Ethelbert reigned five
years, and his body lies at Sherborn.

A.D. 861. This year died St. Swithun, bishop.

A.D. 865. This year sat the heathen army in the isle of Thanet, and made
peace with the men of Kent, who promised money therewith; but under the
security of peace, and the promise of money, the army in the night stole up
the country, and overran all Kent eastward.

A.D. 866. This year Ethered, (35) brother of Ethelbert, took to the West-
Saxon government; and the same year came a large heathen army into
England, and fixed their winter-quarters in East-Anglia, where they were
soon horsed; and the inhabitants made peace with them.

A.D. 867. This year the army went from the East-Angles over the mouth
of the Humber to the Northumbrians, as far as York. And there was much
dissension in that nation among themselves; they had deposed their king
Osbert, and had admitted Aella, who had no natural claim. Late in the year,
however, they returned to their allegiance, and they were now fighting
against the common enemy; having collected a vast force, with which they
fought the army at York; and breaking open the town, some of them entered
in. Then was there an immense slaughter of the Northumbrians, some
within and some without; and both the kings were slain on the spot. The
survivors made peace with the army. The same year died Bishop Ealstan,
who had the bishopric of Sherborn fifty winters, and his body lies in the
town.

A.D. 868. This year the same army went into Mercia to Nottingham, and
there fixed their winter-quarters; and Burhred, king of the Mercians, with
his council, besought Ethered, king of the West-Saxons, and Alfred, his
brother; that they would assist them in fighting against the army. And they
went with the West-Saxon army into Mercia as far as Nottingham, and there
meeting the army on the works, they beset them within. But there was no
heavy fight; for the Mercians made peace with the army.

A.D. 869. This year the army went back to York, and sat there a year.

A.D. 870. This year the army rode over Mercia into East-Anglia, and
there fixed their winter-quarters at Thetford. And in the winter King
Edmund fought with them; but the Danes gained the victory, and slew the
king; whereupon they overran all that land, and destroyed all the
monasteries to which they came. The names of the leaders who slew the
king were Hingwar and Hubba. At the same time came they to
Medhamsted, burning and breaking, and slaying abbot and monks, and all
that they there found. They made such havoc there, that a monastery, which

was before full rich, was now reduced to nothing. The same year died
Archbishop Ceolnoth; and Ethered, Bishop of Witshire, was chosen
Archbishop of Canterbury.

A.D. 871. This year came the army to Reading in Wessex; and in the
course of three nights after rode two earls up, who were met by Alderman
Ethelwulf at Englefield; where he fought with them, and obtained the
victory. There one of them was slain, whose name was Sidrac. About four
nights after this, King Ethered and Alfred his brother led their main army to
Reading, where they fought with the enemy; and there was much slaughter
on either hand, Alderman Ethelwulf being among the skain; but the Danes
kept possession of the field. And about four nights after this, King Ethered
and Alfred his brother fought with all the army on Ashdown, and the Danes
were overcome. They had two heathen kings, Bagsac and Healfden, and
many earls; and they were in two divisions; in one of which were Bagsac
and Healfden, the heathen kings, and in the other were the earls. King
Ethered therefore fought with the troops of the kings, and there was King
Bagsac slain; and Alfred his brother fought with the troops of the earls, and
there were slain Earl Sidrac the elder, Earl Sidrac the younger, Earl Osbern,
Earl Frene, and Earl Harold. They put both the troops to flight; there were
many thousands of the slain, and they continued fighting till night. Within a
fortnight of this, King Ethered and Alfred his brother fought with the army
at Basing; and there the Danes had the victory. About two months after this,
King Ethered and Alfred his brother fought with the army at Marden. They
were in two divisions; and they put them both to flight, enjoying the victory
for some time during the day; and there was much slaughter on either hand;
but the Danes became masters of the field; and there was slain Bishop
Heahmund, with many other good men. After this fight came a vast army in
the summer to Reading. And after the Easter of this year died King Ethered.
He reigned five years, and his body lies at Winburn-minster. Then Alfred,
his brother, the son of Ethelwulf, took to the kingdom of Wessex. And

within a month of this, King Alfred fought against all the Army with a small
force at Wilton, and long pursued them during the day; but the Danes got
possession of the field. This year were nine general battles fought with the
army in the kingdom south of the Thames; besides those skirmishes, in
which Alfred the king's brother, and every single alderman, and the thanes
of the king, oft rode against them; which were accounted nothing. This year
also were slain nine earls, and one king; and the same year the West-Saxons
made peace with the army.

((A.D. 871. And the Danish-men were overcome; and they had two
heathen kings, Bagsac and Halfdene, and many earls; and there was King
Bagsac slain, and these earls; Sidrac the elder, and also Sidrac the younger,
Osbern, Frene, and Harold; and the army was put to flight.))

A.D. 872. This year went the army to London from Reading, and there
chose their winter-quarters. Then the Mercians made peace with the army.

A.D. 873. This year went the army against the Northumbrians, and fixed
their winter-quarters at Torksey in Lindsey. And the Mercians again made
peace with the army.

A.D. 874. This year went the army from Lindsey to Repton, and there
took up their winter-quarters, drove the king, Burhred, over sea, when he
had reigned about two and twenty winters, and subdued all that land. He
then went to Rome, and there remained to the end of his life. And his body
lies in the church of Sancta Maria, in the school of the English nation. And
the same year they gave Ceolwulf, an unwise king's thane, the Mercian
kingdom to hold; and he swore oaths to them, and gave hostages, that it
should be ready for them on whatever day they would have it; and he would
be ready with himself, and with all those that would remain with him, at the
service of the army.

A.D. 875. This year went the army from Repton; and Healfden advanced
with some of the army against the Northumbrians, and fixed his winter-
quarters by the river Tine. The army then subdued that land, and oft invaded
the Picts and the Strathclydwallians. Meanwhile the three kings, Guthrum,
Oskytel, and Anwind, went from Repton to Cambridge with a vast army,
and sat there one year. This summer King Alfred went out to sea with an
armed fleet, and fought with seven ship-rovers, one of whom he took, and
dispersed the others.

A.D. 876. This year Rolla penetrated Normandy with his army; and he
reigned fifty winters. And this year the army stole into Wareham, a fort of
the West-Saxons. The king afterwards made peace with them; and they gave
him as hostages those who were worthiest in the army; and swore with
oaths on the holy bracelet, which they would not before to any nation, that
they would readily go out of his kingdom. Then, under colour of this, their
cavalry stole by night into Exeter. The same year Healfden divided the land
of the Northumbrians; so that they became afterwards their harrowers and
plowers.

((A.D. 876. And in this same year the army of the Danes in England
swore oaths to King Alfred upon the holy ring, which before they would not
do to any nation; and they delivered to the king hostages from among the
most distinguished men of the army, that they would speedily depart from
his kingdom; and that by night they broke.))

A.D. 877. This year came the Danish army into Exeter from Wareham;
whilst the navy sailed west about, until they met with a great mist at sea,
and there perished one hundred and twenty ships at Swanwich. (36)
Meanwhile King Alfred with his army rode after the cavalry as far as
Exeter; but he could not overtake them before their arrival in the fortress,
where they could not be come at. There they gave him as many hostages as

he required, swearing with solemn oaths to observe the strictest amity. In
the harvest the army entered Mercia; some of which they divided among
them, and some they gave to Ceolwulf.

A.D. 878. This year about mid-winter, after twelfth-night, the Danish
army stole out to Chippenham, and rode over the land of the West-Saxons;
where they settled, and drove many of the people over sea; and of the rest
the greatest part they rode down, and subdued to their will;—ALL BUT
ALFRED THE KING. He, with a little band, uneasily sought the woods and
fastnesses of the moors. And in the winter of this same year the brother of
Ingwar and Healfden landed in Wessex, in Devonshire, with three and
twenty ships, and there was he slain, and eight hundred men with him, and
forty of his army. There also was taken the war-flag, which they called the
RAVEN. In the Easter of this year King Alfred with his little force raised a
work at Athelney; from which he assailed the army, assisted by that part of
Somersetshire which was nighest to it. Then, in the seventh week after
Easter, he rode to Brixton by the eastern side of Selwood; and there came
out to meet him all the people of Somersersetshire, and Wiltshire, and that
part of Hampshire which is on this side of the sea; and they rejoiced to see
him. Then within one night he went from this retreat to Hey; and within one
night after he proceeded to Heddington; and there fought with all the army,
and put them to flight, riding after them as far as the fortress, where he
remained a fortnight. Then the army gave him hostages with many oaths,
that they would go out of his kingdom. They told him also, that their king
would receive baptism. And they acted accordingly; for in the course of
three weeks after, King Guthrum, attended by some thirty of the worthiest
men that were in the army, came to him at Aller, which is near Athelney,
and there the king became his sponsor in baptism; and his crisom-leasing
was at Wedmor. He was there twelve nights with the king, who honoured
him and his attendants with many presents.

A.D. 879. This year went the army from Chippenham to Cirencester, and
sat there a year. The same year assembled a band of pirates, and sat at
Fulham by the Thames. The same year also the sun was eclipsed one hour
of the day.

A.D. 880. This year went the army from Cirencester into
East-Anglia, where they settled, and divided the land. The same year
went the army over sea, that before sat at Fulham, to Ghent in
Frankland, and sat there a year.

A.D. 881. This year went the army higher up into Frankland, and the
Franks fought with them; and there was the army horsed after the battle.

A.D. 882. This year went the army up along the Maese far into
Frankland, and there sat a year; and the same year went King Alfred out to
sea with a fleet; and fought with four ship-rovers of the Danes, and took
two of their ships; wherein all the men were slain; and the other two
surrendered; but the men were severely cut and wounded ere they
surrendered.

A.D. 883. This year went the army up the Scheldt to Conde, and there sat
a year. And Pope Marinus sent King Alfred the "lignum Domini". The same
year led Sighelm and Athelstan to Rome the alms which King Alfred
ordered thither, and also in India to St. Thomas and to St. Bartholomew.
Then they sat against the army at London; and there, with the favour of
God, they were very successful after the performance of their vows.

A.D. 884. This year went the army up the Somne to Amiens, and there
remained a year. This year died the benevolent Bishop Athelwold.

A.D. 885. This year separated the before-mentioned army in two; one
part east, another to Rochester. This city they surrounded, and wrought

another fortress around themselves. The people, however, defended the city,
until King Alfred came out with his army. Then went the enemy to their
ships, and forsook their work. There were they provided with horses; and
soon after, in the same summer, they went over sea again. The same year
sent King Alfred a fleet from Kent into East-Anglia. As soon as they came
to Stourmouth, there met them sixteen ships of the pirates. And they fought
with them, took all the ships, and slew the men. As they returned homeward
with their booty, they met a large fleet of the pirates, and fought with them
the same day; but the Danes had the victory. The same year, ere midwinter,
died Charles, king of the Franks. He was slain by a boar; and one year
before his brother died, who had also the Western kingdom. They were both
the sons of Louis, who also had the Western kingdom, and died the same
year that the sun was eclipsed. He was the son of that Charles whose
daughter Ethelwulf, king of the West-Saxons, had to wife. And the same
year collected a great fleet against Old-Saxony; and there was a great fight
twice in the year, and the Saxons had the victory. There were the
Frieslanders with them. And the same year succeeded Charles to the
Western kingdom, and to all the territory this side of the Mediterranean and
beyond, as his great-grandfather held it, except the Lidwiccians. The said
Charles was the son of Louis, who was the brother of that Charles who was
the father of Judith, whom Ethelwulf, king of the West-Saxons, married.
They were the sons of Louis, who was the son of the elder Charles, who
was the son of Pepin. The same year died the good Pope Martin, who freed
the English school at the request of Alfred, king of the West-Saxons. And he
sent him great gifts in relics, and a part of the rood on which Christ
suffered. And the same year the army in East-Anglia brake the truce with
King Alfred.

A.D. 886. This year went the army back again to the west, that before
were bent eastward; and proceeding upwards along the Seine, fixed their
winter-quarters in the city of Paris. (37) The same year also King Alfred

fortified the city of London; and the whole English nation turned to him,
except that part of it which was held captive by the Danes. He then
committed the city to the care of Alderman Ethered, to hold it under him.

A.D. 887. This year the army advanced beyond the bridge at Paris; (38)
and then upwards, along the Seine, to the Marne. Then upwards on the
Marne as far as Chezy; and in their two stations, there and on the Yonne,
they abode two winters. This same year died Charles, king of the Franks.
Arnulf, his brother's son, had six weeks before his death bereft him of his
kingdom; which was now divided into five portions, and five kings were
consecrated thereto. This, however, was done with the consent of Arnulf;
and they agreed that they should hold in subjection to him; because none of
them had by birth any claim on the father's side, except him alone. Arnulf,
therefore, dwelt in the country eastward of the Rhine; Rodulf took to the
middle district; Oda to the western; whilst Berenger and Witha became
masters of Lombardy and the Cisalpine territory. But they held their
dominion in great discord; fought two general battles, and frequently
overran the country in partial encounters, displacing each other several
times. The same year also, in which the Danish army advanced beyond the
bridge at Paris, Alderman Ethelhelm led the alms of the West-Saxons and of
King Alfred to Rome.

A.D. 888. This year Alderman Beeke conducted the alms of the West-
Saxons and of King Alfred to Rome; but Queen Ethelswith, who was the
sister of King Alfred, died on the way to Rome; and her body lies at Pavia.
The same year also Ethered, Archbishop of Canterbury and Alderman
Ethelwold, died in one month.

A.D. 889. This year there was no journey to Rome; except that
King Alfred sent two messengers with letters.

A.D. 890. This year Abbot Bernhelm conducted the alms of the West-
Saxons and of King Alfred to Rome; and Guthrum, king of the Northern
men, departed this life, whose baptismal name was Athelstan. He was the
godson of King Alfred; and he abode among the East-Angles, where he first
established a settlement. The same year also went the army from the Seine
to Saint Lo, which is between the Bretons and the Franks; where the
Bretons fought with them, obtained the victory, and drove them out into a
river, in which many of them were drowned. This year also was Plegmund
chosen by God and all his saints to the archbishopric in Canterbury.

A.D. 891. This year went the army eastward; and King Arnulf fought
with the land-force, ere the ships arrived, in conjunction with the eastern
Franks, and Saxons, and Bavarians, and put them to flight. And three Scots
came to King Alfred in a boat without any oars from Ireland; whence they
stole away, because they would live in a state of pilgrimage, for the love of
God, they recked not where. The boat in which they came was made of two
hides and a half; and they took with them provisions for seven nights; and
within seven nights they came to land in Cornwall, and soon after went to
King Alfred. They were thus named: Dubslane, and Macbeth, and
Maelinmun. And Swinney, the best teacher that was among the Scots,
departed this life. And the same year after Easter, about the gang-days or
before, appeared the star that men in book-Latin call "cometa": some men
say that in English it may be termed "hairy star"; for that there standeth off
from it a long gleam of light, whilom on one side, whilom on each.

A.D. 893. This year went the large army, that we before spoke about,
back from the eastern district westward to Bologne; and there were shipped;
so that they transported themselves over at one time with their horses
withal. And they came up with two hundred and fifty ships into the mouth
of the Limne, which is in East-Kent, at the east end of the vast wood that
we call Andred. This wood is in length, east and west, one hundred and

twenty miles, or longer, and thirty miles broad. The river that we before
spoke about lieth out of the weald. On this river they towed up their ships as
far as the weald, four miles from the mouth outwards; and there destroyed a
fort within the fen, whereon sat a few churls, and which was hastily
wrought. Soon after this came Hasten up with eighty ships into the mouth
of the Thames, and wrought him there a work at Milton, and the other army
at Appledore.

A.D. 894. This year, that was about twelve months after they had
wrought a work in the eastern district, the Northumbrians and East-Angles
had given oaths to King Alfred, and the East-Angles six hostages;
nevertheless, contrary to the truce, as oft as the other plunderers went out
with all their army, then went they also, either with them, or in a separate
division. Upon this King Alfred gathered his army, and advanced, so that he
encamped between the two armies at the highest point he could find
defended by wood and by water, that he might reach either, if they would
seek any field. Then went they forth in quest of the wealds, in troops and
companies, wheresoever the country was defenceless. But they were also
sought after most days by other companies, either by day or by night, both
from the army and also from the towns. The king had divided his army into
two parts; so that they were always half at home, half out; besides the men
that should maintain the towns. The army came not all out of their stations
more than twice; once, when they first came to land, ere the forces were
collected, and again, when they wished to depart from their stations. They
had now seized much booty, and would ferry it northward over Thames into
Essex, to meet their ships. But the army rode before them, fought with them
at Farnham, routed their forces, and there arrested the booty. And they flew
over Thames without any ford, then up by the Colne on an island. Then the
king's forces beset them without as long as they had food; but they had their
time set, and their meat noted. And the king was advancing thitherwards on
his march with the division that accompanied him. But while he was

advancing thitherwards, the other force was returning homewards. The
Danes, however, still remained behind; for their king was wounded in the
fight, so that they could not carry him. Then collected together those that
dwell in Northumbria and East-Anglia about a hundred ships, and went
south about; and with some forty more went north about, and besieged a
fort in Devonshire by the north sea; and those who went south about beset
Exeter. When the king heard that, then went he west towards Exeter with all
his force, except a very considerable part of the eastern army, who advanced
till they came to London; and there being joined by the citizens and the
reinforcements that came from the west, they went east to Barnfleet. Hasten
was there with his gang, who before were stationed at Milton, and also the
main army had come thither, that sat before in the mouth of the Limne at
Appledore. Hasten had formerly constructed that work at Barnfleet, and
was then gone out on plunder, the main army being at home. Then came the
king's troops, and routed the enemy, broke down the work, took all that was
therein money, women, and children and brought all to London. And all the
ships they either broke to pieces, or burned, or brought to London or to
Rochester. And Hasten's wife and her two sons they brought to the king,
who returned them to him, because one of them was his godson, and the
other Alderman Ethered's. They had adopted them ere Hasten came to
Bamfleet; when he had given them hostages and oaths, and the king had
also given him many presents; as he did also then, when he returned the
child and the wife. And as soon as they came to Bamfleet, and the work was
built, then plundered he in the same quarter of his kingdom that Ethered his
compeer should have held; and at another time he was plundering in the
same district when his work was destroyed. The king then went westward
with the army toward Exeter, as I before said, and the army had beset the
city; but whilst he was gone they went to their ships. Whilst he was thus
busied there with the army, in the west, the marauding parties were both
gathered together at Shobury in Essex, and there built a fortress. Then they

both went together up by the Thames, and a great concourse joined them,
both from the East-Angles and from the Northumbrians. They then
advanced upward by the Thames, till they arrived near the Severn. Then
they proceeded upward by the Severn. Meanwhile assembled Alderman
Ethered, Alderman Ethelm, Alderman Ethelnoth, and the king's thanes, who
were employed at home at the works, from every town east of the Parret, as
well as west of Selwood, and from the parts east and also north of the
Thames and west of the Severn, and also some part of North-Wales. When
they were all collected together, they overtook the rear of the enemy at
Buttington on the banks of the Severn, and there beset them without on
each side in a fortress. When they had sat there many weeks on both sides
of the water, and the king meanwhile was in Devonshire westward with the
naval force, then were the enemy weighed down with famine. They had
devoured the greater part of their horses; and the rest had perished with
hunger. Then went they out to the men that sat on the eastern side of the
river, and fought with them; but the Christians had the victory. And there
Ordhelm, the king's thane, was slain; and also many other king's thanes; and
of the Danes there were many slain, and that part of them that came away
escaped only by flight. As soon as they came into Essex to their fortress,
and to their ships, then gathered the remnant again in East-Anglia and from
the Northumbrians a great force before winter, and having committed their
wives and their ships and their booty to the East-Angles, they marched on
the stretch by day and night, till they arrived at a western city in Wirheal
that is called Chester. There the army could not overtake them ere they
arrived within the work: they beset the work though, without, some two
days, took all the cattle that was thereabout, slew the men whom they could
overtake without the work, and all the corn they either burned or consumed
with their horses every evening. That was about a twelvemonth since they
first came hither over sea.

A.D. 895. Soon after that, in this year, went the army from Wirheal into
North-Wales; for they could not remain there, because they were stripped
both of the cattle and the corn that they had acquired by plunder. When they
went again out of North-Wales with the booty they had acquired there, they
marched over Northumberland and East-Anglia, so that the king's army
could not reach them till they came into Essex eastward, on an island that is
out at sea, called Mersey. And as the army returned homeward that had
beset Exeter, they went up plundering in Sussex nigh Chichester; but the
townsmen put them to flight, and slew many hundreds of them, and took
some of their ships. Then, in the same year, before winter, the Danes, who
abode in Mersey, towed their ships up on the Thames, and thence up the
Lea. That was about two years after that they came hither over sea.

A.D. 896. This same year wrought the aforesaid army a work by the Lea,
twenty miles above the city of London. Then, in the summer of this year,
went a large party of the citizens, and also of other folk, and made an attack
on the work of the Danes; but they were there routed, and some four of the
king's thanes were slain. In the harvest afterward the king encamped close
to the city, whilst they reaped their corn, that the Danes might not deprive
them of the crop. Then, some day, rode the king up by the river; and
observed a place where the river might be obstructed, so that they could not
bring out their ships. And they did so. They wrought two works on the two
sides of the river. And when they had begun the work, and encamped before
it, then understood the army that they could not bring out their ships.
Whereupon they left them, and went over land, till they came to Quatbridge
by Severn; and there wrought a work. Then rode the king's army westward
after the enemy. And the men of London fetched the ships; and all that they
could not lead away they broke up; but all that were worthy of capture they
brought into the port of London. And the Danes procured an asylum for
their wives among the East-Angles, ere they went out of the fort. During the

winter they abode at Quatbridge. That was about three years since they
came hither over sea into the mouth of the Limne.

A.D. 897. In the summer of this year went the army, some into East-
Anglia, and some into Northumbria; and those that were penniless got
themselves ships, and went south over sea to the Seine. The enemy had not,
thank God, entirely destroyed the English nation; but they were much more
weakened in these three years by the disease of cattle, and most of all of
men; so that many of the mightiest of the king's thanes, that were in the
land, died within the three years. Of these, one was Swithulf Bishop of
Rochester, Ceolmund alderman in Kent, Bertulf alderman in Essex, Wulfred
alderman in Hampshire, Elhard Bishop of Dorchester, Eadulf a king's thane
in Sussex, Bernuff governor of Winchester, and Egulf the king's horse-
thane; and many also with them; though I have named only the men of the
highest rank. This same year the plunderers in East-Anglia and
Northumbria greatly harassed the land of the West-Saxons by piracies on
the southern coast, but most of all by the esks which they built many years
before. Then King Alfred gave orders for building long ships against the
esks, which were full-nigh twice as long as the others. Some had sixty oars,
some more; and they were both swifter and steadier, and also higher than
the others. They were not shaped either after the Frisian or the Danish
model, but so as he himself thought that they might be most serviceable.
Then, at a certain turn of this same year, came six of their ships to the Isle
of Wight; and going into Devonshire, they did much mischief both there
and everywhere on the seacoast. Then commanded the king his men to go
out against them with nine of the new ships, and prevent their escape by the
mouth of the river to the outer sea. Then came they out against them with
three ships, and three others were standing upwards above the mouth on dry
land: for the men were gone off upon shore. Of the first three ships they
took two at the mouth outwards, and slew the men; the third veered off, but
all the men were slain except five; and they too were severely wounded.

Then came onward those who manned the other ships, which were also very
uneasily situated. Three were stationed on that side of the deep where the
Danish ships were aground, whilst the others were all on the opposite side;
so that none of them could join the rest; for the water had ebbed many
furlongs from them. Then went the Danes from their three ships to those
other three that were on their side, be-ebbed; and there they then fought.
There were slain Lucomon, the king's reve, and Wulfheard, a Frieslander;
Ebb, a Frieslander, and Ethelere, a Frieslander; and Ethelferth, the king's
neat-herd; and of all the men, Frieslanders and English, sixty-two; of the
Danes a hundred and twenty. The tide, however, reached the Danish ships
ere the Christians could shove theirs out; whereupon they rowed them out;
but they were so crippled, that they could not row them beyond the coast of
Sussex: there two of them the sea drove ashore; and the crew were led to
Winchester to the king, who ordered them to be hanged. The men who
escaped in the single ship came to East-Anglia, severely wounded. This
same year were lost no less than twenty ships, and the men withal, on the
southern coast. Wulfric, the king's horse-thane, who was also viceroy of
Wales, died the same year.

A.D. 898. This year died Ethelm, alderman of Wiltshire, nine nights
before midsummer; and Heahstan, who was Bishop of London.

A.D. 901. This year died ALFRED, the son of Ethelwulf, six nights
before the mass of All Saints. He was king over all the English nation,
except that part that was under the power of the Danes. He held the
government one year and a half less than thirty winters; and then Edward
his son took to the government. Then Prince Ethelwald, the son of his
paternal uncle, rode against the towns of Winburn and of Twineham,
without leave of the king and his council. Then rode the king with his army;
so that he encamped the same night at Badbury near Winburn; and
Ethelwald remained within the town with the men that were under him, and

had all the gates shut upon him, saying, that he would either there live or
there die. But in the meantime he stole away in the night, and sought the
army in Northumberland. The king gave orders to ride after him; but they
were not able to overtake him. The Danes, however, received him as their
king. They then rode after the wife that Ethelwald had taken without the
king's leave, and against the command of the bishops; for she was formerly
consecrated a nun. In this year also died Ethered, who was alderman of
Devonshire, four weeks before King Alfred.

A.D. 902. This year was the great fight at the Holme (39) between the
men of Kent and the Danes.

((A.D. 902. This year Elswitha died.))

A.D. 903. This year died Alderman Ethelwulf, the brother of
Elhswitha, mother of King Edward; and Virgilius abbot of the
Scots; and Grimbald the mass-priest; on the eighth day of July.
This same year was consecrated the new minster at Winchester, on
St. Judoc's advent.

A.D. 904. This year came Ethelwald hither over sea with all the fleet that
he could get, and he was submitted to in Essex. This year the moon was
eclipsed.

A.D. 905. This year Ethelwald enticed the army in East-Anglia to
rebellion; so that they overran all the land of Mercia, until they came to
Cricklade, where they forded the Thames; and having seized, either in
Bradon or thereabout, all that they could lay their hands upon, they went
homeward again. King Edward went after, as soon as he could gather his
army, and overran all their land between the foss and the Ouse quite to the
fens northward. Then being desirous of returning thence, he issued an order
through the whole army, that they should all go out at once. But the Kentish

men remained behind, contrary to his order, though he had sent seven
messengers to them. Whereupon the army surrounded them, and there they
fought. There fell Aldermen Siwulf and Sigelm; Eadwold, the king's thane;
Abbot Kenwulf; Sigebriht, the son of Siwulf; Eadwald, the son of Acca; and
many also with them; though I have named the most considerable. On the
Danish side were slain Eohric their king, and Prince Ethelwald, who had
enticed them to the war. Byrtsige, the son of Prince Brihtnoth; Governor
Ysop; Governor Oskytel; and very many also with them that we now cannot
name. And there was on either hand much slaughter made; but of the Danes
there were more slain, though they remained masters of the field. Ealswitha
died this same year; and a comet appeared on the thirteenth day before the
calends of November.

((A.D. 906. This year King Edward, from necessity, concluded a peace
both with the army of East-Anglia and of North-humbria.))

A.D. 907. This year died Alfred, who was governor of Bath. The same
year was concluded the peace at Hitchingford, as King Edward decreed,
both with the Danes of East-Anglia, and those of Northumberland; and
Chester was rebuilt.

A.D. 909. This year died Denulf, who was Bishop of Winchester; and the
body of St. Oswald was translated from Bardney into Mercia.

A.D. 910. This year Frithestan took to the bishopric of Winchester; and
Asser died soon after, who was Bishop of Sherborne. The same year King
Edward sent an army both from Wessex and Mercia, which very much
harassed the northern army by their attacks on men and property of every
kind. They slew many of the Danes, and remained in the country five
weeks. This year the Angles and the Danes fought at Tootenhall; and the
Angles had the victory. The same year Ethelfleda built the fortress at
Bramsbury.

((A.D. 910. This year the army of the Angles and of the Danes fought at
Tootenhall. And Ethelred, ealdor of the Mercians, died; and King Edward
took possession of London, and of Oxford, and of all the lands which owed
obedience thereto. And a great fleet came hither from the south, from the
Lidwiccas (Brittany), and greatly ravaged by the Severn; but they were,
afterwards, almost all perished.))

A.D. 911. This year the army in Northumberland broke the truce, and
despised every right that Edward and his son demanded of them; and
plundered the land of the Mercians. The king had gathered together about a
hundred ships, and was then in Kent while the ships were sailing along sea
by the south-east to meet him. The army therefore supposed that the
greatest part of his force was in the ships, and that they might go, without
being attacked, where that ever they would. When the king learned on
enquiry that they were gone out on plunder, he sent his army both from
Wessex and Mercia; and they came up with the rear of the enemy as he was
on his way homeward, and there fought with him and put him to flight, and
slew many thousands of his men. There fell King Eowils, and King
Healfden; Earls Ohter and Scurf; Governors Agmund, Othulf, and
Benesing; Anlaf the Swarthy, and Governor Thunferth; Osferth the
collector, and Governor Guthferth.

((A.D. 911. Then the next year after this died Ethelred, lord of the
Mercians.))

A.D. 912. This year died Ethered, alderman of Mercia; and King Edward
took to London, and to Oxford, and to all the lands that thereunto belonged.
This year also came Ethelfleda, lady of the Mercians, on the holy eve called
the invention of the holy cross, to Shergate, and built the fortress there, and
the same year that at Bridgenorth.

A.D. 913. This year, about Martinmas, King Edward had the northern
fortress built at Hertford, betwixt the Memer, and the Benwic, and the Lea.
After this, in the summer, betwixt gang-days and midsummer, went King
Edward with some of his force into Essex, to Maldon; and encamped there
the while that men built and fortified the town of Witham. And many of the
people submitted to him, who were before under the power of the Danes.
And some of his force, meanwhile, built the fortress at Hertford on the
south side of the Lea. This year by the permission of God went Ethelfleda,
lady of Mercia, with all the Mercians to Tamworth; and built the fort there
in the fore-part of the summer; and before Lammas that at Stafford: in the
next year that at Eddesbury, in the beginning of the summer; and the same
year, late in the autumn, that at Warwick. Then in the following year was
built, after mid-winter, that at Chirbury and that at Warburton; and the same
year before mid-winter that at Runkorn.

((A.D. 915. This year was Warwick built.))

A.D. 916. This year was the innocent Abbot Egbert slain, before
midsummer, on the sixteenth day before the calends of July. The same day
was the feast of St. Ciricius the martyr, with his companions. And within
three nights sent Ethelfleda an army into Wales, and stormed Brecknock;
and there took the king's wife, with some four and thirty others.

A.D. 917. This year rode the army, after Easter, out of Northampton and
Leicester; and having broken the truce they slew many men at Hookerton
and thereabout. Then, very soon after this, as the others came home, they
found other troops that were riding out against Leighton. But the inhabitants
were aware of it; and having fought with them they put them into full flight;
and arrested all that they had taken, and also of their horses and of their
weapons a good deal.

A.D. 918. This year came a great naval armament over hither south from
the Lidwiccians; (40) and two earls with it, Ohter and Rhoald. They went
then west about, till they entered the mouth of the Severn; and plundered in
North-Wales everywhere by the sea, where it then suited them; and took
Camlac the bishop in Archenfield, and led him with them to their ships;
whom King Edward afterwards released for forty pounds. After this went
the army all up; and would proceed yet on plunder against Archenfield; but
the men of Hertford met them, and of Glocester, and of the nighest towns;
and fought with them, and put them to flight; and they slew the Earl
Rhoald, and the brother of Ohter the other earl, and many of the army. And
they drove them into a park; and beset them there without, until they gave
them hostages, that they would depart from the realm of King Edward. And
the king had contrived that a guard should be set against them on the south
side of Severnmouth; west from Wales, eastward to the mouth of the Avon;
so that they durst nowhere seek that land on that side. Nevertheless, they
eluded them at night, by stealing up twice; at one time to the east of
Watchet, and at another time at Porlock. There was a great slaughter each
time; so that few of them came away, except those only who swam out to
the ships. Then sat they outward on an island, called the Flat-holms; till
they were very short of meat, and many men died of hunger, because they
could not reach any meat. Thence went they to Dimmet, and then out to
Ireland. This was in harvest. After this, in the same year, before Martinmas,
went King Edward to Buckingham with his army, and sat there four weeks,
during which he built the two forts on either side of the water, ere he
departed thence. And Earl Thurkytel sought him for his lord; and all the
captains, and almost all the first men that belonged to Bedford; and also
many of those that belonged to Northampton. This year Ethelfleda, lady of
the Mercians, with the help of God, before Laminas, conquered the town
called Derby, with all that thereto belonged; and there were also slain four
of her thanes, that were most dear to her, within the gates.

((A.D. 918. But very shortly after they had become so, she died at
Tamworth, twelve days before midsummer, the eighth year of her having
rule and right lordship over the Mercians; and her body lies at Gloucester,
within the east porch of St. Peter's church.))

A.D. 919. This year King Edward went with his army to Bedford, before
Martinmas, and conquered the town; and almost all the burgesses, who
obeyed him before, returned to him; and he sat there four weeks, and
ordered the town to be repaired on the south side of the water, ere he
departed thence.

((A.D. 919. This year also the daughter of Ethelred, lord of the Mercians,
was deprived of all dominion over the Mercians, and carried into Wessex,
three weeks before mid-winter; she was called Elfwina.))

A.D. 920. This year, before midsummer, went King Edward to Maldon;
and repaired and fortified the town, ere he departed thence. And the same
year went Earl Thurkytel over sea to Frankland with the men who would
adhere to him, under the protection and assistance of King Edward. This
year Ethelfleda got into her power, with God's assistance, in the early part
of the year, without loss, the town of Leicester; and the greater part of the
army that belonged thereto submitted to her. And the Yorkists had also
promised and confirmed, some by agreement and some with oaths, that they
would be in her interest. But very soon after they had done this, she
departed, twelve nights before midsummer, at Tamworth, the eighth year
that she was holding the government of the Mercians with right dominion;
and her body lieth at Glocester, in the east porch of St. Peter's church. This
year also was the daughter of Ethered, lord of the Mercians, deprived of all
authority over the Mercians, and led into Wessex, three weeks before
midwinter. Her name was Healfwina.

