The History of Britain, Book 5

The History of Britain · Book 5

p. 189THE HISTORY OF BRITAIN. The Fifth Book.

THE ſum of things in this Iland, or the beſt part therof, reduc't now under the power of one man; and him one of the worthieſt, which, as far as can be found in good Authors, was by none attain'd at any time heer before unleſs in Fables; men might with ſome reaſon have expected from ſuch Union, peace and plenty, greatneſs, and the flouriſhing of all Eſtates and Degrees: but far the contrary fell out ſoon after, Invaſion, Spoil, Deſolation, ſlaughter of many, ſlavery of the reſt, by the forcible landing of a fierce Nation; Danes p. 190commonly call'd, and ſomtimes Dacians, by others, the ſame with Normans; as barbarous as the Saxons themſelves were at firſt reputed, and much more; for the Saxons firſt invited came hither to dwell; theſe unſent for, unprovok'd, came only to deſtroy. Calviſius.But if the Saxons, as is above related, came moſt of them from Jutland and Anglen, a part of Denmarke, as Daniſh Writers affirm, and that Danes and Normans are the ſame; then in this invaſion, Danes drove out Danes, thir own poſterity. And Normans afterwards, none but antienter Normans. Which invaſion Pontan. hiſt. Dan.perhaps, had the Heptarchie ſtood divided as it was, had either not bin attempted, or not uneaſily reſiſted; while each Prince and people, excited by thir neereſt concernments, had more induſtriouſly defended thir own bounds, then depending on the neglect of a deputed Governour, ſent oft-times from the remote reſidence of a ſecure Monarch. Though as it fell out in thoſe troubles, the leſſer Kingdoms revolting from the Weſt-Saxon yoke, and not aiding each other, too much concern'd with thir own ſafety, it came to no better paſs; while ſeverally they ſought to repell the danger nigh at hand, rather then jointly to prevent it farre off. But when God hath decreed ſervitude on a ſinful Nation, fitted by thir own vices for no condition but ſervile, all Eſtates of Government are alike unable to avoid it. God had purpos'd to puniſh our inſtrumental puniſhers, though now Chriſtians, by other Heathen, according to his Divine retaliation; invaſion for invaſion, ſpoil for ſpoil, deſtruction for deſtruction. The Saxons were now full as wicked as the Britans were at their arrival, brok'n with luxurie and ſloth, either ſecular or ſuperſtitious; for laying aſide the exerciſe of Arms, p. 191and the ſtudy of all vertuous knowledge, ſome betook them to over-worldly or vitious practice, others to religious Idleneſs and Solitude, which brought forth nothing but vain and deluſive viſions; eaſily perceav'd ſuch, by thir commanding of things, either not belonging to the Goſpel, or utterly forbidden, Ceremonies, Reliques, Monaſteries, Maſſes, Idols, add to theſe oſtentation of Alms, got oft-times by rapine and oppreſſion, or intermixt with violent and luſtfull deeds, ſometimes prodigally beſtow'd as the expiation of cruelty and bloodſhed. What longer ſuffering could there be, when Religion it ſelf grew ſo void of ſincerity, and the greateſt ſhews of purity were impur'd?

Ecbert.

ECbert in full highth of glory, having now enjoy'd his Conqueſt ſeaven peacefull years, his victorious Army long ſince diſbanded, and the exerciſe of Armes perhaps laid aſide, the more was found unprovided againſt a ſudden ſtorm of Danes from the Sea, who landing in the 32. of his Reign, An. Dom. 832 Sax. an.waſted Shepey in Kent. Ecbert the next year, gathering an Army, An. Dom. 833 for he had heard of thir arrival in 35 Ships, gave them Battail by the River Carr in Dorſetſhire; Sax. an.the event wherof was, that the Danes kept thir ground, and encampt where the field was fought; two Saxon Leaders, Dudda and Oſmund, and two Biſhops, as ſome ſay, were there ſlain. This was the only check of Fortune we read of, that Ecbert in all his time receav'd. For the Danes returning p. 192two years after with a great Navy, An. Dom. 835 and joining Forces Sax. an.with the Corniſh, who had enterd League with them, were overthrown and put to flight. Of theſe invaſions againſt Ecbert, the Daniſh Hiſtory is not ſilent; whether out of thir own Records or ours, may be juſtly doubted; for of theſe times at home, I find them in much uncertainty, and beholding rather to Out-landiſh Chronicles then any Records of thir own. The Victor Ecbert, as one who had done enough, ſeaſonably now, after proſperous ſucceſs, An. Dom. 836 the next year with glory ended his days,Sax. an. and was buried at Wincheſter.

Ethelwolf.

EThelwolf the Son of Ecbert ſucceeded, by Malmſbury deſcrib'd a man of mild nature, not inclin'd to War, or delighted with much Dominion; that therfore contented with the antient Weſt-Saxon bounds, he gave to Ethelſtan his Brother, or Son, as Mat. Weſt.ſome write, the Kingdome of Kent and Eſſex. But the Saxon Annaliſt, whoſe Autority is Elder, ſaith plainly, that both theſe Countries and Suſſex, were bequeath'd to Ethelſtan by Ecbert his Father. The unwarlike diſpoſition of Ethelwolf, gave encouragement no doubt, and eaſier entrance to the Danes, who came again the next year with 33 Ships; An. Dom. 837 but Wulfheard, one of the Kings Chief Captains,Sax. an. drove them back at Southamton with great ſlaughter; himſelf dying the ſame year, of Age, as I ſuppoſe, for he ſeems to have bin one of Ecberts old Commanders, who was ſent with Ethelwolf to ſubdue Kent. Ethelhelam p. 193another of the Kings Captains with the Dorſetſhire men, had at firſt like ſucceſs againſt the Danes at Portſmouth; but they reinforcing ſtood thir ground, and put the Engliſh to rout. Worſe was the ſucceſs of Earl Herebert at a place call'd Mereſwar, ſlain with the moſt part of his Army. An. Dom. 838 The year following in Lindſey alſo, Eaſt-Angles, Sax. an.and Kent, much miſchief was don by thir landing; An. Dom. 839 where the next year, embold'nd by ſucceſs,Sax. an. they came on as far as Canterbury, Rocheſter, and London it ſelf, with no leſs cruel hoſtility: and giving no reſpit to the peaceable mind of Ethelwolf, they yet return'd with the next year in 35 Ships, fought with him, An. Dom. 840 as before with his Father, at the River Carr, and made good thir ground.Sax. an. Sim. Dun. Mat. Weſt. In Northumberland, Eandred the Tributary King deceaſing, left the ſame tenure to his Son Ethelred driv'n out in his fowrth year, An. Dom. 844 and ſucceeded by Readwulf, who ſoon after his Coronation haſting forth to Battel againſt the Danes at Alvetheli, fell with the moſt part of his Army; and Ethelred like in fortune to the former Ethelred, was re-exalted to his Seat. And to be yet further like him in Fate, was ſlain the fowrth year after. Osbert ſucceeded in his room. An. Dom. 845 But more ſoutherly, the Danes next year after met with ſome ſtop in the full courſe of thir outragious inſolences.Sax. an. For Earnulf with the men of Somerſet, Alſtan the Biſhop, and Oſric with thoſe of Dorſetſhire, ſetting upon them at the Rivers mouth of Pedridan, ſlaughterd them in great numbers, and obtain'd a juſt Victory. This repulſe queld them, for ought we hear, the ſpace of ſix years; An. Dom. 851 Then alſo renewing Sax. an. Aſſer.thir, invaſion with little better ſucceſs. For Keorle an Earl, aided with the Forces of Devonſhire, aſſaulted and over-threw them at Wigganbearch with p. 194great deſtruction; as proſperouſly were they fought with the ſame year at Sandwich, by King Ethelſtan, and Ealker his General, thir great Army defeated, and nine of thir Ships tak'n, the reſt driv'n off, however to ride out the Winter on that ſhoar, Aſſer ſaith, they then firſt winter'd in Shepey Ile. Hard it is, through the bad expreſſion of theſe Writers, to define this fight, whether by Sea or Land; Hoveden terms it a Sea fight. Nevertheleſs with 50 Ships (Aſſer and others add 300) they enterd the mouth of Huntingd. Mat Weſt.Thames, and made excurſions as far as Canterbury and London, and as Ethelwerd writes, deſtroy'd both; of London, Aſſer ſignifies only that they pillag'd it. Bertulf alſo the Mercian, ſucceſſor of Withlaf, with all his Army they forc'd to fly, and him beyond the Sea. Then paſſing over Thames with thir powers into Surrey, and the Weſt-Saxons, and meeting there with King Ethelwolf and Ethelbald his Son, at a place call'd Ak-Lea, or Oak-Lea, they receav'd a total defeat with memorable ſlaughter. This was counted a lucky year to England, and brought to Ethelwolf great reputation. An. Dom. 853 Burhed therfore, who after Bertulf Sax. an. Aſſer.held of him the Mercian Kingdom, two years after this, imploring his aid againſt the North-Welch, as then troubleſome to his Confines, obtain'd it of him in perſon, and therby reduc'd them to obedience. This done, Ethelwolf ſent his Son Alfrid a Child of five years, well accompanied to Rome, whom Leo the Pope both conſecrated to be King afterward, and adopted to be his Son; at home Ealker with the Forces of Kent, and Huda with thoſe of Surrey, fell on the Danes at thir landing in Tanet, and at firſt put them back; but the ſlain and drown'd were at length ſo many on either ſide, as left the loſs equal on both: p. 195which yet hinderd not the ſolemnity of a marriage at the feaſt of Eaſter, between Burhed the Mercian, Malmſ.and Ethelſwida King Ethelwolf's Daughter. An. Dom. 854 Howbeit the Danes next year winterd again in Shepey. Sax. an.Whom Ethelwolf not finding human health ſufficient to reſiſt, growing daily upon him, in hope of divine aid, regiſterd in a Book, and dedicated to God the tenth part of his own lands, and of his whole Kingdome, eas'd of all impoſitions, but converted to the maintenance of Maſſes and Pſalms weekly to be ſung for the proſpering of Ethelwolf and his Captains, as appears at large by the Patent it ſelf, in William of Malmsbury. Aſſer ſaith, de did it for the redemtion of his Soul and the Soul of his Anceſtors. After which, as having done ſome great matter to ſhew himſelf at Rome, and be applauded of the Pope; he takes a long and cumberſome journey thether with young Alfrid again, and there ſtaies a year, An. Dom. 855 Aſſer.when his place requir'd him rather heer in the field againſt Pagan Enemies left wintring in his land. Yet ſo much manhood he had, as to return thence no Monk; and in his way home took to Wife Judith Daughter of Charles the bald, King of France. But Aſſer.ere his return, Ethelbald his eldeſt Son, Alſtan his truſty Biſhop, and Enulf Earl of Somerſet conſpir'd againſt him; thir complaints were, that he had tak'n with him Alfrid his youngeſt Son to be there inaugurated King, and brought home with him an out-landiſh Wife; for which they endeavourd to deprive him of his Kingdom. The diſturbance was expected to bring forth nothing leſs then War: but the King abhorring civil diſcord, after many conferences tending to peace, condeſcended to divide the Kingdom with his Son; diviſion was made, but the matter ſo p. 196carried, that the Eaſtern and worſt part was malignly afforded to the Father: The Weſtern and beſt giv'n to the Son, at which many of the Nobles had great indignation, offring to the King thir utmoſt aſſiſtance for the recovery of all; whom he peacefully diſſuading, ſat down contented with his portion aſſign'd. In the Eaſt-Angles, Edmund lineal from the antient ſtock of thoſe Kings, a youth of 14 years only, but of great hopes, was with conſent of all but his own Crown'd at Burie. An. Dom. 857 About this time, as Buchanan relates, the Picts, who not long before had by the Scots bin driv'n out of thir Countrey, part of them coming to Osbert and Ella, then Kings of Northumberland, obtain'd aid againſt Donaldus the Scotiſh King, to recover thir antient poſſeſſion. Osbert who in perſon undertook the expedition, marching into Scotland, was at firſt put to a retreat; but returning ſoon after on the Scots, over-ſecure of thir ſuppos'd Victory, put them to flight with great ſlaughter, took Pris'ner thir King, and perſu'd his Victory beyond Sterlinbridge. The Scots unable to reſiſt longer, and by Embaſſadors entreating peace, had it granted them on theſe conditions: the Scots were to quit all they had poſſeſs'd within the Wall of Severus: the limits of Scotland were beneath Sterlinbridge to be the River Forth, and on the other ſide, Dunbritton Frith; from that time ſo call'd of the Brittiſh then ſeated in Cumberland, who had joind with Osbert in this Action, and ſo far extended on that ſide the Brittiſh limits. If this be true, as the Scotch Writers themſelv's witneſs (and who would think them Fabulous to the diſparagement of thir own Country?) how much wanting have bin our Hiſtorians to thir Countries Honour, in leting paſs p. 197unmention'd an exploit ſo memorable, by them rememberd and atteſted, who are wont ofter to extenuate then to amplifie aught done in Scotland by the Engliſh? Donaldus on theſe conditions releas't, ſoon after dyes; according to Buchanan, in 858. Ethelwolf Chief King in England, had the year before ended his life, and was buried as his Father at Wincheſter. He was from his youth much addicted Mat. Weſt.to devotion; ſo that in his Fathers time he was ordain'd Biſhop of Wincheſter; and unwillingly, for want of other Legitimate Iſſue, ſucceeded him in the Throne; mannaging therfore his greateſt affairs by the activity of two Biſhops, Alſtan of Sherburne, and Swithine of Wincheſter. But Alſtan Malmſ.is noted of Covetouſneſs and Oppreſſion, by William of Malmsbury; the more vehemently no doubt for doing ſome notable damage to that Monaſtery. The Sigon. de regn. Ital. L. 5.ſame Author writes, that Ethelwolf at Rome, paid a Tribute to the Pope, continu'd to his dayes. However he were facil to his Son, and ſeditious Nobles, in yeilding up part of his Kingdome, yet his Queen he treated not the leſs honourably, for whomſoever it diſpleas'd. The Weſt-Saxon had decreed ever Aſſer.ſince the time of Eadburga, the infamous Wife of Birthric, that no Queen ſhould ſit in State with the King, or be dignifi'd with the Title of Queen. But Ethelwolf permitted not that Judith his Queen ſhould looſe any point of Regal State by that Law. At his Death, he divided the Kingdom between his two Sons, Ethelbald, and Ethelbert; to the younger Kent, Eſſex, Surrey, Suſſex, to the Elder all the reſt; to Peter and Paul certain revenues yearly, for what uſes let others relate, who write alſo his Pedigree, from Son to Father, up to Adam.

p. 198Ethelbald, and Ethelbert.

EThelbald, unnatural and diſloyal to his Father, Aſſer. Malmſ. Sim. Dun.fell juſtly into another, though contrary ſin, of too much love to his Fathers Wife; and whom at firſt he oppos'd coming into the Land, her now unlawfully marrying, he takes into his Bed; but not long enjoying, dy'd at three years end, without doing aught more worthy to be rememberd; having reign'd two years with his Father, impiouſly uſurping, An. Dom. 860 Sax. an.and three after him, as unworthily inheriting. And his hap was all that while to be unmoleſted by the Danes; not of Divine favour doubtleſs, but to his greater condemnation, living the more ſecurely his inceſtuous life. Huntingdon on the other ſide much praiſes Ethelbald, and writes him buried at Sherburn, with great ſorrow of the people, who miſs'd him long after. Mat. Weſt. ſaith, that he repented of his inceſt with Judith, and diſmiſs'd her: but Aſſer an Eye witneſs of thoſe times, mentions no ſuch thing.

Ethelbert alone.

EThelbald by Death remov'd, the whole Kingdom came rightfully to Ethelbert his next Brother. Who though a Prince of great Vertue and no blame, had as ſhort a Reign allotted him as his faulty Brother, nor that ſo peacefull; once or twice invaded by the Danes. But they having landed in the Weſt p. 199with a great Army, and ſackt Wincheſter, were met by Oſric Earl of Southampton, and Ethelwolf of Bark-ſhire, beat'n to thir Ships, and forc't to leave thir booty. Five years after, about the time of his An. Dom. 855 Sax. an.Death, they ſet foot again in Tanet; the Kentiſh men wearied out with ſo frequent Alarms, came to agreement with them for a certain ſum of money; but ere the peace could be ratifi'd, and the money gatherd, the Danes impatient of delay by a ſudden eruption in the night, ſoon waſted all the Eaſt of Kent. Mean while or ſomething before, Ethelbert deceaſing was buried as his Brother at Sherburne.

Ethelred.