A.D. 921. This year, before Easter, King Edward ordered his men to go to
the town of Towcester, and to rebuild it. Then again, after that, in the same
year, during the gang-days, he ordered the town of Wigmore to be repaired.
The same summer, betwixt Lammas and midsummer, the army broke their
parole from Northampton and from Leicester; and went thence northward to
Towcester, and fought against the town all day, and thought that they should
break into it; but the people that were therein defended it, till more aid came
to them; and the enemy then abandoned the town, and went away. Then
again, very soon after this, they went out at night for plunder, and came
upon men unaware, and seized not a little, both in men and cattle, betwixt
Burnham-wood and Aylesbury. At the same time went the army from
Huntington and East-Anglia, and constructed that work at Ternsford; which
they inhabited and fortified; and abandoned the other at Huntingdon; and
thought that they should thence oft with war and contention recover a good
deal of this land. Thence they advanced till they came to Bedford; where the
men who were within came out against them, and fought with them, and put
them to flight, and slew a good number of them. Then again, after this, a
great army yet collected itself from East-Anglia and from Mercia, and went
to the town of Wigmore; which they besieged without, and fought against
long in the day; and took the cattle about it; but the men defended the town,
who were within; and the enemy left the town, and went away. After this,
the same summer, a large force collected itself in King Edward's dominions,
from the nighest towns that could go thither, and went to Temsford; and
they beset the town, and fought thereon; until they broke into it, and slew
the king, and Earl Toglos, and Earl Mann his son, and his brother, and all
them that were therein, and who were resolved to defend it; and they took
the others, and all that was therein. After this, a great force collected soon in
harvest, from Kent, from Surrey, from Essex, and everywhere from the
nighest towns; and went to Colchester, and beset the town, and fought
thereon till they took it, and slew all the people, and seized all that was

therein; except those men who escaped therefrom over the wall. After this
again, this same harvest, a great army collected itself from East-Anglia,
both of the land-forces and of the pirates, which they had enticed to their
assistance, and thought that they should wreak their vengeance. They went
to Maldon, and beset the town, and fought thereon, until more aid came to
the townsmen from without to help. The enemy then abandoned the town,
and went from it. And the men went after, out of the town, and also those
that came from without to their aid; and put the army to flight, and slew
many hundreds of them, both of the pirates and of the others. Soon after
this, the same harvest, went King Edward with the West-Saxon army to
Passham; and sat there the while that men fortified the town of Towcester
with a stone wall. And there returned to him Earl Thurferth, and the
captains, and all the army that belonged to Northampton northward to the
Welland, and sought him for their lord and protector. When this division of
the army went home, then went another out, and marched to the town of
Huntingdon; and repaired and renewed it, where it was broken down before,
by command of King Edward. And all the people of the country that were
left submitted to King Edward, and sought his peace and protection. After
this, the same year, before Martinmas, went King Edward with the West-
Saxon army to Colchester; and repaired and renewed the town, where it was
broken down before. And much people turned to him, both in East-Anglia
and in Essex, that were before under the power of the Danes. And all the
army in East-Anglia swore union with him; that they would all that he
would, and would protect all that he protected, either by sea or land. And
the army that belonged to Cambridge chose him separately for their lord
and protector, and confirmed the same with oaths, as he had advised. This
year King Edward repaired the town of Gladmouth; and the same year King
Sihtric slew Neil his brother.

A.D. 922. This year, betwixt gang-days and midsummer, went King
Edward with his army to Stamford, and ordered the town to be fortified on

the south side of the river. And all the people that belonged to the northern
town submitted to him, and sought him for their lord. It was whilst he was
tarrying there, that Ethelfleda his sister died at Tamworth, twelve nights
before midsummer. Then rode he to the borough of Tamworth; and all the
population in Mercia turned to him, who before were subject to Ethelfleda.
And the kings in North-Wales, Howel, and Cledauc, and Jothwel, and all
the people of North-Wales, sought him for their lord. Then went he thence
to Nottingham, and secured that borough, and ordered it to be repaired, and
manned both with English and with Danes. And all the population turned to
him, that was settled in Mercia, both Danish and English.

A.D. 923. This year went King Edward with an army, late in the harvest,
to Thelwall; and ordered the borough to be repaired, and inhabited, and
manned. And he ordered another army also from the population of Mercia,
the while he sat there to go to Manchester in Northumbria, to repair and to
man it. This year died Archbishop Plegmund; and King Reynold won York.

A.D. 924. This year, before midsummer, went King Edward with an army
to Nottingham; and ordered the town to be repaired on the south side of the
river, opposite the other, and the bridge over the Trent betwixt the two
towns. Thence he went to Bakewell in Peakland; and ordered a fort to be
built as near as possible to it, and manned. And the King of Scotland, with
all his people, chose him as father and lord; as did Reynold, and the son of
Eadulf, and all that dwell in Northumbria, both English and Danish, both
Northmen and others; also the king of the Strathclydwallians, and all his
people.

((A.D. 924. This year Edward was chosen for father and for lord by the
king of the Scots, and by the Scots, and King Reginald, and by all the
North-humbrians, and also the king of the Strath-clyde Britons, and by all
the Strath-clyde Britons.))

((A.D. 924. This year King Edward died among the Mercians at Farndon;
and very shortly, about sixteen days after this, Elward his son died at
Oxford; and their bodies lie at Winchester. And Athelstan was chosen king
by the Mercians, and consecrated at Kingston. And he gave his sister to
Ofsae (Otho), son of the king of the Old-Saxons.))

A.D. 925. This year died King Edward at Farndon in Mercia; and
Elward his son died very soon after this, in Oxford. Their
bodies lie at Winchester. And Athelstan was chosen king in
Mercia, and consecrated at Kingston. He gave his sister to Otho,
son of the king of the Old-Saxons. St. Dunstan was now born; and
Wulfhelm took to the archbishopric in Canterbury. This year King
Athelstan and Sihtric king of the Northumbrians came together at
Tamworth, the sixth day before the calends of February, and
Athelstan gave away his sister to him.

((A.D. 925. This year Bishop Wulfhelm was consecrated. And that same
year King Edward died.))

A.D. 926. This year appeared fiery lights in the northern part of the
firmament; and Sihtric departed; and King Athelstan took to the kingdom of
Northumbria, and governed all the kings that were in this island:—First,
Howel, King of West-Wales; and Constantine, King of the Scots; and
Owen, King of Monmouth; and Aldred, the son of Eadulf, of Bamburgh.
And with covenants and oaths they ratified their agreement in the place
called Emmet, on the fourth day before the ides of July; and renounced all
idolatry, and afterwards returned in peace.

A.D. 927. This year King Athelstan expelled King Guthfrith; and
Archbishop Wulfhelm went to Rome.

A.D. 928. William took to Normandy, and held it fifteen years.

((A.D. 931. This year died Frithstan, Bishop of Winchester, and
Brinstan was blessed in his place.))

A.D. 932. This year Burnstan was invested Bishop of Winchester on the
fourth day before the calends of June; and he held the bishopric two years
and a half.

A.D. 933. This year died Bishop Frithestan; and Edwin the atheling was
drowned in the sea.

A.D. 934. This year went King Athelstan into Scotland, both with a land-
force and a naval armament, and laid waste a great part of it; and Bishop
Burnstan died at Winchester at the feast of All Saints.

A.D. 935. This year Bishop Elfheah took to the bishopric of
Winchester.

((A.D. 937. This year King Athelstan and Edmund his brother led a force
to Brumby, and there fought against Anlaf; and, Christ helping, had the
victory: and they there slew five kings and seven earls.))

A.D. 938. Here Athelstan king, of earls the lord, rewarder of heroes, and
his brother eke, Edmund atheling, elder of ancient race, slew in the fight,
with the edge of their swords, the foe at Brumby! The sons of Edward their
board-walls clove, and hewed their banners, with the wrecks of their
hammers. So were they taught by kindred zeal, that they at camp oft 'gainst
any robber their land should defend, their hoards and homes. Pursuing fell
the Scottish clans; the men of the fleet in numbers fell; 'midst the din of the
field the warrior swate. Since the sun was up in morning-tide, gigantic
light! glad over grounds, God's candle bright, eternal Lord!— 'till the noble
creature sat in the western main: there lay many of the Northern heroes
under a shower of arrows, shot over shields; and Scotland's boast, a

Scythian race, the mighty seed of Mars! With chosen troops, throughout the
day, the West-Saxons fierce press'd on the loathed bands; hew'd down the
fugitives, and scatter'd the rear, with strong mill-sharpen'd blades, The
Mercians too the hard hand-play spared not to any of those that with Anlaf
over the briny deep in the ship's bosom sought this land for the hardy fight.
Five kings lay on the field of battle, in bloom of youth, pierced with swords.
So seven eke of the earls of Anlaf; and of the ship's-crew unnumber'd
crowds. There was dispersed the little band of hardy Scots, the dread of
northern hordes; urged to the noisy deep by unrelenting fate! The king of
the fleet with his slender craft escaped with his life on the felon flood;—
and so too Constantine, the valiant chief, returned to the north in hasty
flight. The hoary Hildrinc cared not to boast among his kindred. Here was
his remnant of relations and friends slain with the sword in the crowded
fight. His son too he left on the field of battle, mangled with wounds, young
at the fight. The fair-hair'd youth had no reason to boast of the slaughtering
strife. Nor old Inwood and Anlaf the more with the wrecks of their army
could laugh and say, that they on the field of stern command better
workmen were, in the conflict of banners, the clash of spears, the meeting
of heroes, and the rustling of weapons, which they on the field of slaughter
played with the sons of Edward. The northmen sail'd in their nailed ships, a
dreary remnant, on the roaring sea; over deep water Dublin they sought, and
Ireland's shores, in great disgrace. Such then the brothers both together king
and atheling, sought their country, West-Saxon land, in right triumphant.
They left behind them raw to devour, the sallow kite, the swarthy raven
with horny nib, and the hoarse vultur, with the eagle swift to consume his
prey; the greedy gos-hawk, and that grey beast the wolf of the weald. No
slaughter yet was greater made e'er in this island, of people slain, before this
same, with the edge of the sword; as the books inform us of the old
historians; since hither came from the eastern shores the Angles and

Saxons, over the broad sea, and Britain sought,— fierce battle-smiths,
o'ercame the Welsh, most valiant earls, and gained the land.

A.D. 941. This year King Athelstan died in Glocester, on the sixth day
before the calends of November, about forty-one winters, bating one night,
from the time when King Alfred died. And Edmund Atheling took to the
kingdom. He was then eighteen years old. King Athelstan reigned fourteen
years and ten weeks. This year the Northumbrians abandoned their
allegiance, and chose Anlaf of Ireland for their king.

((A.D. 941. This year King Edmund received King Anlaf at baptism; and
that same year, a good long space after, he received King Reginald at the
bishop's hands.))

A.D. 942. Here Edmund king, of Angles lord, protector of friends, author
and framer of direful deeds. o'erran with speed the Mercian land. whete'er
the course of Whitwell-spring, or Humber deep, The broad brim-stream,
divides five towns. Leicester and Lincoln. Nottingham and Stamford, and
Derby eke. In thraldom long to Norman Danes they bowed through need,
and dragged the chains of heathen men; till, to his glory, great Edward's
heir, Edmund the king, refuge of warriors, their fetters broke.

A.D. 943. This year Anlaf stormed Tamworth; and much slaughter was
made on either hand; but the Danes had the victory, and led away with them
much plunder. There was Wulfrun taken, in the spoiling of the town. This
year King Edmund beset King Anlaf and Archbishop Wulfstan in Leicester;
and he might have conquered them, were it not that they burst out of the
town in the night. After this Anlaf obtained the friendship of King Edmund,
and King Edmund then received King Anlaf in baptism; and he made him
royal presents. And the same year, after some interval, he received King
Reynold at episcopal hands. This year also died King Anlaf.

A.D. 944. This year King Edmund reduced all the land of the
Northumbrians to his dominion, and expelled two kings, Anlaf the son of
Sihtric, and Reynold the son of Guthferth.

A.D. 945. This year King Edmund overran all Cumberland; and let it all
to Malcolm king of the Scots, on the condition that he became his ally, both
by sea and land.

A.D. 946. This year King Edmund died, on St. Augustine's mass day.
That was widely known, how he ended his days:—that Leof stabbed him at
Pucklechurch. And Ethelfleda of Damerham, daughter of Alderman Elgar,
was then his queen. And he reigned six years and a half: and then succeeded
to the kingdom Edred Atheling his brother, who soon after reduced all the
land of the Northumbrians to his dominion; and the Scots gave him oaths,
that they would do all that he desired.

A.D. 947. This year came King Edred to Tadden's-cliff; and there
Archbishop Wulfstan and all the council of the Northumbrians bound
themselves to an allegiance with the king. And within a little space they
abandoned all, both allegiance and oaths.

A.D. 948. This year King Edred overran all Northumberland; because
they had taken Eric for their king; and in the pursuit of plunder was that
large minster at Rippon set on fire, which St. Wilferth built. As the king
returned homeward, he overtook the enemy at York; but his main army was
behind at Chesterford. There was great slaughter made; and the king was so
wroth, that he would fain return with his force, and lay waste the land
withal; but when the council of the Northumbrians understood that, they
then abandoned Eric, and compromised the deed with King Edred.

A.D. 949. This year came Anlaf Curran to the land of the
Northumbrians.

A.D. 951. This year died Elfeah, Bishop of Winchester, on St.
Gregory's mass day.

A.D. 952. This year the Northumbrians expelled King Anlaf, and
received Eric the son of Harold. This year also King Edred ordered
Archbishop Wulfstan to be brought into prison at Jedburgh; because he was
oft bewrayed before the king: and the same year the king ordered a great
slaughter to be made in the town of Thetford, in revenge of the abbot,
whom they had formerly slain.

A.D. 954. This year the Northumbrians expelled Eric; and King
Edred took to the government of the Northumbrians. This year
also Archbishop Wulfstan received a bishopric again at
Dorchester.

A.D. 955. This year died King Edred, on St. Clement's mass day, at
Frome.(41) He reigned nine years and a half; and he rests in the old minster.
Then succeeded Edwy, the son of King Edmund, to the government of the
West-Saxons; and Edgar Atheling, his brother, succeeded to the government
of the Mercians. They were the sons of King Edmund and of St. Elfgiva.

((A.D. 955. And Edwy succeeded to the kingdom of the
West-Saxons, and Edgar his brother succeeded to the kingdom of the
Mercians: and they were the sons of King Edmund and of S.
Elfgiva.))

A.D. 956. This year died Wulfstan, Archbishop of York, on the
seventeenth day before the calends of January; and he was buried at
Oundle; and in the same year was Abbot Dunstan driven out of this land
over sea.

A.D. 958. This year Archbishop Oda separated King Edwy and
Elfgiva; because they were too nearly related.

A.D. 959. This year died King Edwy, on the calends of October; and
Edgar his brother took to the government of the West-Saxons, Mercians,
and Northumbrians. He was then sixteen years old. It was in this year he
sent after St. Dunstan, and gave him the bishopric of Worcester; and
afterwards the bishopric of London. In his days it prosper'd well; and God
him gave, that he dwelt in peace the while that he lived. Whate'er he did,
whate'er he plan'd, he earn'd his thrift. He also rear'd God's glory wide, and
God's law lov'd, with peace to man, above the kings that went before in
man's remembrance. God so him sped, that kings and earls to all his claims
submissive bow'd; and to his will without a blow he wielded all as pleased
himself. Esteem'd he was both far and wide in distant lands; because he
prized the name of God, and God's law traced, God's glory rear'd, both far
and wide, on every side. Wisely he sought in council oft his people's good,
before his God, before the world. One misdeed he did, too much however,
that foreign tastes he loved too much; and heathen modes into this land he
brought too fast; outlandish men hither enticed; and to this earth attracted
crowds of vicious men. But God him grant, that his good deeds be weightier
far than his misdeeds, to his soul's redemption on the judgment-day.

A.D. 961. This year departed Odo, the good archbishop, and St. Dunstan
took to the archbishopric. This year also died Elfgar, a relative of the king,
in Devonshire; and his body lies at Wilton: and King Sifferth killed himself;
and his body lies at Wimborn. This year there was a very great pestilence;
when the great fever was in London; and St. Paul's minster was consumed
with fire, and in the same year was afterwards restored. In this year
Athelmod. the masspriest, went to Rome, and there died on the eighteenth
before the calends of September.

A.D. 963. This year died Wulfstan, the deacon, on Childermass-day; (42)
and afterwards died Gyric, the mass-priest. In the same year took Abbot
Athelwold to the bishopric of Winchester; and he was consecrated on the
vigil of St. Andrew, which happened on a Sunday. On the second year after
he was consecrated, he made many minsters; and drove out the clerks (43)
from the bishopric, because they would hold no rule, and set monks therein.
He made there two abbacies; one of monks, another of nuns. That was all
within Winchester. Then came he afterwards to King Edgar, and requested
that he would give him all the minsters that heathen men had before
destroyed; for that he would renew them. This the king cheerfully granted;
and the bishop came then first to Ely, where St. Etheldritha lies, and ordered
the minster to be repaired; which he gave to a monk of his, whose name
was Britnoth, whom he consecrated abbot: and there he set monks to serve
God, where formerly were nuns. He then bought many villages of the king,
and made it very rich. Afterwards came Bishop Athelwold to the minster
called Medhamsted, which was formerly ruined by heathen folk; but he
found there nothing but old walls, and wild woods. In the old walls at
length he found hid writings which Abbot Hedda had formerly written;—
how King Wulfhere and Ethelred his brother had wrought it, and how they
freed it against king and against bishop, and against all worldly service; and
how Pope Agatho confirmed it with his writ, as also Archbishop Deusdedit.
He then ordered the minster to be rebuilt; and set there an abbot, who was
called Aldulf; and made monks, where before was nothing. He then came to
the king, and let him look at the writings which before were found; and the
king then answered and said: "I Edgar grant and give to-day, before God
and before Archbishop Dunstan, freedom to St. Peter's minster at
Medhamsted, from king and from bishop; and all the thorps that thereto lie;
that is, Eastfield, and Dodthorp, and Eye, and Paston. And so I free it, that
no bishop have any jurisdiction there, but the abbot of the minster alone.
And I give the town called Oundle, with all that thereto lieth, called Eyot-

hundred, with market and toll; so freely, that neither king, nor bishop, nor
earl, nor sheriff, have there any jurisdiction; nor any man but the abbot
alone, and whom he may set thereto. And I give to Christ and St. Peter, and
that too with the advice of Bishop Athelwold, these lands;—that is, Barrow,
Warmington, Ashton, Kettering, Castor, Eylesworth, Walton, Witherington,
Eye, Thorp, and a minster at Stamford. These lands and al the others that
belong to the minster I bequeath clear; that is, with sack and sock, toll and
team, and infangthief; these privileges and all others bequeath I clear to
Christ and St. Peter. And I give the two parts of Whittlesey-mere, with
waters and with wears and fens; and so through Meerlade along to the water
that is called Nen; and so eastward to Kingsdelf. And I will that there be a
market in the town itself, and that no other be betwixt Stamford and
Huntingdon. And I will that thus be given the toll;—first, from Whittlesey-
mere to the king's toll of Norman-cross hundred; then backward again from
Whittlesey-mere through Meerlade along to the Nen, and as that river runs
to Crowland; and from Crowland to Must, and from Must to Kingsdelf and
to Whittlesey-mere. And I will that all the freedom, and all the privileges,
that my predecessors gave, should remain; and I write and confirm this with
the rood-token of Christ." (+)—Then answered Dunstan, the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and said: "I grant, that all the things that here are given and
spoken, and all the things that thy predecessors and mine have given, shall
remain firm; and whosoever breaketh it, then give I him God's curse, and
that of all saints, and of all hooded heads, and mine, unless he come to
repentance. And I give expressly to St. Peter my mass-hackle, and my stole,
and my reef, to serve Christ." "I Oswald, Archbishop of York, confirm all
these words through the holy rood on which Christ was crucified." (+) "I
Bishop Athelwold bless all that maintain this, and I excommunicate all that
break it, unless they come to repentance."—Here was Bishop Ellstan,
Bishop Athulf, and Abbot Eskwy, and Abbot Osgar, and Abbot Ethelgar,
and Alderman Elfere; Alderman Ethelwin, Britnoth and Oslac aldermen,

and many other rich men; and all confirmed it and subscribed it with the
cross of Christ. (+) This was done in the year after our Lord's Nativity 972,
the sixteenth year of this king. Then bought the Abbot Aldulf lands rich and
many, and much endowed the minster withal; and was there until Oswald,
Archbishop of York, was dead; and then he was chosen to be archbishop.
Soon after another abbot was chosen of the same monastery, whose name
was Kenulf, who was afterwards Bishop of Winchester. He first made the
wall about the minster, and gave it then the name of Peterborough, which
before was Medhamsted. He was there till he was appointed Bishop of
Winchester, when another abbot was chosen of the same monastery, whose
name was Elfsy, who continued abbot fifty winters afterwards. It was he
who took up St. Kyneburga and St. Kyneswitha, that lay at Castor, and St.
Tibba, that lay at Ryhall; and brought them to Peterborough, and offered
them all to St. Peter in one day, and preserved them all the while he was
there.

((A.D. 963. This year, by King Edgar, St. Ethelwold was chosen
to the bishoprick at Winchester. And the Archbishop of
Canterbury, St. Dunstan, consecrated him bishop on the first
Sunday of Advent; that was on the third before the kalends of
December.))

A.D. 964. This year drove King Edgar the priests of Winchester out of
the old minster, and also out of the new minster; and from Chertsey; and
from Milton; and replaced them with monks. And he appointed Ethelgar
abbot to the new minster, and Ordbert to Chertsey, and Cyneward to Milton.

((A.D. 964. This year were the canons driven out of the
Old-minster by King Edgar, and also from the New-minster, and from
Chertsey and from Milton; and he appointed thereto monks and

abbots: to the New-minster Ethelgar, to Chertsey Ordbert, to
Milton Cyneward.))

A.D. 965. This year King Edgar took Elfrida for his queen, who was
daughter of Alderman Ordgar.

A.D. 966. This year Thored, the son of Gunner, plundered
Westmorland; and the same year Oslac took to the aldermanship.

A.D. 969. This year King Edgar ordered all Thanet-land to be plundered.

A.D. 970. This year died Archbishop Oskytel; who was first consecrated
diocesan bishop at Dorchester, and afterwards it was by the consent of King
Edred and all his council that he was consecrated Archbishop of York. He
was bishop two and twenty winters; and he died on Alhallow-mas night, ten
nights before Martinmas, at Thame. Abbot Thurkytel, his relative, carried
the bishop's body to Bedford, because he was the abbot there at that time.

A.D. 971. This year died Edmund Atheling, and his body lies at
Rumsey.

((A.D. 972. This year Edgar the etheling was consecrated king at Bath,
on Pentecost's mass-day, on the fifth before the ides of May, the thirteenth
year since he had obtained the kingdom; and he was then one less than
thirty years of age. And soon after that, the king led all his ship-forces to
Chester; and there came to meet him six kings, and they all plighted their
troth to him, that they would be his fellow-workers by sea and by land.))

A.D. 973. Here was Edgar, of Angles lord, with courtly pomp hallow'd to
king at Akemancester, the ancient city; whose modern sons, dwelling
therein, have named her BATH. Much bliss was there by all enjoyed on that
happy day, named Pentecost by men below. A crowd of priests, a throng of

monks, I understand, in counsel sage, were gather'd there. Then were agone
ten hundred winters of number'd years from the birth of Christ, the lofty
king, guardian of light, save that thereto there yet was left of winter-tale, as
writings say, seven and twenty. So near had run of the lord of triumphs a
thousand years, when this was done. Nine and twenty hard winters there of
irksome deeds had Edmund's son seen in the world, when this took place,
and on the thirtieth was hallow'd king. (43) Soon after this the king led all
his marine force to Chester; and there came to meet him six kings; and they
all covenanted with him, that they would be his allies by sea and by land.

A.D. 975. Here ended his earthly dreams Edgar, of Angles king; chose
him other light, serene and lovely, spurning this frail abode, a life that
mortals here call lean he quitted with disdain. July the month, by all agreed
in this our land, whoever were in chronic lore correctly taught; the day the
eighth, when Edgar young, rewarder of heroes, his life—his throne—
resigned. Edward his son, unwaxen child, of earls the prince, succeeded
then to England's throne. Of royal race ten nights before departed hence
Cyneward the good— prelate of manners mild. Well known to me in Mercia
then, how low on earth God's glory fell on every side: chaced from the land,
his servants fled,— their wisdom scorned; much grief to him whose bosom
glow'd with fervent love of great Creation's Lord! Neglected then the God
of wonders, victor of victors, monarch of heaven,— his laws by man
transgressed! Then too was driv'n Oslac beloved an exile far from his native
land over the rolling waves,— over the ganet-bath, over the water-throng,
the abode of the whale,— fair-hair'd hero, wise and eloquent, of home
bereft! Then too was seen, high in the heavens, the star on his station, that
far and wide wise men call— lovers of truth and heav'nly lore— "cometa"
by name. Widely was spread God's vengeance then throughout the land, and
famine scour'd the hills. May heaven's guardian, the glory of angels, avert
these ills, and give us bliss again; that bliss to all abundance yields from
earth's choice fruits, throughout this happy isle. (45)

((A.D. 975. The eighth before the ides of July.
Here Edgar died,
ruler of Angles,
West-Saxons' joy,
and Mercians' protector.
Known was it widely
throughout many nations.
"Thaet" offspring of Edmund,
o'er the ganet's-bath,
honoured far,
Kings him widely
bowed to the king,
as was his due by kind.
No fleet was so daring,
nor army so strong,
that 'mid the English nation
took from him aught,
the while that the noble king
ruled on his throne.
And this year Edward, Edgar's son, succeeded to the kingdom; and
then soon, in the same year, during harvest, appeared "cometa"
the star; and then came in the following year a very great
famine, and very manifold commotions among the English people.
In his days,
for his youth,
God's gainsayers
God's law broke;
Eldfere, ealdorman,
and others many;
and rule monastic quashed,

and minsters dissolved,
and monks drove out,
and God's servants put down,
whom Edgar, king, ordered erewhile
the holy bishop
Ethelwold to stablish;
and widows they plundered,
many times and oft:
and many unrighteousnesses,
and evil unjust-deeds
arose up afterwards:
and ever after that
it greatly grew in evil.
And at that rime, also, was Oslac the great earl banished from
England.))

A.D. 976. This year was the great famine in England.

A.D. 977. This year was that great council at Kirtlington, (46) after
Easter; and there died Bishop Sideman a sudden death, on the eleventh day
before the calends of May. He was Bishop of Devonshire; and he wished
that his resting-place should be at Crediton, his episcopal residence; but
King Edward and Archbishop Dunstan ordered men to carry him to St.
Mary's minster that is at Abingdon. And they did so; and he is moreover
honourably buried on the north side in St. Paul's porch.

A.D. 978. This year all the oldest counsellors of England fell at Calne
from an upper floor; but the holy Archbishop Dunstan stood alone upon a
beam. Some were dreadfully bruised: and some did not escape with life.
This year was King Edward slain, at eventide, at Corfe-gate, on the fifteenth
day before the calends of April. And he was buried at Wareham without any

royal honour. No worse deed than this was ever done by the English nation
since they first sought the land of Britain. Men murdered him but God has
magnified him. He was in life an earthly king—he is now after death a
heavenly saint. Him would not his earthly relatives avenge—but his
heavenly father has avenged him amply. The earthly homicides would wipe
out his memory from the earth—but the avenger above has spread his
memory abroad in heaven and in earth. Those, Who would not before bow
to his living body, now bow on their knees to His dead bones. Now we may
conclude, that the wisdom of men, and their meditations, and their counsels,
are as nought against the appointment of God. In this same year succeeded
Ethelred Etheling, his brother, to the government; and he was afterwards
very readily, and with great joy to the counsellors of England, consecrated
king at Kingston. In the same year also died Alfwold, who was Bishop of
Dorsetshire, and whose body lieth in the minster at Sherborn.

A.D. 979. In this year was Ethelred consecrated king, on the Sunday
fortnight after Easter, at Kingston. And there were at his consecration two
archbishops, and ten diocesan bishops. This same year was seen a bloody
welkin oft-times in the likeness of fire; and that was most apparent at
midnight, and so in misty beams was shown; but when it began to dawn,
then it glided away.

((A.D. 979. This year was King Edward slain at even-tide, at
Corfe-gate, on the fifteenth before the kalends of April, and
then was he buried at Wareham, without any kind of kingly
honours.
There has not been 'mid Angles
a worse deed done
than this was,
since they first
Britain-land sought.

Men him murdered,
but God him glorified.
He was in life
an earthly king;
he is now after death
a heavenly saint.
Him would not his earthly
kinsmen avenge,
but him hath his heavenly Father
greatly avenged.
The earthly murderers
would his memory
on earth blot out,
but the lofty Avenger
hath his memory
in the heavens
and on earth wide-spread.
They who would not erewhile
to his living
body bow down,
they now humbly
on knees bend
to his dead bones.
Now we may understand
that men's wisdom
and their devices,
and their councils,
are like nought
'gainst God's resolves.
This year Ethelred succeeded to the kingdom; and he was very

quickly after that, with much joy of the English witan,
consecrated king at Kingston.))

A.D. 980. In this year was Ethelgar consecrated bishop, on the sixth day
before the nones of May, to the bishopric of Selsey; and in the same year
was Southampton plundered by a pirate-army, and most of the population
slain or imprisoned. And the same year was the Isle of Thanet overrun, and
the county of Chester was plundered by the pirate-army of the North. In this
year Alderman Alfere fetched the body of the holy King Edward at
Wareham, and carried him with great solemnity to Shaftsbury.

A.D. 981. In this year was St. Petroc's-stow plundered; and in the same
year was much harm done everywhere by the sea-coast, both upon
Devonshire and Wales. And in the same year died Elfstan, Bishop of
Wiltshire; and his body lieth in the minster at Abingdon; and Wulfgar then
succeeded to the bishopric. The same year died Womare, Abbot of Ghent.

((A.D. 981. This year came first the seven ships, and ravaged
Southampton.))

A.D. 982. In this year came up in Dorsetshire three ships of the pirates,
and plundered in Portland. The same year London was burned. In the same
year also died two aldermen, Ethelmer in Hampshire, and Edwin in Sussex.
Ethelmer's body lieth in Winchester, at New-minster, and Edwin's in the
minster at Abingdon. The same year died two abbesses in Dorsetshire;
Herelufa at Shaftsbury, and Wulfwina at Wareham. The same year went
Otho, emperor of the Romans, into Greece; and there met he a great army
of the Saracens, who came up from the sea, and would have proceeded
forthwith to plunder the Christian folk; but the emperor fought with them.
And there was much slaughter made on either side, but the emperor gained
the field of battle. He was there, however, much harassed, ere he returned
thence; and as he went homeward, his brother's son died, who was also
called Otho; and he was the son of Leodulf Atheling. This Leodulf was the
son of Otho the Elder and of the daughter of King Edward.

A.D. 983. This year died Alderman Alfere, and Alfric succeeded to the
same eldership; and Pope Benedict also died.

A.D. 984. This year died the benevolent Bishop of Winchester,
Athelwold, father of monks; and the consecration of the following bishop,
Elfheah, who by another name was called Godwin, was on the fourteenth
day before the calends of November; and he took his seat on the episcopal
bench on the mass-day of the two apostles Simon and Jude, at Winchester.

A.D. 985. This year was Alderman Alfric driven out of the land; and in
the same year was Edwin consecrated abbot of the minster at Abingdon.

A.D. 986. This year the king invaded the bishopric of Rochester; and this
year came first the great murrain of cattle in England.

A.D. 987. This year was the port of Watchet plundered.

A.D. 988. This year was Goda, the thane of Devonshire, slain; and a great
number with him: and Dunstan, the holy archbishop, departed this life, and
sought a heavenly one. Bishop Ethelgar succeeded him in the archbishopric;
but he lived only a little while after, namely, one year and three months.

A.D. 989. This year died Abbot Edwin, and Abbot Wulfgar succeeded to
the abbacy. Siric was this year invested archbishop, and went afterwards to
Rome after his pall.

A.D. 991. This year was Ipswich plundered; and very soon afterwards
was Alderman Britnoth (47) slain at Maidon. In this same year it was
resolved that tribute should be given, for the first time, to the Danes, for the
great terror they occasioned by the sea-coast. That was first 10,000 pounds.
The first who advised this measure was Archbishop Siric.

A.D. 992. This year the blessed Archbishop Oswald departed this life,
and sought a heavenly one; and in the same year died Alderman Ethelwin.
Then the king and all his council resolved, that all the ships that were of any
account should be gathered together at London; and the king committed the
lead of the land-force to Alderman Elfric, and Earl Thorod, and Bishop
Elfstan, and Bishop Escwy; that they should try if they could anywhere
without entrap the enemy. Then sent Alderman Elfric, and gave warning to
the enemy; and on the night preceding the day of battle he sculked away
from the army, to his great disgrace. The enemy then escaped; except the
crew of one ship, who were slain on the spot. Then met the enemy the ships
from East-Anglia, and from London; and there a great slaughter was made,
and they took the ship in which was the alderman, all armed and rigged.
Then, after the death of Archbishop Oswald, succeeded Aldulf, Abbot of
Peterborough, to the sees of York and of Worcester; and Kenulf to the
abbacy of Peterborough.

((A.D. 992. This year Oswald the blessed archbishop died, and Abbot
Eadulf succeeded to York and to Worcester. And this year the king and all
his witan decreed that all the ships which were worth anything should be
gathered together at London, in order that they might try if they could
anywhere betrap the army from without. But Aelfric the ealdorman, one of
those in whom the king had most confidence, directed the army to be
warned; and in the night, as they should on the morrow have joined battle,
the selfsame Aelfric fled from the forces; and then the army escaped.))

A.D. 993. This year came Anlaf with three and ninety ships to Staines,
which he plundered without, and went thence to Sandwich. Thence to
Ipswich, which he laid waste; and so to Maidon, where Alderman Britnoth
came against him with his force, and fought with him; and there they slew
the alderman, and gained the field of battle; whereupon peace was made
with him, and the king received him afterwards at episcopal hands by the

advice of Siric, Bishop of Canterbury, and Elfeah of Winchester. This year
was Bamborough destroyed, and much spoil was there taken. Afterwards
came the army to the mouth of the Humber; and there did much evil both in
Lindsey and in Northumbria. Then was collected a great force; but when the
armies were to engage, then the generals first commenced a flight; namely,
Frene and Godwin and Frithgist. In this same year the king ordered Elfgar,
son of Alderman Elfric, to be punished with blindness.

((A.D. 993. In this year came Olave with ninety-three ships to Staines,
and ravaged there about, and then went thence to Sandwich, and so thence
to Ipswich, and that all overran; and so to Maldon. And there Britnoth the
ealdorman came against them with his forces, and fought against them: and
they there slew the ealdorman, and had possession of the place of carnage.
And after that peace was made with them; and him (Anlaf) the king
afterwards received at the bishop's hands, through the instruction of Siric,
bishop of the Kentish-men, and of Aelphege of Winchester.))

A.D. 994. This year died Archbishop Siric: and Elfric, Bishop of
Wiltshire, was chosen on Easter-day, at Amesbury, by King Ethelred and all
his council. This year came Anlaf and Sweyne to London, on the Nativity of
St. Mary, with four and ninety-ships. And they closely besieged the city, and
would fain have set it on fire; but they sustained more harm and evil than
they ever supposed that any citizens could inflict on them. The holy mother
of God on that day in her mercy considered the citizens, and ridded them of
their enemies. Thence they advanced, and wrought the greatest evil that
ever any army could do, in burning and plundering and manslaughter, not
only on the sea-coast in Essex, but in Kent and in Sussex and in Hampshire.
Next they took horse, and rode as wide as they would, and committed
unspeakable evil. Then resolved the king and his council to send to them,
and offer them tribute and provision, on condition that they desisted from
plunder. The terms they accepted; and the whole army came to

Southampton, and there fixed their winter-quarters; where they were fed by
all the subjects of the West-Saxon kingdom. And they gave them 16,000
pounds in money. Then sent the king; after King Anlaf Bishop Elfeah and
Alderman Ethelwerd; (48) and, hostages being left with the ships, they led
Anlaf with great pomp to the king at Andover. And King Ethelred received
him at episcopal hands, and honoured him with royal presents. In return
Anlaf promised, as he also performed, that he never again would come in a
hostile manner to England.