EThelred the third, Son of Ethelwolf, at his firſt An. Dom. 866 Sax. an. Huntingd.coming to the Crown was entertain'd with a freſh invaſion of Danes, led by Hinguar and Hubba, two Brothers, who now had got footing among the Eaſt-Angles; there they winterd, and coming to terms of peace with the Inhabitants, furniſh'd themſelves of Horſes, forming by that means many Troops with Riders of thir own: Theſe Pagans, Aſſer ſaith, came from the River Danubius. Fitted An. Dom. 867 Sax. an.thus for a long expedition, they ventur'd the next year to make thir way over land and over Humber, as far as Yorke, them they found to thir hands imbroil'd in civil diſſentions; thir King Osbert they had thrown out, and Ella Leader of another faction choſen in his room; who both, though late, admoniſh'd by thir common danger, towards the years end with united powers made head againſt the Danes and prevail'd; but perſueing them over-eagerly into p. 200Yorke, then but ſlenderly wall'd, the Northumbrians Aſſer.were every where ſlaughter'd, both within and without; thir Kings alſo both ſlain, thir City burnt, ſaith Malmsbury, the reſt as they could, made thir peace, over-run and vanquiſht as far as the River Tine, and Egbert of Engliſh race appointed King over them. Bromton no antient Author (for he wrote ſince Mat. Weſt.) nor of much credit, writes a particular cauſe of the Danes coming to Yorke: that Bruern a Nobleman, whoſe Wife King Osbert had raviſht, call'd in Hinguar and Hubba to revenge him. The example is remarkable if the truth were as evident. Thence victorious, the Danes next year enterd into Mercia towards An. Dom. 868 Nottingham, where they ſpent the Winter. Burhed then King of that Country, unable to reſiſt, implores the aid of Ethelred and young Alfred his Brother, they aſſembling thir Forces and joining with the Mercians about Nottingham, offer Battel: the Danes not daring to come forth, kept themſelves Aſſer.within that Town and Caſtle, ſo that no great fight was hazarded there; at length the Mercians weary of long ſuſpence, enterd into conditions of peace with thir Enemies. After which the Danes returning back to Yorke, made thir abode there the ſpace of one year, committing, ſome ſay, many cruelties. An. Dom. 869 Sim. Dun.An. Dom. 870 Ingulf.Thence imbarking to Lindſey, and all the Summer deſtroying that Country, about September they came with like fury into Keſteven, another part of Lincolnſhire, where Algar the Earl of Howland now Holland, with his Forces, and two hunderd ſtout Souldiers belonging to the Abbey of Croiland, three hunderd from about Boſton, Morcard Lord of Brunne, with his numerous Family, well train'd and arm'd: Oſgot Governour of Lincoln with 500. of that City, p. 201all joyning together, gave Battel to the Danes, ſlew of them a great multitude, with three of thir Kings, and perſu'd the reſt to thir Tents; but the night following, Gothrun, Baſeg, Osketil, Halfden, and Hamond, five Kings, and as many Earls, Frena, Hinguar, Hubba, Sidroc the Elder and Younger, coming in from ſeveral parts with great forces and ſpoils, great part of the Engliſh began to ſlink home. Nevertheleſs Algar with ſuch as forſook him not, all next day in order of Battel facing the Danes, and ſuſtaining unmov'd the brunt of thir aſſaults, could not withhold his men at laſt from perſueing thir counterfitted flight; wherby op'nd and diſorder'd, they fell into the ſnare of thir Enemies, ruſhing back upon them. Algar and thoſe Captains fore-nam'd with him, all reſolute men, retreating to a hill ſide, and ſlaying of ſuch as follow'd them, manifold thir own number, dy'd at length upon heaps of dead which they had made round about them. The Danes thence paſſing on into the Country of Eaſt-Angles, rifl'd and burnt the Monaſtery of Elie, overthrew Earl Wulketul with his whole Army, and lodg'd out the Winter at Thetford; where King Edmund aſſailing them, was with his whole Army put to flight, himſelf tak'n, bound to a ſtake, and ſhot to Death with Arrows, his whole Country ſubdu'd. The next year An. Dom. 871 Sax. an.with great ſupplies, ſaith Huntingdon, bending thir march toward the Weſt-Saxons, the only people now left, in whom might ſeem yet to remain ſtrength or courage likely to oppoſe them, they came to Reading, fortifi'd there between the two Rivers of Thames, and Kenet, and about three dayes after, ſent out wings of Horſe under two Earls to forage the Country; Aſſer.but Ethelwulf Earl of Barkſhire, at Englefeild a p. 202Village nigh, encounterd them, ſlew one of thir Earls, and obtain'd a great Victory. Four dayes after came the King himſelf and his Brother Alfred with the main Battail; and the Danes iſſuing forth, a bloody fight began, on either ſide great ſlaughter, in which Earl Ethelwulf loſt his life; but the Danes looſing no ground, kept thir place of ſtanding to the end. Neither did the Engliſh for this make leſs haſt to another conflict at Eſceſdunc, or Aſhdown, four dayes after, where both Armies with thir whole force on either ſide met. The Danes were imbattail'd in two great Bodies, the one led by Baſcai and Halfden, thir two Kings, the other by ſuch Earls as were appointed; in like manner the Engliſh divided thir powers, Ethelred the King ſtood againſt their Kings; and though on the lower ground, and coming later into the Battail from his Oriſons, gave a fierce onſet, wherin Baſcai (the Daniſh Hiſtory names him Erazus the Son of Regicerus) was ſlain. Alfred was plac'd againſt the Earls, and beginning the Battail ere his Brother came into the field, with ſuch reſolution charg'd them, that in the ſhock moſt of them were ſlain; they are nam'd Sidroc Elder and Younger, Osbern, Frean, Harald; at length in both Diviſions, the Danes turn thir backs; many thouſands of them cut off, the reſt perſu'd till night. So much the more it may be wonderd to hear next in the Annals, that the Danes 14 days after ſuch an over-throw, fighting again with Ethelred and his Brother Alfred at Baſing, under conduct, ſaith the Daniſh Hiſtory, of Agnerus and Hubbo, Brothers of the ſlain Evacus, ſhould obtain the Victory; eſpecially ſince the new ſupply of Danes mention'd by Aſſer, arriv'd after this action. But after two Months, the King p. 203and his Brother fought with them again at Mertun, in two Squadrons as before, in which fight hard it is to underſtand who had the better; ſo darkly do the Saxon Annals deliver thir meaning with more then wonted infancy. Yet theſe I take (for Aſſer is Pontan. hiſt. Dan. L. 4.heer ſilent) to be the Chief Fountain of our ſtory, the ground and baſis upon which the Monks later in time gloſs and comment at thir pleaſure. Nevertheleſs it appears, that on the Saxon part, not Heamund the Biſhop only, but many valiant men loſt thir lives. This fight was follow'd by a heavy Summer Plague; wherof, as is thought, King Ethelred Camd.dy'd in the fifth of his Reign, and was buried at Winburne, where his Epitaph inſcribes that he had his Deaths wound by the Danes, according to the Daniſh Hiſtory 872. Of all theſe terrible landings and devaſtations by the Danes, from the days of Ethelwolf till thir two laſt Battels with Ethelred, or of thir Leaders, whether Kings, Dukes, or Earls, the Daniſh Hiſtory of beſt credit ſaith nothing; So little Wit or Conſcience it ſeems they had to leave any memory of thir brutiſh, rather then manly actions; unleſs we ſhall ſuppoſe them to have come, as above was cited out of Aſſer, from Danubius, rather then from Denmarke, more probable ſome barbarous Nations of Pruſſia, or Livonia, not long before ſeated more Northward on the Baltic Sea.

p. 204Alfred.