A.D. 995. This year appeared the comet-star.

A.D. 996. This year was Elfric consecrated archbishop at Christ church.
(49)

A.D. 997. This year went the army about Devonshire into Severn-mouth,
and equally plundered the people of Cornwall, North-Wales, (50) and
Devon. Then went they up at Watchet, and there much evil wrought in
burning and manslaughter. Afterwards they coasted back about Penwithstert
on the south side, and, turning into the mouth of the Tamer, went up till they
came to Liddyford, burning and slaying everything that they met. Moreover,
Ordulf's minster at Tavistock they burned to the ground, and brought to
their ships incalculable plunder. This year Archbishop Elfric went to Rome
after his staff.

A.D. 998. This year coasted the army back eastward into the mouth of the
Frome, and went up everywhere, as widely as they would, into Dorsetshire.
Often was an army collected against them; but, as soon as they were about
to come together, then were they ever through something or other put to
flight, and their enemies always in the end had the victory. Another time
they lay in the Isle of Wight, and fed themselves meanwhile from
Hampshire and Sussex.

A.D. 999. This year came the army about again into the Thames, and
went up thence along the Medway to Rochester; where the Kentish army
came against them, and encountered them in a close engagement; but, alas!
they too soon yielded and fled; because they had not the aid that they
should have had. The Danes therefore occupied the field of battle, and,
taking horse, they rode as wide as they would, spoiling and overrunning
nearly all West-Kent. Then the king with his council determined to proceed
against them with sea and land forces; but as soon as the ships were ready,
then arose delay from day to day, which harassed the miserable crew that
lay on board; so that, always, the forwarder it should have been, the later it
was, from one time to another;—they still suffered the army of their
enemies to increase;—the Danes continually retreated from the sea-coast;—
and they continually pursued them in vain. Thus in the end these
expeditions both by sea and land served no other purpose but to vex the
people, to waste their treasure, and to strengthen their enemies."

A.D. 1000. This year the king went into Cumberland, and nearly laid
waste the whole of it with his army, whilst his navy sailed about Chester
with the design of co-operating with his land-forces; but, finding it
impracticable, they ravaged Anglesey. The hostile fleet was this summer
turned towards the kingdom of Richard.

A.D. 1001. This year there was great commotion in England in
consequence of an invasion by the Danes, who spread terror and
devastation wheresoever they went, plundering and burning and desolating
the country with such rapidity, that they advanced in one march as far as the
town of Alton; where the people of Hampshire came against them, and
fought with them. There was slain Ethelwerd, high-steward of the king, and
Leofric of Whitchurch, and Leofwin, high-steward of the king, and
Wulfhere, a bishop's thane, and Godwin of Worthy, son of Bishop Elfsy;
and of all the men who were engaged with them eighty-one. Of the Danes

there was slain a much greater number, though they remained in possession
of the field of battle. Thence they proceeded westward, until they came into
Devonshire; where Paley came to meet them with the ships which he was
able to collect; for he had shaken off his allegiance to King Ethelred,
against all the vows of truth and fidelity which he had given him, as well as
the presents which the king had bestowed on him in houses and gold and
silver. And they burned Teignton, and also many other goodly towns that we
cannot name; and then peace was there concluded with them. And they
proceeded thence towards Exmouth, so that they marched at once till they
came to Pin-hoo; where Cole, high-steward of the king, and Edsy, reve of
the king, came against them with the army that they could collect. But they
were there put to flight, and there were many slain, and the Danes had
possession of the field of battle. And the next morning they burned the
village of Pin-hoo, and of Clist, and also many goodly towns that we cannot
name. Then they returned eastward again, till they came to the Isle of
Wight. The next morning they burned the town of Waltham, and many other
small towns; soon after which the people treated with them, and they made
peace.

((A.D. 1001. This year the army came to Exmouth, and then went up to
the town, and there continued fighting stoutly; but they were very
strenuously resisted. Then went they through the land, and did all as was
their wont; destroyed and burnt. Then was collected a vast force of the
people of Devon and of the people of Somerset, and they then came
together at Pen. And so soon as they joined battle, then the people gave
way: and there they made great slaughter, and then they rode over the land,
and their last incursion was ever worse than the one before: and then they
brought much booty with them to their ships. And thence they went into the
Isle of Wight, and there they roved about, even as they themselves would,
and nothing withstood them: nor any fleet by sea durst meet them; nor land

force either, went they ever so far up. Then was it in every wise a heavy
time, because they never ceased from their evil doings.))

A.D. 1002. This year the king and his council agreed that tribute should
be given to the fleet, and peace made with them, with the provision that
they should desist from their mischief. Then sent the king to the fleet
Alderman Leofsy, who at the king's word and his council made peace with
them, on condition that they received food and tribute; which they accepted,
and a tribute was paid of 24,000 pounds. In the meantime Alderman Leofsy
slew Eafy, high-steward of the king; and the king banished him from the
land. Then, in the same Lent, came the Lady Elfgive Emma, Richard's
daughter, to this land. And in the same summer died Archbishop Eadulf;
and also, in the same year the king gave an order to slay all the Danes that
were in England. This was accordingly done on the mass-day of St. Brice;
because it was told the king, that they would beshrew him of his life, and
afterwards all his council, and then have his kingdom without any
resistance.

A.D. 1003. This year was Exeter demolished, through the French churl
Hugh, whom the lady had appointed her steward there. And the army
destroyed the town withal, and took there much spoil. In the same year
came the army up into Wiltshire. Then was collected a very great force,
from Wiltshire and from Hampshire; which was soon ready on their march
against the enemy: and Alderman Elfric should have led them on; but he
brought forth his old tricks, and as soon as they were so near, that either
army looked on the other, then he pretended sickness, and began to retch,
saying he was sick; and so betrayed the people that he should have led: as it
is said, "When the leader is sick the whole army is hindered." When
Sweyne saw that they were not ready, and that they all retreated, then led he
his army into Wilton; and they plundered and burned the town. Then went
he to Sarum; and thence back to the sea, where he knew his ships were.

A.D. 1004. This year came Sweyne with his fleet to Norwich, plundering
and burning the whole town. Then Ulfkytel agreed with the council in East-
Anglia, that it were better to purchase peace with the enemy, ere they did
too much harm on the land; for that they had come unawares, and he had
not had time to gather his force. Then, under the truce that should have been
between them, stole the army up from their ships, and bent their course to
Thetford. When Ulfkytel understood that, then sent he an order to hew the
ships in pieces; but they frustrated his design. Then he gathered his forces,
as secretly as he could. The enemy came to Thetford within three weeks
after they had plundered Norwich; and, remaining there one night, they
spoiled and burned the town; but, in the morning, as they were proceeding
to their ships, came Ulfkytel with his army, and said that they must there
come to close quarters. And, accordingly, the two armies met together; and
much slaughter was made on both sides. There were many of the veterans
of the East-Angles slain; but, if the main army had been there, the enemy
had never returned to their ships. As they said themselves, that they never
met with worse hand-play in England than Ulfkytel brought them.

A.D. 1005. This year died Archbishop Elfric; and Bishop Elfeah
succeeded him in the archbishopric. This year was the great famine in
England so severe that no man ere remembered such. The fleet this year
went from this land to Denmark, and took but a short respite, before they
came again.

A.D. 1006. This year Elfeah was consecrated Archbishop; Bishop
Britwald succeeded to the see of Wiltshire; Wulfgeat was deprived of all his
property; (51) Wulfeah and Ufgeat were deprived of sight; Alderman
Elfelm was slain; and Bishop Kenulf (52) departed this life. Then, over
midsummer, came the Danish fleet to Sandwich, and did as they were wont;
they barrowed and burned and slew as they went. Then the king ordered out
all the population from Wessex and from Mercia; and they lay out all the

harvest under arms against the enemy; but it availed nothing more than it
had often done before. For all this the enemy went wheresoever they would;
and the expedition did the people more harm than either any internal or
external force could do. When winter approached, then went the army
home; and the enemy retired after Martinmas to their quarters in the Isle of
Wight, and provided themselves everywhere there with what they wanted.
Then, about midwinter, they went to their ready farm, throughout
Hampshire into Berkshire, to Reading. And they did according to their
custom,—they lighted their camp-beacons as they advanced. Thence they
marched to Wallingford, which they entirely destroyed, and passed one
night at Cholsey. They then turned along Ashdown to Cuckamsley-hill, and
there awaited better cheer; for it was often said, that if they sought
Cuckamsley, they would never get to the sea. But they went another way
homeward. Then was their army collected at Kennet; and they came to
battle there, and soon put the English force to flight; and afterwards carried
their spoil to the sea. There might the people of Winchester see the rank and
iniquitous foe, as they passed by their gates to the sea, fetching their meat
and plunder over an extent of fifty miles from sea. Then was the king gone
over the Thames into Shropshire; and there he fixed his abode during
midwinter. Meanwhile, so great was the fear of the enemy, that no man
could think or devise how to drive them from the land, or hold this territory
against them; for they had terribly marked each shire in Wessex with fire
and devastation. Then the king began to consult seriously with his council,
what they all thought most advisable for defending this land, ere it was
utterly undone. Then advised the king and his council for the advantage of
all the nation, though they were all loth to do it, that they needs must bribe
the enemy with a tribute. The king then sent to the army, and ordered it to
be made known to them, that his desire was, that there should be peace
between them, and that tribute and provision should be given them. And
they accepted the terms; and they were provisioned throughout England.

((A.D. 1006. This year Elphege was consecrated archbishop [of
Canterbury].))

A.D. 1007. In this year was the tribute paid to the hostile army; that was,
30,000 pounds. In this year also was Edric appointed alderman over all the
kingdom of the Mercians. This year went Bishop Elfeah to Rome after his
pall.

A.D. 1008. This year bade the king that men should speedily build ships
over all England; that is, a man possessed of three hundred and ten hides to
provide on galley or skiff; and a man possessed of eight hides only, to find a
helmet and breastplate (53).

A.D. 1009. This year were the ships ready, that we before spoke about;
and there were so many of them as never were in England before, in any
king's days, as books tell us. And they were all transported together to
Sandwich; that they should lie there, and defend this land against any out-
force. But we have not yet had the prosperity and the honour, that the naval
armament should be useful to this land, any more than it often before was.
It was at this same time, or a little earlier, that Brihtric, brother of Alderman
Edric, bewrayed Wulnoth, the South-Saxon knight, father of Earl Godwin,
to the king; and he went into exile, and enticed the navy, till he had with
him twenty ships; with which he plundered everywhere by the south coast,
and wrought every kind of mischief. When it was told the navy that they
might easily seize him, if they would look about them, then took Brihtric
with him eighty ships; and thought that he should acquire for himself much
reputation, by getting Wulnoth into his hands alive or dead. But, whilst they
were proceeding thitherward, there came such a wind against them, as no
man remembered before; which beat and tossed the ships, and drove them
aground; whereupon Wulnoth soon came, and burned them. When this was
known to the remaining ships, where the king was, how the others fared, it

was then as if all were lost. The king went home, with the aldermen and the
nobility; and thus lightly did they forsake the ships; whilst the men that
were in them rowed them back to London. Thus lightly did they suffer the
labour of all the people to be in vain; nor was the terror lessened, as all
England hoped. When this naval expedition was thus ended, then came,
soon after Lammas, the formidable army of the enemy, called Thurkill's
army, to Sandwich; and soon they bent their march to Canterbury; which
city they would quickly have stormed, had they not rather desired peace;
and all the men of East-Kent made peace with the army, and gave them
3,000 pounds for security. The army soon after that went about till they
came to the Isle of Wight; and everywhere in Sussex, and in Hampshire,
and also in Berkshire, they plundered and burned, as THEIR CUSTOM IS.
(54) Then ordered the king to summon out all the population, that men
might hold firm against them on every side; but nevertheless they marched
as they pleased. On one occasion the king had begun his march before
them, as they proceeded to their ships, and all the people were ready to fall
upon them; but the plan was then frustrated through Alderman Edric, AS IT
EVER IS STILL. Then after Martinmas they went back again to Kent, and
chose their winter-quarters on the Thames; obtaining their provisions from
Essex, and from the shires that were next, on both sides of the Thames. And
oft they fought against the city of London; but glory be to God, that it yet
standeth firm: and they ever there met with ill fare. Then after midwinter
took they an excursion up through Chiltern, (55) and so to Oxford; which
city they burned, and plundered on both sides of the Thames to their ships.
Being fore-warned that there was an army gathered against them at London,
they went over at Staines; and thus were they in motion all the winter, and
in spring, appeared again in Kent, and repaired their ships.

A.D. 1010. This year came the aforesaid army, after Easter, into East
Anglia; and went up at Ipswich, marching continually till they came where
they understood Ulfcytel was with his army. This was on the day called the

first of the Ascension of our Lord. The East-Angles soon fled.
Cambridgeshire stood firm against them. There was slain Athelstan, the
king's relative, and Oswy, and his son, and Wulfric, son of Leofwin, and
Edwy, brother of Efy, and many other good thanes, and a multitude of the
people. Thurkytel Myrehead first began the flight; and the Danes remained
masters of the field of slaughter. There were they horsed; and afterwards
took possession of East-Anglia, where they plundered and burned three
months; and then proceeded further into the wild fens, slaying both men and
cattle, and burning throughout the fens. Thetford also they burned, and
Cambridge; and afterwards went back southward into the Thames; and the
horsemen rode towards the ships. Then went they west-ward into
Oxfordshire, and thence to Buckinghamshire, and so along the Ouse till
they came to Bedford, and so forth to Temsford, always burning as they
went. Then returned they to their ships with their spoil, which they
apportioned to the ships. When the king's army should have gone out to
meet them as they went up, then went they home; and when they were in
the east, then was the army detained in the west; and when they were in the
south, then was the army in the north. Then all the privy council were
summoned before the king, to consult how they might defend this country.
But, whatever was advised, it stood not a month; and at length there was not
a chief that would collect an army, but each fled as he could: no shire,
moreover, would stand by another. Before the feast-day of St. Andrew came
the enemy to Northampton, and soon burned the town, and took as much
spoil thereabout as they would; and then returned over the Thames into
Wessex, and so by Cannings-marsh, burning all the way. When they had
gone as far as they would, then came they by midwinter to their ships.

A.D. 1011. This year sent the king and his council to the army, and
desired peace; promising them both tribute and provisions, on condition that
they ceased from plunder. They had now overrun East-Anglia [1], and
Essex [2], and Middlesex [3], and Oxfordshire [4], and Cambridgeshire [5],

and Hertfordshire [6], and Buckinghamshire [7], and Bedfordshire [8], and
half of Huntingdonshire [9], and much of Northamptonshire [10]; and, to
the south of the Thames, all Kent, and Sussex, and Hastings, and Surrey,
and Berkshire, and Hampshire, and much of Wiltshire. All these disasters
befel us through bad counsels; that they would not offer tribute in time, or
fight with them; but, when they had done most mischief, then entered they
into peace and amity with them. And not the less for all this peace, and
amity, and tribute, they went everywhere in troops; plundering, and
spoiling, and slaying our miserable people. In this year, between the
Nativity of St. Mary and Michaelmas, they beset Canterbury, and entered
therein through treachery; for Elfmar delivered the city to them, whose life
Archbishop Elfeah formerly saved. And there they seized Archbishop
Elfeah, and Elfward the king's steward, and Abbess Leofruna, (56) and
Bishop Godwin; and Abbot Elfmar they suffered to go away. And they took
therein all the men, and husbands, and wives; and it was impossible for any
man to say how many they were; and in the city they continued afterwards
as long as they would. And, when they had surveyed all the city, they then
returned to their ships, and led the archbishop with them. Then was a
captive he who before was of England head and Christendom;— there
might be seen

great wretchedness,
where oft before
great bliss was seen,
in the fated city,
whence first to us
came Christendom,
and bliss 'fore God
and 'fore the world.
And the archbishop they kept with them until the time when they
martyred him.

A.D. 1012. This year came Alderman Edric, and all the oldest counsellors
of England, clerk and laity, to London before Easter, which was then on the
ides of April; and there they abode, over Easter, until all the tribute was
paid, which was 48,000 pounds. Then on the Saturday was the army much
stirred against the bishop; because he would not promise them any fee, and
forbade that any man should give anything for him. They were also much
drunken; for there was wine brought them from the south. Then took they
the bishop, and led him to their hustings, on the eve of the Sunday after
Easter, which was the thirteenth before the calends of May; and there they
then shamefully killed him. They overwhelmed him with bones and horns
of oxen; and one of them smote him with an axe-iron on the head; so that he
sunk downwards with the blow; and his holy blood fell on the earth, whilst
his sacred soul was sent to the realm of God. The corpse in the morning was
carried to London; and the bishops, Ednoth and Elfhun, and the citizens,
received him with all honour, and buried him in St. Paul's minster; where
God now showeth this holy martyr's miracles. When the tribute was paid,
and the peace-oaths were sworn, then dispersed the army as widely as it
was before collected. Then submitted to the king five and forty of the ships
of the enemy; and promised him, that they would defend this land, and he
should feed and clothe them.

A.D. 1013. The year after that Archbishop Elfeah was martyred, the king
appointed Lifing to the archiepiscopal see of Canterbury. And in the same
year, before the month August, came King Sweyne with his fleet to
Sandwich; and very soon went about East-Anglia into the Humber-mouth,
and so upward along the Trent, until he came to Gainsborough. Then soon
submitted to him Earl Utred, and all the Northumbrians, and all the people
of Lindsey, and afterwards the people of the Five Boroughs, and soon after
all the army to the north of Watling-street; and hostages were given him
from each shire. When he understood that all the people were subject to
him, then ordered he that his army should have provision and horses; and he

then went southward with his main army, committing his ships and the
hostages to his son Knute. And after he came over Watling-street, they
wrought the greatest mischief that any army could do. Then he went to
Oxford; and the population soon submitted, and gave hostages; thence to
Winchester, where they did the same. Thence went they eastward to
London; and many of the party sunk in the Thames, because they kept not
to any bridge. When he came to the city, the population would not submit;
but held their ground in full fight against him, because therein was King
Ethelred, and Thurkill with him. Then went King Sweyne thence to
Wallingford; and so over Thames westward to Bath, where he abode with
his army. Thither came Alderman Ethelmar, and all the western thanes with
him, and all submitted to Sweyne, and gave hostages. When he had thus
settled all, then went he northward to his ships; and all the population fully
received him, and considered him full king. The population of London also
after this submitted to him, and gave hostages; because they dreaded that he
would undo them. Then bade Sweyne full tribute and forage for his army
during the winter; and Thurkill bade the same for the army that lay at
Greenwich: besides this, they plundered as oft as they would. And when
this nation could neither resist in the south nor in the north, King Ethelred
abode some while with the fleet that lay in the Thames; and the lady (57)
went afterwards over sea to her brother Richard, accompanied by Elfsy,
Abbot of Peterborough. The king sent Bishop Elfun with the ethelings,
Edward and Alfred, over sea; that he might instruct them. Then went the
king from the fleet, about midwinter, to the Isle of Wight; and there abode
for the season; after which he went over sea to Richard, with whom he
abode till the time when Sweyne died. Whilst the lady was with her brother
beyond sea, Elfsy, Abbot of Peterborough, who was there with her, went to
the abbey called Boneval, where St. Florentine's body lay; and there found a
miserable place, a miserable abbot, and miserable monks: because they had
been plundered. There he bought of the abbot, and of the monks, the body

of St. Florentine, all but the head, for 500 pounds; which, on his return
home, he offered to Christ and St. Peter.

A.D. 1014. This year King Sweyne ended his days at Candlemas, the
third day before the nones of February; and the same year Elfwy, Bishop of
York, was consecrated in London, on the festival of St. Juliana. The fleet all
chose Knute for king; whereupon advised all the counsellors of England,
clergy and laity, that they should send after King Ethelred; saying, that no
sovereign was dearer to them than their natural lord, if he would govern
them better than he did before. Then sent the king hither his son Edward,
with his messengers; who had orders to greet all his people, saying that he
would be their faithful lord—would better each of those things that they
disliked—and that each of the things should be forgiven which had been
either done or said against him; provided they all unanimously, without
treachery, turned to him. Then was full friendship established, in word and
in deed and in compact, on either side. And every Danish king they
proclaimed an outlaw for ever from England. Then came King Ethelred
home, in Lent, to his own people; and he was gladly received by them all.
Meanwhile, after the death of Sweyne, sat Knute with his army in
Gainsborough until Easter; and it was agreed between him and the people
of Lindsey, that they should supply him with horses, and afterwards go out
all together and plunder. But King Ethelred with his full force came to
Lindsey before they were ready; and they plundered and burned, and slew
all the men that they could reach. Knute, the son of Sweyne, went out with
his fleet (so were the wretched people deluded by him), and proceeded
southward until he came to Sandwich. There he landed the hostages that
were given to his father, and cut off their hands and ears and their noses.
Besides all these evils, the king ordered a tribute to the army that lay at
Greenwich, of 21,000 pounds. This year, on the eve of St. Michael's day,
came the great sea-flood, which spread wide over this land, and ran so far

up as it never did before, overwhelming many towns, and an innumerable
multitude of people.

A.D. 1015. This year was the great council at Oxford; where Alderman
Edric betrayed Sigferth and Morcar, the eldest thanes belonging to the
Seven Towns. He allured them into his bower, where they were shamefully
slain. Then the king took all their possessions, and ordered the widow of
Sigferth to be secured, and brought within Malmsbury. After a little
interval, Edmund Etheling went and seized her, against the king's will, and
had her to wife. Then, before the Nativity of St. Mary, went the etheling
west-north into the Five Towns, (58) and soon plundered all the property of
Sigferth and Morcar; and all the people submitted to him. At the same time
came King Knute to Sandwich, and went soon all about Kent into Wessex,
until he came to the mouth of the Frome; and then plundered in Dorset, and
in Wiltshire, and in Somerset. King Ethelred, meanwhile, lay sick at
Corsham; and Alderman Edric collected an army there, and Edmund the
etheling in the north. When they came together, the alderman designed to
betray Edmund the etheling, but he could not; whereupon they separated
without an engagement, and sheered off from their enemies. Alderman
Edric then seduced forty ships from the king, and submitted to Knute. The
West-Saxons also submitted, and gave hostages, and horsed the army. And
he continued there until midwinter.

A.D. 1016. This year came King Knute with a marine force of one
hundred and sixty ships, and Alderman Edric with him, over the Thames
into Mercia at Cricklade; whence they proceeded to Warwickshire, during
the middle of the winter, and plundered therein, and burned, and slew all
they met. Then began Edmund the etheling to gather an army, which, when
it was collected, could avail him nothing, unless the king were there and
they had the assistance of the citizens of London. The expedition therefore
was frustrated, and each man betook himself home. After this, an army was

again ordered, under full penalties, that every person, however distant,
should go forth; and they sent to the king in London, and besought him to
come to meet the army with the aid that he could collect. When they were
all assembled, it succeeded nothing better than it often did before; and,
when it was told the king, that those persons would betray him who ought
to assist him, then forsook he the army, and returned again to London. Then
rode Edmund the etheling to Earl Utred in Northumbria; and every man
supposed that they would collect an army King Knute; but they went into
Stafforddhire, and to Shrewsbury, and to Chester; and they plundered on
their parts, and Knute on his. He went out through Buckinghamshire to
Bedfordshire; thence to Huntingdonshire, and so into Northamptonshire
along the fens to Stamford. Thence into Lincolnshire. Thence to
Nottinghamshire; and so into Northumbria toward York. When Utred
understood this, he ceased from plundering, and hastened northward, and
submitted for need, and all the Northumbrians with him; but, though he
gave hostages, he was nevertheless slain by the advice of Alderman Edric,
and Thurkytel, the son of Nafan, with him. After this, King Knute appointed
Eric earl over Northumbria, as Utred was; and then went southward another
way, all by west, till the whole army came, before Easter, to the ships.
Meantime Edmund Etheling went to London to his father: and after Easter
went King Knute with all his ships toward London; but it happened that
King Ethelred died ere the ships came. He ended his days on St. George's
day; having held his kingdom in much tribulation and difficulty as long as
his life continued. After his decease, all the peers that were in London, and
the citizens, chose Edmund king; who bravely defended his kingdom while
his time was. Then came the ships to Greenwich, about the gang-days, and
within a short interval went to London; where they sunk a deep ditch on the
south side, and dragged their ships to the west side of the bridge.
Afterwards they trenched the city without, so that no man could go in or
out, and often fought against it: but the citizens bravely withstood them.

King Edmund had ere this gone out, and invaded the West-Saxons, who all
submitted to him; and soon afterward he fought with the enemy at Pen near
Gillingham. A second battle he fought, after midsummer, at Sherston; where
much slaughter was made on either side, and the leaders themselves came
together in the fight. Alderman Edric and Aylmer the darling were assisting
the army against King Edmund. Then collected he his force the third time,
and went to London, all by north of the Thames, and so out through
Clayhanger, and relieved the citizens, driving the enemy to their ships. It
was within two nights after that the king went over at Brentford; where he
fought with the enemy, and put them to flight: but there many of the English
were drowned, from their own carelessness; who went before the main
army with a design to plunder. After this the king went into Wessex, and
collected his army; but the enemy soon returned to London, and beset the
city without, and fought strongly against it both by water and land. But the
almighty God delivered them. The enemy went afterward from London
with their ships into the Orwell; where they went up and proceeded into
Mercia, slaying and burning whatsoever they overtook, as their custom is;
and, having provided themselves with meat, they drove their ships and their
herds into the Medway. Then assembled King Edmund the fourth time all
the English nation, and forded over the Thames at Brentford; whence he
proceeded into Kent. The enemy fled before him with their horses into the
Isle of Shepey; and the king slew as many of them as he could overtake.
Alderman Edric then went to meet the king at Aylesford; than which no
measure could be more ill-advised. The enemy, meanwhile, returned into
Essex, and advanced into Mercia, destroying all that he overtook. When the
king understood that the army was up, then collected he the fifth time all the
English nation, and went behind them, and overtook them in Essex, on the
down called Assingdon; where they fiercely came together. Then did
Alderman Edric as he often did before—he first began the flight with the
Maisevethians, and so betrayed his natural lord and all the people of

England. There had Knute the victory, though all England fought against
him! There was then slain Bishop Ednoth, and Abbot Wulsy, and Alderman
Elfric, and Alderman Godwin of Lindsey, and Ulfkytel of East-Anglia, and
Ethelward, the son of Alderman Ethelsy (59). And all the nobility of the
English nation was there undone! After this fight went King Knute up with
his army into Glocestershire, where he heard say that King Edmund was.
Then advised Alderman Edric, and the counsellors that were there
assembled, that the kings should make peace with each other, and produce
hostages. Then both the kings met together at Olney, south of Deerhurst,
and became allies and sworn brothers. There they confirmed their
friendship both with pledges and with oaths, and settled the pay of the army.
With this covenant they parted: King Edmund took to Wessex, and Knute to
Mercia and the northern district. The army then went to their ships with the
things they had taken; and the people of London made peace with them, and
purchased their security, whereupon they brought their ships to London, and
provided themselves winter-quarters therein. On the feast of St. Andrew
died King Edmund; and he is buried with his grandfather Edgar at
Gastonbury. In the same year died Wulfgar, Abbot of Abingdon; and
Ethelsy took to the abbacy.

A.D. 1017. This year King Knute took to the whole government of
England, and divided it into four parts: Wessex for himself, East-Anglia for
Thurkyll, Mercia for Edric, Northumbria for Eric. This year also was
Alderman Edric slain at London, and Norman, son of Alderman Leofwin,
and Ethelward, son of Ethelmar the Great, and Britric, son of Elfege of
Devonshire. King Knute also banished Edwy etheling, whom he afterwards
ordered to be slain, and Edwy, king of the churls; and before the calends of
August the king gave an order to fetch him the widow of the other king,
Ethelred, the daughter of Richard, to wife.

((A.D. 1017. This year Canute was chosen king.))

A.D. 1018. This year was the payment of the tribute over all England;
that was, altogether, two and seventy thousand pounds, besides that which
the citizens of London paid; and that was ten thousand five hundred pounds.
The army then went partly to Denmark; and forty ships were left with King
Knute. The Danes and Angles were united at Oxford under Edgar's law; and
this year died Abbot Ethelsy at Abingdon, to whom Ethelwine succeeded.

A.D. 1019. This year went King Knute with nine ships to Denmark,
where he abode all the winter; and Archbishop Elfstan died this year, who
was also named Lifing. He was a very upright man both before God and
before the world.

((A.D. 1019. And this winter died Archbishop Elfstan [of Canterbury]: he
was named Living; and he was a very provident man, both as to God and as
to the world.))

A.D. 1020. This year came King Knute back to England; and there was at
Easter a great council at Cirencester, where Alderman Ethelward was
outlawed, and Edwy, king of the churls. This year went the king to
Assingdon; with Earl Thurkyll, and Archbishop Wulfstan, and other
bishops, and also abbots, and many monks with them; and he ordered to be
built there a minster of stone and lime, for the souls of the men who were
there slain, and gave it to his own priest, whose name was Stigand; and they
consecrated the minster at Assingdon. And Ethelnoth the monk, who had
been dean at Christ's church, was the same year on the ides of November
consecrated Bishop of Christ's church by Archbishop Wulfstan.

((A.D. 1020. And caused to be built there [Canterbury] a minster of stone
and lime, for the souls of the men who there were slain, and gave it to one
of his priests, whose name was Stigand.))

A.D. 1021. This year King Knute, at Martinmas, outlawed Earl Thurkyll;
and Bishop Elfgar, the abundant giver of alms, died in the morning of
Christmas day.

A.D. 1022. This year went King Knute out with his ships to the Isle of
Wight. And Bishop Ethelnoth went to Rome; where he was received with
much honour by Benedict the magnificent pope, who with his own hand
placed the pall upon him, and with great pomp consecrated him archbishop,
and blessed him, on the nones of October. The archbishop on the self-same
day with the same pall performed mass, as the pope directed him, after
which he was magnificently entertained by the pope himself; and
afterwards with a full blessing proceeded homewards. Abbot Leofwine,
who had been unjustly expelled from Ely, was his companion; and he
cleared himself of everything, which, as the pope informed him, had been
laid to his charge, on the testimony of the archbishop and of all the
company that were with him.

((A.D. 1022. And afterwards with the pall he there [at Rome] performed
mass as the pope instructed him: and he feasted after that with the pope; and
afterwards went home with a full blessing.))

A.D. 1023. This year returned King Knute to England; and Thurkyll and
he were reconciled. He committed Denmark and his son to the care of
Thurkyll, whilst he took Thurkyll's son with him to England. This year died
Archbishop Wulfstan; and Elfric succeeded him; and Archbishop Egelnoth
blessed him in Canterbury. This year King Knute in London, in St. Paul's
minster, gave full leave (60) to Archbishop Ethelnoth, Bishop Britwine, and
all God's servants that were with them, that they might take up from the
grave the archbishop, Saint Elphege. And they did so, on the sixth day
before the ides of June; and the illustrious king, and the archbishop, and the
diocesan bishops, and the earls, and very many others, both clergy and laity,

carried by ship his holy corpse over the Thames to Southwark. And there
they committed the holy martyr to the archbishop and his companions; and
they with worthy pomp and sprightly joy carried him to Rochester. There on
the third day came the Lady Emma with her royal son Hardacnute; and they
all with much majesty, and bliss, and songs of praise, carried the holy
archbishop into Canterbury, and so brought him gloriously into the church,
on the third day before the ides of June. Afterwards, on the eighth day, the
seventeenth before the calends of July, Archbishop Ethelnoth, and Bishop
Elfsy, and Bishop Britwine, and all they that were with them, lodged the
holy corpse of Saint Elphege on the north side of the altar of Christ; to the
praise of God, and to the glory of the holy archbishop, and to the
everlasting salvation of all those who there his holy body daily seek with
earnest heart and all humility. May God Almighty have mercy on all
Christian men through the holy intercession of Elphege!

((A.D. 1023. And he caused St. Elphege's remains to be borne from
London to Canterbury.))

A.D. 1025. This year went King Knute to Denmark with a fleet to the
holm by the holy river; where against him came Ulf and Eglaf, with a very
large force both by land and sea, from Sweden. There were very many men
lost on the side of King Knute, both of Danish and English; and the Swedes
had possession of the field of battle.

A.D. 1026. This year went Bishop Elfric to Rome, and received the pall
of Pope John on the second day before the ides of November.

A.D. 1028. This year went King Knute from England to Norway with
fifty ships manned with English thanes, and drove King Olave from the
land, which he entirely secured to himself.

A.D. 1029. This year King Knute returned home to England.

A.D. 1030. This year returned King Olave into Norway; but the people
gathered together against him, and fought against him; and he was there
slain, in Norway, by his own people, and was afterwards canonised. Before
this, in the same year, died Hacon the doughty earl, at sea.

((A.D. 1030. This year came King Olave again into Norway, and the
people gathered against him, and fought against him; and he was there
slain.))

A.D. 1031. This year returned King Knute; and as soon as he came to
England he gave to Christ's church in Canterbury the haven of Sandwich,
and all the rights that arise therefrom, on either side of the haven; so that
when the tide is highest and fullest, and there be a ship floating as near the
land as possible, and there be a man standing upon the ship with a taper-axe
in his hand, whithersoever the large taper-axe might be thrown out of the
ship, throughout all that land the ministers of Christ's church should enjoy
their rights. This year went King Knute to Rome; and the same year, as
soon as he returned home, he went to Scotland; and Malcolm, king of the
Scots, submitted to him, and became his man, with two other kings,
Macbeth and Jehmar; but he held his allegiance a little while only. Robert,
Earl of Normandy, went this year to Jerusalem, where he died; and William,
who was afterwards King of England, succeeded to the earldom, though he
was a child.

A.D. 1032. This year appeared that wild fire, such as no man ever
remembered before, which did great damage in many places. The same year
died Elfsy, Bishop of Winchester; and Elfwin, the king's priest, succeeded
him.

A.D. 1033. This year died Bishop Merewhite in Somersetshire, who is
buried at Glastonbury; and Bishop Leofsy, whose body resteth at Worcester,
and to whose see Brihteh was promoted.

A.D. 1034. This year died Bishop Etheric, who lies at Ramsey.

A.D. 1035. This year died King Knute at Shaftesbury, on the second day
before the ides of November; and he is buried at Winchester in the old
minster. He was king over all England very near twenty winters. Soon after
his decease, there was a council of all the nobles at Oxford; wherein Earl
Leofric, and almost all the thanes north of the Thames, and the naval men in
London, chose Harold to be governor of all England, for himself and his
brother Hardacnute, who was in Denmark. Earl Godwin, and all the eldest
men in Wessex, withstood it as long as they could; but they could do
nothing against it. It was then resolved that Elfgiva, the mother of
Hardacnute, should remain at Winchester with the household of the king her
son. They held all Wessex in hand, and Earl Godwin was their chief man.
Some men said of Harold, that he was the son of King Knute and of Elfgive
the daughter of Alderman Elfelm; but it was thought very incredible by
many men. He was, nevertheless, full king over all England. Harold himself
said that he was the son of Knute and of Elfgive the Hampshire lady;
though it was not true; but he sent and ordered to be taken from her all the
best treasure that she could not hold, which King Knute possessed; and she
nevertheless abode there continually within the city as long as she could.