ALfred the fourth Son of Ethelwolſ, had ſcarſe perform'd his Brothers obſequies, and the ſolemnity of his own Crowning, when at the months end in haſt with a ſmall power he encounterd the whole Army of Danes at Wilton, and moſt part of the day foyl'd them; but unwarily following the Chaſe, gave others of them the advantage to rally; who returning upon him now weary, remain'd Maſters of the field. This year, as is affirm'd in the Annals, nine Battels had bin fought againſt the Danes on the South-ſide of Thames, beſides innumerable excurſions made by Alfred and other Leaders; one King, nine Earls were fall'n in fight, ſo that weary on both ſides at the years end, League or Truce was concluded. Yet next year the Danes took thir march to An. Dom. 872 Sax. an.London, now expos'd thir prey, there they winterd, and thether came the Mercians to renue peace with them. The year following they rov'd back to the parts beyond Humber, but winter'd at Torksey in Lincolnſhire, where the Mercians now the third time made peace with them. Notwithſtanding which, An. Dom. 873 Sax. an. Camden.An. Dom. 874 Sax. an.removing thir Camp to Rependune in Mercia, now Repton upon Trent in Darbiſhire, and there wintring, they conſtrein'd Burhed the King to fly into Forein parts, makeing ſeiſure of his Kingdome, he running the direct way to Rome; with better reaſon then his Anceſtors, dy'd there, and was buried in a Church by the Engliſh School. His Kingdom the Danes farm'd out to Kelwulf, one of his Houſhold Servants or Officers, with condition to be reſign'd them p. 205when they commanded. From Rependune they An. Dom. 875 Sax. an.diſlodg'd, Hafden thir King leading part of his Army Northward, winterd by the River Tine, and ſubjecting all thoſe quarters, waſted alſo the Picts and Britiſh beyond: but Guthrun, Oskitell, and Anwynd, other three of thir Kings moving from Rependune, came with a great Army to Grantbrig, and remain'd there a whole year. Alfred that Summer purpoſing to try his Fortune with a Fleet at Sea (for he had found that the want of Shipping and neglect of Navigation, had expos'd the Land to theſe Piracies) met with 7 Daniſh Rovers, took one, the reſt eſcaping; an acceptable ſucceſs from ſo ſmall a begining: for the Engliſh at that time were but little experienc't in Sea affairs. The next years firſt motion An. Dom. 876 Sax. an.of the Danes was towards Warham Caſtle: where Alfred meeting them, either by policy, or their doubt of his power; Ethelwerd ſaith, by money brought them to ſuch terms of peace, as that they ſwore to him upon a hallow'd Bracelet, others ſay Florent.upon certain Reliques (a Solemn Oath it ſeems which they never voutſal'd before to any other Nation) forthwith to depart the land: but falſifying that Oath, by night with all the Horſe they had (Aſſer Florent.ſaith, ſlaying all the Horſeman he had) ſtole to Exeter, and there winterd. In Northumberland, Hafden thir King began to ſettle, to divide the land, to till, and to inhabit. Mean while they in the Weſt who were march'd to Exeter, enterd the City, courſing now and then to Warham; but thir Fleet the next An. Dom. 877 Sax. an.year ſailing or rowing about the Weſt, met with ſuch a tempeſt neer to Swanſwich, or Gnavewic, as wrack'd 120 of thir Ships, and left the reſt eaſie to be maiſterd by thoſe Gallies which Alfred had ſet p. 206there to guard the Seas, and ſtreit'n Exeter of proviſion. He the while beleagering them in the City; Aſſer.now humbl'd with the loſs of thir Navy (two Navies, ſaith Aſſer, the one at Gnavewic, the other at Swanwine) diſtreſs'd them ſo, as that they gave him as many hoſtages as he requir'd, and as many Oaths, to keep thir covnanted peace, and kept it. For the Summer coming on, they departed into Mercia, wherof part they divided amongſt themſelves, part left to Kelwulf thir ſubſtituted King. The twelftide An. Dom. 878 Sax. ann.following, all Oaths forgott'n, they came to Chippenham in Wiltſhire, diſpeopleing the Countries round, diſpoſſeſſing ſome, driving others beyond the Sea; Alfred himſelf with a ſmall Company was forc'd to keep within Woods and Fenny places, and for ſome time all alone, as Florent ſaith, ſojourn'd with Dunwulf a Swine-heard, made afterwards for his devotion, and aptneſs to learning, Biſhop of Wincheſter. Hafden and the Brother of Hinguar, coming with 23 Sim. Dun.Ships from North-wales, where they had made great ſpoil, landed in Devonſhire, nigh to a ſtrong Caſtle nam'd Kinwith; where by the Garriſon iſſuing forth unexpectedly, they were ſlain with 12 hunderd of thir men. Mean while the King about Eaſter, not Aſſer.deſpairing of his affairs, built a Fortreſs at a place call'd Athelney in Somerſetſhire, therin valiantly defending himſelf and his followers, frequently ſallying forth. The 7th. week after, he rode out to a place call'd Ecbryt-ſtone in the Eaſt part of Selwood: thether reſorted to him with much gratulation the Somerſet and Wiltſhire men, with many out of Hamſhire, ſome of whom a little before had fled thir Country; with theſe marching to Ethandune now Camd.Edindon in Wiltſhire, he gave Battel to the whole p. 207Daniſh power, and put them to flight. Then beſeiging thir Caſtle, within fourteen days took it. Malmſbury writes, that in this time of his receſs, to go a ſpy into the Daniſh Camp, he took upon him with one Servant the habit of a Fidler; by this means gaining acceſs to the Kings Table, and ſomtimes to his Bed-Chamber, got knowledge of thir ſecrets, thir careleſs encamping, and thereby this opportunity of aſſailing them on a ſudden. The Danes by this misfortune brok'n, gave him more hoſtages, and renu'd thir Oaths to depart out of his Kingdom. Thir King Gytro, or Gothrun, offer'd willingly to receave Baptiſm, and accordingly came with 30 of his friends, to a place call'd Aldra, or Aulre, neer to Camd.Athelney, and were baptiz'd at Wedmore; where Alfred receav'd him out of the Font, and nam'd him Athelſtan. After which, they abode with him 12 daies, and were diſmiſs'd with rich preſents. Whereupon An. Dom. 879 Sax. an.the Danes remov'd next year to Cirenceſter, thence peaceably to the Eaſt-Angles; which Alfred, as ſome write, had beſtow'd on Gothrun to hold of him; the bounds wherof may be read among the Laws of Alfred. Others of them went to Fulham on the Thames, and joining there with a great Fleet newly come into the River, thence paſs't over into France and Flanders, both which they enterd ſo far conquering or waſting, as witneſs'd ſufficiently, that the French and Flemiſh were no more able then the Engliſh, by Policy or proweſs to keep off that Daniſh inundation from thir land. Alfred thus rid of them, and intending for the future to prevent thir landing; Three years after (quiet the mean while) An. Dom. 882 Sax. an.with more Ships and better provided, puts to Sea, and at firſt met with four of theirs, wherof two he p. 208took, throwing the men over-board, then with two others, wherin were two of thir Princes, and took them alſo, but not without ſome loſs of his own. After three years another Fleet of them appear'd on An. Dom. 885 Sax. an.theſe Seas, ſo huge that one part thought themſelves ſufficient to enter upon Eaſt-France, the other came to Rocheſter, and beleaguerd it, they within ſtoutly defending themſelves, till Alfred with great Forces, coming down upon the Danes, drove them to thir Ships, leaving for haſt all thir Horſes behind them. The ſame year Alfred ſent a Fleet toward the Eaſt-Angles, then inhabited by the Danes, which at the Sim. Dun.mouth of Stour, meeting with 16 Daniſh Ships, after ſome flight took them all, and ſlew the Souldiers aboard; but in thir way home lying careleſs, were overtak'n by another part of that Fleet, and came off with loſs, whereupon perhaps thoſe Danes who were ſettl'd among the Eaſt-Angles, erected with new hopes, violated the peace which they had ſworn to Alfred, who ſpent the next year in repairing London, An. Dom. 886 Sax. an.(be…ging, ſaith Huntingdon) much ruind and unpeopl'd by the Danes; the Londoners, all but thoſe who had bin led away Captive, ſoon return'd to thir dwellings, and Ethred Duke of Mercia, was by Sim. Dun.An. Dom. 893 Sax. an.the King appointed thir Governour. But after 13 years reſpite of peace, another Daniſh Fleet of 250 Sail, from the Eaſt part of France arriv'd at the mouth of a River in Eaſt Kent, call'd Limen, nigh to the great Wood Andred, famous for length and bredth; into that Wood they drew up thir Ships four mile from the Rivers mouth, and built a Fortreſs. After whom Haeſten with another Daniſh Fleet of 80 Ships, entring the mouth of Thames, built a Fort at Middleton, the former Army remaining at a place p. 209call'd Apeltre. Alfred perceaving this, took of thoſe Danes who dwelt in Northumberland, a new Oath of Fidelity, and of thoſe in Eſſex, hoſtages, leſt they ſhould joyn, as they were wont, with thir Country-men newly arriv'd. And by the next year, having An. Dom. 894 Sax. an.got together his Forces, between either Army of the Danes encamp'd ſo, as to be ready for either of them, who firſt ſhould happ'n to ſtir forth; Troops of Horſe alſo he ſent continually abroad, aſſiſted by ſuch as could be ſpar'd from ſtrong places, wherever the Countries wanted them, to encounter forageing parties of the Enemy. The King alſo divided ſometimes his whole Army, marching out with one part by turns, the other keeping intrencht. In concluſion rowling up and down, both ſides met at Farnham in Surrey; where the Danes by Alfreds Horſe Troops were put to flight, and croſſing the Thames to a certain Iland neer Coln in Eſſex, or as Camden thinks, by Colebrooke, were beſeig'd there by Alfred till proviſion fail'd the the beſeigers, another part ſtaid behind with thir King wounded. Mean while Alfred preparing to reinforce the ſeige in Colney, the Danes of Northumberland breaking Faith, came by Sea to the Eaſt-Angles, and with a hunderd Ships Coaſting Southward, landed in Devonſhire, and beſeig'd Exeter; thether Alfred haſted with his powers, except a Squadron of Welch that came to London: with whom the Citizens marching forth to Beamflet, where Haeſten the Dane had built a ſtrong Fort, and left a Garriſon, while he himſelf with the main of his Army was enterd far into the Country, luckily ſurpriſe the Fort, maiſter the Garriſon, make prey of all they find there; thir Ships alſo they burnt or brought away with good booty, and many Priſners, among whom, p. 210the Wife and two Sons of Heaſten were ſent to the King, who forthwith ſet them at liberty. Whereupon Heaſten gave Oath of Amitie and Hoſtages to the King; he in requital, whether freely, or by agreement, a ſumme of money. Nevertheleſs without regard of Faith giv'n, while Alfred was buſied about Exeter, joining with the other Daniſh Army, he built another Caſtle in Eſſex at Shoberie, thence marching Weſtward by the Thames, aided with Northumbrian and Eaſt-Angliſh Danes, they came at length to Severn, pillaging all in thir way. But, Ethred, Ethelm, and Ethelnoth, the Kings Captains, with united Forces pitch'd nigh to them at Buttingtun, on the Severn Camden.Bank in Montgomery-ſhire, the River running between, and there many weeks attended; the King mean while blocking up the Danes who beſeig'd Exeter, having eat'n part of thir Horſes, the reſt urg'd with hunger broke forth to thir fellows, who lay encamp't on the Eaſt-ſide of the River, and were all there diſcomfitted, with ſome loſs of valiant men on the Kings party; the reſt fled back to Eſſex and thir Fortreſs there. Then Laf, one of their Leaders, gatherd before Winter a great Army of Northumbrian and Eaſt-Angliſh Danes, who leaving thir money, Ships, and Wives with the Eaſt-Angles, and marching day and night, ſat down before a City in the Weſt call'd Wirheal neer to Cheſter, and took it ere they could be overtak'n. The Engliſh after two daies ſeige hopeleſs to diſlodge them, waſted the Country round to cut off from them all proviſion, and departed. Soon after which, next year the An. Dom. 895 Sax. an.Danes no longer able to hold Wirheal, deſtitute of Vittles, enterd North-Wales; thence lad'n with ſpoils, part return'd into Northumberland, others to the Eaſt-Angles p. 211as far as Eſſex, where they ſeis'd on a ſmall Iland call'd Mereſig. And heer again the Annals record them to beſeige Exeter, but without coherence of ſence or ſtory. Others relate to this purpoſe, that returning by Sea from the Seige of Exeter, Sim. Dun. Florent.and in thir way landing on the Coaſt of Suſſex, they of Cicheſter ſallied out and ſlew of them many hunderds, taking alſo ſome of thir Ships. The ſame year they who poſſeſs'd Mereſig, intending to winter thereabout, drew up thir Ships, ſome into the Thames, others into the River Lee, and on the Bank therof built a Caſtle twenty miles from London; to aſſault which the Londoners aided with other Forces march'd out the Summer following, but were ſoon put to An. Dom. 896 Sax. an.flight, looſing fowr of the Kings Captains. Huntingdon writes quite the contrary, that theſe fowr were Daniſh Captains, and the overthrow theirs: but little credit is to be plac'd in Huntingdon ſingle. For the King therupon with his Forces, lay encamp't neerer the City, that the Danes might not infeſt them in time of Harveſt; In the mean time, ſuttlely deviſing to turn Lee ſtream ſeveral waies; wherby the Daniſh Bottoms were left on dry ground: which they ſoon perceaving, march'd over Land to Quatbrig on the Severn, built a Fortreſs and winterd there; while thir Ships left in Lee, were either brok'n or brought away by the Londoners; but thir Wives and Children they had left in ſafety with the Eaſt-Angles. The next year was peſtilent, and beſides An. Dom. 897 Sax. an.the common ſort took away many great Earls, Kelmond in Kent, Brithulf in Eſſex, Wulfred in Hampſhire, with many others; and to this evill, the Danes of Northumberland and Eaſt-Angles ceas'd not to endamage the Weſt-Saxons, eſpecially by ſtealth, p. 212robbing on the South-ſhoar in certain long Gallies. But the King cauſing to be built others twice as long as uſually were built, and ſome of 60 or 70 Oars higher, ſwifter and ſteddier then ſuch as were in uſe before either with Danes or Priſons, his own invention, ſome of theſe he ſent out againſt ſix Daniſh Pirats, who had done much harm in the Ile of Wight and parts adjoining. The bickering was doubtfull and intricate, part on the water, part on the Sands; not without loſs of ſome eminent men on the Engliſh ſide. The Pirats at length were either ſlain or tak'n, two of them ſtranded; the men brought to Wincheſter, where the King then was, were executed by his command; one of them eſcap'd to the Eaſt-Angles, her men much wounded: the ſame year not fewer then twenty of thir Ships periſh'd on the South Coaſt with all thir men. And Rollo the Dane or Norman landing heer, as Mat. Weſt. writes, though not in what part of the Iland, after an unſucceſsful fight againſt thoſe Forces which firſt oppos'd him, ſail'd into France and conquerd the Country, ſince that time called Normandy. This is the ſumme of what paſs'd in three years againſt the Danes, returning out of France, ſet down ſo perplexly by the Saxon Annaliſt, ill-guifted with utterance, as with much ado can be underſtood ſometimes what is ſpok'n, whether meant of the Danes, or of the Saxons. After which troubleſome time, Alfred enjoying three years of peace, by him ſpent, as his manner was, not idlely or voluptuouſly, but in all vertuous emploiments both of mind and body, becoming a Prince of his Renown, ended his daies in the year 900. the 51. of his Age, the 30th of his Reign, and was buried regally at Wincheſter; he An. Dom. 900 p. 213Aſſer.was born at a place call'd Wanading in Barkshire, his Mother Osburga the Daughter of Oſlac the Kings Cup-bearer, a Goth by Nation, and of noble deſcent. He was of perſon comlier then all his Brethren, of pleaſing Tongue and gracefull behaviour, ready wit and memory; yet through the fondneſs of his Parents towards him, had not bin taught to read till the twelfth year of his Age; but the great deſire of learning which was in him, ſoon appear'd, by his conning of Saxon Poems day and night, which with great attention he heard by others repeated. He was beſides, excellent at Hunting, and the new Art then of Hawking, but more exemplary in devotion, having collected into a Book certain Prayers and Pſalms, which he carried ever with him in his Boſome to uſe on all occaſions. He thirſted after all liberal knowledge, and oft complain'd that in his youth he had no Teachers, in his middle Age ſo little vacancy from Wars and the cares of his Kingdome, yet leaſure he found ſometimes, not only to learn much himſelf, but to communicate therof what he could to his people, by tranſlating Books out of Latin into Engliſh, Oroſius, Boethius, Beda's Hiſtory and others, permitted none unlern'd to bear Office, either in Court or Common-wealth; at twenty years of age not yet reigning, he took to Wife Egelswitha the Daughter of Ethelred a Mercian Earl. The extremities which befell him in the ſixt of his Reign, Neothan Abbot told him, were juſtly come upon him for neglecting in his younger days the complaints of ſuch as injur'd and oppreſs'd repair'd to him, as then ſecond perſon in the Kingdome for redreſs; which neglect were it ſuch indeed, were yet excuſable in a youth, through jollity of mind unwilling p. 214perhaps to be detain'd long with ſad and ſorrowfull Narrations; but from the time of his undertaking regal charge, no man more patient in hearing cauſes, more inquiſitive in examining, more exact in doing juſtice, and providing good Laws, which are yet extant; more ſevere in puniſhing unjuſt judges or obſtinate offenders. Theeves eſpecially and Robbers, to the terrour of whom in croſs waies were hung upon a high Poſt certain Chains of Gold, as it were dareing any one to take them thence; ſo that juſtice ſeem'd in his daies not to flouriſh only, but to tryumph: no man then hee more frugal of two pretious things in mans life, his time and his revenue; no man wiſer in the diſpoſal of both. His time, the day, and night, he diſtributed by the burning of certain Tapours into three equall portions: the one was for devotion, the other for publick or private affairs, the third for bodily refreſhment: how each hour paſt, he was put in minde by one who had that Office. His whole annual revenue, which his firſt care was ſhould be juſtly his own, he divided into two equall parts; the firſt he imploi'd to ſecular uſes, and ſubdivided thoſe into three, the firſt to pay his Souldiers, Houſhold-Servants and Guard, of which divided into three Bands, one attended monthly by turn; the ſecond was to pay his Architects and workmen, whom he had got together of ſeveral Nations; for he was alſo an Elegant Builder; above the Cuſtome and conceit of Engliſhmen in thoſe days: the third he had in readineſs to releive or honour Strangers according to thir worth, who came from all parts to ſee him and to live under him. The other equal part of his yearly wealth he dedicated to religious uſes, thoſe of fowr ſorts; the p. 215firſt to releive the poor, the ſecond to the building and maintenance of two Monaſteries, the third of a School, where he had perſwaded the Sons of many Noblemen to ſtudy ſacred knowledge and liberal Arts, ſome ſay at Oxford; the fourth was for the Malmſ.releif of Foreign Churches, as far as India to the ſhrine of St. Thomas, ſending thether Sigelm Biſhop of Sherburn, who both return'd ſafe, and brought with him many rich Gems and Spices; guifts alſo and a letter he receav'd from the Patriarch of Jeruſalem, ſent many to Rome, and for them receav'd reliques. Thus far, and much more might be ſaid of his noble minde, which renderd him the miror of Princes; his body was diſeas'd in his youth with a great ſoreneſs in the Seige, and that ceaſing of it ſelf, with another inward pain of unknown cauſe, which held him by frequent fits to his dying day; yet not disinabl'd to ſuſtain thoſe many glorious labours of his life both in peace and war.