A.D. 1036. This year came hither Alfred the innocent etheling, son of
King Ethelred, and wished to visit his mother, who abode at Winchester: but
Earl Godwin, and other men who had much power in this land, did not
suffer it; because such conduct was very agreeable to Harold, though it was
unjust. Him did Godwin let, and in prison set. His friends, who did not fly,
they slew promiscuously. And those they did not sell, like slaughter'd cattle
fell! Whilst some they spared to bind, only to wander blind! Some ham-
strung, helpless stood, whilst others they pursued. A deed more dreary none
in this our land was done, since Englishmen gave place to hordes of Danish
race. But repose we must in God our trust, that blithe as day with Christ live

they, who guiltless died— their country's pride! The prince with courage
met each cruel evil yet; till 'twas decreed, they should him lead, all bound,
as he was then, to Ely-bury fen. But soon their royal prize bereft they of his
eyes! Then to the monks they brought their captive; where he sought a
refuge from his foes till life's sad evening close. His body ordered then
these good and holy men, according to his worth, low in the sacred earth, to
the steeple full-nigh, in the south aile to lie of the transept west— his soul
with Christ doth rest.

((A.D. 1036. This year died King Canute at Shaftesbury, and he is buried
at Winchester in the Old-minster: and he was king over all England very
nigh twenty years. And soon after his decease there was a meeting of all the
witan at Oxford; and Leofric, the earl, and almost all the thanes north of the
Thames, and the "lithsmen" at London, chose Harold for chief of all
England, him and his brother Hardecanute who was in Denmark. And
Godwin the earl and all the chief men of Wessex withstood it as long as
they could; but they were unable to effect anything in opposition to it. And
then it was decreed that Elfgive, Hardecanute's mother, should dwell at
Winchester with the king's, her son's, household, and hold all Wessex in his
power; and Godwin the earl was their man. Some men said of Harold that
he was son of King Canute and of Elfgive, daughter of Elfelm the
ealdorman, but it seemed quite incredible to many men; and he was
nevertheless full king over all England.))

A.D. 1037. This year men chose Harold king over all; and forsook
Hardacnute, because he was too long in Denmark; and then drove out his
mother Elgiva, the relict of King Knute, without any pity, against the raging
winter! She, who was the mother of Edward as well as of King Hardacnute,
sought then the peace of Baldwin by the south sea. Then came she to
Bruges, beyond sea; and Earl Baldwin well received her there; and he gave
her a habitation at Bruges, and protected her, and entertained her there as

long as she had need. Ere this in the same year died Eafy, the excellent
Dean of Evesham.

((A.D. 1037. This year was driven out Elfgive, King Canute's relict; she
was King Hardecanute's mother; and she then sought the protection of
Baldwin south of the sea, and he gave her a dwelling in Bruges, and
protected and kept her, the while that she there was.))

A.D. 1038. This year died Ethelnoth, the good archbishop, on the calends
of November; and, within a little of this time, Bishop Ethelric in Sussex,
who prayed to God that he would not let him live any time after his dear
father Ethelnoth; and within seven nights of this he also departed. Then,
before Christmas, died Bishop Brihteh in Worcestershire; and soon after
this, Bishop Elfric in East Anglia. Then succeeded Bishop Edsy to the
archbishopric, Grimkytel to the see of Sussex, and Bishop Lifing to that of
Worcester shire and Gloucestershire.

((A.D. 1038. This year died Ethelnoth, the good archbishop, on
the kalends of November, and a little after, Ethelric, bishop in
Sussex, and then before Christmas, Briteagus, Bishop in
Worcestershire, and soon after, Elfric, bishop in East-Anglia.))

A.D. 1039. This year happened the terrible wind; and Bishop
Britmar died at Lichfield. The Welsh slew Edwin, brother of Earl
Leofric, and Thurkil, and Elfget, and many good men with them.
This year also came Hardacnute to Bruges, where his mother was.

((A.D. 1039. This year King Harold died at Oxford, on the sixteenth
before the kalends of April, and he was buried at Westminster. And he ruled
England four years and sixteen weeks; and in his days sixteen ships were
retained in pay, at the rate of eight marks for each rower, in like manner as
had been before done in the days of King Canute. And in this same year

came King Hardecanute to Sandwich, seven days before midsummer. And
he was soon acknowledged as well by English as by Danes; though his
advisers afterwards grievously requited it, when they decreed that seventy-
two ships should be retained in pay, at the rate of eight marks for each
rower. And in this same year the sester of wheat went up to fifty-five pence,
and even further.))

A.D. 1040. This year died King Harold at Oxford, on the sixteenth before
the calends of April; and he was buried at Westminster. He governed
England four years and sixteen weeks; and in his days tribute was paid to
sixteen ships, at the rate of eight marks for each steersman, as was done
before in King Knute's days. The same year they sent after Hardacnute to
Bruges, supposing they did well; and he came hither to Sandwich with sixty
ships, seven nights before midsummer. He was soon received both by the
Angles and Danes, though his advisers afterwards severely paid for it. They
ordered a tribute for sixty-two ships, at the rate of eight marks for each
steersman. Then were alienated from him all that before desired him; for he
framed nothing royal during his whole reign. He ordered the dead Harold to
be dragged up and thrown into a ditch. This year rose the sester of wheat to
fifty-five pence, and even further. This year Archbishop Edsy went to
Rome.

((A.D. 1040. This year was the tribute paid; that twenty-one thousand
pounds and ninety-nine pounds. And after that they paid to thirty-two ships,
eleven thousand and forty-eight pounds. And, in this same year, came
Edward, son of King Ethelred, hither to land, from Weal-land; he was
brother of King Hardecanute: they were both sons of Elfgive; Emma, who
was daughter of Earl Richard.))

A.D. 1041. This year was the tribute paid to the army; that was, 21,099
pounds; and afterwards to thirty-two ships, 11,048 pounds. This year also

ordered Hardacnute to lay waste all Worcestershire, on account of the two
servants of his household, who exacted the heavy tribute. That people slew
them in the town within the minster. Early in this same year came Edward,
the son of King Ethelred, hither to land, from Weal-land to Madron. He was
the brother of King Hardacnute, and had been driven from this land for
many years: but he was nevertheless sworn as king, and abode in his
brother's court while he lived. They were both sons of Elfgive Emma, who
was the daughter o[oe] Earl Richard. In this year also Hardacnute betrayed
Eadulf, under the mask of friendship. He was also allied to him by
marriage. This year was Egelric consecrated Bishop of York, on the third
day before the ides of January.

((A.D. 1041. This year died King Hardecanute at Lambeth, on the sixth
before the ides of June: and he was king over all England two years wanting
ten days; and he is buried in the Old-minster at Winchester with King
Canute his father. And his mother, for his soul, gave to the New-minster the
head of St. Valentine the martyr. And before he was buried, all people chose
Edward for king at London: may he hold it the while that God shall grant it
to him! And all that year was a very heavy time, in many things and divers,
as well in respect to ill seasons as to the fruits of the earth. And so much
cattle perished in the year as no man before remembered, as well through
various diseases as through tempests. And in this same time died Elsinus,
Abbot of Peterborough; and then Arnwius the monk was chosen abbot,
because he was a very good man, and of great simplicity.))

A.D. 1042. This year died King Hardacnute at Lambeth, as he stood
drinking: he fell suddenly to the earth with a tremendous struggle; but those
who were nigh at hand took him up; and he spoke not a word afterwards,
but expired on the sixth day before the ides of June. He was king over all
England two years wanting ten nights; and he is buried in the old minster at
Winchester with King Knute his father. And his mother for his soul gave to

the new minster the head of St. Valentine the Martyr: and ere he was buried
all people chose Edward for king in London. And they received him as their
king, as was natural; and he reigned as long as God granted him. All that
year was the season very severe in many and various respects: both from
the inclemency of the weather, and the loss of the fruits of the earth. More
cattle died this year than any man ever remembered, either from various
diseases, or from the severity of the weather. At this same time died
Elfsinus, Abbot of Peterborough; and they chose Arnwy, a monk, for their
abbot; because he was a very good and benevolent man.

A.D. 1043. This year was Edward consecrated king at Winchester, early
on Easter-day, with much pomp. Then was Easter on the third day before
the nones of April. Archbishop Edsy consecrated him, and before all people
well admonished him. And Stigand the priest was consecrated bishop over
the East Angles. And this year, fourteen nights before the mass of St.
Andrew, it was advised the king, that he and Earl Leofric and Earl Godwin
and Earl Siward with their retinue, should ride from Gloucester to
Winchester unawares upon the lady; and they deprived her of all the
treasures that she had; which were immense; because she was formerly very
hard upon the king her son, and did less for him than he wished before he
was king, and also since: but they suffered her to remain there afterwards.
And soon after this the king determined to invest all the land that his mother
had in her hands, and took from her all that she had in gold and in silver and
in numberless things; because she formerly held it too fast against him.
Soon after this Stigand was deprived of his bishopric; and they took all that
he had into their hands for the king, because he was nighest the counsel of
his mother; and she acted as he advised, as men supposed.

((A.D. 1043. This year was Edward consecrated king at Winchester on
the first day of Easter. And this year, fourteen days before Andrew's-mass,
the king was advised to ride from Gloucester, and Leofric the earl, and

Godwin the earl, and Sigwarth [Siward] the earl, with their followers, to
Winchester, unawares upon the lady [Emma]; and they bereaved her of all
the treasures which she possessed, they were not to be told, because before
that she had been very hard with the king her son; inasmuch as she had
done less for him than he would, before he was king, and also since: and
they suffered her after that to remain therein. This year King Edward took
the daughter [Edgitha] of Godwin the earl for his wife. And in this same
year died Bishop Brithwin, and he held the bishopric thirty-eight years, that
was the bishopric of Sherborne, and Herman the king's priest succeeded to
the bishopric. And in this year Wulfric was hallowed Abbot of St.
Augustine's at Christmas, on Stephen's mass-day, by leave of the king, and,
on account of his great infirmity, of Abbot Elfstun.))

A.D. 1044. This year Archbishop Edsy resigned his see from infirmity,
and consecrated Siward, Abbot of Abingdon, bishop thereto, with the
permission and advice of the king and Earl Godwin. It was known to few
men else before it was done; because the archbishop feared that some other
man would either beg or buy it, whom he might worse trust and oblige than
him, if it were known to many men. This year there was very great hunger
over all England, and corn so dear as no man remembered before; so that
the sester of wheat rose to sixty pence, and even further. And this same year
the king went out to Sandwich with thirty-five ships; and Athelstan, the
churchwarden, succeeded to the abbacy of Abingdon, and Stigand returned
to his bishopric. In the same year also King Edward took to wife Edgitha,
the daughter of Earl Godwin, ten nights before Candlemas. And in the same
year died Britwold, Bishop of Wiltshire, on the tenth day before the calends
of May; which bishopric he held thirty-eight winters; that was, the bishopric
of Sherborn. And Herman, the king's priest, succeeded to the bishopric. This
year Wulfric was consecrated Abbot of St. Augustine's, at Christmas, on the
mass-day of St. Stephen, by the king's leave and that of Abbot Elfstan, by
reason of his great infirmity.

((A.D. 1044. This year died Living, Bishop in Devonshire, and Leoftic
succeeded thereto; he was the king's priest. And in this same year died
Elfstan, Abbot of St. Augustine's, on the third before the nones of July. And
in this same year was outlawed Osgod Clapa.))

A.D. 1045. This year died Elfward, Bishop of London, on the eighth day
before the calends of August. He was formerly Abbot of Evesham, and well
furthered that monastery the while that he was there. He went then to
Ramsey, and there resigned his life: and Mannie was chosen abbot, being
consecrated on the fourth day before the ides of August. This year
Gunnilda, a woman of rank, a relative of King Knute, was driven out, and
resided afterwards at Bruges a long while, and then went to Denmark. King
Edward during the year collected a large fleet at Sandwich, through the
threatening of Magnus of Norway; but his contests with Sweyne in
Denmark prevented him from coming hither.

((A.D. 1045. This year died Grimkytel, Bishop in Sussex, and Heca, the
king's priest, succeeded thereto. And in this year died Alwyn, Bishop of
Winchester, on the fourth before the kalends of September; and Stigand,
bishop to the north [Flanders], succeeded thereto. And in the same year
Sweyn the earl went out to Baldwin's land [Of Elmham] to Bruges and
abode there all the winter; and then in summer he went out.))

A.D. 1046. This year died Lifting, the eloquent bishop, on the tenth day
before the calends of April. He had three bishoprics; one in Devonshire, one
in Cornwall, and another in Worcestershire. Then succeeded Leofric, who
was the king's priest, to Devonshire and to Cornwall, and Bishop Aldred to
Worcestershire. This year died Elfwine, Bishop of Winchester, on the fourth
day before the calends of September; and Stigand, Bishop of Norfolk, was
raised to his see. Ere this, in the same year, died Grimkytel, Bishop of
Sussex; and he lies at Christ-church, in Canterbury. And Heca, the' king's

priest, succeeded to the bishopric. Sweyne also sent hither, and requested
the aid of fifty ships against Magnus, king of the Norwegians; but it was
thought unwise by all the people, and it was prevented, because that
Magnus had a large navy: and he drove Sweyne out, and with much
slaughter won the land. The Danes then gave him much money, and
received him as king. The same year Magnus died. The same year also Earl
Sweyne went out to Baldwin's land, to Bruges; and remained there all the
winter. In the summer he departed.

A.D. 1046. This year went Earl Sweyne into Wales; and Griffin, king of
the northern men with him; and hostages were delivered to him. As he
returned homeward, he ordered the Abbess of Leominster to be fetched
him; and he had her as long as he list, after which he let her go home. In
this same year was outlawed Osgod Clapa, the master of horse, before
midwinter. And in the same year, after Candlemas, came the strong winter,
with frost and with snow, and with all kinds of bad weather; so that there
was no man then alive who could remember so severe a winter as this was,
both through loss of men and through loss of cattle; yea, fowls and fishes
through much cold and hunger perished.

((A.D. 1046. This year died Brithwin, bishop in Wiltshire, and Herman
was appointed to his see. In that year King Edward gathered a large ship-
force at Sandwich, on account of the threatening of Magnus in Norway: but
his and Sweyn's contention in Denmark hindered his coming here. This year
died Athelstan, Abbot of Abingdon, and Sparhawk, monk of St. Edmund's-
bury, succeeded him. And in this same year died bishop Siward, and
Archbishop Eadsine again obtained the whole bishopric. And in this same
year Lothen and Irling came with twenty-five ships to Sandwich, and there
took unspeakable booty, in men, and in gold, and in silver, so that no man
knew how much it all was. And they then went about Thanet, and would
there do the like; but the land's-folk strenuously withstood them, and denied

them as well landing as water; and thence utterly put them to flight. And
they betook themselves then into Essex, and there they ravaged, and took
men, and property, and whatsoever they might find. And they betook
themselves then east to Baldwine's land, and there they sold what they had
plundered; and after that went their way east, whence they before had come.
In this year was the great synod at St. Remi's [Rheins]. Thereat was Leo the
pope, and the Archbishop of Burgundy [Lyons], and the Archbishop of
Besancon, and the Archbishop of Treves, and the Archbishop of Rheims;
and many men besides, both clergy and laity. And King Edward sent thither
Bishop Dudoc [Of Wells], and Wulfric, Abbot of St. Augustine's, and Abbot
Elfwin [Of Ramsey], that they might make known to the king what should
be there resolved on for Christendom. And in this same year King Edward
went out to Sandwich with a great fleet. And Sweyn the earl, son of Godwin
the earl, came in to Bosham with seven ships; and he obtained the king's
protection, and he was promised that he should be held worthy of
everything which he before possessed. Then Harold the earl, his brother,
and Beorn the earl contended that he should not be held worthy of any of
the things which the king had granted to them: but a protection of four days
was appointed him to go to his ships. Then befell it during this, that word
came to the king that hostile ships lay westward, and were ravaging. Then
went Godwin the earl west about with two of the king's ships; the one
commanded Harold the earl, and the other Tosty his brother; and forty-two
of the people's ships. Then Harold the earl was removed from the king's
ship which Harold the earl before had commanded. Then went they west to
Pevensey, and lay there weather-bound. Upon this, after two days, then
came Sweyn the earl thither, and spoke with his father, and with Beorn the
earl, and begged of Beorn that he would go with him to the king at
Sandwich, and help him to the king's friendship: and he granted it. Then
went they as if they would go to the king. Then whilst they were riding,
then begged Sweyn of him that he would go with him to his ships: saying

that his seamen would depart from him unless he should at the soonest
come thither. Then went they both where his ships lay. When they came
thither, then begged Sweyn the earl of him that he would go with him on
ship-board. He strenuously refused, so long as until his seamen seized him,
and threw him into the boat, and bound him, and rowed to the ship, and put
him there aboard. Then they hoisted up their sails and ran west to Exmouth,
and had him with them until they slew him: and they took the body and
buried it in a church. And then his friends and litsmen came from London,
and took him up, and bore him to Winchester to the Old-minster, and he is
there buried with King Canute his uncle. And Sweyn went then east to
Baldwin's land, and sat down there all the winter at Bruges, with his full
protection. And in the same year died Eadnoth [II.] bishop [Of Dorchester]
of the north and Ulf was made bishop.))

A.D. 1047. This year died Athelstan, Abbot of Abingdon, on the fourth
day before the calends of April; and Sparhawk, monk of St. Edmundsbury,
succeeded him. Easter day was then on the third day before the nones of
April; and there was over all England very great loss of men this year also.
The same year came to Sandwich Lothen and Irling, with twenty-five ships,
and plundered and took incalculable spoil, in men, and in gold, and in
silver, so that no man wist what it all was; and went then about Thanet, and
would there have done the same; but the land-folk firmly withstood, and
resisted them both by land and sea, and thence put them to flight withal.
They betook themselves thence into Essex, where they plundered and took
men, and whatsoever they could find, whence they departed eastward to
Baldwin's land, and having deposited the booty they had gained, they
returned east to the place whence they had come before.

((A.D. 1047. This year died Living the eloquent bishop, on the tenth
before the kalends of April, and he had three bishoprics; one in Devonshire,
and in Cornwall, and in Worcester. Then Leofric (61) succeeded to

Devonshire and to Cornwall, and Bishop Aldred to Worcester. And in this
year Osgod, the master of the horse, was outlawed: and Magnus [King of
Norway] won Denmark. In this year there was a great council in London at
mid-Lent, and nine ships of lightermen were discharged, and five remained
behind. In this same year came Sweyn the earl into England. And in this
same year was the great synod at Rome, and King Edward sent thither
Bishop Heroman and Bishop Aldred; and they came thither on Easter eve.
And afterwards the pope held a synod at Vercelli, and Bishop Ulf came
thereto; and well nigh would they have broken his staff, if he had not given
very great gifts; because he knew not how to do his duty so well as he
should. And in this year died Archbishop Eadsine, on the fourth before the
kalends of November.))

A.D. 1048. This year came Sweyne back to Denmark; and Harold, the
uncle of Magnus, went to Norway on the death of Magnus, and the
Northmen submitted to him. He sent an embassy of peace to this land, as
did also Sweyne from Denmark, requesting of King Edward naval
assistance to the amount at least of fifty ships; but all the people resisted it.
This year also there was an earthquake, on the calends of May, in many
places; at Worcester, at Wick, and at Derby, and elsewhere wide throughout
England; with very great loss by disease of men and of cattle over all
England; and the wild fire in Derbyshire and elsewhere did much harm. In
the same year the enemy plundered Sandwich, and the Isle of Wight, and
slew the best men that were there; and King Edward and the earls went out
after them with their ships. The same year Bishop Siward resigned his
bishopric from infirmity, and retired to Abingdon; upon which Archbishop
Edsy resumed the bishopric; and he died within eight weeks of this, on the
tenth day before the calends of November.

((A.D. 1048. This year was the severe winter: and this year died Alwyn,
Bishop of Winchester, and Bishop Stigand was raised to his see. And before

that, in the same year, died Grinketel, Bishop in Sussex, and Heca the priest
succeeded to the bishopric. And Sweyn also sent hither, begging assistance
against Magnus, King of Norway; that fifty ships should be sent to his aid.
But it seemed unadvisable to all people: and it was then hindered by reason
that Magnus had a great ship-force. And he then drove out Sweyn, and with
much man-slaying won the land: and the Danes paid him much money and
acknowledged him as king. And that same year Magnus died. In this year
King Edward appointed Robert, of London, Archbishop of Canterbury,
during Lent. And in the same Lent he went to Rome after his pall: and the
king gave the bishopric of London to Sparhafoc, Abbot of Abingdon; and
the king gave the abbacy of Abingdon to Bishop Rodulf, his kinsman. Then
came the archbishop from Rome one day before St. Peter's mass-eve, and
entered on his archiepiscopal see at Christ's Church on St. Peter's mass-day;
and soon after went to the king. Then came Abbot Sparhafoc to him with
the king's writ and seal, in order that he should consecrate him Bishop of
London. Then the archbishop refused, and said that the pope had forbidden
it him. Then went the abbot to the archbishop again for that purpose, and
there desired episcopal ordination; and the archbishop constantly refused
him, and said that the pope had forbidden it him. Then went the abbot to
London, and occupied the bishopric which the king before had granted him,
with his full leave, all the summer and the harvest. And then came Eustace
[Earl of Boulogne] from beyond sea soon after the bishop, and went to the
king, and spoke with him that which he then would, and went then
homeward. When he came to Canterbury, east, then took he refreshment
there, and his men, and went to Dover. When he was some mile or more, on
this side of Dover, then he put on his breast-plate, and so did all his
companions, and went to Dover. When they came thither, then would they
lodge themselves where they chose. Then came one of his men, and would
abide in the house of a householder against his will, and wounded the
householder; and the householder slew the other. Then Eustace got upon his

horse, and his companions upon theirs; and they went to the householder,
and slew him within his own dwelling; and they went up towards the town,
and slew, as well within as without, more than twenty men. And the
townsmen slew nineteen men on the other side, and wounded they knew not
how many. And Eustace escaped with a few men, and went again to the
king, and made known to him, in part, how they had fared. And the king
became very wroth with the townsmen. And the king sent off Godwin the
earl, and bade him go into Kent in a hostile manner to Dover: for Eustace
had made it appear to the king, that it had been more the fault of the
townsmen than his: but it was not so. And the earl would not consent to the
inroad, because he was loth to injure his own people. Then the king sent
after all his council, and bade them come to Gloucester, nigh the aftermass
of St. Mary. Then had the Welshmen erected a castle in Herefordshire
among the people of Sweyn the earl, and wrought every kind of harm and
disgrace to the king's men there about which they could. Then came
Godwin the earl, and Sweyn the earl, and Harold the earl, together at
Beverstone, and many men with them, in order that they might go to their
royal lord, and to all the peers who were assembled with him, in order that
they might have the advice of the king and his aid, and of all this council,
how they might avenge the king's disgrace, and the whole nation's. Then
were the Welshmen with the king beforehand, and accused the earls, so that
they might not come within his eyes' sight; because they said that they were
coming thither in order to betray the king. Thither had come Siward the earl
[Of Northumbria] and Leofric the earl [Of Mercia], and much people with
them, from the north, to the king; and it was made known to the Earl
Godwin and his sons, that the king and the men who were with him, were
taking counsel concerning them: and they arrayed themselves on the other
hand resolutely, though it were loathful to them that they should stand
against their royal lord. Then the peers on either side decreed that every
kind of evil should cease: and the king gave the peace of God and his full

friendship to either side. Then the king and his peers decreed that a council
of all the nobles should be held for the second time in London at the harvest
equinox; and the king directed the army to be called out, as well south of
the Thames as north, all that was in any way most eminent. Then declared
they Sweyn the earl an outlaw, and summoned Godwin the earl and Harold
the earl, to the council, as quickly as they could effect it. When they had
come thither, then were they summoned into the council. Then required he
safe conduct and hostages, so that he might come, unbetrayed, into the
council and out of the council. Then the king demanded all the thanes
whom the earls before had: and they granted them all into his hands. Then
the king sent again to them, and commanded them that they should come
with twelve men to the king's council. Then the earl again required safe
conduct and hostages, that he might defend himself against each of those
things which were laid to him. Then were the hostages refused him; and he
was allowed a safe conduct for five nights to go out of the land. And then
Godwin the earl and Sweyn the earl went to Bosham, and shoved out their
ships, and betook themselves beyond sea, and sought Baldwin's protection,
and abode there all the winter. And Harold the earl went west to Ireland,
and was there all the winter within the king's protection. And soon after this
happened, then put away the king the lady who had been consecrated his
queen [Editha], and caused to be taken from her all which she possessed, in
land, and in gold, and in silver, and in all things, and delivered her to his
sister at Wherwell. And Abbot Sparhafoc was then driven out of the
bishopric of London, and William the king's priest was ordained thereto.
And then Odda was appointed earl over Devonshire, and over Somerset,
and over Dorset, and over the Welsh. And Algar, the son of Leofric the earl,
was appointed to the earldom which Harold before held.))

A.D. 1049. (62) This year the emperor gathered an innumerable army
against Baldwin of Bruges, because he had destroyed the palace of
Nimeguen, and because of many other ungracious acts that he did against

him. The army was immense that he had collected together. There was Leo,
the Pope of Rome, and the patriarch, and many other great men of several
provinces. He sent also to King Edward, and requested of him naval aid,
that he might not permit him to escape from him by water. Whereupon he
went to Sandwich, and lay there with a large naval armament, until the
emperor had all that he wished of Baldwin. Thither also came back again
Earl Sweyne, who had gone from this land to Denmark, and there ruined his
cause with the Danes. He came hither with a pretence, saying that he would
again submit to the king, and be his man; and he requested Earl Beorn to be
of assistance to him, and give him land to feed him on. But Harold, his
brother, and Earl Beorn resisted, and would give him nothing of that which
the king had given them. The king also refused him everything. Whereupon
Swevne retired to his ships at Bosham. Then, after the settlement between
the emperor and Baldwin, many ships went home, and the king remained
behind Sandwich with a few ships. Earl Godwin also sailed forty-two ships
from Sandwich to Pevensey, and Earl Beorn went with him. Then the king
gave leave to all the Mercians to return home, and they did so. Then it was
told the king that Osgod lay at Ulps with thirty-nine ships; whereupon the
king sent after the ships that he might dispatch, which before had gone
homewards, but still lay at the Nore. Then Osgod fetched his wife from
Bruges; and they went back again with six ships; but the rest went towards
Essex, to Eadulf's-ness, and there plundered, and then returned to their
ships. But there came upon them a strong wind, so that they were all lost
but four persons, who were afterwards slain beyond sea. Whilst Earl
Godwin and Earl Beorn lay at Pevensey with their ships, came Earl
Sweyne, and with a pretence requested of Earl Beorn, who was his uncle's
son, that he would be his companion to the king at Sandwich, and better his
condition with him; adding, that he would swear oaths to him, and be
faithful to him. Whereupon Beorn concluded, that he would not for their
relationship betray him. He therefore took three companions with him, and

they rode to Bosham, where his (63) ships lay, as though they should
proceed to Sandwich; but they suddenly bound him, and led him to the
ships, and went thence with him to Dartmouth, where they ordered him to
be slain and buried deep. He was afterwards found, and Harold his cousin
fetched him thence, and led him to Winchester, to the old minster, where he
buried him with King Knute, his uncle. Then the king and all the army
proclaimed Sweyne an outlaw. A little before this the men of Hastings and
thereabout fought his two ships with their ships, and slew all the men, and
brought the ships to Sandwich to the king. Eight ships had he, ere he
betrayed Beorn; afterwards they all forsook him except two; whereupon he
went eastward to the land of Baldwin, and sat there all the winter at Bruges,
in full security. In the same year came up from Ireland thirty-six ships on
the Welsh coast, and thereabout committed outrages, with the aid of Griffin,
the Welsh king. The people were soon gathered against them, and there was
also with them Bishop Eldred, but they had too little assistance, and the
enemy came unawares on them very early in the morning, and slew on the
spot many good men; but the others burst forth with the bishop. This was
done on the fourth day before the calends of August. This year died the
good Bishop Ednoth in Oxfordshire; and Oswy, Abbot of Thomey; and
Wulfnoth, Abbot of Westminster; and King Edward gave the bishopric
which Ednoth had to Ulf his priest, but it ill betided him; and he was driven
from it, because he did nought like a bishop therein, so that it shameth us
now to say more. Bishop Siward also died who lies at Abingdon. In this
same year King Edward put nine ships out of pay; and the crews departed,
and went away with the ships withal, leaving five ships only behind, for
whom the king ordered twelve months pay. The same year went Bishops
Hereman and Aldred to the pope at Rome on the king's errand. This year
was also consecrated the great minster at Rheims, in the presence of Pope
Leo and the emperor. There was also a great synod at St. Remy; (64) at
which was present Pope Leo, with the Archbishops of Burgundy, of

Besancon, of Treves, and of Rheims; and many wise men besides, both
clergy and laity. A great synod there held they respecting the service of
God, at the instance of St. Leo the pope. It is difficult to recognise all the
bishops that came thither, and also abbots. King Edward sent thither Bishop
Dudoc, and Abbot Wulfric, of St. Augustine's, and Elfwin, Abbot of
Ramsey, with the intent that they should report to the king what was
determined there concerning Christendom. This same year came Earl
Sweyne into England.

((A.D. 1049. This year Sweyn came again to Denmark, and Harold. uncle
of Magnus, went to Norway after Magnus was dead; and the Normans
acknowledged him: and he sent hither to land concerning peace. And
Sweyn also sent from Denmark, and begged of King Edward the aid of his
ships. They were to be at least fifty ships: but all people opposed it. And
this year also there was an earthquake, on the kalends of May, in many
places in Worcester, and in Wick, and in Derby, and elsewhere; and also
there was a great mortality among men, and murrain among cattle: and
moreover, the wild-fire did much evil in Derbyshire and elsewhere.))

A.D. 1050. This year returned the bishops home from Rome; (65) and
Earl Sweyne had his sentence of outlawry reversed. The same year died
Edsy, Archbishop of Canterbury, on the fourth day before the calends of
November; and also in the same year Elfric, Archbishop of York, on the
eleventh before the calends of February, a very venerable man and wise,
and his body lies at Peterborough. Then had King Edward a meeting of the
great council in London, in mid-lent, at which he appointed Robert the
Frank, who was before Bishop of London, Archbishop of Canterbury; and
he, during the same Lent, went to Rome after his pall. The king meanwhile
gave the see of London to Sparhawk, Abbot of Abingdon, but it was taken
from him again before he was consecrated. The king also gave the abbacy
of Abingdon to Bishop Rodulph his cousin. The same year he put all the

lightermen out of pay. (66) The pope held a council again, at Vercelli; and
Bishop Ulf came thither, where he nearly had his staff broken, had he not
paid more money, because he could not perform his duties so well as he
should do. The same year King Edward abolished the Danegeld which King
Ethelred imposed. That was in the thirty-ninth year after it had begun. That
tribute harassed all the people of England so long as is above written; and it
was always paid before other imposts, which were levied indiscriminately,
and vexed men variously.

((A.D. 1050. Thither also came Sweyn the earl, who before had gone
from this land to Denmark, and who there had ruined himself with the
Danes. He came thither with false pretences; saying that he would again be
obedient to the king. And Beorn the earl promised him that he would be of
assistance to him. Then, after the reconciliation of the emperor and of
Baldwin, many of the ships went home, and the king remained behind at
Sandwich with a few ships; and Godwin the earl also went with forty-two
ships from Sandwich to Pevensey, and Beorn the earl went with him. Then
was it made known to the king that Osgood lay at Ulps with thirty-nine
ships; and the king then sent after the ships which before had gone home,
that he might send after him. And Osgod fetched his wife from Bruges, and
they went back again with six ships. And the others landed in Sussex
[Essex] at Eadulf-ness, and there did harm, and went again to their ships:
and then a strong wind came against them, so that they were all destroyed,
except four, whose crews were slain beyond sea. While Godwin the earl and
Beorn the earl lay at Pevensey, then came Sweyn the earl, and begged
Beorn the earl, with fraud, who was his uncle's son, that he would be his
companion to the king at Sandwich, and better his affairs with him. He went
then, on account of the relationship, with three companions, with him; and
he led him then towards Bosham, where his ships lay: and then they bound
him, and led him on ship-board. Then went he thence with him to
Dartmouth, and there ordered him to be slain, and deeply buried.

Afterwards he was found, and borne to Winchester, and buried with king
Canute his uncle. A little before that, the men of Hastings and thereabout,
fought two of his ships with their ships; and slew all the men, and brought
the ships to Sandwich to the king. Eight ships he had before he betrayed
Beorn; after that all forsook him except two. In the same year arrived in the
Welsh Axa, from Ireland, thirty-six ships, and thereabout did harm, with the
help of Griffin the Welsh king. The people were gathered together against
them; Bishop Aldred [Of Worchester] was also there with them; but they
had too little power. And they came unawares upon them at very early
morn; and there they slew many good men, and the others escaped with the
bishop: this was done on the fourth before the kalends of August. This year
died, in Oxfordshire, Oswy, Abbot of Thorney, and Wulfnoth, Abbot of
Westminster; and Ulf the priest was appointed as pastor to the bishopric
which Eadnoth had held; but he was after that driven away; because he did
nothing bishop-like therein: so that it shameth us now to tell more about it.
And Bishop Siward died: he lieth at Abingdon. And this year was
consecrated the great minster at Rheims: there was Pope Leo [IX.] and the
emperor [Henry III]; and there they held a great synod concerning God's
service. St. Leo the pope presided at the synod: it is difficult to have a
knowledge of the bishops who came there, and how many abbots: and
hence, from this land were sent two—from St. Augustine's and from
Ramsey.))