Edward the Elder.

EDward the Son of Alfred ſucceeded, in learning Malmſ.not equal, in power and extent of Dominion, ſurpaſſing his Father. The beginning of his Reign Huntingd.had much diſturbance by Ethelwald an ambitious young man, Son of the Kings Uncle, or Coſin German, or Brother, for his Genealogy is variouſly deliverd. He vainly avouching to have equal right An. Dom. 901 Sax. an.with Edward of ſucceſſion to the Crown, poſſes'd himſelf of Winburne in Dorſet, and another Town diverſly nam'd, giving out that there he would live or dye; but encompaſs'd with the Kings Forces at p. 216Badburie a place nigh, his heart failing him, he ſtole out by night, and fled to the Daniſh Army beyond Humber. The King ſent after him, but not overtaking, found his Wife in the Town, whom he had married out of a Nunnery, and commanded her to be ſent back thether. About this time the Kentiſh An. Dom. 902 men, againſt a multitude of Daniſh Pirats, fought proſperouſly at a place call'd Holme, as Hoveden records. Ethelwald aided by the Northumbrians with Shipping, three years after, ſailing to the Eaſt-Angles, An. Dom. 905 Sax. ann.perſwaded the Danes there to fall into the Kings Territory, who marching with him as far as Crecklad, and paſſing the Thames, there waſted as far beyond as they durſt venture, and lad'n with ſpoils return'd home. The King with his powers makeing ſpeed after them, between the Dike and Ouſe, ſuppos'd to be Suffolk and Cambridge-ſhire, as far as the Fenns Northward, laid waſt all before him. Thence intending to return, he commanded that all his Army ſhould follow him cloſe without delay; but the Kentiſh men, though oft'n call'd upon, lagging behind, the Daniſh Army prevented them, and join'd Battel with the King: where Duke Sigulſ and Earl Sigelm, with many other of the Nobles were ſlain; on the Danes part, Eoric thir King, and Ethelwald the Author of this War, with others of high note, and of them greater number, but with great ruin on both ſides; yet the Danes kept in thir power the burying of thir ſlain. What ever follow'd upon this conflict, which we read not, the King two years after An. Dom. 907 Sax. an.with the Danes, both of Eaſt-Angles, and Northumberland concluded peace, which continu'd three years, by whomſoever brok'n: for at the end thereof An. Dom. 910 Sax. an.King Edward raiſing great Forces out of Weſt-Sex p. 217and Mercia, ſent them againſt the Danes beyond Humber; where ſtaying five weeks, they made great ſpoil and ſlaughter. The King offer'd them terms of peace, but they rejecting all, enterd with the next year into Mercia, rendring no leſs hoſtility An. Dom. 911 Sax. an.then they had ſuffer'd; but at Tetnal in Staffordſhire, ſaith Florent, were by the Engliſh in a ſet Battel overthrown. King Edward then in Kent, had got together of Ships about a hunderd Sail, others gon Southward, came back and met him. The Danes now ſuppoſing that his main Forces were upon the Sea, took liberty to rove and plunder up and down, as hope of prey led them, beyond Severn. Ethelwerd.The King gueſſing what might imbold'n them, ſent before him the lighteſt of his Army to entertain them; Then following with the reſt, ſet upon them in thir return over Cantbrig in Gloſterſhire, and ſlew many thouſands, among whom Ecwils, Hafden, and Hinguar thir Kings, and many other harſh names in Huntingdon; the place alſo of this fight is variouſly writt'n by Ethelwerd and Florent, call'd Wodensfeild. The year following Ethred Duke of Mercia, to whom An. Dom. 912 Sax. an.Alfred had giv'n London, with his daughter in marriage; now dying, King Edward reſum'd that City, and Oxford, with the Countries adjoining, into his own hands, and the year after, built, or much repair'd An. Dom. 913 Sax. an.by his Souldiers, the Town of Hertford on either ſide Lee, and leaving a ſufficient number at the work, march'd about middle Summer, with the other part of his Forces into Eſſex, and encamp'd at Maldon, while his Souldiers built Witham; where a good part of the Country, ſubject formerly to the Danes, yeilded themſelves to his protection. Fowr years An. Dom. 917 Sax. ann.after (Florent allows but one year) the Danes from p. 218Leiſter and Northampton, falling into Oxfordſhire, committed much rapine, and in ſome Towns therof great ſlaughter; while another party waſting Hertfordſhire, met with other Fortune; for the Countrypeople inur'd now to ſuch kind of incurſions, joining ſtoutly together, fell upon the ſpoilers, recover'd thir own goods, with ſome booty from thir Enemies. About the ſame time Elfled the Kings Siſter ſent her Army of Mercians into Wales, who routed the Welch, took the Caſtle of Brienam-mere by Brecknock, Huntingd. Camd.and brought away the Kings Wife of that Country with other Priſners. Not long after ſhe took Derby from the Danes, and the Caſtle by a ſharp aſſault. But the year enſueing brought a new Fleet An. Dom. 918 Sax. an.of Danes to Lidwic in Devonſhire, under two Leaders, Otter and Roald; who ſailing thence Weſtward about the lands end, came up to the mouth of Severn; there landing waſted the Welch Coaſt, and Irchenfeild part of Herefordſhire; where they took Kuneleac a Britiſh Biſhop, for whoſe ranſome King Edward gave forty pound, but the men of Hereford and Gloſterſhire aſſembling, put them to flight; ſlaying Roald and the Brother of Otter, with many more, perſu'd them to a Wood, and there beſet, compel'd them to give hoſtages of preſent departure. The King with his Army ſat not far off, ſecuring from the South of Severn to Avon; ſo that op'nly they durſt not, by night they twice ventur'd to land; but found ſuch welcome, that few of them came back; the reſt anchord by a ſmall Iland where many of them famiſh'd; then ſailing to a place call'd Deomed, they croſs'd into Ireland. The King with his Army went to Buckingham, ſtaid there a monethmonth, and built two Caſtles or Forts on either Bank of Ouſe p. 219ere his departing, and Turkitel a Daniſh Leader, with thoſe of Bedford and Northampton, yeilded him ſubjection. Wherupon the next year he came with An. Dom. 919 Sax. an.his Army to the Town of Bedford, took poſſeſſion therof, ſtaid there a month, and gave order to build another part of the Town, on the South-ſide of Ouſe. Thence the year following went again to An. Dom. 920 Sax. an.Maldon, repair'd and fortifi'd the Town. Turkitel the Dane having ſmall hope to thrive heer, where things with ſuch prudence were mannag'd againſt his intereſs, got leave of the King, with as many voluntaries as would follow him, to paſs into France. Early the next year King Edward re-edifi'd Tovecheſter, An. Dom. 921 Sax. an.now Torcheſter; and another City in the Annals call'd Wigingmere. Mean while the Danes of Leiſter and Northampton-ſhire; not likeing perhaps to be neighbour'd with Strong Towns, laid Seige to Torcheſter; [but they within repelling the aſſault one whole day till ſupplies came] quitted the Seige by night; and perſu'd cloſe by the beſeig'd, between Birnwud and Ailsbury were ſurpris'd, many of them made Priſners, and much of thir bagage loſt. Other of the Danes at Huntingdon, aided from the Eaſt-Angles, finding that Caſtle not commodious, left it, and built another at Temsford, judging that place more opportune from whence to make thir excurſions; and ſoon after went forth with deſign to aſſail Bedford: but the Garriſon iſſuing out, ſlew a great part of them, the reſt fled. After this a greater Army of them gatherd out of Mercia and the Eaſt-Angles, came and beſeig'd the City call'd Wigingmere a whole Day; but finding it defended ſtoutly by them within, thence alſo departed, driving away much of thir Cattel: wherupon p. 220the Engliſh from Towns and Citties round about joining Forces, laid Seige to the Town and Caſtle of Temsford, and by aſſault took both; ſlew thir King with Toglea a Duke, and Mannan his Son an Earl, with all the reſt there found; who choſe to die rather then yeild. Encourag'd by this, the men of Kent, Surrey, and part of Eſſex, enterpriſe the Seige of Colnheſter, nor gave over till they won it, ſacking the Town and putting to Sword all the Danes therein, except ſome who eſcap'd over the Wall. To the ſuccour of theſe, a great number of Danes inhabiting Ports and other Towns in the Eaſt-Angles, united thir Force; but coming too late, as in revenge beleaguerd Maldon; but that Town alſo timely releiv'd, they departed, not only fruſtrate of thir deſign, but ſo hotly perſu'd, that many thouſands of them loſt thir lives in the flight. Forthwith King Edward with his Weſt-Saxons went to Paſsham upon Ouſe, there to guard the paſſage, while others were building a ſtone Wall about Torcheſter; to him there Earl Thurfert, and other Lord Danes, with thir Army thereabout as far as Weolud, came and ſubmitted. Wherat the Kings Souldiers joyfully cry'd out to be diſmiſs't home: therfore with another part of them he enterd Huntingdon, and repair'd it, where breaches had bin made; all the people thereabout returning to obedience. The like was done at Colncheſter by the next remove of his Army, after which both Eaſt and Weſt-Angles, and the Daniſh Forces among them, yeilded to the King, ſwearing Allegiance to him both by Sea and Land: the Army alſo of Danes at Grantbrig, ſurrendring themſelves took the ſame Oath. The Summer following he came with his Army to Stamford, An. Dom. 922 p. 221Sax. an.built a Caſtle there on the South-ſide of the River, where all the people of thoſe quarters acknowledg'd him ſupream. Dureing his abode there, Elfled his Siſter a martial Woman, who after her Huſbands Death would no more marry, but gave her ſelf to public affairs, repairing and fortifying many Towns, warring ſometimes, dy'd at Tamworth the Cheif Seat of Mercia, wherof by guift of Alfred her Father, ſhe was Lady or Queen; wherby that whole Nation became obedient to King Edward, as did alſo North-Wales with Howel, Cledaucus, and Jeothwell thir Kings. Thence paſſing to Nottingham, he enterd and repair'd the Town, plac'd there part Engliſh, part Danes, and receav'd fealty from all in Mercia of either Nation. The next Autumn, coming An. Dom. 923 Sax. an.with his Army into Cheſhire, he built and fortifi'd Thelwel; and while he ſtaid there, call'd another Army out of Mercia, which he ſent to repair and fortifie Mancheſter. About Midſummer following An. Dom. 924 Sax. an.he march'd again to Nottingham, built a Town over againſt it on the South-ſide of that River; and with a Bridg joyn'd them both; thence journied to a place call'd Bedecanwillan in Pictland; there alſo built and fenc'd a City on the Borders, where the King of Scots did him honour as to his Sovran, together with the whole Scotiſh Nation; the like did Reginald and the Son of Eadulf, Daniſh Princes, with all the Northumbrians, both Engliſh, and Danes. The King alſo of a people thereabout call'd Streatgledwalli (the North Welch, as Camden thinks, of Strat-Cluid in Denbigh-ſhire, perhaps rather the Britiſh of Cumberland) did him homage, and not undeſerv'd. For Buchanan himſelf confeſſes, that this King Edward with a ſmall number of men compar'd to his p. 222Buch. L. 6.Enemies, overthrew in a great Battel, the whole united power both of Scots and Da…es, ſlew moſt of the Scotiſh Nobility, and forc'd Malcolmb, whom Conſtantine the Scotch King had made General, and deſign'd Heir of his Crown, to ſave himſelf by flight ſore wounded. Of the Engliſh, he makes Athelſtan the Son of Edward Chief Leader; and ſo far ſeems to confound times and actions, as to make this Battel the ſame with that fought by Athelſtan, about 24 years after at Bruneford, againſt Anlaf and Conſtantine, wherof hereafter. But here Buchanan takes occaſion to inveigh againſt the Engliſh Writers, upbraiding them with ignorance, who affirm Athelſtan to have bin ſupream King of Britain, Conſtantine Buch. L. 6.the Scotiſh King with others to have held of him: and denies that in the Annals of Marianus Scotus, any mention is to be found therof; which I ſhall not ſtand much to contradict, for in Marianus, whether by Surname or by Nation Scotus, will be found as little mention of any other Scotiſh affairs, till the time of King Dunchad ſlain by Machetad, or Mackbeth, in the year 1040. which gives cauſe of ſuſpition, that the affairs of Scotland before that time were ſo obſcure as to be unknown to thir own Countryman, who liv'd and wrote his Chronicle not long after. But King Edward thus nobly doing, and thus honour'd, the year following dy'd at Farendon; An. Dom. 925 Sax. an. Huntingd. Mat Weſt.a builder and reſtorer eev'n in War, not a deſtroyer of his Land. He had by ſeveral Wives many Childern; his eldeſt Daughter Edgith he gave in marriage to Charles King of France, Grand-Child of Charles the Bald above-mention'd; of the reſt in place convenient. His Laws are yet to be ſeen. He was buried at Wincheſter, in the Monaſtery by p. 223Alfred his Father. And a few days after him dy'd Ethelwerd his Eldeſt Son, the Heir of his Crown. He had the whole Iland in ſubjection, yet ſo as petty Kings reign'd under him. In Northumberland, after Ecbert whom the Danes had ſet up, and the Northumbrians Sim. Dun.yet unruly under thir yoke, at the end of 6 years had expell'd, one Ricſig was ſet up King, and bore the name 3 years; then another Ecbert, and Guthred; the latter, if we beleeve Legends, of a Servant made King by command of St. Cudbert, in a Viſion; and enjoyn'd by another Viſion of the ſame Saint, to pay well for his Royalty many Lands and privileges to his Church and Monaſtery. But now to the ſtory.