A.D. 1051. This year came Archbishop Robert hither over sea with his
pall from Rome, one day before St. Peter's eve: and he took his
archiepiscopal seat at Christ-church on St. Peter's day, and soon after this
went to the king. Then came Abbot Sparhawk to him with the king's writ
and seal, to the intent that he should consecrate him Bishop o[oe] London;
but the archbishop refused, saying that the pope had forbidden him. Then
went the abbot to the archbishop again for the same purpose, and there
demanded episcopal consecration; but the archbishop obstinately refused,

repeating that the pope had forbidden him. Then went the abbot to London,
and sat at the bishopric which the king had before given him, with his full
leave, all the summer and the autumn. Then during the same year came
Eustace, who had the sister of King Edward to wife, from beyond sea, soon
after the bishop, and went to the king; and having spoken with him
whatever he chose, he then went homeward. When he came to Canterbury
eastward, there took he a repast, and his men; whence he proceeded to
Dover. When he was about a mile or more on this side Dover, he put on his
breast-plate; and so did all his companions: and they proceeded to Dover.
When they came thither, they resolved to quarter themselves wherever they
lived. Then came one of his men, and would lodge at the house of a master
of a family against his will; but having wounded the master of the house, he
was slain by the other. Then was Eustace quickly upon his horse, and his
companions upon theirs; and having gone to the master of the family, they
slew him on his own hearth; then going up to the boroughward, they slew
both within and without more than twenty men. The townsmen slew
nineteen men on the other side, and wounded more, but they knew not how
many. Eustace escaped with a few men, and went again to the king, telling
him partially how they had fared. The king was very wroth with the
townsmen, and sent off Earl Godwin, bidding him go into Kent with
hostility to Dover. For Eustace had told the king that the guilt of the
townsmen was greater than his. But it was not so: and the earl would not
consent to the expedition, because he was loth to destroy his own people.
Then sent the king after all his council, and bade them come to Gloucester
nigh the after-mass of St. Mary. Meanwhile Godwin took it much to heart,
that in his earldom such a thing should happen. Whereupon be began to
gather forces over all his earldom, and Earl Sweyne, his son, over his; and
Harold, his other son, over his earldom: and they assembled all in
Gloucestershire, at Langtree, a large and innumerable army, all ready for
battle against the king; unless Eustace and his men were delivered to them

handcuffed, and also the Frenchmen that were in the castle. This was done
seven nights before the latter mass of St. Mary, when King Edward was
sitting at Gloucester. Whereupon he sent after Earl Leofric, and north after
Earl Siward, and summoned their retinues. At first they came to him with
moderate aid; but when they found how it was in the south, then sent they
north over all their earldom, and ordered a large force to the help of their
lord. So did Ralph also over his earldom. Then came they all to Gloucester
to the aid of the king, though it was late. So unanimous were they all in
defence of the king, that they would seek Godwin's army if the king desired
it. But some prevented that; because it was very unwise that they should
come together; for in the two armies was there almost all that was noblest in
England. They therefore prevented this, that they might not leave the land at
the mercy of our foes, whilst engaged in a destructive conflict betwixt
ourselves. Then it was advised that they should exchange hostages between
them. And they issued proclamations throughout to London, whither all the
people were summoned over all this north end in Siward's earldom, and in
Leofric's, and also elsewhere; and Earl Godwin was to come thither with his
sons to a conference; They came as far as Southwark, and very many with
them from Wessex; but his army continually diminished more and more; for
they bound over to the king all the thanes that belonged to Earl Harold his
son, and outlawed Earl Sweyne his other son. When therefore it could not
serve his purpose to come to a conference against the king and against the
army that was with him, he went in the night away. In the morning the king
held a council, and proclaimed him an outlaw, with his whole army; himself
and his wife, and all his three sons—Sweyne and Tosty and Grith. And he
went south to Thorney, (67) with his wife, and Sweyne his son, and Tosty
and his wife, a cousin of Baldwin of Bruges, and his son Grith. Earl Harold
with Leofwine went to Bristol in the ship that Earl Sweyne had before
prepared and provisioned for himself; and the king sent Bishop Aldred from
London with his retinue, with orders to overtake him ere he came to ship.

But they either could not or would not: and he then went out from the
mouth of the Avon; but he encountered such adverse weather, that he got off
with difficulty, and suffered great loss. He then went forth to Ireland, as
soon as the weather permitted. In the meantime the Welshmen had wrought
a castle in Herefordshire, in the territory of Earl Sweyne, and brought as
much injury and disgrace on the king's men thereabout as they could. Then
came Earl Godwin, and Earl Sweyne, and Earl Harold, together at
Beverstone, and many men with them; to the intent that they might go to
their natural lord, and to all the peers that were assembled with him; to have
the king's counsel and assistance, and that of all the peers, how they might
avenge the insult offered to the king, and to all the nation. But the
Welshmen were before with the king, and bewrayed the earls, so that they
were not permitted to come within the sight of his eyes; for they declared
that they intended to come thither to betray the king. There was now
assembled before the king (68) Earl Siward, and Earl Leofric, and much
people with them from the north: and it was told Earl Godwin and his sons,
that the king and the men who were with him would take counsel against
them; but they prepared themselves firmly to resist, though they were loth
to proceed against their natural lord. Then advised the peers on either side,
that they should abstain from all hostility: and the king gave God's peace
and his full friendship to each party. Then advised the king and his council,
that there should be a second time a general assembly of all the nobles in
London, at the autumnal equinox: and the king ordered out an army both
south and north of the Thames, the best that ever was. Then was Earl
Sweyne proclaimed an outlaw; and Earl Godwin and Earl Harold were
summoned to the council as early as they could come. When they came
thither and were cited to the council, then required they security and
hostages, that they might come into the council and go out without
treachery. The king then demanded all the thanes that the earls had; and
they put them all into his hands. Then sent the king again to them, and

commanded them to come with twelve men to the king's council. Then
desired the earl again security and hostages, that he might answer singly to
each of the things that were laid to his charge. But the hostages were
refused; and a truce of five nights was allowed him to depart from the land.
Then went Earl Godwin and Earl Sweyne to Bosham, and drew out their
ships, and went beyond sea, seeking the protection of Baldwin; and there
they abode all the winter. Earl Harold went westward to Ireland, and was
there all the winter on the king's security. It was from Thorney (69) that
Godwin and those that were with him went to Bruges, to Baldwin's land, in
one ship, with as much treasure as they could lodge therein for each man.
Wonderful would it have been thought by every man that was then in
England, if any person had said before this that it would end thus! For he
was before raised to such a height, that he ruled the king and all England;
his sons were earls, and the king's darlings; and his daughter wedded and
united to the king. Soon after this took place, the king dismissed the lady
who had been consecrated his queen, and ordered to be taken from her all
that she had in land, and in gold, and in silver, and in all things; and
committed her to the care of his sister at Wherwell. Soon after came Earl
William from beyond sea with a large retinue of Frenchmen; and the king
entertained him and as many of his companions as were convenient to him,
and let him depart again. Then was Abbot Sparhawk driven from his
bishopric at London; and William the king's priest was invested therewith.
Then was Oddy appointed earl over Devonshire, and over Somerset, and
over Dorset, and over Wales; and Algar, the son of Earl Leofric, was
promoted to the earldom which Harold before possessed.

((A.D. 1051. In this year died Eadsine, Archbishop of Canterbury; and
the king gave to Robert the Frenchman, who before had been Bishop of
London, the archbishopric. And Sparhafoc, Abbot of Abingdon, succeeded
to the bishopric of London; and it was afterwards taken from him before he
was consecrated. And Bishop Heroman and Bishop Aldred went to Rome.))

A.D. 1052. This year, on the second day before the nones of March, died
the aged Lady Elfgiva Emma, the mother of King Edward and of King
Hardacnute, the relict of King Ethelred and of King Knute; and her body
lies in the old minster with King Knute. At this time Griffin, the Welsh king,
plundered in Herefordshire till he came very nigh to Leominster; and they
gathered against him both the landsmen and the Frenchmen from the castle;
and there were slain very many good men of the English, and also of the
French. This was on the same day thirteen years after that Edwin was slain
with his companions. In the same year advised the king and his council, that
ships should be sent out to Sandwich, and that Earl Ralph and Earl Odda
should be appointed headmen thereto. Then went Earl Godwin out from
Bruges with his ships to Ysendyck; and sailed forth one day before
midsummer-eve, till he came to the Ness that is to the south of Romney.
When it came to the knowledge of the earls out at Sandwich, they went out
after the other ships; and a land-force was also ordered out against the
ships. Meanwhile Earl Godwin had warning, and betook himself into
Pevensey: and the weather was so boisterous, that the earls could not learn
what had become of Earl Godwin. But Earl Godwin then went out again
until he came back to Bruges; and the other ships returned back again to
Sandwich. Then it was advised that the ships should go back again to
London, and that other earls and other pilots should be appointed over
them. But it was delayed so long that the marine army all deserted; and they
all betook themselves home. When Earl Godwin understood that, he drew
up his sail and his ship: and they (70) went west at once to the Isle of
Wight; and landing there, they plundered so long that the people gave them
as much as they required of them. Then proceeded they westward until they
came to Portland, where they landed and did as much harm as they could
possibly do. Meanwhile Harold had gone out from Ireland with nine ships,
and came up at Potlock with his ships to the mouth of the Severn, near the
boundaries of Somerset and Devonshire, and there plundered much. The

land-folk collected against him, both from Somerset and from Devonshire:
but he put them to flight, and slew there more than thirty good thanes,
besides others; and went soon after about Penwithstert, where was much
people gathered against him; but he spared not to provide himself with
meat, and went up and slew on the spot a great number of the people—
seizing in cattle, in men, and in money, whatever he could. Then went he
eastward to his father; and they went both together eastward (71) until they
came to the Isle of Wight, where they seized whatever had been left them
before. Thence they went to Pevensey, and got out with them as many ships
as had gone in there, and so proceeded forth till they came to the Ness; (72)
getting all the ships that were at Romney, and at Hithe, and at Folkstone.
Then ordered King Edward to fit out forty smacks that lay at Sandwich
many weeks, to watch Earl Godwin, who was at Bruges during the winter;
but he nevertheless came hither first to land, so as to escape their notice.
And whilst he abode in this land, he enticed to him all the Kentish men, and
all the boatmen from Hastings, and everywhere thereabout by the sea-coast,
and all the men of Essex and Sussex and Surrey, and many others besides.
Then said they all that they would with him live or die. When the fleet that
lay at Sandwich had intelligence about Godwin's expedition, they set sail
after him; but he escaped them, and betook himself wherever he might: and
the fleet returned to Sandwich, and so homeward to London. When Godwin
understood that the fleet that lay at Sandwich was gone home, then went he
back again to the Isle of Wight, and lay thereabout by the sea-coast so long
that they came together—he and his son Earl Harold. But they did no great
harm after they came together; save that they took meat, and enticed to
them all the land-folk by the sea-coast and also upward in the land. And
they proceeded toward Sandwich, ever alluring forth with them all the
boatmen that they met; and to Sandwich they came with an increasing army.
They then steered eastward round to Dover, and landing there, took as many
ships and hostages as they chose, and so returned to Sandwich, where they

did the same; and men everywhere gave them hostages and provisions,
wherever they required them. Then proceeded they to the Nore, and so
toward London; but some of the ships landed on the Isle of Shepey, and did
much harm there; whence they steered to Milton Regis, and burned it all,
and then proceeded toward London after the earls. When they came to
London, there lay the king and all his earls to meet them, with fifty ships.
The earls (73) then sent to the king, praying that they might be each
possessed of those things which had been unjustly taken from them. But the
king resisted some while; so long that the people who were with the earl
were very much stirred against the king and against his people, so that the
earl himself with difficulty appeased them. When King Edward understood
that, then sent he upward after more aid; but they came very late. And
Godwin stationed himself continually before London with his fleet, till he
came to Southwark; where he abode some time, until the flood (74) came
up. On this occasion he also contrived with the burgesses that they should
do almost all that he would. When he had arranged his whole expedition,
then came the flood; and they soon weighed anchor, and steered through the
bridge by the south side. The land-force meanwhile came above, and
arranged themselves by the Strand; and they formed an angle with the ships
against the north side, as if they wished to surround the king's ships. The
king had also a great land-force on his side, to add to his shipmen: but they
were most of them loth to fight with their own kinsmen—for there was little
else of any great importance but Englishmen on either side; and they were
also unwilling that this land should be the more exposed to outlandish
people, because they destroyed each other. Then it was determined that wise
men should be sent between them, who should settle peace on either side.
Godwin went up, and Harold his son, and their navy, as many as they then
thought proper. Then advanced Bishop Stigand with God's assistance, and
the wise men both within the town and without; who determined that
hostages should be given on either side. And so they did. When Archbishop

Robert and the Frenchmen knew that, they took horse; and went some west
to Pentecost Castle, some north to Robert's castle. Archbishop Robert and
Bishop Ulf, with their companions, went out at Eastgate, slaying or else
maiming many young men, and betook themselves at once to Eadulf's-ness;
where he put himself on board a crazy ship, and went at once over sea,
leaving his pall and all Christendom here on land, as God ordained, because
he had obtained an honour which God disclaimed. Then was proclaimed a
general council without London; and all the earls and the best men in the
land were at the council. There took up Earl Godwin his burthen, and
cleared himself there before his lord King Edward, and before all the
nation; proving that he was innocent of the crime laid to his charge, and to
his son Harold and all his children. And the king gave the earl and his
children, and all the men that were with him, his full friendship, and the full
earldom, and all that he possessed before; and he gave the lady all that she
had before. Archbishop Robert was fully proclaimed an outlaw, with all the
Frenchmen; because they chiefly made the discord between Earl Godwin
and the king: and Bishop Stigand succeeded to the archbishopric at
Canterbury. At the council therefore they gave Godwin fairly his earldom,
so full and so free as he at first possessed it; and his sons also all that they
formerly had; and his wife and his daughter so full and so free as they
formerly had. And they fastened full friendship between them, and ordained
good laws to all people. Then they outlawed all Frenchmen—who before
instituted bad laws, and judged unrighteous judgment, and brought bad
counsels into this land—except so many as they concluded it was agreeable
to the king to have with him, who were true to him and to all his people. It
was with difficulty that Bishop Robert, and Bishop William, and Bishop
Ulf, escaped with the Frenchmen that were with them, and so went over
sea. Earl Godwin, and Harold, and the queen, sat in their stations. Sweyne
had before gone to Jerusalem from Bruges, and died on his way home at
Constantinople, at Michaelmas. It was on the Monday after the festival of

St. Mary, that Godwin came with his ships to Southwark: and on the
morning afterwards, on the Tuesday, they were reconciled as it stands here
before recorded. Godwin then sickened soon after he came up, and returned
back. But he made altogether too little restitution of God's property, which
he acquired from many places. At the same time Arnwy, Abbot of
Peterborough, resigned his abbacy in full health; and gave it to the monk
Leofric, with the king's leave and that of the monks; and the Abbot Arnwy
lived afterwards eight winters. The Abbot Leofric gilded the minster, so that
it was called Gildenborough; and it then waxed very much in land, and in
gold, and in silver.

((A.D. 1052. This year died Alfric, Archbishop of York, a very pious
man, and wise. And in the same year King Edward abolished the tribute,
which King Ethelred had before imposed: that was in the nine-and-thirtieth
year after he had begun it. That tax distressed all the English nation during
so long a time, as it has been written; that was ever before other taxes which
were variously paid, and wherewith the people were manifestly distressed.
In the same year Eustace [Earl of Boulougne] landed at Dover: he had King
Edward's sister to wife. Then went his men inconsiderately after quarters,
and a certain man of the town they slew; and another man of the town their
companion; so that there lay seven of his companions. And much harm was
there done on either side, by horse and also by weapons, until the people
gathered together: and then they fled away until they came to the king at
Gloucester; and he gave them protection. When Godwin, the earl,
understood that such things should have happened in his earldom, then
began he to gather together people over all his earldom, (75) and Sweyn,
the earl, his son, over his, and Harold, his other son, over his earldom; and
they all drew together in Gloucestershire, at Langtree, a great force and
countless, all ready for battle against the king, unless Eustace were given
up, and his men placed in their hands, and also the Frenchmen who were in
the castle. This was done seven days before the latter mass of St. Mary.

Then was King Edward sitting at Gloucester. Then sent he after Leofric the
earl [Of Mercia] and north after Siward the earl [Of Northumbria] and
begged their forces. And then they came to him; first with a moderate aid,
but after they knew how it was there, in the south, then sent they north over
all their earldoms, and caused to be ordered out a large force for the help of
their lord; and Ralph, also, over his earldom: and then came they all to
Gloucester to help the king, though it might be late. Then were they all so
united in opinion with the king that they would have sought out Godwin's
forces if the king had so willed. Then thought some of them that it would be
a great folly that they should join battle; because there was nearly all that
was most noble in England in the two armies, and they thought that they
should expose the land to our foes, and cause great destruction among
ourselves. Then counselled they that hostages should be given mutually;
and they appointed a term at London, and thither the people were ordered
out over all this north end, in Siward's earldom, and in Leofric's, and also
elsewhere; and Godwin, the earl, and his sons were to come there with their
defence. Then came they to Southwark, and a great multitude with them,
from Wessex; but his band continually diminished the longer he stayed. And
they exacted pledges for the king from all the thanes who were under
Harold, the earl, his son; and then they outlawed Sweyn, the earl, his other
son. Then did it not suit him to come with a defence to meet the king, and to
meet the army which was with him. Then went he by night away; and the
king on the morrow held a council, and, together with all the army, declared
him an outlaw, him and all his sons. And he went south to Thorney, and his
wife, and Sweyn his son, and Tosty and his wife, Baldwin's relation of
Bruges, and Grith his son. And Harold, the earl, and Leofwine, went to
Bristol in the ship which Sweyn, the earl, had before got ready for himself,
and provisioned. And the king sent Bishop Aldred [Of Worcester] to
London with a force; and they were to overtake him ere he came on ship-
board: but they could not or they would not. And he went out from

Avonmouth, and met with such heavy weather that he with difficulty got
away; and there he sustained much damage. Then went he forth to Ireland
when fit weather came. And Godwin, and those who were with him, went
from Thorney to Bruges, to Baldwin's land, in one ship, with as much
treasure as they might therein best stow for each man. It would have
seemed wondrous to every man who was in England if any one before that
had said that it should end thus; for he had been erewhile to that degree
exalted, as if he ruled the king and all England; and his sons were earls and
the king's darlings, and his daughter wedded and united to the king: she was
brought to Wherwell, and they delivered her to the abbess. Then, soon,
came William, the earl [Of Normandy], from beyond seas with a great band
of Frenchmen; and the king received him, and as many of his companions
as it pleased him; and let him away again. This same year was given to
William, the priest, the bishopric of London, which before had been given
to Sparhafoc.))

((A.D. 1052. This year died Elfgive, the lady, relict of King Ethelred and
of King Canute, on the second before the nones of March. In the same year
Griffin, the Welsh king, plundered in Herefordshire, until he came very nigh
to Leominster; and they gathered against him, as well the landsmen as the
Frenchmen of the castle, and there were slain of the English very many
good men, and also of the Frenchmen; that was on the same day, on which,
thirteen years before, Eadwine had been slain by his companions.))

((A.D. 1052. In this year died Elgive Emma, King Edward's mother and
King Hardecanute's. And in this same year, the king decreed, and his
council, that ships should proceed to Sandwich; and they set Ralph, the earl,
and Odda, the earl [Of Devon], as headmen thereto. Then Godwin, the earl,
went out from Bruges with his ships to Ysendyck, and left it one day before
Midsummer's-mass eve, so that he came to Ness, which is south of Romney.
Then came it to the knowledge of the earls out at Sandwich; and they then

went out after the other ships, and a land-force was ordered out against the
ships. Then during this, Godwin, the earl, was warned, and then he went to
Pevensey; and the weather was very severe, so that the earls could not learn
what was become of Godwin, the earl. And then Godwin, the earl, went out
again, until he came once more to Bruges; and the other ships returned
again to Sandwich. And then it was decreed that the ships should return
once more to London, and that other earls and commanders should be
appointed to the ships. Then was it delayed so long that the ship-force all
departed, and all of them went home. When Godwin, the earl, learned that,
then drew he up his sail, and his fleet, and then went west direct to the Isle
of Wight, and there landed and ravaged so long there, until the people
yielded them so much as they laid on them. And then they went westward
until they came to Portland, and there they landed, and did whatsoever harm
they were able to do. Then was Harold come out from Ireland with nine
ships; and then landed at Porlock, and there much people was gathered
against him; but he failed not to procure himself provisions. He proceeded
further, and slew there a great number of the people, and took of cattle, and
of men, and of property as it suited him. He then went eastward to his
father; and then they both went eastward until they came to the Isle of
Wight, and there took that which was yet remaining for them. And then they
went thence to Pevensey and got away thence as many ships as were there
fit for service, and so onwards until he came to Ness, and got all the ships
which were in Romney, and in Hythe, and in Folkstone. And then they went
east to Dover, and there landed, and there took ships and hostages, as many
as they would, and so went to Sandwich and did "hand" the same; and
everywhere hostages were given them, and provisions wherever they
desired. And then they went to North-mouth, and so toward London; and
some of the ships went within Sheppey, and there did much harm, and went
their way to King's Milton, and that they all burned, and betook themselves
then toward London after the earls. When they came to London, there lay

the king and all the earls there against them, with fifty ships. Then the earls
sent to the king, and required of him, that they might be held worthy of each
of those things which had been unjustly taken from them. Then the king,
however, resisted some while; so long as until the people who were with the
earl were much stirred against the king and against his people, so that the
earl himself with difficulty stilled the people. Then Bishop Stigand
interposed with God's help, and the wise men as well within the town as
without; and they decreed that hostages should be set forth on either side:
and thus was it done. When Archbishop Robert and the Frenchmen learned
that, they took their horses and went, some west to Pentecost's castle, some
north to Robert's castle. And Archbishop Robert and Bishop Ulf went out at
East-gate, and their companions, and slew and otherwise injured many
young men, and went their way to direct Eadulf's-ness; and he there put
himself in a crazy ship, and went direct over sea, and left his pall and all
Christendom here on land, so as God would have it, inasmuch as he had
before obtained the dignity so as God would not have it. Then there was a
great council proclaimed without London: and all the earls and the chief
men who were in this land were at the council. There Godwin bore forth his
defence, and justified himself, before King Edward his lord, and before all
people of the land, that he was guiltless of that which was laid against him,
and against Harold his son, and all his children. And the king gave to the
earl and his children his full friendship, and full earldom, and all that he
before possessed, and to all the men who were with him. And the king gave
to the lady [Editha] all that she before possessed. And they declared
Archbishop Robert utterly an outlaw, and all the Frenchmen, because they
had made most of the difference between Godwin, the earl, and the king.
And Bishop Stigand obtained the Archbishopric of Canterbury. In this same
time Arnwy, Abbot of Peterborough, left the abbacy, in sound health, and
gave it to Leofric the monk, by leave of the king and of the monks; and
Abbot Arnwy lived afterwards eight years. And Abbot Leofric then

(enriched) the minster, so that it was called the Golden-borough. Then it
waxed greatly, in land, and in gold, and in silver.))

((A.D. 1052. And went so to the Isle of Wight, and there took all the
ships which could be of any service, and hostages, and betook himself so
eastward. And Harold had landed with nine ships at Porlock, and slew there
much people, and took cattle, and men, and property, and went his way
eastward to his father, and they both went to Romney, to Hythe, to
Folkstone, to Dover, to Sandwich, and ever they took all the ships which
they found, which could be of any service, and hostages, all as they
proceeded; and went then to London.))

A.D. 1053. About this time was the great wind, on the mass-night of St.
Thomas; which did much harm everywhere. And all the midwinter also was
much wind. It was this year resolved to slay Rees, the Welsh king's brother,
because he did harm; and they brought his head to Gloucester on the eve of
Twelfth-day. In this same year, before Allhallowmas, died Wulfsy, Bishop
of Lichfield; and Godwin, Abbot of Winchcomb; and Aylward, Abbot of
Glastonbury; all within one month. And Leofwine, Abbot of Coventry, took
to the bishopric at Lichfield; Bishop Aldred to the abbacy at Winchcomb;
and Aylnoth took to the abbacy at Glastonbury. The same year died Elfric,
brother of Odda, at Deerhurst; and his body resteth at Pershore. In this year
was the king at Winchester, at Easter; and Earl Godwin with him, and Earl
Harold his son, and Tosty. On the day after Easter sat he with the king at
table; when he suddenly sunk beneath against the foot-rail, deprived of
speech and of all his strength. He was brought into the king's chamber; and
they supposed that it would pass over: but it was not so. He continued thus
speechless and helpless till the Thursday; when he resigned his life, on the
seventeenth before the calends of May; and he was buried at Winchester in
the old minster. Earl Harold, his son, took to the earldom that his father had
before, and to all that his father possessed; whilst Earl Elgar took to the

earldom that Harold had before. The Welshmen this year slew a great many
of the warders of the English people at Westbury. This year there was no
archbishop in this land: but Bishop Stigand held the see of Canterbury at
Christ church, and Kinsey that of York. Leofwine and Wulfwy went over
sea, and had themselves consecrated bishops there. Wulfwy took to the
bishopric which Ulf had whilst he was living and in exile.

((A.D. 1053. This year was the great wind on Thomas's-mass-night, and
also the whole midwinter there was much wind; and it was decreed that
Rees, the Welsh king's brother, should be slain, because he had done harm;
and his head was brought to Gloucester on Twelfth-day eve. And the same
year, before All Hallows-mass, died Wulfsy, Bishop of Lichfield, and
Godwin, Abbot of Winchcomb, and Egelward, Abbot of Clastonbury, all
within one month, and Leofwine succeeded to the Bishopric of Lichfield,
and Bishop Aidred [Of Worcester] took the abbacy at Winchcomb, and
Egelnoth succeeded to the abbacy at Glastonbury. And the same year died
Elfric, Odda's brother at Deorhurst; and his body resteth at Pershore. And
the same year died Godwin the earl; and he fell ill as he sat with the king at
Winchester. And Harold his son succeeded to the earldom which his father
before held; and Elgar, the earl, succeeded to the earldom which Harold
before held.))

((A.D. 1053. In this year died Godwin, the earl, on the seventeenth before
the kalends of May, and he is buried at Winchester, in the Old-minster; and
Harold, the earl, his son, succeeded to the earldom, and to all that which his
father had held: and Elgar, the earl, succeeded to the earldom which Harold
before held.))

A.D. 1054. This year died Leo the holy pope, at Rome: and Victor was
chosen pope in his stead. And in this year was so great loss of cattle as was
not remembered for many winters before. This year went Earl Siward with

a large army against Scotland, consisting both of marines and landforces;
and engaging with the Scots, he put to flight the King Macbeth; slew all the
best in the land; and led thence much spoil, such as no man before obtained.
Many fell also on his side, both Danish and English; even his own son,
Osborn, and his sister's son, Sihward: and many of his house-carls, and also
of the king's, were there slain that day, which was that of the Seven
Sleepers. This same year went Bishop Aldred south over sea into Saxony, to
Cologne, on the king's errand; where he was entertained with great respect
by the emperor, abode there well-nigh a year, and received presents not only
from the court, but from the Bishop of Cologne and the emperor. He
commissioned Bishop Leofwine to consecrate the minster at Evesham; and
it was consecrated in the same year, on the sixth before the ides of October.
This year also died Osgod Clapa suddenly in his bed, as he lay at rest.

((A.D. 1054. This year went Siward the earl with a great army into
Scotland, both with a ship-force and with a landforce, and fought against
the Scots, and put to flight King Macbeth, and slew all who were the chief
men in the land, and led thence much booty, such as no man before had
obtained. But his son Osborn, and his sister's son Siward, and some of his
house-carls, and also of the king's, were there slain, on the day of the Seven
Sleepers. The same year went Bishop Aldred to Cologne, over sea, on the
king's errand; and he was there received with much worship by the emperor
[Henry III], and there he dwelt well nigh a year; and either gave him
entertainment, both the Bishop of Cologne and the emperor. And he gave
leave to Bishop Leofwine [Of Lichfield] to consecrate the minster at
Evesham on the sixth before the ides of October. In this year died Osgod
suddenly in his bed. And this year died St. Leo the pope; and Victor was
chosen pope in his stead.))

A.D. 1055. This year died Earl Siward at York; and his body lies within
the minster at Galmanho, (76) which he had himself ordered to be built and

consecrated, in the name of God and St. Olave, to the honour of God and to
all his saints. Archbishop Kinsey fetched his pall from Pope Victor. Then,
within a little time after, a general council was summoned in London, seven
nights before mid-Lent; at which Earl Elgar, son of Earl Leofric, was
outlawed almost without any guilt; because it was said against him that he
was the betrayer of the king and of all the people of the land. And he was
arraigned thereof before all that were there assembled, though the crime
laid to his charge was unintentional. The king, however, gave the earldom,
which Earl Siward formerly had, to Tosty, son of Earl Godwin. Whereupon
Earl Elgar sought Griffin's territory in North-Wales; whence he went to
Ireland, and there gave him a fleet of eighteen ships, besides his own; and
then returned to Wales to King Griffin with the armament, who received
him on terms of amity. And they gathered a great force with the Irishmen
and the Welsh: and Earl Ralph collected a great army against them at the
town of Hereford; where they met; but ere there was a spear thrown the
English people fled, because they were on horses. The enemy then made a
great slaughter there—about four hundred or five hundred men; they on the
other side none. They went then to the town, and burned it utterly; and the
large minster (77) also which the worthy Bishop Athelstan had caused to be
built, that they plundered and bereft of relic and of reef, and of all things
whatever; and the people they slew, and led some away. Then an army from
all parts of England was gathered very nigh; (78) and they came to
Gloucester: whence they sallied not far out against the Welsh, and there lay
some time. And Earl Harold caused the dike to be dug about the town the
while. Meantime men began to speak of peace; and Earl Harold and those
who were with him came to Bilsley, where amity and friendship were
established between them. The sentence of outlawry against Earl Elgar was
reversed; and they gave him all that was taken from him before. The fleet
returned to Chester, and there awaited their pay, which Elgar promised
them. The slaughter was on the ninth before the calends of November. In

the same year died Tremerig, the Welsh bishop, soon after the plundering;
who was Bishop Athelstan's substitute, after he became infirm.

((A.D. 1055. In this year died Siward the earl at York, and he lies at
Galmanho, in the minster which himself caused to be built, and consecrated
in God's and Olave's name. And Tosty succeeded to the earldom which he
had held. And Archbishop Kynsey [Of York], fetched his pall from Pope
Victor. And soon thereafter was outlawed Elgar the earl, son of Leofric the
earl, well-nigh without guilt. But he went to Ireland and to Wales, and
procured himself there a great force, and so went to Hereford: but there
came against him Ralph the earl, with a large army, and with a slight
conflict he put them to flight, and much people slew in the flight: and they
went then into Hereford-port, and that they ravaged, and burned the great
minster which Bishop Athelstan had built, and slew the priests within the
minster, and many in addition thereto, and took all the treasures therein, and
carried them away with them. And when they had done the utmost evil, this
counsel was counselled: that Elgar the earl should be inlawed, and be given
his earldom, and all that had been taken from him. This ravaging happened
on the 9th before the Kalends of November. In the same year died Tremerin
the Welsh bishop [Of St. David's] soon after that ravaging: and he was
Bishop Athelstan's coadjutor from the time that he had become infirm.))

((A.D. 1055. In this year died Siward the earl: and then was summoned a
general council, seven days before Mid-lent; and they outlawed Elgar the
earl, because it was cast upon him that he was a traitor to the king and to all
the people of the land. And he made a confession of it before all the men
who were there gathered; though the word escaped him unintentionally.
And the king gave the earldom to Tosty, son of Earl Godwin, which Siward
the earl before held. And Elgar the earl sought Griffin's protection in North-
Wales. And in this year Griffin and Elgar burned St. Ethelbert's minster, and
all the town of Hereford.))

A.D. 1056. This year Bishop Egelric resigned his bishopric at Durham,
and retired to Peterborough minster; and his brother Egelwine succeeded
him. The worthy Bishop Athelstan died on the fourth before the ides of
February; and his body lies at Hereford. To him succeeded Leofgar, who
was Earl Harold's mass-priest. He wore his knapsack in his priesthood, until
he was a bishop. He abandoned his chrism and his rood—his ghostly
weapons—and took to his spear and to his sword, after his bishophood; and
so marched to the field against Griffin the Welsh king. (79) But he was
there slain, and his priests with him, and Elnoth the sheriff, and many other
good men with them; and the rest fled. This was eight nights before
midsummer. Difficult is it to relate all the vexation and the journeying, the
marching and the fatigue, the fall of men, and of horses also, which the
whole army of the English suffered, until Earl Leofric, and Earl Harold, and
Bishop Eldred, came together and made peace between them; so that Griffin
swore oaths, that he would be a firm and faithful viceroy to King Edward.
Then Bishop Eldred took to the bishopric which Leofgar had before eleven
weeks and four days. The same year died Cona the emperor; and Earl Odda,
whose body lies at Pershore, and who was admitted a monk before his end;
which was on the second before the calends of September; a good man and
virtuous and truly noble.

A.D. 1057. This year came Edward Etheling, son of King Edmund, to
this land, and soon after died. His body is buried within St. Paul's minster at
London. He was brother's son to King Edward. King Edmund was called
Ironside for his valour. This etheling King Knute had sent into Hungary, to
betray him; but he there grew in favour with good men, as God granted
him, and it well became him; so that he obtained the emperor's cousin in
marriage, and by her had a fair offspring. Her name was Agatha. We know
not for what reason it was done, that he should see his relation, King
Edward. Alas! that was a rueful time, and injurious to all this nation—that
he ended his life so soon after he came to England, to the misfortune of this

miserable people. The same year died Earl Leofric, on the second before the
calends of October; who was very wise before God, and also before the
world; and who benefited all this nation. (80) He lies at Coventry (81): and
his son Elgar took to his territory. This year died Earl Ralph, on the twelfth
before the calends of January; and lies at Peterborough. Also died Bishop
Heca, in Sussex; and Egelric was elevated to his see. This year also died
Pope Victor; and Stephen was chosen pope, who was Abbot of Monut
Cassino.

((A.D. 1057. In this year Edward Etheling, King Edmund's son, came
hither to land, and soon after died, and his body is buried within St. Paul's
minster at London. And Pope Victor died, and Stephen [IX.] was chosen
pope: he was Abbot of Mont-Cassino. And Leofric the earl died, and Elgar
his son succeeded to the earldom which the father before held.))

A.D. 1058. This year was Earl Elgar banished: but he soon came in again
by force, through Griffin's assistance: and a naval armament came from
Norway. It is tedious to tell how it all fell out. In this same year Bishop
Aldred consecrated the minster church at Gloucester, which he himself had
raised (82) to the honour of God and St. Peter; and then went to Jerusalem
(83) with such dignity as no other man did before him, and betook himself
there to God. A worthy gift he also offered to our Lord's sepulchre; which
was a golden chalice of the value of five marks, of very wonderful
workmanship. In the same year died Pope Stephen; and Benedict was
appointed pope. He sent hither the pall to Bishop Stigand; who as
archbishop consecrated Egelric a monk at Christ church, Bishop of Sussex;
and Abbot Siward Bishop of Rochester.

((A.D. 1058. This year died Pope Stephen, and Benedict was
consecrated pope: the same sent hither to land a pall to
Archbishop Stigand. And in this year died Heca, Bishop of

Sussex; and Archbishop Stigand ordained Algeric, a monk at
Christchurch, Bishop of Sussex, and Abbot Siward Bishop of
Rochester.))

A.D. 1059. This year was Nicholas chosen pope, who had been
Bishop of Florence; and Benedict was expelled, who was pope
before. This year also was consecrated the steeple (84) at
Peterborough, on the sixteenth before the calends of November.

A.D. 1060. This year was a great earthquake on the Translation of St.
Martin, and King Henry died in France. Kinsey, Archbishop of York, died
on the eleventh before the calends of January; and he lies at Peterborough.
Bishop Aldred succeeded to the see, and Walter to that of Herefordshire.
Dudoc also died, who was Bishop of Somersetshire; and Gisa the priest was
appointed in his stead.