Athelſtan.

AThelſtan next in Age to Ethelward his Brother, who deceas'd untimely few days before, though born of a Concubine, yet for the great appearance of many vertues in him, and his Brethren being yet under Age, was exalted to the Throne, at Kingstone An. Dom. 926 upon Thames, and by his Fathers laſt Will, ſaith Malmsbury, yet not without ſome oppoſition of one Alfred and his Accomplices; who not likeing he ſhould reign, had conſpir'd to ſeiſe on him after his Fathers Death, and to put out his Eyes. But the Conſpiratours diſcoverd, and Alfred denying the Plot, was ſent to Rome, to aſſert his innocence before Malmſ.the Pope; where taking his Oath on the Altar, he fell down immediatly, and carried out by his Servants, three daies after dy'd. Mean while beyond Humber, the Danes, though much aw'd were not idle. Inguald one of thir Kings took poſſeſſion of p. 224Sim. Dun.Yorke, Sitric who ſome years before had ſlain Niel his Brother, by force took Davenport in Ch…ſhire; and however he defended theſe doings; grew ſo conſiderable, that Athelſtan with great ſolemnity gave Malmſ. Mat. Weſt.him his Siſter Edgith to Wife: but he enjoy'd her not long, dying ere the years end, nor his Sons Anlaf and Guthfert the Kingdome, driv'n out the next An. Dom. 927 Sax. an.year by Athelſtan; not unjuſtly ſaith Huntingdon, as being firſt raiſers of the War. Simeon calls him Gudſrid a Britiſh King, whom Athelſtan this year drove out of his Kingdome; and perhaps they were both one, the name and time not much differing, the place only miſtak'n. Malmsbury differs in the name alſo, calling him Aldulf a certain Rebel. Them alſo I wiſh as much miſtak'n, who write that Athelſtan, jealous of his younger Brother Edwin's towardly vertues, leaſt added to the right of Birth, they might ſome time or other call in queſtion his illegitimate precedence, caus'd him to be drown'd in the An. Dom. 933 Sim. Dun.Sea; expos'd, ſome ſay, with one Servant in a rott'n Bark, without Sail or Oar; where the youth far off land, and in rough weather deſpairing, threw himſelf over-board; the Servant more patient, got to land and reported the ſucceſs. But this Malmsbury confeſſes to be ſung in old Songs, not read in warrantable Authors: and Huntingdon ſpeaks as of a ſad accident to Athelſtan, that he loſt his Brother Edwin by Sea; far the more credible, in that Athelſtan, as is writ'n by all, tenderly lov'd and bred up the reſt of his Brethren, of whom he had no leſs cauſe to be jealous. And the year following he proſperd better An. Dom. 934 Sax. an. Sim. Dun.then from ſo foul a fact, paſſing into Scotland with great Puiſſance, both by Sea and Land, and chaceing his Enemies before him, by Land as far as Dunſeoder, p. 225and Wertermore, by Sea as far as Cathneſs. The cauſe of this expedition, ſaith Malmsbury, was to demand Gudfert the Son of Sitric, thether fled, though not deny'd at length by Conſtantine, who with Eugenius King of Cumberland, at a place call'd Dacor or Dacre in that Shire, ſurrenderd himſelf and each his Kingdome to Athelſtan, who brought back with him for hoſtage the Son of Conſtantine. But Gudfert Florent.eſcaping in the mean while out of Scotland, and Conſtantine exaſperated by this invaſion, perſwaded Anlaf the other Son of Sitric then fled into Ireland, others write Anlaf King of Ireland and the Iles, his Florent. Sim. Dun.An. Dom. 938 Sax. an. Malmſ.Son in law, with 615 Ships, and the King of Cumberland with other forces, to his aid. This within fowr years effected, they enterd England by Humber, and fought with Athelſtan at a place call'd Wendune, others term it Brunanburg, others Bruneford, which Ingulf places beyond Humber, Camden in Glendale of Northumberland on the Scotch Borders; the bloodieſt fight, ſay Authors, that ever this Iland ſaw, to deſcribe which, the Saxon Annaliſt wont to be ſober and ſuccinct, whether the ſame or another writer, now labouring under the weight of his Argument, and over-charg'd, runs on a ſudden into ſuch extravagant fanſies and metaphors, as bare him quite beſide the ſcope of being underſtood. Huntingdon, though himſelf peccant enough in his kind, tranſcribes him word for word as a paſtime to his Readers. I ſhall only ſumme up what of him I can attain, in uſuall language. The Battel was fought eagerly from morning till night; ſome fell of King Edwards old Army, try'd in many a Battel before; but on the other ſide great multitudes, the reſt fled to thir Ships. Five Kings, and 7 of Anlafs Chief Captains were ſlain on the place, with Froda a p. 226Norman Leader; Conſtantine eſcap'd home, but loſt his Son in the fight, if I underſtand my Author; Anlaf by Sea to Dublin, with a ſmall remainder of his great hoaſt. Malmsbury relates this War, adding many circumſtances after this manner. That Anlaf joining with Conſtantine and the whole power of Scotland, beſides thoſe which he brought with him out of Ireland, came on far Southwards, till Athelſtan who had retir'd on ſet purpoſe to be the ſurer of his Enimies, enclos'd from all ſuccour and retreat, met him at Bruneſord. Anlaf perceaving the valour and reſolution of Athelſtan, and miſtruſting his own Forces though numerous, reſolv'd firſt to ſpie in what poſture his Enemies lay: and imitating perhaps what he heard attempted by King Alfred the Age before, in the habit of a Muſitian, got acceſs by his lute and voice to the Kings tent, there playing both the minſtrel and the ſpie: then towards Evening diſmis't, he was obſerv'd by one who had bin his Souldier and well knew him, veiwing earneſtly the Kings Tent, and what approaches lay about it, then in the twilight to depart. The Souldier forthwith acquaints the King, and by him blam'd for letting go his Enemy, anſwerd, that he had giv'n firſt his military Oath to Anlaf, whom if he had betrai'd, the King might ſuſpect him of like treaſonous minde towards himſelf; which to diſprove, he advis'd him to remove his Tent a good diſtance off; and ſo don, it happ'nd that a Biſhop with his retinue coming that night to the Army, pich'd his Tent in the ſame place, from whence the King had remov'd. Analf coming by night as he had deſign'd, to aſſault the Camp and eſpecially the Kings Tent, finding there the Biſhop in ſtead, flew him with all his followers. Athelſtan took the p. 227Allarm, and as it ſeems, was not found ſo unprovided, but that the day now appearing, he put his men in order, and maintain'd the fight till Evening; wherin Conſtantine himſelf was ſlain with five other Kings, and twelve Earls, the Annals were content with ſeav'n, in the reſt not diſagreeing. Ingulf Abbot of Croyland from the autority of Turketul a principal Leader in this Battel, relates it more at large to this effect: that Athelſtan above a mile diſtant from the place where execution was done upon the Biſhop and his ſupplies, allarm'd at the noiſe, came down by break of day, upon Anlaf and his Army, overwatch't and wearied now with the ſlaughter they had made, and ſomething out of order, yet in two main Battels. The King therfore in like manner dividing, led the one part conſiſting moſt of Weſt Saxons, againſt Anlaf with his Danes and Iriſh, committing the other to his Chancellor Turketul, with the Mercians and Londoners againſt Conſtantine and his Scots. The ſhowr of Arrows and Darts over-paſs't, both Battells attack'd each other with a cloſe and terrible ingagement, for a long ſpace neither ſide giving ground. Till the Chancellor Turketul, a man of great ſtature and ſtrength, taking with him a few Londoners of ſelect valour, and Singin who led the Worſterſhire men, a Captain of undaunted courage, broke into the thickeſt, making his way firſt through the Picts and Orkeners, then through the Cumbrians and Scots, and came at length where conſtantine himſelf fought, unhors'd him, and us'd all means to take him alive; but the Scots valiantly defending thir King, and laying load upon Turketul, which the goodneſs of his Armour well endur'd, he had yet bin beat'n down, had not Singin his faithfull ſecond at p. 228the ſame time ſlain Conſtantine; which once known, Analf and the whole Army betook them to flight, wherof a huge multitude fell by the Sword. This Turketul not long after leaving worldly affairs, became Abbot of Croyland, which at his own coſt he had repair'd, from Daniſh ruins, and leſt there this memorial of his former actions. Athelſtan with his Brother Edmund victorious, thence turning into Wales, with much more eaſe vanquiſh'd Ludwal the King, and poſſeſt his land. But Malmsbury writes, that commiſerating human chance, as he diſplac'd, ſo he reſtor'd both him and Conſtantine to thir Regal State; for the ſurrender of King Conſtantine hath bin above ſpok'n of. However the Welch did him homage at the City of Hereford, and covnanted yearly payment of Gold 20 pound, of Silver 300, of Oxen 25 thouſand, beſides Hunting Dogs and Hawks. He alſo took Exeter from the Corniſh Britans, who till that time had equal right there with the Engliſh, and bounded them with the River Tamar, as the other Brittiſh with Wey. Thus dreaded of his Enemies, and renown'd far and neer, three years after he dy'd at Gloſter, and was buried with An. Dom. 941 Sax. an. Malmſ. Ingulf.many Trophies at Malmsbury, where he had caus'd to be laid his two Coſin Germans, Elwin and Ethelſtan, both ſlain in the Battel againſt Anlaf. He was 30 years old at his coming to the Crown, mature in wiſedom from his Childhood, comly of perſon and behaviour; ſo that Alfred his Grandfather in bleſſing him was wont to pray he might live to have the Kingdome, and put him yet a Child into Souldiers habit. He had his breeding in the Court of Elfled his Aunt, of whoſe vertues more then female we have related, ſufficient to evince that his mother, p. 229though ſaid to be no wedded Wife, was yet ſuch of parentage and worth, as the Royal line diſdain'd not, though the Song went in Malmsburies daies (for it ſeems he refus'd not the autority of Ballats for want of better) that his mother was a Farmers Daughter, but of excellent feature; who dreamt one night ſhe brought forth a Moon that ſhould enlight'n the whole land: which the Kings Nurſe hearing of, took her home and bred up Courtly; that the King coming one day to viſit his Nurſe, ſaw there this Damſel, lik'd her, and by earneſt ſuit prevailing, had by her this famous Athelſtan, a bounteous, juſt and affable King, as Malmſbury ſets him forth; nor leſs honour'd abroad by Foren Kings, who ſought his Friendſhip by great guifts or affinity; that Harold King of Noricum ſent him a Ship, whoſe Prow was of gold, ſails purple, and other golden things, the more to be wonderd at, ſent from Noricum, whether meant Norway or Bavaria, the one place ſo far from ſuch ſuperfluity of wealth, the other from all Sea: the Embaſſadors were Helgrim and Offrid, who found the King at Yorke. His Siſters he gave in marriage to greateſt Princes, Elgif to Otho Son of Henry the Emperour, Egdith to a certain Duke about the Alpes, Edgiv to Ludwic King of Aquitain, ſprung of Charles the Great, Ethilda to Hugo King of France, who ſent Aldulf Son of Baldwin, Earl of Flanders, to obtain her. From all theſe great ſuitors, eſpecially from the Emperour and King of France, came rich preſents, Horſes of excellent Breed, gorgeous Trappings and Armour, Reliques, Jewels, Odors, Veſſels of Onyx, and other pretious things, which I leave poetically deſcrib'd in Malmsbury, tak'n, as he confeſſes, p. 230out of an old verſifier, ſome of whoſe verſes he recites. The only blemiſh left upon him, was the expoſing of his Brother Edwin, who diſavow'd by Oath the treaſon wherof he was accus'd, and implor'd an equall hearing. But theſe were Songs, as before hath bin ſaid, which add alſo that Athelſtan, his anger over, ſoon repented of the fact, and put to Death his Cup-bearer, who had induc't him to ſuſpect and expoſe his Brother, put in mind by a word falling from the Cup-bearers own mouth, who ſlipping one day as he bore the Kings Cup, and recovring himſelf on the other leg, ſaid aloud, fatally as to him it prov'd, one Brother helps the other. Which words the King laying to heart, and pondring how ill he had done to make away his Brother, aveng'd himſelf firſt on the adviſer of that fact, took on him ſeav'n years penance, and as Mat. Weſt. ſaith, built two Monaſteries for the Soul of his Brother. His Laws are extant among the Laws of other Saxon Kings to this day.