A.D. 1061. This year went Bishop Aldred to Rome after his pall; which
he received at the hands of Pope Nicholas. Earl Tosty and his wife also
went to Rome; and the bishop and the earl met with great difficulty as they
returned home. In the same year died Bishop Godwin at St. Martin's, (85)
on the seventh before the ides of March; and in the self-same year died
Wulfric, Abbot of St. Augustine's, in the Easterweek, on the fourteenth
before the calends of May. Pope Nicholas also died; and Alexander was
chosen pope, who was Bishop of Lucca. When word came to the king that
the Abbot Wulfric was dead, then chose he Ethelsy, a monk of the old
minster, to succeed; who followed Archbishop Stigand, and was
consecrated abbot at Windsor on St. Augustine's mass-day.

((A.D. 1061. In this year died Dudoc, Bishop of Somerset, and Giso
succeeded. And in the same year died Godwin, Bishop of St. Martin's, on
the seventh before the ides of March. And in the self-same year died
Wulfric, Abbot of St. Augustine's, within the Easter week, on the fourteenth

before the kalends of May. When word came to the king that Abbot Wulfric
was departed, then chose he Ethelsy the monk thereto, from the Old-
Minster, who then followed Archbishop Stigand, and was consecrated abbot
at Windsor, on St. Augustine's mass-day.))

A.D. 1063. This year went Earl Harold, after mid-winter, from
Gloucester to Rhyddlan; which belonged to Griffin: and that habitation he
burned, with his ships and all the rigging belonging thereto; and put him to
flight. Then in the gang-days went Harold with his ships from Bristol about
Wales; where he made a truce with the people, and they gave him hostages.
Tosty meanwhile advanced with a land-force against them, and plundered
the land. But in the harvest of the same year was King Griffin slain, on the
nones of August, by his own men, through the war that he waged with Earl
Harold. He was king over all the Welsh nation. And his head was brought to
Earl Harold; who sent it to the king, with his ship's head, and the rigging
therewith. King Edward committed the land to his two brothers, Blethgent
and Rigwatle; who swore oaths, and gave hostages to the king and to the
earl, that they would be faithful to him in all things, ready to aid him
everywhere by water and land, and would pay him such tribute from the
land as was paid long before to other kings.

((A.D. 1063. This year went Harold the earl, and his brother Tosty the
earl, as well with a land-force as a shipforce, into Wales, and they subdued
the land; and the people delivered hostages to them, and submitted; and
went afterwards and slew their King Griffin, and brought to Harold his
head: and he appointed another king thereto.))

A.D. 1065. This year, before Lammas, ordered Earl Harold his men to
build at Portskeweth in Wales. But when he had begun, and collected many
materials, and thought to have King Edward there for the purpose of
hunting, even when it was all ready, came Caradoc, son of Griffin, with all

the gang that he could get, and slew almost all that were building there; and
they seized the materials that were there got ready. Wist we not who first
advised the wicked deed. This was done on the mass-day of St.
Bartholomew. Soon after this all the thanes in Yorkshire and in
Northumberland gathered themselves together at York, and outlawed their
Earl Tosty; slaying all the men of his clan that they could reach, both
Danish and English; and took all his weapons in York, with gold and silver,
and all his money that they could anywhere there find. They then sent after
Morkar, son of Earl Elgar, and chose him for their earl. He went south with
all the shire, and with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and Lincolnshire,
till he came to Northampton; where his brother Edwin came to meet him
with the men that were in his earldom. Many Britons also came with him.
Harold also there met them; on whom they imposed an errand to King
Edward, sending also messengers with him, and requesting that they might
have Morcar for their earl. This the king granted; and sent back Harold to
them, to Northampton, on the eve of St. Simon and St. Jude; and announced
to them the same, and confirmed it by hand, and renewed there the laws of
Knute. But the Northern men did much harm about Northampton, whilst he
went on their errand: either that they slew men, and burned houses and
corn; or took all the cattle that they could come at; which amounted to
many thousands. Many hundred men also they took, and led northward with
them; so that not only that shire, but others near it were the worse for many
winters. Then Earl Tosty and his wife, and all they who acted with him,
went south over sea with him to Earl Baldwin; who received them all: and
they were there all the winter. About midwinter King Edward came to
Westminster, and had the minster there consecrated, which he had himself
built to the honour of God, and St. Peter, and all God's saints. This church-
hallowing was on Childermas-day. He died on the eve of twelfth-day; and
he was buried on twelfth-day in the same minster; as it is hereafter said.
Here Edward king, (86) of Angles lord, sent his stedfast soul to Christ. In

the kingdom of God a holy spirit! He in the world here abode awhile, in the
kingly throng of council sage. Four and twenty winters wielding the sceptre
freely, wealth he dispensed. In the tide of health, the youthful monarch,
offspring of Ethelred! ruled well his subjects; the Welsh and the Scots, and
the Britons also, Angles and Saxons relations of old. So apprehend the first
in rank, that to Edward all the noble king were firmly held high-seated men.
Blithe-minded aye was the harmless king; though he long ere, of land
bereft, abode in exile wide on the earth; when Knute o'ercame the kin of
Ethelred, and the Danes wielded the dear kingdom of Engle-land. Eight and
twenty winters' rounds they wealth dispensed. Then came forth free in his
chambers, in royal array, good, pure, and mild, Edward the noble; by his
country defended— by land and people. Until suddenly came the bitter
Death and this king so dear snatched from the earth. Angels carried his soul
sincere into the light of heaven. But the prudent king had settled the realm
on high-born men— on Harold himself, the noble earl; who in every season
faithfully heard and obeyed his lord, in word and deed; nor gave to any
what might be wanted by the nation's king. This year also was Earl Harold
hallowed to king; but he enjoyed little tranquillity therein the while that he
wielded the kingdom.

((A.D. 1065. And the man-slaying was on St. Bartholomew's mass-day.
And then, after Michael's-mass, all the thanes in Yorkshire went to York,
and there slew all Earl Tosty's household servants whom they might hear of,
and took his treasures: and Tosty was then at Britford with the king. And
then, very soon thereafter, was a great council at Northampton; and then at
Oxford on the day of Simon and Jude. And there was Harold the earl, and
would work their reconciliation if he might, but he could not: but all his
earldom him unanimously forsook and outlawed, and all who with him
lawlessness upheld, because he robbed God first, and all those bereaved
over whom he had power of life and of land. And they then took to
themselves Morkar for earl; and Tosty went then over sea, and his wife with

him, to Baldwin's land, and they took up their winter residence at St.
Omer's.))

A.D. 1066. This year came King Harold from York to Westminster, on
the Easter succeeding the midwinter when the king (Edward) died. Easter
was then on the sixteenth day before the calends of May. Then was over all
England such a token seen as no man ever saw before. Some men said that
it was the comet-star, which others denominate the long-hair'd star. It
appeared first on the eve called "Litania major", that is, on the eighth before
the calends off May; and so shone all the week. Soon after this came in Earl
Tosty from beyond sea into the Isle of Wight, with as large a fleet as he
could get; and he was there supplied with money and provisions. Thence he
proceeded, and committed outrages everywhere by the sea-coast where he
could land, until he came to Sandwich. When it was told King Harold, who
was in London, that his brother Tosty was come to Sandwich, he gathered
so large a force, naval and military, as no king before collected in this land;
for it was credibly reported that Earl William from Normandy, King
Edward's cousin, would come hither and gain this land; just as it afterwards
happened. When Tosty understood that King Harold was on the way to
Sandwich, he departed thence, and took some of the boatmen with him,
willing and unwilling, and went north into the Humber with sixty skips;
whence he plundered in Lindsey, and there slew many good men. When the
Earls Edwin and Morkar understood that, they came hither, and drove him
from the land. And the boatmen forsook him. Then he went to Scotland
with twelve smacks; and the king of the Scots entertained him, and aided
him with provisions; and he abode there all the summer. There met him
Harold, King of Norway, with three hundred ships. And Tosty submitted to
him, and became his man. (87) Then came King Harold (88) to Sandwich,
where he awaited his fleet; for it was long ere it could be collected: but
when it was assembled, he went into the Isle of Wight, and there lay all the
summer and the autumn. There was also a land-force every where by the

sea, though it availed nought in the end. It was now the nativity of St. Mary,
when the provisioning of the men began; and no man could keep them there
any longer. They therefore had leave to go home: and the king rode up, and
the ships were driven to London; but many perished ere they came thither.
When the ships were come home, then came Harald, King of Norway, north
into the Tine, unawares, with a very great sea-force—no small one; that
might be, with three hundred ships or more; and Earl Tosty came to him
with all those that he had got; just as they had before said: and they both
then went up with all the fleet along the Ouse toward York. (89) When it
was told King Harold in the south, after he had come from the ships, that
Harald, King of Norway, and Earl Tosty were come up near York, then went
he northward by day and night, as soon as he could collect his army. But,
ere King Harold could come thither, the Earls Edwin and Morkar had
gathered from their earldoms as great a force as they could get, and fought
with the enemy. (90) They made a great slaughter too; but there was a good
number of the English people slain, and drowned, and put to flight: and the
Northmen had possession of the field of battle. It was then told Harold, king
of the English, that this had thus happened. And this fight was on the eve of
St. Matthew the apostle, which was Wednesday. Then after the fight went
Harold, King of Norway, and Earl Tosty into York with as many followers
as they thought fit; and having procured hostages and provisions from the
city, they proceeded to their ships, and proclaimed full friendship, on
condition that all would go southward with them, and gain this land. In the
midst of this came Harold, king of the English, with all his army, on the
Sunday, to Tadcaster; where he collected his fleet. Thence he proceeded on
Monday throughout York. But Harald, King of Norway, and Earl Tosty,
with their forces, were gone from their ships beyond York to
Stanfordbridge; for that it was given them to understand, that hostages
would be brought to them there from all the shire. Thither came Harold,
king of the English, unawares against them beyond the bridge; and they

closed together there, and continued long in the day fighting very severely.
There was slain Harald the Fair-hair'd, King of Norway, and Earl Tosty, and
a multitude of people with them, both of Normans and English; (91) and the
Normans that were left fled from the English, who slew them hotly behind;
until some came to their ships, some were drowned, some burned to death,
and thus variously destroyed; so that there was little left: and the English
gained possession of the field. But there was one of the Norwegians who
withstood the English folk, so that they could not pass over the bridge, nor
complete the victory. An Englishman aimed at him with a javelin, but it
availed nothing. Then came another under the bridge, who pierced him
terribly inwards under the coat of mail. And Harold, king of the English,
then came over the bridge, followed by his army; and there they made a
great slaughter, both of the Norwegians and of the Flemings. But Harold let
the king's son, Edmund, go home to Norway with all the ships. He also
gave quarter to Olave, the Norwegian king's son, and to their bishop, and to
the earl of the Orkneys, and to all those that were left in the ships; who then
went up to our king, and took oaths that they would ever maintain faith and
friendship unto this land. Whereupon the King let them go home with
twenty-four ships. These two general battles were fought within five nights.
Meantime Earl William came up from Normandy into Pevensey on the eve
of St. Michael's mass; and soon after his landing was effected, they
constructed a castle at the port of Hastings. This was then told to King
Harold; and he gathered a large force, and came to meet him at the estuary
of Appledore. William, however, came against him unawares, ere his army
was collected; but the king, nevertheless, very hardly encountered him with
the men that would support him: and there was a great slaughter made on
either side. There was slain King Harold, and Leofwin his brother, and Earl
Girth his brother, with many good men: and the Frenchmen gained the field
of battle, as God granted them for the sins of the nation. Archbishop Aldred
and the corporation of London were then desirous of having child Edgar to

king, as he was quite natural to them; and Edwin and Morkar promised
them that they would fight with them. But the more prompt the business
should ever be, so was it from day to day the later and worse; as in the end
it all fared. This battle was fought on the day of Pope Calixtus: and Earl
William returned to Hastings, and waited there to know whether the people
would submit to him. But when he found that they would not come to him,
he went up with all his force that was left and that came since to him from
over sea, and ravaged all the country that he overran, until he came to
Berkhampstead; where Archbishop Aldred came to meet him, with child
Edgar, and Earls Edwin and Morkar, and all the best men from London;
who submitted then for need, when the most harm was done. It was very ill-
advised that they did not so before, seeing that God would not better things
for our sins. And they gave him hostages and took oaths: and he promised
them that he would be a faithful lord to them; though in the midst of this
they plundered wherever they went. Then on midwinter's day Archbishop
Aldred hallowed him to king at Westminster, and gave him possession with
the books of Christ, and also swore him, ere that he would set the crown on
his head, that he would so well govern this nation as any before him best
did, if they would be faithful to him. Neverrhetess he laid very heavy tribute
on men, and in Lent went over sea to Normandy, taking with him
Archbishop Stigand, and Abbot Aylnoth of Glastonbury, and the child
Edgar, and the Earls Edwin, Morkar, and Waltheof, and many other good
men of England. Bishop Odo and Earl William lived here afterwards, and
wrought castles widely through this country, and harassed the miserable
people; and ever since has evil increased very much. May the end be good,
when God will! In that same expedition (92) was Leofric, Abbot of
Peterborough; who sickened there, and came home, and died soon after, on
the night of Allhallow-mass. God honour his soul! In his day was all bliss
and all good at Peterborough. He was beloved by all; so that the king gave
to St. Peter and him the abbey at Burton, and that at Coventry, which the

Earl Leofric, who was his uncle, had formerly made; with that of Croyland,
and that of Thorney. He did so much good to the minster of Peterborough,
in gold, and in silver, and in shroud, and in land, as no other ever did before
him, nor any one after him. But now was Gilden-borough become a
wretched borough. The monks then chose for abbot Provost Brand, because
he was a very good man, and very wise; and sent him to Edgar Etheling, for
that the land-folk supposed that he should be king: and the etheling received
him gladly. When King William heard say that, he was very wroth, and said
that the abbot had renounced him: but good men went between them, and
reconciled them; because the abbot was a good man. He gave the king forty
marks of gold for his reconciliation; and he lived but a little while after—
only three years. Afterwards came all wretchedness and all evil to the
minster. God have mercy on it!

((A.D. 1066. This year died King Edward, and Harold the earl succeeded
to the kingdom, and held it forty weeks and one day. And this year came
William, and won England. And in this year Christ-Church [Canterbury]
was burned. And this year appeared a comet on the fourteenth before the
kalends of May.))

((A.D. 1066. …And then he [Tosty] went thence, and did harm
everywhere by the sea-coast where he could land, as far as Sandwich. Then
was it made known to King Harold, who was in London, that Tosty his
brother was come to Sandwich. Then gathered he so great a ship-force, and
also a land force, as no king here in the land had before gathered, because it
had been soothly said unto him, that William the earl from Normandy, King
Edward's kinsman, would come hither and subdue this land: all as it
afterwards happened. When Tosty learned that King Harold was on his way
to Sandwich, then went he from Sandwich, and took some of the boatmen
with him, some willingly and some unwillingly; and went then north into
Humber, and there ravaged in Lindsey, and there slew many good men.

When Edwin the earl and Morcar the earl understood that, then came they
thither, and drove him out of the land. And he went then to Scotland: and
the king of Scots protected him, and assisted him with provisions; and he
there abode all the summer. Then came King Harold to Sandwich, and there
awaited his fleet, because it was long before it could be gathered together.
And when his fleet was gathered together, then went he into the Isle of
Wight, and there lay all the summer and the harvest; and a land-force was
kept everywhere by the sea, though in the end it was of no benefit. When it
was the Nativity of St. Mary, then were the men's provisions gone, and no
man could any longer keep them there. Then were the men allowed to go
home, and the king rode up, and the ships were dispatched to London; and
many perished before they came thither. When the ships had reached home,
then came King Harald from Norway, north into Tyne, and unawares, with a
very large ship-force, and no small one; that might be, or more. And Tosty
the earl came to him with all that he had gotten, all as they had before
agreed; and then they went both, with all the fleet, along the Ouse, up
towards York. Then was it made known to King Harold in the south, as he
was come from on ship-board, that Harald King of Norway and Tosty the
earl were landed near York. Then went he northward, day and night, as
quickly as he could gather his forces. Then, before that King Harold could
come thither, then gathered Edwin the earl and Morcar the earl from their
earldom as great a force as they could get together; and they fought against
the army, and made great slaughter: and there was much of the English
people slain, and drowned, and driven away in flight; and the Northmen had
possession of the place of carnage. And this fight was on the vigil of St.
Matthew the apostle, and it was Wednesday. And then, after the fight, went
Harald, King of Norway, and Tosty the earl, into York, with as much people
as seemed meet to them. And they delivered hostages to them from the city,
and also assisted them with provisions; and so they went thence to their
ships, and they agreed upon a full peace, so that they should all go with him

south, and this land subdue. Then, during this, came Harold, king of the
Angles, with all his forces, on the Sunday, to Tadcaster, and there drew up
his force, and went then on Monday throughout York; and Harald, King of
Norway, and Tosty the earl, and their forces, were gone from their ships
beyond York to Stanfordbridge, because it had been promised them for a
certainty, that there, from all the shire, hostages should be brought to meet
them. Then came Harold, king of the English, against them, unawares,
beyond the bridge, and they there joined battle, and very strenuously, for a
long time of the day, continued fighting: and there was Harald, King of
Norway, and Tosty the earl slain, and numberless of the people with them,
as well of the Northmen as of the English: and the Northmen fled from the
English. Then was there one of the Norwegians who withstood the English
people, so that they might not pass over the bridge, nor obtain the victory.
Then an Englishman aimed at him with a javelin, but availed nothing; and
then came another under the bridge, and pierced him terribly inwards under
the coat of mail. Then came Harold, king of the English, over the bridge,
and his forces onward with him, and there made great slaughter, as well of
Norwegians as of Flemings. And the King's son, Edmund, Harold let go
home to Norway, with all the ships.))

((A.D. 1066. In this year was consecrated the minster at Westminster, on
Childer-mass-day. And King Edward died on the eve of Twelfth-day; and he
was buried on Twelfth-day within the newly consecrated church at
Westminster. And Harold the earl succeeded to the kingdom of England,
even as the king had granted it to him, and men also had chosen him
thereto; and he was crowned as king on Twelfth-day. And that same year
that he became king, he went out with a fleet against William [Earl of
Normandy]; and the while, came Tosty the earl into Humber with sixty
ships. Edwin the earl came with a land-force and drove him out; and the
boatmen forsook him. And he went to Scotland with twelve vessels; and
Harald, the King of Norway, met him with three hundred ships, and Tosty

submitted to him; and they both went into Humber, until they came to York.
And Morcar the earl, and Edwin the earl, fought against them; and the king
of the Norwegians had the victory. And it was made known to King Harold
how it there was done, and had happened; and he came there with a great
army of English men, and met him at Stanfordbridge, and slew him and the
earl Tosty, and boldly overcame all the army. And the while, William the
earl landed at Hastings, on St. Michael's-day: and Harold came from the
north, and fought against him before all his army had come up: and there he
fell, and his two brothers, Girth and Leofwin; and William subdued this
land. And he came to Westminster, and Archbishop Aldred consecrated him
king, and men paid him tribute, delivered him hostages, and afterwards
bought their land. And then was Leofric, Abbot of Peterborough, in that
same expedition; and there he sickened, and came home, and was dead soon
thereafter, on All-hallows-mass-night; God be merciful to his soul! In his
day was all bliss and all good in Peterborough; and he was dear to all
people, so that the king gave to St. Peter and to him the abbacy at Burton,
and that of Coventry, which Leofric the earl, who was his uncle, before had
made, and that of Crowland, and that of Thorney. And he conferred so much
of good upon the minster of Peterborough, in gold, and in silver, and in
vestments, and in land, as never any other did before him, nor any after
him. After, Golden-borough became a wretched borough. Then chose the
monks for abbot Brand the provost, by reason that he was a very good man,
and very wise, and sent him then to Edgar the etheling, by reason that the
people of the land supposed that he should become king: and the etheling
granted it him then gladly. When King William heard say that, then was he
very wroth, and said that the abbot had despised him. Then went good men
between them, and reconciled them, by reason that the abbot was a good
man. Then gave he the king forty marks of gold for a reconciliation; and
then thereafter, lived he a little while, but three years. After that came every
tribulation and every evil to the minster. God have mercy on it!))

A.D. 1067. This year came the king back again to England on St.
Nicholas's day; and the same day was burned the church of Christ at
Canterbury. Bishop Wulfwy also died, and is buried at his see in Dorchester.
The child Edric and the Britons were unsettled this year, and fought with
the castlemen at Hereford, and did them much harm. The king this year
imposed a heavy guild on the wretched people; but, notwithstanding, let his
men always plunder all the country that they went over; and then he
marched to Devonshire, and beset the city of Exeter eighteen days. There
were many of his army slain; out he had promised them well, and
performed ill; and the citizens surrendered the city because the thanes had
betrayed them. This summer the child Edgar departed, with his mother
Agatha, and his two sisters, Margaret and Christina, and Merle-Sweyne, and
many good men with them; and came to Scotland under the protection of
King Malcolm, who entertained them all. Then began King Malcolm to
yearn after the child's sister, Margaret, to wife; but he and all his men long
refused; and she also herself was averse, and said that she would neither
have him nor any one else, if the Supreme Power would grant, that she in
her maidenhood might please the mighty Lord with a carnal heart, in this
short life, in pure continence. The king, however, earnestly urged her
brother, until he answered Yea. And indeed he durst not otherwise; for they
were come into his kingdom. So that then it was fulfilled, as God had long
ere foreshowed; and else it could not be; as he himself saith in his gospel:
that "not even a sparrow on the ground may fall, without his foreshowing."
The prescient Creator wist long before what he of her would have done; for
that she should increase the glory of God in this land, lead the king aright
from the path of error, bend him and his people together to a better way, and
suppress the bad customs which the nation formerly followed: all which she
afterwards did. The king therefore received her, though it was against her
will, and was pleased with her manners, and thanked God, who in his might
had given him such a match. He wisely bethought himself, as he was a

prudent man, and turned himself to God, and renounced all impurity;
accordingly, as the apostle Paul, the teacher of all the gentries, saith:
"Salvabitur vir infidelis per mulierem fidelem; sic et mulier infidelis per
virum fidelem," etc.: that is in our language, "Full oft the unbelieving
husband is sanctified and healed through the believing wife, and so belike
the wife through the believing husband." This queen aforesaid performed
afterwards many useful deeds in this land to the glory of God, and also in
her royal estate she well conducted herself, as her nature was. Of a faithful
and noble kin was she sprung. Her father was Edward Etheling, son of King
Edmund. Edmund was the son of Ethelred; Ethelred the son of Edgar;
Edgar the son of Edred; and so forth in that royal line: and her maternal
kindred goeth to the Emperor Henry, who had the sovereignty over Rome.
This year went out Githa, Harold's mother, and the wives of many good
men with her, to the Flat-Holm, and there abode some time; and so departed
thence over sea to St. Omer's. This Easter came the king to Winchester; and
Easter was then on the tenth before the calends of April. Soon after this
came the Lady Matilda hither to this land; and Archbishop Eldred hallowed
her to queen at Westminster on Whit Sunday. Then it was told the king, that
the people in the North had gathered themselves together, and would stand
against him if he came. Whereupon he went to Nottingham, and wrought
there a castle; and so advanced to York, and there wrought two castles; and
the same at Lincoln, and everywhere in that quarter. Then Earl Gospatric
and the best men went into Scotland. Amidst this came one of Harold's sons
from Ireland with a naval force into the mouth of the Avon unawares, and
plundered soon over all that quarter; whence they went to Bristol, and
would have stormed the town; but the people bravely withstood them.
When they could gain nothing from the town, they went to their ships with
the booty which they had acquired by plunder; and then they advanced
upon Somersetshire, and there went up; and Ednoth, master of the horse,

fought with them; but he was there slain, and many good men on either
side; and those that were left departed thence.

A.D. 1068. This year King William gave Earl Robert the earldom over
Northumberland; but the landsmen attacked him in the town of Durham,
and slew him, and nine hundred men with him. Soon afterwards Edgar
Etheling came with all the Northumbrians to York; and the townsmen made
a treaty with him: but King William came from the South unawares on them
with a large army, and put them to flight, and slew on the spot those who
could not escape; which were many hundred men; and plundered the town.
St. Peter's minster he made a profanation, and all other places also he
despoiled and trampled upon; and the etheling went back again to Scotland.
After this came Harold's sons from Ireland, about midsummer, with sixty-
four ships into the mouth of the Taft, where they unwarily landed: and Earl
Breon came unawares against them with a large army, and fought with
them, and slew there all the best men that were in the fleet; and the others,
being small forces, escaped to the ships: and Harold's sons went back to
Ireland again.

A.D. 1069. This year died Aldred, Archbishop of York; and he is there
buried, at his see. He died on the day of Protus and Hyacinthus, having held
the see with much dignity ten years wanting only fifteen weeks. Soon after
this came from Denmark three of the sons of King Sweyne with two
hundred and forty ships, together with Earl Esborn and Earl Thurkill, into
the Humber; where they were met by the child Edgar, and Earl Waltheof,
and Merle-Sweyne, and Earl Gospatric with the Northumbrians, and all the
landsmen; riding and marching full merrily with an immense army: and so
all unanimously advanced to York; where they stormed and demolished the
castle, and won innumerable treasures therein; slew there many hundreds of
Frenchmen, and led many with them to the ships; but, ere that the shipmen
came thither, the Frenchmen had burned the city, and also the holy minster

of St. Peter had they entirely plundered, and destroyed with fire. When the
king heard this, then went he northward with all the force that he could
collect, despoiling and laying waste the shire withal; whilst the fleet lay all
the winter in the Humber, where the king could not come at them. The king
was in York on Christmas Day, and so all the winter on land, and came to
Winchester at Easter. Bishop Egelric, who was at Peterborough, was this
year betrayed, and led to Westminster; and his brother Egelwine was
outlawed. This year also died Brand, Abbot of Peterborough, on the fifth
before the calends of December.

A.D. 1070. This year Landfranc, who was Abbot of Caen, came to
England; and after a few days he became Archbishop of Canterbury. He was
invested on the fourth before the calends of September in his own see by
eight bishops, his suffragans. The others, who were not there, by
messengers and by letter declared why they could not be there. The same
year Thomas, who was chosen Bishop of York, came to Canterbury, to be
invested there after the ancient custom. But when Landfranc craved
confirmation of his obedience with an oath, he refused; and said, that he
ought not to do it. Whereupon Archbishop Landfranc was wroth, and bade
the bishops, who were come thither by Archbishop Landfranc's command to
do the service, and all the monks to unrobe themselves. And they by his
order so did. Thomas, therefore, for the time, departed without
consecration. Soon after this, it happened that the Archbishop Landfranc
went to Rome, and Thomas with him. When they came thither, and had
spoken about other things concerning which they wished to speak, then
began Thomas his speech: how he came to Canterbury, and how the
archbishop required obedience of him with an oath; but he declined it. Then
began the Archbishop Landfranc to show with clear distinction, that what
he craved he craved by right; and with strong arguments he confirmed the
same before the Pope Alexander, and before all the council that was
collected there; and so they went home. After this came Thomas to

Canterbury; and all that the archbishop required of him he humbly fulfilled,
and afterwards received consecration. This year Earl Waltheof agreed with
the king; but in the Lent of the same year the king ordered all the
monasteries in England to be plundered. In the same year came King
Sweyne from Denmark into the Humber; and the landsmen came to meet
him, and made a treaty with him; thinking that he would overrun the land.
Then came into Ely Christien, the Danish bishop, and Earl Osbern, and the
Danish domestics with them; and the English people from all the fen-lands
came to them; supposing that they should win all that land. Then the monks
of Peterborough heard say, that their own men would plunder the minster;
namely Hereward and his gang: because they understood that the king had
given the abbacy to a French abbot, whose name was Thorold;—that he was
a very stern man, and was then come into Stamford with all his Frenchmen.
Now there was a churchwarden, whose name was Yware; who took away
by night all that he could, testaments, mass-hackles, cantel-copes, and reefs,
and such other small things, whatsoever he could; and went early, before
day, to the Abbot Thorold; telling him that he sought his protection, and
informing him how the outlaws were coming to Peterborough, and that he
did all by advice of the monks. Early in the morning came all the outlaws
with many ships, resolving to enter the minster; but the monks withstood,
so that they could not come in. Then they laid on fire, and burned all the
houses of the monks, and all the town except one house. Then came they in
through fire at the Bull-hithe gate; where the monks met them, and
besought peace of them. But they regarded nothing. They went into the
minster, climbed up to the holy rood, took away the diadem from our Lord's
head, all of pure gold, and seized the bracket that was underneath his feet,
which was all of red gold. They climbed up to the steeple, brought down the
table that was hid there, which was all of gold and silver, seized two golden
shrines, and nine of silver, and took away fifteen large crucifixes, of gold
and of silver; in short, they seized there so much gold and silver, and so

many treasures, in money, in raiment, and in books, as no man could tell
another; and said, that they did it from their attachment to the minster.
Afterwards they went to their ships, proceeded to Ely, and deposited there
all the treasure. The Danes, believing that they should overcome the
Frenchmen, drove out all the monks; leaving there only one, whose name
was Leofwine Lang, who lay sick in the infirmary. Then came Abbot
Thorold and eight times twenty Frenchmen with him, all full-armed. When
he came thither, he found all within and without consumed by fire, except
the church alone; but the outlaws were all with the fleet, knowing that he
would come thither. This was done on the fourth day before the nones of
June. The two kings, William and Sweyne, were now reconciled; and the
Danes went out of Ely with all the aforesaid treasure, and carried it away
with them. But when they came into the middle of the sea, there came a
violent storm, and dispersed all the ships wherein the treasures were. Some
went to Norway, some to Ireland, some to Denmark. All that reached the
latter, consisted of the table, and some shrines, and some crucifixes, and
many of the other treasures; which they brought to a king's town, called
——, and deposited it all there in the church. Afterwards through their own
carelessness, and through their drunkenness, in one night the church and all
that was therein was consumed by fire. Thus was the minster of
Peterborough burned and plundered. Almighty God have mercy on it
through his great goodness. Thus came the Abbot Thorold to Peterborough;
and the monks too returned, and performed the service of Christ in the
church, which had before stood a full week without any kind of rite. When
Bishop Aylric heard it, he excommunicated all the men who that evil deed
had done. There was a great famine this year: and in the summer came the
fleet in the north from the Humber into the Thames, and lay there two
nights, and made afterwards for Denmark. Earl Baldwin also died, and his
son Arnulf succeeded to the earldom. Earl William, in conjunction with the
king of the Franks, was to be his guardian; but Earl Robert came and slew

his kinsman Arnulf and the earl, put the king to flight, and slew many
thousands of his men.

A.D. 1071. This year Earl Edwin and Earl Morkar fled out, (93) and
roamed at random in woods and in fields. Then went Earl Morkar to Ely by
ship; but Earl Edwin was treacherously slain by his own men. Then came
Bishop Aylwine, and Siward Barn, and many hundred men with them, into
Ely. When King William heard that, then ordered he out a naval force and
land force, and beset the land all about, and wrought a bridge, and went in;
and the naval force at the same time on the sea-side. And the outlaws then
all surrendered; that was, Bishop Aylwine, and Earl Morkar, and all that
were with them; except Hereward (94) alone, and all those that would join
him, whom he led out triumphantly. And the king took their ships, and
weapons, and many treasures; (95) and all the men he disposed of as he
thought proper. Bishop Aylwine he sent to Abingdon, where he died in the
beginning of the winter.

A.D. 1072. This year King William led a naval force and a land force to
Scotland, and beset that land on the sea-side with ships, whilst he led his
land-force in at the Tweed; (96) but he found nothing there of any value.
King Malcolm, however, came, and made peace with King William, and
gave hostages, and became his man; whereupon the king returned home
with all his force. This year died Bishop Aylric. He had been invested
Bishop of York; but that see was unjustly taken from him, and he then had
the bishopric of Durham given him; which he held as long as he chose, but
resigned it afterwards, and retired to Peterborough minster; where he abode
twelve years. After that King William won England, then took he him from
Peterborough, and sent him to Westminster; where he died on the ides of
October, and he is there buried, within the minster, in the porch of St.
Nicholas.

A.D. 1073. This year led King William an army, English and French,
over sea, and won the district of Maine; which the English very much
injured by destroying the vineyards, burning the towns, and spoiling the
land. But they subdued it all into the hand of King William, and afterwards
returned home to England.

A.D. 1074. This year King William went over sea to Normandy; and
child Edgar came from Flanders into Scotland on St. Grimbald's mass-day;
where King Malcolm and his sister Margaret received him with much
pomp. At the same time sent Philip, the King of France, a letter to him,
bidding him to come to him, and he would give him the castle of Montreuil;
that he might afterwards daily annoy his enemies. What then? King
Malcolm and his sister Margaret gave him and his men great presents, and
many treasures; in skins ornamented with purple, in pelisses made of
martin-skins, of grey-skins, and of ermine-skins, in palls, and in vessels of
gold and silver; and conducted him and his crew with great pomp from his
territory. But in their voyage evil befel them; for when they were out at sea,
there came upon them such rough weather, and the stormy sea and the
strong wind drove them so violently on the shore, that all their ships burst,
and they also themselves came with difficulty to the land. Their treasure
was nearly all lost, and some of his men also were taken by the French; but
he himself and his best men returned again to Scotland, some roughly
travelling on foot, and some miserably mounted. Then King Malcolm
advised him to send to King William over sea, to request his friendship,
which he did; and the king gave it him, and sent after him. Again, therefore,
King Malcolm and his sister gave him and all his men numberless treasures,
and again conducted him very magnificently from their territory. The sheriff
of York came to meet him at Durham, and went all the way with him;
ordering meat and fodder to be found for him at every castle to which they
came, until they came over sea to the king. Then King William received

him with much pomp; and he was there afterwards in his court, enjoying
such rights as he confirmed to him by law.

A.D. 1075. This year King William gave Earl Ralph the daughter of
William Fitz-Osborne to wife. This same Ralph was British on his mother's
side; but his father, whose name was also Ralph, was English; and born in
Norfolk. The king therefore gave his son the earldom of Norfolk and
Suffolk; and he then led the bride to Norwich. There was that bride-ale The
source of man's bale. There was Earl Roger, and Earl Waltheof, and
bishops, and abbots; who there resolved, that they would drive the king out
of the realm of England. But it was soon told the king in Normandy how it
was determined. It was Earl Roger and Earl Ralph who were the authors of
that plot; and who enticed the Britons to them, and sent eastward to
Denmark after a fleet to assist them. Roger went westward to his earldom,
and collected his people there, to the king's annoyance, as he thought; but it
was to the great disadvantage of himself. He was however prevented. Ralph
also in his earldom would go forth with his people; but the castlemen that
were in England and also the people of the land, came against him, and
prevented him from doing anything. He escaped however to the ships at
Norwich. (97) And his wife was in the castle; which she held until peace
was made with her; when she went out of England, with all her men who
wished to join her. The king afterwards came to England, and seized Earl
Roger, his relative, and put him in prison. And Earl Waltheof went over sea,
and bewrayed himself; but he asked forgiveness, and proffered gifts of
ransom. The king, however, let him off lightly, until he (98) came to
England; when he had him seized. Soon after that came east from Denmark
two hundred ships; wherein were two captains, Cnute Swainson, and Earl
Hacco; but they durst not maintain a fight with King William. They went
rather to York, and broke into St. Peter's minster, and took therein much
treasure, and so went away. They made for Flanders over sea; but they all
perished who were privy to that design; that was, the son of Earl Hacco, and

many others with him. This year died the Lady Edgitha, who was the relict
of King Edward, seven nights before Christmas, at Winchester; and the king
caused her to be brought to Westminster with great pomp; and he laid her
with King Edward, her lord. And the king was then at Westminster, at
midwinter; where all the Britons were condemned who were at the bride-ale
at Norwich. Some were punished with blindness; some were driven from
the land; and some were towed to Scandinavia. So were the traitors of King
William subdued.

A.D. 1076. This year died Sweyne, King of Denmark; and Harold his son
took to the kingdom. And the king gave the abbacy of Westminster to Abbot
Vitalis, who had been Abbot of Bernay. This year also was Earl Waltheof
beheaded at Winchester, on the mass-day of St. Petronilla; (99) and his
body was carried to Croyland, where he lies buried. King William now
went over sea, and led his army to Brittany, and beset the castle of Dol; but
the Bretons defended it, until the king came from France; whereupon
William departed thence, having lost there both men and horses, and many
of his treasures.

A.D. 1077. This year were reconciled the king of the Franks and William,
King of England. But it continued only a little while. This year was London
burned, one night before the Assumption of St. Mary, so terribly as it never
was before, since it was built. This year the moon was eclipsed three nights
before Candlemas; and in the same year died Aylwy, the prudent Abbot of
Evesham, on the fourteenth day before the calends of March, on the mass-
day of St. Juliana; and Walter was appointed abbot in his stead; and Bishop
Herman also died, on the tenth day before the calends of March, who was
Bishop in Berkshire, and in Wiltshire, and in Dorsetshire. This year also
King Malcolm won the mother of Malslaythe…. and all his best men, and
all his treasures, and his cattle; and he himself not easily escaped…. This

year also was the dry summer; and wild fire came upon many shires, and
burned many towns; and also many cities were ruined thereby.

A.D. 1079. This year Robert, the son of King William, deserted from his
father to his uncle Robert in Flanders; because his father would not let him
govern his earldom in Normandy; which he himself, and also King Philip
with his permission, had given him. The best men that were in the land also
had sworn oaths of allegiance to him, and taken him for their lord. This
year, therefore, Robert fought with his father, without Normandy, by a
castle called Gerberoy; and wounded him in the hand; and his horse, that he
sat upon, was killed under him; and he that brought him another was killed
there right with a dart. That was Tookie Wiggodson. Many were there slain,
and also taken. His son William too was there wounded; but Robert
returned to Flanders. We will not here, however, record any more injury that
he did his father. This year came King Malcolm from Scotland into
England, betwixt the two festivals of St. Mary, with a large army, which
plundered Northumberland till it came to the Tine, and slew many hundreds
of men, and carried home much coin, and treasure, and men in captivity.

A.D. 1080. This year was Bishop Walker slain in Durham, at a council;
and an hundred men with him, French and Flemish. He himself was born in
Lorrain. This did the Northumbrians in the month of May. (100)

A.D. 1081. This year the king led an army into Wales, and there freed
many hundreds of men.

A.D. 1082. This year the king seized Bishop Odo; and this year also was
a great famine.

A.D. 1083. This year arose the tumult at Glastonbury betwixt the Abbot
Thurstan and his monks. It proceeded first from the abbot's want of
wisdom, that he misgoverned his monks in many things. But the monks

meant well to him; and told him that he should govern them rightly, and
love them, and they would be faithful and obedient to him. The abbot,
however, would hear nothing of this; but evil entreated them, and threatened
them worse. One day the abbot went into the chapter-house, and spoke
against the monks, and attempted to mislead them; (101) and sent after
some laymen, and they came full-armed into the chapter-house upon the
monks. Then were the monks very much afraid (102) of them, and wist not
what they were to do, but they shot forward, and some ran into the church,
and locked the doors after them. But they followed them into the minster,
and resolved to drag them out, so that they durst not go out. A rueful thing
happened on that day. The Frenchmen broke into the choir, and hurled their
weapons toward the altar, where the monks were; and some of the knights
went upon the upper floor, (103) and shot their arrows downward
incessantly toward the sanctuary; so that on the crucifix that stood above
the altar they stuck many arrows. And the wretched monks lay about the
altar, and some crept under, and earnestly called upon God, imploring his
mercy, since they could not obtain any at the hands of men. What can we
say, but that they continued to shoot their arrows; whilst the others broke
down the doors, and came in, and slew (104) some of the monks to death,
and wounded many therein; so that the blood came from the altar upon the
steps, and from the steps on the floor. Three there were slain to death, and
eighteen wounded. And in this same year departed Matilda, queen of King
William, on the day after All-Hallow-mass. And in the same year also, after
mid-winter, the king ordained a large and heavy contribution (105) over all
England; that was, upon each hide of land, two and seventy pence.

A.D. 1084. In this year died Wulfwold, Abbot of Chertsey, on the
thirteenth day before the calends of May.

A.D. 1085. In this year men reported, and of a truth asserted, that Cnute,
King of Denmark, son of King Sweyne, was coming hitherward, and was

resolved to win this land, with the assistance of Robert, Earl of Flanders;
(106) for Cnute had Robert's daughter. When William, King of England,
who was then resident in Normandy (for he had both England and
Normandy), understood this, he went into England with so large an army of
horse and foot, from France and Brittany, as never before sought this land;
so that men wondered how this land could feed all that force. But the king
left the army to shift for themselves through all this land amongst his
subjects, who fed them, each according to his quota of land. Men suffered
much distress this year; and the king caused the land to be laid waste about
the sea coast; that, if his foes came up, they might not have anything on
which they could very readily seize. But when the king understood of a
truth that his foes were impeded, and could not further their expedition,
(107) then let he some of the army go to their own land; but some he held in
this land over the winter. Then, at the midwinter, was the king in Glocester
with his council, and held there his court five days. And afterwards the
archbishop and clergy had a synod three days. There was Mauritius chosen
Bishop of London, William of Norfolk, and Robert of Cheshire. These were
all the king's clerks. After this had the king a large meeting, and very deep
consultation with his council, about this land; how it was occupied, and by
what sort of men. Then sent he his men over all England into each shire;
commissioning them to find out "How many hundreds of hides were in the
shire, what land the king himself had, and what stock upon the land; or,
what dues he ought to have by the year from the shire." Also he
commissioned them to record in writing, "How much land his archbishops
had, and his diocesan bishops, and his abbots, and his earls;" and though I
may be prolix and tedious, "What, or how much, each man had, who was an
occupier of land in England, either in land or in stock, and how much
money it were worth." So very narrowly, indeed, did he commission them
to trace it out, that there was not one single hide, nor a yard (108) of land,
nay, moreover (it is shameful to tell, though he thought it no shame to do

it), not even an ox, nor a cow, nor a swine was there left, that was not set
down in his writ. And all the recorded particulars were afterwards brought
to him. (109)

A.D. 1086. This year the king bare his crown, and held his court, in
Winchester at Easter; and he so arranged, that he was by the Pentecost at
Westminster, and dubbed his son Henry a knight there. Afterwards he
moved about so that he came by Lammas to Sarum; where he was met by
his councillors; and all the landsmen that were of any account over all
England became this man's vassals as they were; and they all bowed
themselves before him, and became his men, and swore him oaths of
allegiance that they would against all other men be faithful to him. Thence
he proceeded into the Isle of Wight; because he wished to go into
Normandy, and so he afterwards did; though he first did according to his
custom; he collected a very large sum from his people, wherever he could
make any demand, whether with justice or otherwise. Then he went into
Normandy; and Edgar Etheling, the relation of King Edward, revolted from
him, for he received not much honour from him; but may the Almighty God
give him honour hereafter. And Christina, the sister of the etheling, went
into the monastery of Rumsey, and received the holy veil. And the same
year there was a very heavy season, and a swinkful and sorrowful year in
England, in murrain of cattle, and corn and fruits were at a stand, and so
much untowardness in the weather, as a man may not easily think; so
tremendous was the thunder and lightning, that it killed many men; and it
continually grew worse and worse with men. May God Almighty better it
whenever it be his will.

A.D. 1087. After the birth of our Lord and Saviour Christ, one thousand
and eighty-seven winters; in the one and twentieth year after William began
to govern and direct England, as God granted him, was a very heavy and
pestilent season in this land. Such a sickness came on men, that full nigh

every other man was in the worst disorder, that is, in the diarrhoea; and that
so dreadfully, that many men died in the disorder. Afterwards came, through
the badness of the weather as we before mentioned, so great a famine over
all England, that many hundreds of men died a miserable death through
hunger. Alas! how wretched and how rueful a time was there! When the
poor wretches lay full nigh driven to death prematurely, and afterwards
came sharp hunger, and dispatched them withall! Who will not be
penetrated with grief at such a season? or who is so hardhearted as not to
weep at such misfortune? Yet such things happen for folks' sins, that they
will not love God and righteousness. So it was in those days, that little
righteousness was in this land with any men but with the monks alone,
wherever they fared well. The king and the head men loved much, and
overmuch, covetousness in gold and in silver; and recked not how sinfully it
was got, provided it came to them. The king let his land at as high a rate as
he possibly could; then came some other person, and bade more than the
former one gave, and the king let it to the men that bade him more. Then
came the third, and bade yet more; and the king let it to hand to the men
that bade him most of all: and he recked not how very sinfully the stewards
got it of wretched men, nor how many unlawful deeds they did; but the
more men spake about right law, the more unlawfully they acted. They
erected unjust tolls, and many other unjust things they did, that are difficult
to reckon. Also in the same year, before harvest, the holy minster of St.
Paul, the episcopal see in London, was completely burned, with many other
minsters, and the greatest part, and the richest of the whole city. So also,
about the same time, full nigh each head-port in all England was entirely
burned. Alas! rueful and woeful was the fate of the year that brought forth
so many misfortunes. In the same year also, before the Assumption of St.
Mary, King William went from Normandy into France with an army, and
made war upon his own lord Philip, the king, and slew many of his men,
and burned the town of Mante, and all the holy minsters that were in the

town; and two holy men that served God, leading the life of anachorets,
were burned therein. This being thus done, King William returned to
Normandy. Rueful was the thing he did; but a more rueful him befel. How
more rueful? He fell sick, and it dreadfully ailed him. What shall I say?
Sharp death, that passes by neither rich men nor poor, seized him also. He
died in Normandy, on the next day after the Nativity of St. Mary, and he
was buried at Caen in St. Stephen's minster, which he had formerly reared,
and afterwards endowed with manifold gifts. Alas! how false and how
uncertain is this world's weal! He that was before a rich king, and lord of
many lands, had not then of all his land more than a space of seven feet!
and he that was whilom enshrouded in gold and gems, lay there covered
with mould! He left behind him three sons; the eldest, called Robert, who
was earl in Normandy after him; the second, called William, who wore the
crown after him in England; and the third, called Henry, to whom his father
bequeathed immense treasure. If any person wishes to know what kind of
man he was, or what honour he had, or of how many lands he was lord, then
will we write about him as well as we understand him: we who often looked
upon him, and lived sometime in his court. This King William then that we
speak about was a very wise man, and very rich; more splendid and
powerful than any of his predecessors were. He was mild to the good men
that loved God, and beyond all measure severe to the men that gainsayed
his will. On that same spot where God granted him that he should gain
England, he reared a mighty minster, and set monks therein, and well
endowed it. In his days was the great monastery in Canterbury built, and
also very many others over all England. This land was moreover well filled
with monks, who modelled their lives after the rule of St. Benedict. But
such was the state of Christianity in his time, that each man followed what
belonged to his profession—he that would. He was also very dignified.
Thrice he bare his crown each year, as oft as he was in England. At Easter
he bare it in Winchester, at Pentecost in Westminster, at midwinter in

Glocester. And then were with him all the rich men over all England;
archbishops and diocesan bishops, abbots and earls, thanes and knights. So
very stern was he also and hot, that no man durst do anything against his
will. He had earls in his custody, who acted against his will. Bishops he
hurled from their bishoprics, and abbots from their abbacies, and thanes into
prison. At length he spared not his own brother Odo, who was a very rich
bishop in Normandy. At Baieux was his episcopal stall; and he was the
foremost man of all to aggrandise the king. He had an earldom in England;
and when the king was in Normandy, then was he the mightiest man in this
land. Him he confined in prison. But amongst other things is not to be
forgotten that good peace that he made in this land; so that a man of any
account might go over his kingdom unhurt with his bosom full of gold. No
man durst slay another, had he never so much evil done to the other; and if
any churl lay with a woman against her will, he soon lost the limb that he
played with. He truly reigned over England; and by his capacity so
thoroughly surveyed it, that there was not a hide of land in England that he
wist not who had it, or what it was worth, and afterwards set it down in his
book. (110) The land of the Britons was in his power; and he wrought
castles therein; and ruled Anglesey withal. So also he subdued Scotland by
his great strength. As to Normandy, that was his native land; but he reigned
also over the earldom called Maine; and if he might have yet lived two
years more, he would have won Ireland by his valour, and without any
weapons. Assuredly in his time had men much distress, and very many
sorrows. Castles he let men build, and miserably swink the poor. The king
himself was so very rigid; and extorted from his subjects many marks of
gold, and many hundred pounds of silver; which he took of his people, for
little need, by right and by unright. He was fallen into covetousness, and
greediness he loved withal. He made many deer-parks; and he established
laws therewith; so that whosoever slew a hart, or a hind, should be deprived
of his eyesight. As he forbade men to kill the harts, so also the boars; and he

loved the tall deer as if he were their father. Likewise he decreed by the
hares, that they should go free. His rich men bemoaned it, and the poor men
shuddered at it. But he was so stern, that he recked not the hatred of them
all; for they must follow withal the king's will, if they would live, or have
land, or possessions, or even his peace. Alas! that any man should presume
so to puff himself up, and boast o'er all men. May the Almighty God show
mercy to his soul, and grant him forgiveness of his sins! These things have
we written concerning him, both good and evil; that men may choose the
good after their goodness, and flee from the evil withal, and go in the way
that leadeth us to the kingdom of heaven. Many things may we write that
were done in this same year. So it was in Denmark, that the Danes, a nation
that was formerly accounted the truest of all, were turned aside to the
greatest untruth, and to the greatest treachery that ever could be. They chose
and bowed to King Cnute, and swore him oaths, and afterwards dastardly
slew him in a church. It happened also in Spain, that the heathens went and
made inroads upon the Christians, and reduced much of the country to their
dominion. But the king of the Christians, Alphonzo by name, sent
everywhere into each land, and desired assistance. And they came to his
support from every land that was Christian; and they went and slew or
drove away all the heathen folk, and won their land again, through God's
assistance. In this land also, in the same year, died many rich men; Stigand,
Bishop of Chichester, and the Abbot of St. Augustine, and the Abbot of
Bath, and the Abbot of Pershore, and the lord of them all, William, King of
England, that we spoke of before. After his death his son, called William
also as the father, took to the kingdom, and was blessed to king by
Archbishop Landfranc at Westminster three days ere Michaelmas day. And
all the men in England submitted to him, and swore oaths to him. This
being thus done, the king went to Winchester, and opened the treasure
house, and the treasures that his father had gathered, in gold, and in silver,
and in vases, and in palls, and in gems, and in many other valuable things

that are difficult to enumerate. Then the king did as his father bade him ere
he was dead; he there distributed treasures for his father's soul to each
monastery that was in England; to some ten marks of gold, to some six, to
each upland (111) church sixty pence. And into each shire were sent a
hundred pounds of money to distribute amongst poor men for his soul. And
ere he departed, he bade that they should release all the men that were in
prison under his power. And the king was on the midwinter in London.

A.D. 1088. In this year was this land much stirred, and filled with great
treachery; so that the richest Frenchmen that were in this land would betray
their lord the king, and would have his brother Robert king, who was earl in
Normandy. In this design was engaged first Bishop Odo, and Bishop
Gosfrith, and William, Bishop of Durham. So well did the king by the
bishop [Odo] that all England fared according to his counsel, and as he
would. And the bishop thought to do by him as Judas Iscariot did by our
Lord. And Earl Roger was also of this faction; and much people was with
him all Frenchmen. This conspiracy was formed in Lent. As soon as Easter
came, then went they forth, and harrowed, and burned, and wasted the
king's farms; and they despoiled the lands of all the men that were in the
king's service. And they each of them went to his castle, and manned it, and
provisioned it as well as they could. Bishop Gosfrith, and Robert the peace-
breaker, went to Bristol, and plundered it, and brought the spoil to the
castle. Afterwards they went out of the castle, and plundered Bath, and all
the land thereabout; and all the honor (112) of Berkeley they laid waste.
And the men that eldest were of Hereford, and all the shire forthwith, and
the men of Shropshire, with much people of Wales, came and plundered and
burned in Worcestershire, until they came to the city itself, which it was
their design to set on fire, and then to rifle the minster, and win the king's
castle to their hands. The worthy Bishop Wulfstan, seeing these things, was
much agitated in his mind, because to him was betaken the custody of the
castle. Nevertheless his hired men went out of the castle with few

attendants, and, through God's mercy and the bishop's merits, slew or took
five hundred men, and put all the others to flight. The Bishop of Durham
did all the harm that he could over all by the north. Roger was the name of
one of them; (113) who leaped into the castle at Norwich, and did yet the
worst of all over all that land. Hugh also was one, who did nothing better
either in Leicestershire or in Northamptonshire. The Bishop Odo being one,
though of the same family from which the king himself was descended,
went into Kent to his earldom, and greatly despoiled it; and having laid
waste the lands of the king and of the archbishop withal, he brought the
booty into his castle at Rochester. When the king understood all these
things, and what treachery they were employing against him, then was he in
his mind much agitated. He then sent after Englishmen, described to them
his need, earnestly requested their support, and promised them the best laws
that ever before were in this land; each unright guild he forbade, and
restored to the men their woods and chaces. But it stood no while. The
Englishmen however went to the assistance of the king their lord. They
advanced toward Rochester, with a view to get possession of the Bishop
Odo; for they thought, if they had him who was at first the head of the
conspiracy, they might the better get possession of all the others. They came
then to the castle at Tunbridge; and there were in the castle the knights of
Bishop Odo, and many others who were resolved to hold it against the king.
But the Englishmen advanced, and broke into the castle, and the men that
were therein agreed with the king. The king with his army went toward
Rochester. And they supposed that the bishop was therein; but it was made
known to the king that the bishop was gone to the castle at Pevensea. And
the king with his army went after, and beset the castle about with a very
large force full six weeks. During this time the Earl of Normandy, Robert,
the king's brother, gathered a very considerable force, and thought to win
England with the support of those men that were in this land against the
king. And he sent some of his men to this land, intending to come himself

after. But the Englishmen that guarded the sea lighted upon some of the
men, and slew them, and drowned more than any man could tell. When
provisions afterwards failed those within the castle, they earnestly besought
peace, and gave themselves up to the king; and the bishop swore that he
would depart out of England, and no more come on this land, unless the
king sent after him, and that he would give up the castle at Rochester. Just
as the bishop was going with an intention to give up the castle, and the king
had sent his men with him, then arose the men that were in the castle, and
took the bishop and the king's men, and put them into prison. In the castle
were some very good knights; Eustace the Young, and the three sons of Earl
Roger, and all the best born men that were in this land or in Normandy.
When the king understood this thing, then went he after with the army that
he had there, and sent over all England. and bade that each man that was
faithful should come to him, French and English, from sea-port and from
upland. Then came to him much people; and he went to Rochester, and
beset the castle, until they that were therein agreed, and gave up the castle.
The Bishop Odo with the men that were in the castle went over sea, and the
bishop thus abandoned the dignity that he had in this land. The king
afterwards sent an army to Durham, and allowed it to beset the castle, and
the bishop agreed, and gave up the castle, and relinquished his bishopric,
and went to Normandy. Many Frenchmen also abandoned their lands, and
went over sea; and the king gave their lands to the men that were faithful to
him.

A.D. 1089. In this year the venerable father and favourer of monks,
Archbishop Landfranc, departed this life; but we hope that he is gone to the
heavenly kingdom. There was also over all England much earth-stirring on
the third day before the ides of August, and it was a very late year in corn,
and in every kind of fruits, so that many men reaped their corn about
Martinmas, and yet later.

A.D. 1090. Indiction XIII. These things thus done, just as we have
already said above, by the king, and by his brother and by this men, the
king was considering how he might wreak his vengeance on his brother
Robert, harass him most, and win Normandy of him. And indeed through
his craft, or through bribery, he got possession of the castle at St. Valeri, and
the haven; and so he got possession of that at Albemarle. And therein he set
his knights; and they did harm to the land in harrowing and burning. After
this he got possession of more castles in the land; and therein lodged his
horsemen. When the Earl of Normandy, Robert, understood that his sworn
men deceived him, and gave up their castles to do him harm, then sent he to
his lord, Philip, king of the Franks; and he came to Normandy with a large
army, and the king and the earl with an immense force beset the castle
about, wherein were the men of the King of England. But the King William
of England sent to Philip, king of the Franks; and he for his love, or for his
great treasure, abandoned thus his subject the Earl Robert and his land; and
returned again to France, and let them so remain. And in the midst of these
things this land was much oppressed by unlawful exactions and by many
other misfortunes.

A.D. 1091. In this year the King William held his court at Christmas in
Westminster, and thereafter at Candlemas he went, for the annoyance of his
brother, out of England into Normandy. Whilst he was there, their
reconciliation took place, on the condition, that the earl put into his hands
Feschamp, and the earldom of Ou, and Cherbourg; and in addition to this,
that the king's men should be secure in the castles that they had won against
the will of the earl. And the king in return promised him those many
[castles] that their father had formerly won, and also to reduce those that
had revolted from the earl, also all that his father had there beyond, except
those that he had then given the king, and that all those, that in England
before for the earl had lost their land, should have it again by this treaty, and
that the earl should have in England just so much as was specified in this

agreement. And if the earl died without a son by lawful wedlock, the king
should be heir of all Normandy; and by virtue of this same treaty, if the king
died, the earl should be heir of all England. To this treaty swore twelve of
the best men of the king's side, and twelve of the earl's, though it stood but a
little while afterwards. In the midst of this treaty was Edgar Etheling
deprived of the land that the earl had before permitted him to keep in hand;
and he went out of Normandy to the king, his sister's husband, in Scotland,
and to his sister. Whilst the King William was out of England, the King
Malcolm of Scotland came hither into England, and overran a great deal of
it, until the good men that governed this land sent an army against him and
repulsed him. When the King William in Normandy heard this, then
prepared he his departure, and came to England, and his brother, the Earl
Robert, with him; and he soon issued an order to collect a force both naval
and military; but the naval force, ere it could come to Scotland, perished
almost miserably, a few days before St. Michael's mass. And the king and
his brother proceeded with the land-force; but when the King Malcolm
heard that they were resolved to seek him with an army, he went with his
force out of Scotland into Lothaine in England, and there abode. When the
King William came near with his army, then interceded between them Earl
Robert, and Edgar Etheling, and so made the peace of the kings, that the
King Malcolm came to our king, and did homage, (114) promising all such
obedience as he formerly paid to his father; and that he confirmed with an
oath. And the King William promised him in land and in all things whatever
he formerly had under his father. In this settlement was also Edgar Etheling
united with the king. And the kings then with much satisfaction departed;
yet that stood but a little while. And the Earl Robert tarried here full nigh
until Christmas with the king, and during this time found but little of the
truth of their agreement; and two days before that tide he took ship in the
Isle of Wight, and went into Normandy, and Edgar Etheling with him.

A.D. 1092. In this year the King William with a large army went north to
Carlisle, and restored the town, and reared the castle, and drove out Dolphin
that before governed the land, and set his own men in the castle, and then
returned hither southward. And a vast number of rustic people with wives
and with cattle he sent thither, to dwell there in order to till the land.

A.D. 1093. In this year, during Lent, was the King William at Glocester
so sick, that he was by all reported dead. And in his illness he made many
good promises to lead his own life aright; to grant peace and protection to
the churches of God, and never more again with fee to sell; to have none
but righteous laws amongst his people. The archbishopric of Canterbury,
that before remained in his own hand, he transferred to Anselm, who was
before Abbot of Bec; to Robert his chancellor the bishopric of Lincoln; and
to many minsters he gave land; but that he afterwards took away, when he
was better, and annulled all the good laws that he promised us before. Then
after this sent the King of Scotland, and demanded the fulfilment of the
treaty that was promised him. And the King William cited him to Glocester,
and sent him hostages to Scotland; and Edgar Etheling, afterwards, and the
men returned, that brought him with great dignity to the king. But when he
came to the king, he could not be considered worthy either of our king's
speech, or of the conditions that were formerly promised him. For this
reason therefore they parted with great dissatisfaction, and the King
Malcolm returned to Scotland. And soon after he came home, he gathered
his army, and came harrowing into England with more hostility than
behoved him; and Robert, the Earl of Northumberland, surrounded him
unawares with his men, and slew him. Morel of Barnborough slew him,
who was the earl's steward, and a baptismal friend (115) of King Malcolm.
With him was also slain Edward his son; who after him should have been
king, if he had lived. When the good Queen Margaret heard this—her most
beloved lord and son thus betrayed she was in her mind almost distracted to
death. She with her priests went to church, and performed her rites, and

prayed before God, that she might give up the ghost. And the Scots then
chose (116) Dufenal to king, Malcolm's brother, and drove out all the
English that formerly were with the King Malcolm. When Duncan, King
Malcolm's son, heard all that had thus taken place (he was then in the King
William's court, because his father had given him as a hostage to our king's
father, and so he lived here afterwards), he came to the king, and did such
fealty as the king required at his hands; and so with his permission went to
Scotland, with all the support that he could get of English and French, and
deprived his uncle Dufenal of the kingdom, and was received as king. But
the Scots afterwards gathered some force together, and slew full nigh all his
men; and he himself with a few made his escape. (117) Afterwards they
were reconciled, on the condition that he never again brought into the land
English or French.

A.D. 1094. This year the King William held his court at Christmas in
Glocester; and messengers came to him thither from his brother Robert of
Normandy; who said that his brother renounced all peace and conditions,
unless the king would fulfil all that they had stipulated in the treaty; and
upon that he called him forsworn and void of truth, unless he adhered to the
treaty, or went thither and explained himself there, where the treaty was
formerly made and also sworn. Then went the king to Hastings at
Candlemas; and whilst he there abode waiting the weather, he let hallow the
minster at Battel, and deprived Herbert Losang, the Bishop of Thetford, of
his staff; and thereafter about mid-Lent went over sea into Normandy. After
he came, thither, he and his brother Robert, the earl, said that they should
come together in peace (and so they did), and might be united. Afterwards
they came together with the same men that before made the treaty, and also
confirmed it by oaths; and all the blame of breaking the treaty they threw
upon the king; but he would not confess this, nor even adhere to the treaty;
and for this reason they parted with much dissatisfaction. And the king
afterwards won the castle at Bures, and took the earl's men therein; some of

whom he sent hither to this land. On the other hand the earl, with the
assistance of the King of France, won the castle at Argence, and took
therein Roger of Poitou, (118) and seven hundred of the king's knights with
him; and afterwards that at Hulme; and oft readily did either of them burn
the towns of the other, and also took men. Then sent the king hither to this
land, and ordered twenty thousand Englishmen to be sent out to Normandy
to his assistance; but when they came to sea, they then had orders to return,
and to pay to the king's behoof the fee that they had taken; which was half a
pound each man; and they did so. And the earl after this, with the King of
France, and with all that he could gather together, went through the midst of
Normandy, towards Ou, where the King William was, and thought to
besiege him within; and so they advanced until they came to Luneville.
There was the King of France through cunning turned aside; and so
afterwards all the army dispersed. In the midst of these things the King
William sent after his brother Henry, who was in the castle at Damfront; but
because he could not go through Normandy with security, he sent ships
after him, and Hugh, Earl of Chester. When, however, they should have
gone towards Ou where the king was, they went to England, and came up at
Hamton, (119) on the eve of the feast of All Saints, and here afterwards
abode; and at Christmas they were in London. In this same year also the
Welshmen gathered themselves together, and with the French that were in
Wales, or in the neighbourhood, and had formerly seized their land, stirred
up war, and broke into many fastnesses and castles, and slew many men.
And when their followers had increased, they divided themselves into larger
parties. With some part of them fought Hugh, Earl of Shropshire, (120) and
put them to flight. Nevertheless the other part of them all this year omitted
no evil that they could do. This year also the Scots ensnared their king,
Duncan, and slew him; and afterwards, the second time, took his uncle
Dufenal to king, through whose instruction and advice he was betrayed to
death.

A.D. 1095. In this year was the King William the first four days of
Christmas at Whitsand, and after the fourth day came hither, and landed at
Dover. And Henry, the king's brother, abode in this land until Lent, and then
went over sea to Normandy, with much treasure, on the king's behalf,
against their brother, Earl Robert, and frequently fought against the earl,
and did him much harm, both in land and in men. And then at Easter held
the king his court in Winchester; and the Earl Robert of Northumberland
would not come to court. And the king was much stirred to anger with him
for this, and sent to him, and bade him harshly, if he would be worthy of
protection, that he would come to court at Pentecost. In this year was Easter
on the eighth day before the calends of April; and upon Easter, on the night
of the feast of St Ambrose, that is, the second before the nones of April,
(121) nearly over all this land, and almost all the night, numerous and
manifold stars were seen to fall from heaven; not by one or two, but so
thick in succession, that no man could tell it. Hereafter at Pentecost was the
king at Windsor, and all his council with him, except the Earl of
Northumberland; for the king would neither give him hostages, nor own
upon truth, that he might come and go with security. And the king therefore
ordered his army, and went against the earl to Northumberland; and soon
after he came thither, he won many and nearly all the best of the earl's clan
in a fortress, and put them into custody; and the castle at Tinemouth he
beset until he won it, and the earl's brother therein, and all that were with
him; and afterwards went to Bamborough, and beset the earl therein. But
when the king saw that he could not win it, then ordered he his men to make
a castle before Bamborough, and called it in his speech "Malveisin"; that is
in English, "Evil Neighbour". And he fortified it strongly with his men, and
afterwards went southward. Then, soon after that the king was gone south,
went the earl one night out of Bamborough towards Tinemouth; but they
that were in the new castle were aware of him, and went after him, and
fought him, and wounded him, and afterwards took him. And of those that

were with him some they slew, and some they took alive. Among these
things it was made known to the king, that the Welshmen in Wales had
broken into a castle called Montgomery, and slain the men of Earl Hugo,
that should have held it. He therefore gave orders to levy another force
immediately, and after Michaelmas went into Wales, and shifted his forces,
and went through all that land, so that the army came all together by All
Saints to Snowdon. But the Welsh always went before into the mountains
and the moors, that no man could come to them. The king then went
homeward; for he saw that he could do no more there this winter. When the
king came home again, he gave orders to take the Earl Robert of
Northumberland, and lead him to Bamborough, and put out both his eyes,
unless they that were therein would give up the castle. His wife held it, and
Morel who was steward, and also his relative. Through this was the castle
then given up; and Morel was then in the king's court; and through him
were many both of the clergy and laity surrendered, who with their counsels
had conspired against the king. The king had before this time commanded
some to be brought into prison, and afterwards had it very strictly
proclaimed over all this country, "That all who held land of the king, as they
wished to be considered worthy of protection, should come to court at the
time appointed." And the king commanded that the Earl Robert should be
led to Windsor, and there held in the castle. Also in this same year, against
Easter, came the pope's nuncio hither to this land. This was Bishop Walter, a
man of very good life, of the town of Albano; and upon the day of Pentecost
on the behalf of Pope Urban he gave Archbishop Anselm his pall, and he
received him at his archiepiscopal stall in Canterbury. And Bishop Walter
remained afterwards in this land a great part of the year; and men then sent
by him the Rome-scot, (122) which they had not done for many years
before. This same year also the weather was very unseasonable; in
consequence of which throughout all this land were all the fruits of the earth
reduced to a moderate crop.

A.D. 1096. In this year held the King William his court at Christmas in
Windsor; and William Bishop of Durham died there on new-year's day; and
on the octave of the Epiphany was the king and all his councillors at
Salisbury. There Geoffry Bainard challenged William of Ou, the king's
relative, maintaining that he had been in the conspiracy against the king.
And he fought with him, and overcame him in single combat; and after he
was overcome, the king gave orders to put out his eyes, and afterwards to
emasculate him; and his steward, William by name, who was the son of his
stepmother, the king commanded to be hanged on a gibbet. Then was also
Eoda, Earl of Champagne, the king's son-in-law, and many others, deprived
of their lands; whilst some were led to London, and there killed. This year
also, at Easter, there was a very great stir through all this nation and many
others, on account of Urban, who was declared Pope, though he had nothing
of a see at Rome. And an immense multitude went forth with their wives
and children, that they might make war upon the heathens. Through this
expedition were the king and his brother, Earl Robert, reconciled; so that
the king went over sea, and purchased all Normandy of him, on condition
that they should be united. And the earl afterwards departed; and with him
the Earl of Flanders, and the Earl of Boulogne, and also many other men of
rank (123). And the Earl Robert, and they that went with him, passed the
winter in Apulia; but of the people that went by Hungary many thousands
miserably perished there and by the way. And many dragged themselves
home rueful and hunger-bitten on the approach of winter. This was a very
heavy-timed year through all England, both through the manifold tributes,
and also through the very heavy-timed hunger that severely oppressed this
earth in the course of the year. In this year also the principal men who held
this land, frequently sent forces into Wales, and many men thereby
grievously afflicted, producing no results but destruction of men and waste
of money.

A.D. 1097. In this year was the King William at Christmas in Normandy;
and afterwards against Easter he embarked for this land; for that he thought
to hold his court at Winchester; but he was weather-bound until Easter-eve,
when he first landed at Arundel; and for this reason held his court at
Windsor. And thereafter with a great army he went into Wales, and quickly
penetrated that land with his forces, through some of the Welsh who were
come to him, and were his guides; and he remained in that country from
midsummer nearly until August, and suffered much loss there in men and in
horses, and also in many other things. The Welshmen, after they had
revolted from the king, chose them many elders from themselves; one of
whom was called Cadwgan, (124) who was the worthiest of them, being
brother's son to King Griffin. And when the king saw that he could do
nothing in furtherance of his will, he returned again into this land; and soon
after that he let his men build castles on the borders. Then upon the feast of
St. Michael, the fourth day before the nones of October, (125) appeared an
uncommon star, shining in the evening, and soon hastening to set. It (126)
was seen south-west, and the ray that stood off from it was thought very
long, shining south-east. And it appeared on this wise nearly all the week.
Many men supposed that it was a comet. Soon after this Archbishop Anselm
of Canterbury obtained leave (127) of the king (though it was contrary to
the wishes of the king, as men supposed), and went over sea; because he
thought that men in this country did little according to right and after his
instruction. And the king thereafter upon St. Martin's mass went over sea
into Normandy; but whilst he was waiting for fair weather, his court in the
county where they lay, did the most harm that ever court or army could do
in a friendly and peaceable land. This was in all things a very heavy-timed
year, and beyond measure laborious from badness of weather, both when
men attempted to till the land, and afterwards to gather the fruits of their
tilth; and from unjust contributions they never rested. Many counties also
that were confined to London by work, were grievously oppressed on

account of the wall that they were building about the tower, and the bridge
that was nearly all afloat, and the work of the king's hall that they were
building at Westminster; and many men perished thereby. Also in this same
year soon after Michaelmas went Edgar Etheling with an army through the
king's assistance into Scotland, and with hard fighting won that land, and
drove out the King Dufnal; and his nephew Edgar, who was son of King
Malcolm and of Margaret the queen, he there appointed king in fealty to the
King William; and afterwards again returned to England.

A.D. 1098. In this year at Christmas was the King William in Normandy;
and Walkelin, Bishop of Winchester, and Baldwin, Abbot of St. Edmund's,
within this tide (128) both departed. And in this year also died Turold,
Abbot of Peterborough. In the summer of this year also, at Finchamstead in
Berkshire, a pool welled with blood, as many true men said that should see
it. And Earl Hugh was slain in Anglesey by foreign pirates, (129) and his
brother Robert was his heir, as he had settled it before with the king. Before
Michaelmas the heaven was of such an hue, as if it were burning, nearly all
the night. This was a very troublesome year through manifold impositions;
and from the abundant rains, that ceased not all the year, nearly all the tilth
in the marsh-lands perished.

A.D. 1099. This year was the King William at midwinter in Normandy,
and at Easter came hither to land, and at Pentecost held his court the first
time in his new building at Westminster; and there he gave the bishopric of
Durham to Ranulf his chaplain, who had long directed and governed his
councils over all England. And soon after this he went over sea, and drove
the Earl Elias out of Maine, which he reduced under his power, and so by
Michaelmas returned to this land. This year also, on the festival of St.
Martin, the sea-flood sprung up to such a height, and did so much harm, as
no man remembered that it ever did before. And this was the first day of the
new moon. And Osmond, Bishop of Salisbury, died in Advent.

A.D. 1100. In this year the King William held his court at Christmas in
Glocester, and at Easter in Winchester, and at Pentecost in Westminster. And
at Pentecost was seen in Berkshire at a certain town blood to well from the
earth; as many said that should see it. And thereafter on the morning after
Lammas day was the King William shot in hunting, by an arrow from his
own men, and afterwards brought to Winchester, and buried in the
cathedral. (130) This was in the thirteenth year after that he assumed the
government. He was very harsh and severe over his land and his men, and
with all his neighbours; and very formidable; and through the counsels of
evil men, that to him were always agreeable, and through his own avarice,
he was ever tiring this nation with an army, and with unjust contributions.
For in his days all right fell to the ground, and every wrong rose up before
God and before the world. God's church he humbled; and all the bishoprics
and abbacies, whose elders fell in his days, he either sold in fee, or held in
his own hands, and let for a certain sum; because he would be the heir of
every man, both of the clergy and laity; so that on the day that he fell he had
in his own hand the archbishopric of Canterbury, with the bishopric of
Winchester, and that of Salisbury, and eleven abbacies, all let for a sum; and
(though I may be tedious) all that was loathsome to God and righteous men,
all that was customary in this land in his time. And for this he was loathed
by nearly all his people, and odious to God, as his end testified:—for he
departed in the midst of his unrighteousness, without any power of
repentance or recompense for his deeds. On the Thursday he was slain; and
in the morning afterwards buried; and after he was buried, the statesmen
that were then nigh at hand, chose his brother Henry to king. And he
immediately (131) gave the bishopric of Winchester to William Giffard; and
afterwards went to London; and on the Sunday following, before the altar at
Westminster, he promised God and all the people, to annul all the
unrighteous acts that took place in his brother's time, and to maintain the
best laws that were valid in any king's day before him. And after this the

Bishop of London, Maurice, consecrated him king; and all in this land
submitted to him, and swore oaths, and became his men. And the king, soon
after this, by the advice of those that were about him, allowed men to take
the Bishop Ranulf of Durham, and bring him into the Tower of London, and
hold him there. Then, before Michaelmas, came the Archbishop Anselm of
Canterbury hither to this land; as the King Henry, by the advice of his
ministers had sent after him, because he had gone out of this land for the
great wrongs that the King William did unto him. And soon hereafter the
king took him to wife Maud, daughter of Malcolm, King of Scotland, and
of Margaret the good queen, the relative of King Edward, and of the right
royal (132) race of England. And on Martinmas day she was publicly given
to him with much pomp at Westminster, and the Archbishop Anselm
wedded her to him, and afterwards consecrated her queen. And the
Archbishop Thomas of York soon hereafter died. During the harvest of this
same year also came the Earl Robert home into Normandy, and the Earl
Robert of Flanders, Eustace, Earl of Boulogne, from Jerusalem. And as
soon as the Earl Robert came into Normandy, he was joyfully received by
all his people; except those of the castles that were garrisoned with the King
Henry's men. Against them he had many contests and struggles.

A.D. 1101. In this year at Christmas held the King Henry his court in
Westminster, and at Easter in Winchester. And soon thereafter were the
chief men in this land in a conspiracy against the king; partly from their
own great infidelity, and also through the Earl Robert of Normandy, who
with hostility aspired to the invasion of this land. And the king afterwards
sent ships out to sea, to thwart and impede his brother; but some of them in
the time of need fell back, and turned from the king, and surrendered
themselves to the Earl Robert. Then at midsummer went the king out to
Pevensey with all his force against his brother, and there awaited him. But
in the meantime came the Earl Robert up at Portsmouth twelve nights
before Lammas; and the king with all his force came against him. But the

chief men interceded between them, and settled the brothers on the
condition, "that the king should forego all that he held by main strength in
Normandy against the earl; and that all then in England should have their
lands again, who had lost it before through the earl, and Earl Eustace also
all his patrimony in this land; and that the Earl Robert every year should
receive from England three thousand marks of silver; and particularly, that
whichever of the brothers should survive the other, he should be heir of all
England and also of Normandy, except the deceased left an heir by lawful
wedlock." And this twelve men of the highest rank on either side then
confirmed with an oath. And the earl afterwards remained in this land till
after Michaelmas; and his men did much harm wherever they went, the
while that the earl continued in this land. This year also the Bishop Ranulf
at Candlemas burst out of the Tower of London by night, where he was in
confinement, and went into Normandy; through whose contrivance and
instigation mostly the Earl Robert this year sought this land with hostility.

A.D. 1102. In this year at the Nativity was the King Henry at
Westminster, and at Easter in Winchester. And soon thereafter arose a
dissention between the king and the Earl Robert of Belesme, who held in
this land the earldom of Shrewsbury, that his father, Earl Roger, had before,
and much territory therewith both on this side and beyond the sea. And the
king went and beset the castle at Arundel; but when he could not easily win
it, he allowed men to make castles before it, and filled them with his men;
and afterwards with all his army he went to Bridgenorth, and there
continued until he had the castle, and deprived the Earl Robert of his land,
and stripped him of all that he had in England. And the earl accordingly
went over sea, and the army afterwards returned home. Then was the king
thereafter by Michaelmas at Westminster; and all the principal men in this
land, clerk, and laity. And the Archbishop Anselm held a synod of clergy;
and there they established many canons that belong to Christianity. And
many, both French and English, were there deprived of their staves and

dignity, which they either obtained with injustice, or enjoyed with
dishonour. And in this same year, in the week of the feast of Pentecost,
there came thieves, some from Auvergne, (133) some from France, and
some from Flanders, and broke into the minster of Peterborough, and
therein seized much property in gold and in silver; namely, roods, and
chalices, and candlesticks.

A.D. 1103. In this year, at midwinter, was the King Henry at
Westminster. And soon afterwards departed the Bishop William Giffard out
of this land; because he would not against right accept his hood at the hands
of the Archbishop Gerard of York. And then at Easter held the king his court
at Winchester, and afterwards went the Archbishop Anselm from
Canterbury to Rome, as was agreed between him and the king. This year
also came the Earl Robert of Normandy to speak with the king in this land;
and ere he departed hence he forgave the King Henry the three thousand
marks that he was bound by treaty to give him each year. In this year also at
Hamstead in Berkshire was seen blood [to rise] from the earth. This was a
very calamitous year in this land, through manifold impositions, and
through murrain of cattle, and deficiency of produce, not only in corn, but
in every kind of fruit. Also in the morning, upon the mass day of St.
Laurence, the wind did so much harm here on land to all fruits, as no man
remembered that ever any did before. In this same year died Matthias,
Abbot of Peterborough, who lived no longer than one year after he was
abbot. After Michaelmas, on the twelfth day before the calends of
November, he was in full procession received as abbot; and on the same day
of the next year he was dead at Glocester, and there buried.

A.D. 1104. In this year at Christmas held the King Henry his court at
Westminster, and at Easter in Winchester, and at Pentecost again at
Westminster. This year was the first day of Pentecost on the nones of June;
and on the Tuesday following were seen four circles at mid-day about the

sun, of a white hue, each described under the other as if they were
measured. All that saw it wondered; for they never remembered such
before. Afterwards were reconciled the Earl Robert of Normandy and
Robert de Belesme, whom the King Henry had before deprived of his lands,
and driven from England; and through their reconciliation the King of
England and the Earl of Normandy became adversaries. And the king sent
his folk over sea into Normandy; and the head-men in that land received
them, and with treachery to their lord, the earl, lodged them in their castles,
whence they committed many outrages on the earl in plundering and
burning. This year also William, Earl of Moreton (134) went from this land
into Normandy; but after he was gone he acted against the king; because the
king stripped and deprived him of all that he had here in this land. It is not
easy to describe the misery of this land, which it was suffering through
various and manifold wrongs and impositions, that never failed nor ceased;
and wheresoever the king went, there was full licence given to his company
to harrow and oppress his wretched people; and in the midst thereof
happened oftentimes burnings and manslaughter. All this was done to the
displeasure of God, and to the vexation of this unhappy people.

A.D. 1105. In this year, on the Nativity, held the King Henry his court at
Windsor; and afterwards in Lent he went over sea into Normandy against
his brother Earl Robert. And whilst he remained there he won of his brother
Caen and Baieux; and almost all the castles and the chief men in that land
were subdued. And afterwards by harvest he returned hither again; and that
which he had won in Normandy remained afterwards in peace and
subjection to him; except that which was anywhere near the Earl William of
Moretaine. This he often demanded as strongly as he could for the loss of
his land in this country. And then before Christmas came Robert de
Belesme hither to the king. This was a very calamitous year in this land,
through loss of fruits, and through the manifold contributions, that never
ceased before the king went over [to Normandy], or while he was there, or
after he came back again.

A.D. 1106. In this year was the King Henry on the Nativity at
Westminster, and there held his court; and at that season Robert de Belesme
went unreconciled from the king out of his land into Normandy. Hereafter
before Lent was the king at Northampton; and the Earl Robert his brother
came thither from Normandy to him; and because the king would not give
him back that which he had taken from him in Normandy, they parted in
hostility; and the earl soon went over sea back again. In the first week of
Lent, on the Friday, which was the fourteenth before the calends of March,
in the evening appeared an unusual star; and a long time afterwards was
seen every evening shining awhile. The star appeared in the south-west; it
was thought little and dark; but the train of light which stood from it was
very bright, and appeared like an immense beam shining north-east; and
some evening this beam was seen as if it were moving itself forwards
against the star. Some said that they saw more of such unusual stars at this
time; but we do not write more fully about it, because we saw it not
ourselves. On the night preceding the Lord's Supper, (135) that is, the

Thursday before Easter, were seen two moons in the heavens before day,
the one in the east, and the other in the west, both full; and it was the
fourteenth day of the moon. At Easter was the king at Bath, and at Pentecost
at Salisbury; because he would not hold his court when he was beyond the
sea. After this, and before August, went the king over sea into Normandy;
and almost all that were in that land submitted to his will, except Robert de
Belesme and the Earl of Moretaine, and a few others of the principal
persons who yet held with the Earl of Normandy. For this reason the king
afterwards advanced with an army, and beset a castle of the Earl of
Moretaine, called Tenerchebrai. (136) Whilst the king beset the castle, came
the Earl Robert of Normandy on Michaelmas eve against the king with his
army, and with him Robert of Belesme, and William, Earl of Moretaine, and
all that would be with them; but the strength and the victory were the king's.
There was the Earl of Normandy taken, and the Earl of Moretaine, and
Robert of Stutteville, and afterwards sent to England, and put into custody.
Robert of Belesme was there put to flight, and William Crispin was taken,
and many others forthwith. Edgar Etheling, who a little before had gone
over from the king to the earl, was also there taken, whom the king
afterwards let go unpunished. Then went the king over all that was in
Normandy, and settled it according to his will and discretion. This year also
were heavy and sinful conflicts between the Emperor of Saxony and his
son, and in the midst of these conflicts the father fell, and the son succeeded
to the empire.

A.D. 1107. In this year at Christmas was the King Henry in Normandy;
and, having disposed and settled that land to his will, he afterwards came
hither in Lent, and at Easter held his court at Windsor, and at Pentecost in
Westminster. And afterwards in the beginning of August he was again at
Westminster, and there gave away and settled the bishoprics and abbacies
that either in England or in Normandy were without elders and pastors. Of
these there were so many, that there was no man who remembered that ever

so many together were given away before. And on this same occasion,
among the others who accepted abbacies, Ernulf, who before was prior at
Canterbury, succeeded to the abbacy in Peterborough. This was nearly
about seven years after the King Henry undertook the kingdom, and the one
and fortieth year since the Franks governed this land. Many said that they
saw sundry tokens in the moon this year, and its orb increasing and
decreasing contrary to nature. This year died Maurice, Bishop of London,
and Robert, Abbot of St. Edmund's bury, and Richard, Abbot of Ely. This
year also died the King Edgar in Scotland, on the ides of January, and
Alexander his brother succeeded to the kingdom, as the King Henry granted
him.

A.D. 1108. In this year was the King Henry on the Nativity at
Westminster, and at Easter at Winchester, and by Pentecost at Westminster
again. After this, before August, he went into Normandy. And Philip, the
King of France, died on the nones of August, and his son Louis succeeded
to the kingdom. And there were afterwards many struggles between the
King of France and the King of England, while the latter remained in
Normandy. In this year also died the Archbishop Girard of York, before
Pentecost, and Thomas was afterwards appointed thereto.

A.D. 1109. In this year was the King Henry at Christmas and at Easter in
Normandy; and before Pentecost he came to this land, and held his court at
Westminster. There were the conditions fully settled, and the oaths sworn,
for giving his daughter (137) to the emperor. (138) This year were very
frequent storms of thunder, and very tremendous; and the Archbishop
Anselm of Canterbury died on the eleventh day before the calends of April;
and the first day of Easter was on "Litania major".

A.D. 1110. In this year held the King Henry his court at Christmas in
Westminster, and at Easter he was at Marlborough, and at Pentecost he held

his court for the first time in New Windsor. This year before Lent the king
sent his daughter with manifold treasures over sea, and gave her to the
emperor. On the fifth night in the month of May appeared the moon shining
bright in the evening, and afterwards by little and little its light diminished,
so that, as soon as night came, (139) it was so completely extinguished
withal, that neither light, nor orb, nor anything at all of it was seen. And so
it continued nearly until day, and then appeared shining full and bright. It
was this same day a fortnight old. All the night was the firmament very
clear, and the stars over all the heavens shining very bright. And the fruits
of the trees were this night sorely nipt by frost. Afterwards, in the month of
June, appeared a star north-east, and its train stood before it towards the
south-west. Thus was it seen many nights; and as the night advanced, when
it rose higher, it was seen going backward toward the north-west. This year
were deprived of their lands Philip of Braiose, and William Mallet, and
William Bainard. This year also died Earl Elias, who held Maine in fee-tail
(140) of King Henry; and after his death the Earl of Anjou succeeded to it,
and held it against the king. This was a very calamitous year in this land,
through the contributions which the king received for his daughter's portion,
and through the badness of the weather, by which the fruits of the earth
were very much marred, and the produce of the trees over all this land
almost entirely perished. This year men began first to work at the new
minster at Chertsey.

A.D. 1111. This year the King Henry bare not his crown at Christmas,
nor at Easter, nor at Pentecost. And in August he went over sea into
Normandy, on account of the broils that some had with him by the confines
of France, and chiefly on account of the Earl of Anjou, who held Maine
against him. And after he came over thither, many conspiracies, and
burnings, and harrowings, did they between them. In this year died the Earl
Robert of Flanders, and his son Baldwin succeeded thereto. (141) This year
was the winter very long, and the season heavy and severe; and through that

were the fruits of the earth sorely marred, and there was the greatest
murrain of cattle that any man could remember.

A.D. 1112. All this year remained the King Henry in Normandy on
account of the broils that he had with France, and with the Earl of Anjou,
who held Maine against him. And whilst he was there, he deprived of their
lands the Earl of Evreux, and William Crispin, and drove them out of
Normandy. To Philip of Braiose he restored his land, who had been before
deprived of it; and Robert of Belesme he suffered to be seized, and put into
prison. This was a very good year, and very fruitful, in wood and in field;
but it was a very heavy time and sorrowful, through a severe mortality
amongst men.

A.D. 1113. In this year was the King Henry on the Nativity and at Easter
and at Pentecost in Normandy. And after that, in the summer, he sent hither
Robert of Belesme into the castle at Wareham, and himself soon (142)
afterwards came hither to this land.

A.D. 1114. In this year held the King Henry his court on the Nativity at
Windsor, and held no other court afterwards during the year. And at
midsummer he went with an army into Wales; and the Welsh came and
made peace with the king. And he let men build castles therein. And
thereafter, in September, he went over sea into Normandy. This year, in the
latter end of May, was seen an uncommon star with a long train, shining
many nights. In this year also was so great an ebb of the tide everywhere in
one day, as no man remembered before; so that men went riding and
walking over the Thames eastward of London bridge. This year were very
violent winds in the month of October; but it was immoderately rough in
the night of the octave of St. Martin; and that was everywhere manifest both
in town and country. In this year also the king gave the archbishopric of
Canterbury to Ralph, who was before Bishop of Rochester; and Thomas,

Archbishop of York, died; and Turstein succeeded thereto, who was before
the king's chaplain. About this same time went the king toward the sea, and
was desirous of going over, but the weather prevented him; then meanwhile
sent he his writ after the Abbot Ernulf of Peterborough, and bade that he
should come to him quickly, for that he wished to speak with him on an
interesting subject. When he came to him, he appointed him to the bishopric
of Rochester; and the archbishops and bishops and all the nobility that were
in England coincided with the king. And he long withstood, but it availed
nothing. And the king bade the archbishop that he should lead him to
Canterbury, and consecrate him bishop whether he would or not. (143) This
was done in the town called Bourne (144) on the seventeenth day before the
calends of October. When the monks of Peterborough heard of this, they felt
greater sorrow than they had ever experienced before; because he was a
very good and amiable man, and did much good within and without whilst
he abode there. God Almighty abide ever with him. Soon after this gave the
king the abbacy to a monk of Sieyes, whose name was John, through the
intreaty of the Archbishop of Canterbury. And soon after this the king and
the Archbishop of Canterbury sent him to Rome after the archbishop's pall;
and a monk also with him, whose name was Warner, and the Archdeacon
John, the nephew of the archbishop. And they sped well there. This was
done on the seventh day before the calends Of October, in the town that is
yclept Rowner. And this same day went the king on board ship at
Portsmouth.

A.D. 1115. This year was the King Henry on the Nativity in Normandy.
And whilst he was there, he contrived that all the head men in Normandy
did homage and fealty to his son William, whom he had by his queen. And
after this, in the month of July, he returned to this land. This year was the
winter so severe, with snow and with frost, that no man who was then living
ever remembered one more severe; in consequence of which there was great
destruction of cattle. During this year the Pope Paschalis sent the pall into

this land to Ralph, Archbishop of Canterbury; and he received it with great
worship at his archiepiscopal stall in Canterbury. It was brought hither from
Rome by Abbot Anselm, who was the nephew of Archbishop Anselm, and
the Abbot John of Peterborough.

A.D. 1116. In this year was the King Henry on the Nativity at St. Alban's,
where he permitted the consecration of that monastery; and at Easter he was
at Odiham. And there was also this year a very heavy-timed winter, strong
and long, for cattle and for all things. And the king soon after Easter went
over sea into Normandy. And there were many conspiracies and robberies,
and castles taken betwixt France and Normandy. Most of this disturbance
was because the King Henry assisted his nephew, Theobald de Blois, who
was engaged in a war against his lord, Louis, the King of France. This was a
very vexatious and destructive year with respect to the fruits of the earth,
through the immoderate rains that fell soon after the beginning of August,
harassing and perplexing men till Candlemas-day. This year also was so
deficient in mast, that there was never heard such in all this land or in
Wales. This land and nation were also this year oft and sorely swincked by
the guilds which the king took both within the boroughs and without. In this
same year was consumed by fire the whole monastery of Peterborough, and
all the buildings, except the chapter-house and the dormitory, and therewith
also all the greater part of the town. All this happened on a Friday, which
was the second day before the nones of August.

A.D. 1117. All this year remained the King Henry, in Normandy, on
account of the hostility of the King of France and his other neighbours. And
in the summer came the King of France and the Earl of Flanders with him
with an army into Normandy. And having stayed therein one night, they
returned again in the morning without fighting. But Normandy was very
much afflicted both by the exactions and by the armies which the King
Henry collected against them. This nation also was severely oppressed

through the same means, namely, through manifold exactions. This year
also, in the night of the calends of December, were immoderate storms with
thunder, and lightning, and rain, and hail. And in the night of the third day
before the ides of December was the moon, during a long time of the night,
as if covered with blood, and afterwards eclipsed. Also in the night of the
seventeenth day before the calends of January, was the heaven seen very
red, as if it were burning. And on the octave of St. John the Evangelist was
the great earthquake in Lombardy; from the shock of which many minsters,
and towers, and houses fell, and did much harm to men. This was a very
blighted year in corn, through the rains that scarcely ceased for nearly all
the year. And the Abbot Gilbert of Westminster died on the eighth day
before the ides of December; and Faritz, Abbot of Abingdon, on the seventh
day before the calends of March. And in this same year….

A.D. 1118. All this year abode the King Henry in Normandy on account
of the war of the King of France and the Earl of Anjou, and the Earl of
Flanders. And the Earl of Flanders was wounded in Normandy, and went so
wounded into Flanders. By this war was the king much exhausted, and he
was a great loser both in land and money. And his own men grieved him
most, who often from him turned, and betrayed him; and going over to his
foes surrendered to them their castles, to the injury and disappointment of
the king. All this England dearly bought through the manifold guilds that all
this year abated not. This year, in the week of the Epiphany, there was one
evening a great deal of lightning, and thereafter unusual thunder. And the
Queen Matilda died at Westminster on the calends of May; and there was
buried. And the Earl Robert of Mellent died also this year. In this year also,
on the feast of St. Thomas, was so very immoderately violent a wind, that
no man who was then living ever remembered any greater; and that was
everywhere seen both in houses and also in trees. This year also died Pope
Paschalis; and John of Gaeta succeeded to the popedom, whose other name
was Gelasius.

A.D. 1119. All this year continued the King Henry in Normandy; and he
was greatly perplexed by the hostility of the King of France, and also of his
own men, who with treachery deserted from him, and oft readily betrayed
him; until the two kings came together in Normandy with their forces.
There was the King of France put to flight, and all his best men taken. And
afterwards many of King Henry's men returned to him, and accorded with
him, who were before, with their castellans, against him. And some of the
castles he took by main strength. This year went William, the son of King
Henry and Queen Matilda, into Normandy to his father, and there was given
to him, and wedded to wife, the daughter of the Earl of Anjou. On the eve
of the mass of St. Michael was much earth-heaving in some places in this
land; though most of all in Glocestershire and in Worcestershire. In this
same year died the Pope Gelasius, on this side of the Alps, and was buried
at Clugny. And after him the Archbishop of Vienna was chosen pope, whose
name was Calixtus. He afterwards, on the festival of St. Luke the
Evangelist, came into France to Rheims, and there held a council. And the
Archbishop Turstin of York went thither; and, because that he against right,
and against the archiepiscopal stall in Canterbury, and against the king's
will, received his hood at the hands of the pope, the king interdicted him
from all return to England. And thus he lost his archbishopric, and with the
pope went towards Rome. In this year also died the Earl Baldwin of
Flanders of the wounds that he received in Normandy. And after him
succeeded to the earldom Charles, the son of his uncle by the father's side,
who was son of Cnute, the holy King of Denmark.

A.D. 1120. This year were reconciled the King of England and the King
of France; and after their reconciliation all the King Henry's own men
accorded with him in Normandy, as well as the Earl of Flanders and the
Earl of Ponthieu. From this time forward the King Henry settled his castles
and his land in Normandy after his will; and so before Advent came to this
land. And in this expedition were drowned the king's two sons, William and

Richard, and Richard, Earl of Chester, and Ottuel his brother, and very
many of the king's household, stewards, and chamberlains, and butlers, and
men of various abodes; and with them a countless multidude of very
incomparable folk besides. Sore was their death to their friends in a twofold
respect: one, that they so suddenly lost this life; the other, that few of their
bodies were found anywhere afterwards. This year came that light to the
sepulchre of the Lord in Jerusalem twice; once at Easter, and the other on
the assumption of St. Mary, as credible persons said who came thence. And
the Archbishop Turstin of York was through the pope reconciled with the
king, and came to this land, and recovered his bishopric, though it was very
undesirable to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

A.D. 1121. This year was the King Henry at Christmas at Bramton, and
afterwards, before Candlemas, at Windsor was given him to wife Athelis;
soon afterwards consecrated queen, who was daughter of the Duke of
Louvain. And the moon was eclipsed in the night of the nones of April,
being a fortnight old. And the king was at Easter at Berkley; and after that
at Pentecost he held a full court at Westminster; and afterwards in the
summer went with an army into Wales. And the Welsh came against him;
and after the king's will they accorded with him. This year came the Earl of
Anjou from Jerusalem into his land; and soon after sent hither to fetch his
daughter, who had been given to wife to William, the king's son. And in the
night of the eve of "Natalis Domini" was a very violent wind over all this
land, and that was in many things evidently seen.

A.D. 1122. In this year was the King Henry at Christmas in Norwich, and
at Easter in Northampton. And in the Lent-tide before that, the town of
Glocester was on fire: the while that the monks were singing their mass,
and the deacon had begun the gospel, "Praeteriens Jesus", at that very
moment came the fire from the upper part of the steeple, and burned all the
minster, and all the treasures that were there within; except a few books,

and three mass-hackles. That was on the eighth day before the ides of
Marcia. And thereafter, the Tuesday after Palm-Sunday, was a very violent
wind on the eleventh day before the calends of April; after which came
many tokens far and wide in England, and many spectres were both seen
and heard. And the eighth night before the calends of August was a very
violent earthquake over all Somersetshire, and in Glocestershire. Soon after,
on the sixth day before the ides of September, which was on the festival of
St. Mary, (145) there was a very violent wind from the fore part of the day
to the depth of the night. This same year died Ralph, the Archbishop of
Canterbury; that was on the thirteenth day before the calends of November.
After this there were many shipmen on the sea, and on fresh water, who
said, that they saw on the north-east, level with the earth, a fire huge and
broad, which anon waxed in length up to the welkin; and the welkin undid
itself in four parts, and fought against it, as if it would quench it; and the
fire waxed nevertheless up to the heaven. The fire they saw in the day-
dawn; and it lasted until it was light over all. That was on the seventh day
before the ides of December.

A.D. 1123. In this year was the King Henry, at Christmastide at
Dunstable, and there came to him the ambassadors of the Earl of Anjou.
And thence he went to Woodstock; and his bishops and his whole court
with him. Then did it betide on a Wednesday, which was on the fourth day
before the ides of January, that the king rode in his deer-fold; (146) the
Bishop Roger of Salisbury (147) on one side of him, and the Bishop Robert
Bloet of Lincoln on the other side of him. And they rode there talking
together. Then sank down the Bishop of Lincoln, and said to the king, "Lord
king, I die." And the king alighted down from his horse, and lifted him
betwixt his arms, and let men bear him home to his inn. There he was soon
dead; and they carried him to Lincoln with great worship, and buried him
before the altar of St. Mary. And the Bishop of Chester, whose name was
Robert Pecceth, buried him. Soon after this sent the king his writ over all

England, and bade all his bishops and his abbots and his thanes, that they
should come to his wittenmoot on Candlemas day at Glocester to meet him:
and they did so. When they were there gathered together, then the king bade
them, that they should choose for themselves an Archbishop of Canterbury,
whomsoever they would, and he would confirm it. Then spoke the bishops
among themselves, and said that they never more would have a man of the
monastic order as archbishop over them. And they went all in a body to the
king, and earnestly requested that they might choose from the clerical order
whomsoever they would for archbishop. And the king granted it to them.
This was all concerted before, through the Bishop of Salisbury, and through
the Bishop of Lincoln ere he was dead; for that they never loved the rule of
monks, but were ever against monks and their rule. And the prior and the
monks of Canterbury, and all the other persons of the monastic order that
were there, withstood it full two days; but it availed nought: for the Bishop
of Salisbury was strong, and wielded all England, and opposed them with
all his power and might. Then chose they a clerk, named William of
Curboil. He was canon of a monastery called Chiche. (148) And they
brought him before the king; and the king gave him the archbishopric. And
all the bishops received him: but almost all the monks, and the earls, and
the thanes that were there, protested against him. About the same time
departed the earl's messengers (149) in hostility from the king, reckless of
his favour. During the same time came a legate from Rome, whose name
was Henry. He was abbot of the monastery of St. John of Angeli; and he
came after the Rome-scot. And he said to the king, that it was against right
that men should set a clerk over monks; and therefore they had chosen an
archbishop before in their chapter after right. But the king would not undo
it, for the love of the Bishop of Salisbury. Then went the archbishop, soon
after this, to Canterbury; and was there received, though it was against their
will; and he was there soon blessed to bishop by the Bishop of London, and
the Bishop Ernulf of Rochester, and the Bishop William Girard of

Winchester, and the Bishop Bernard of Wales, and the Bishop Roger of
Salisbury. Then, early in Lent, went the archbishop to Rome, after his pall;
and with him went the Bishop Bernard of Wales; and Sefred, Abbot of
Glastonbury; and Anselm, Abbot of St. Edmund's bury; and John,
Archdeacon of Canterbury; and Gifard, who was the king's court-chaplain.
At the same time went the Archbishop Thurstan of York to Rome, through
the behest of the pope, and came thither three days ere the Archbishop of
Canterbury came, and was there received with much worship. Then came
the Archbishop of Canterbury, and was there full seven nights ere they
could come to a conference with the pope. That was, because the pope was
made to understand that he had obtained the archbishopric against the
monks of the minster, and against right. But that overcame Rome, which
overcometh all the world; that is, gold and silver. And the pope softened,
and gave him his pall. And the archbishop (of York) swore him subjection,
in all those things, which the pope enjoined him, by the heads of St. Peter
and St. Paul; and the pope then sent him home with his blessing. The while
that the archbishop was out of the land, the king gave the bishopric of Bath
to the Queen's chancellor, whose name was Godfrey. He was born in
Louvain. That was on the Annunciation of St. Mary, at Woodstock. Soon
after this went the king to Winchester, and was all Easter-tide there. And the
while that he was there, gave he the bishopric of Lincoln to a clerk hight
Alexander. He was nephew of the Bishop of Salisbury. This he did all for
the love of the bishop. Then went the king thence to Portsmouth, and lay
there all over Pentecost week. Then, as soon as he had a fair wind, he went
over into Normandy; and meanwhile committed all England to the guidance
and government of the Bishop Roger of Salisbury. Then was the king all
this year (150) in Normandy. And much hostility arose betwixt him and his
thanes; so that the Earl Waleram of Mellent, and Hamalric, and Hugh of
Montfort, and William of Romare, and many others, went from him, and
held their castles against him. And the king strongly opposed them: and this

same year he won of Waleram his castle of Pont-Audemer, and of Hugh that
of Montfort; and ever after, the longer he stayed, the better he sped. This
same year, ere the Bishop of Lincoln came to his bishopric, almost all the
borough of Lincoln was burned, and numberless folks, men and women,
were consumed: and so much harm was there done as no man could
describe to another. That was on the fourteenth day before the calends of
June.

A.D. 1124. All this year was the King Henry in Normandy. That was for
the great hostility that he had with the King Louis of France, and with the
Earl of Anjou, and most of all with his own men. Then it happened, on the
day of the Annunciation of St. Mary, that the Earl Waleram of Mellent went
from one of his castles called Belmont to another called Watteville. With
him went the steward of the King of France, Amalric, and Hugh the son of
Gervase, and Hugh of Montfort, and many other good knights. Then came
against them the king's knights from all the castles that were thereabout, and
fought with them, and put them to flight, and took the Earl Waleram, and
Hugh, the son of Gervase, and Hugh of Montfort, and five and twenty other
knights, and brought them to the king. And the king committed the Earl
Waleram, and Hugh, the son of Gervase, to close custody in the castle at
Rouen; but Hugh of Montfort he sent to England, and ordered him to be
secured with strong bonds in the castle at Glocester. And of the others as
many as he chose he sent north and south to his castles in captivity. After
this went the king, and won all the castles of the Earl Waleram that were in
Normandy, and all the others that his enemies held against him. All this
hostility was on account of the son of the Earl Robert of Normandy, named
William. This same William had taken to wife the younger daughter of
Fulke, Earl of Anjou: and for this reason the King of France and all the earls
held with him, and all the rich men; and said that the king held his brother
Robert wrongfully in captivity, and drove his son William unjustly out of
Normandy. This same year were the seasons very unfavourable in England

for corn and all fruits; so that between Christmas and Candlemas men sold
the acre-seed of wheat, that is two seedlips, for six shillings; and the barley,
that is three seedlips, for six shillings also; and the acre-seed of oats, that is
four seedlips, for four shillings. That was because that corn was scarce; and
the penny was so adulterated, (151) that a man who had a pound at a market
could not exchange twelve pence thereof for anything. In this same year
died the blessed Bishop Ernulf of Rochester, who before was Abbot of
Peterborough. That was on the ides of March. And after this died the King
Alexander of Scotland, on the ninth day before the calends of May. And
David his brother, who was Earl of Northamptonshire, succeeded to the
kingdom; and had both together, the kingdom of Scotland and the earldom
in England. And on the nineteenth day before the calends of January died
the Pope of Rome, whose name was Calixtus, and Honorius succeeded to
the popedom. This same year, after St. Andrew's mass, and before
Christmas, held Ralph Basset and the king's thanes a wittenmoot in
Leicestershire, at Huncothoe, and there hanged more thieves than ever were
known before; that is, in a little while, four and forty men altogether; and
despoiled six men of their eyes and of their testicles. Many true men said
that there were several who suffered very unjustly; but our Lord God
Almighty, who seeth and knoweth every secret, seeth also that the wretched
people are oppressed with all unrighteousness. First they are bereaved of
their property, and then they are slain. Full heavy year was this. The man
that had any property, was bereaved of it by violent guilds and violent
moots. The man that had not, was starved with hunger.

A.D. 1125. In this year sent the King Henry, before Christmas, from
Normandy to England, and bade that all the mint-men that were in England
should be mutilated in their limbs; that was, that they should lose each of
them the right hand, and their testicles beneath. This was because the man
that had a pound could not lay out a penny at a market. And the Bishop
Roger of Salisbury sent over all England, and bade them all that they should