Edmund.

EDmund not above 18 years old ſucceeded his Brother Athelſtan, in courage not inferiour. An. Dom. 942 Sax. an.For in the ſecond of his Reign he free'd Mercia of the Danes that remain'd there, and took from them the Citties of Lincoln, Nottingham, Stamſord, Darby, and Leiſter, where they were plac'd by King Edward, but it ſeems gave not good proof of thir fidelity. Simeon writes that Anlaf ſetting forth from Yorke, and having waſted Southward as far as Northampton, was met by Edmund at Leiſter; but that ere the p. 231Battails join'd, peace was made between them by Odo and Wulſtan the two Archbiſhops, with converſion of Anlaf; for the ſame year Edmund receav'd at the Font-ſtone this or another Anlaf, as ſaith Huntingdon, not him ſpok'n of before, who dy'd this year (ſo uncertain they are in the ſtory of theſe times alſo) and held Reginald another King of the Northumbers, while the Biſhop confirm'd him: thir limits were divided North and South by Watling-ſtreet. But ſpirituall kindred little avail'd to keep peace between them, whoever gave the cauſe; for we read him two years after driving Anlaf (whom An. Dom. 944 Sax. an.the Annals now firſt call the Son of Sitric) and Suthfrid Son of Reginald out of Northumberland, takeing the whole Country into ſubjection. Edmund the next year harras'd Cumberland, then gave An. Dom. 945 Sax. an.it to Malcolm King of Scots, thereby bound to aſſiſt him in his Wars, both by Sea and Land; Mat. Weſt. adds that in this action Edmund had the aid of Leolin Prince of Northwales, againſt Dummail the Cumbrian King, him depriving of his Kingdome, and his two Sons of thir ſight. But the year after he himſelf An. Dom. 946 Sax. an. Camden.by ſtrange accident came to an untimely Death, feaſting with his Nobles on St. Auſtins Day at Puclekerke in Gloſterſhire, to celebrat the memory of his firſt converting the Saxons. He ſpi'd Leof a noted Theef, whom he had baniſh'd, ſitting among his Gueſts; wherat tranſported with too much vehemence of Spirit, though in a juſt cauſe, riſeing from the Table he ran upon the Theef, and catching his hair, pull'd him to the ground. The Theef who doubted from ſuch handling no leſs then his Death intended, thought to die not unreveng'd; and with a ſhort Dagger ſtrook the King, who ſtill laid at p. 232him, and little expected ſuch aſſaſſination, mortally into the breſt. The matter was done in a moment, ere men ſet at Table could turn them, or imagin at firſt what the ſtir meant, till perceaving the King deadly wounded, they flew upon the murderer and hew'd him to peeces; who like a wild Beaſt at abbay, ſeeing himſelf ſurrounded, deſperatly laid about him, wounding ſome in his fall. The King was buried at Glaſton, wherof Dunſtan was then Abbot, his Laws yet remain to be ſeen among the Laws of other Saxon Kings.

Edred.

EDred the third Brother of Athelſtan, the Sons of Edmund being yet but Children, next reign'd, not degenerating from his worthy predeceſſors, and Crown'd at Kingston. Northumberland he throughly ſubdu'd, the Scots without refuſal ſwore him Allegiance; yet the Northumbrians, ever of doubtfull Faith, ſoon after choſe to themſelves one Eric a Dane. Huntingdon ſtill haunts us with this Anlaf (of whom we gladly would have bin ridd) and will have him before Eric recall'd once more and reign fowr years, then again put to his ſhifts. But An. Dom. 950 Sim. Dun.Edred entring into Northumberland, and with ſpoils returning, Eric the King fell upon his rear. Edred turning about, both ſhook off the Enemy, and prepar'd to make a ſecond inroad: which the Northumbrians dreading rejected Eric, ſlew Amanous the Son Hoved.of Anlaf, and with many preſents appeaſing Edred, ſubmitted again to his Goverment; nor from that time had Kings, but were govern'd by Earls, of p. 233whom Oſulf was the firſt. About this time Wulſtan An. Dom. 953 Sim. Dun.Archbiſhop of York, accus'd to have ſlain certain men of Thetford in revenge of thir Abbot whom the Townſmen had ſlain, was committed by the King to cloſe Cuſtody; but ſoon after enlarg'd, was reſtor'd to his place. Malmsbury writes that his crime was to have conniv'd at the revolt of his Countrymen: but An. Dom. 955 Sim. Dun.King Edred two years after ſick'ning in the flowr of his youth, dy'd much lamented, and was buried at Wincheſter.

Edwi.

EDwi the Son of Edmund now come to Age, after Ethelword.his Uncle Edred's Death took on him the Goverment, and was Crown'd at Kingston. His lovely perſon ſirnam'd him the Fair, his actions are diverſly reported, by Huntingdon not thought illaudable. But Malnisbury and ſuch as follow him write far otherwiſe, that he married or kept as Concubine, his neer Kinſwoman, ſome ſay both her and her Mat. Weſt.Daughter; ſo inordinatly giv'n to his pleaſure, that on the very day of his Coronation, he abruptly withdrew himſelf from the Company of his Peers, whether in Banquet or Conſultation, to ſit wantoning in the Chamber with this Algiva, ſo was her name, who had ſuch power over him. Wherat his Barons offended, ſent Biſhop Dunſtan, the boldeſt among them, to requeſt his return: he going to the Chamber, not only interrupted his dalliance and rebuk'd the Lady, but takeing him by the hand, between force and perſuaſion brought him back to his Nobles. The King highly diſpleas'd, and inſtigated perhaps An. Dom. 956 by her who was ſo prevalent with him, not long after p. 234ſent Dunſtan into baniſhment, caus'd his Monaſtery to be rifl'd, and became an Enemy to all Monks. Wherupon Odo Archbiſhop of Canterbury pronounc't a ſeparation or divorce of the King from Algiva. But that which moſt incited William of Malmsbury againſt him, he gave that Monaſtery to be dwelt in by ſecular Preiſts, or, to uſe his own phraſe, made it a ſtable of Clerks; at length theſe affronts done to the Church were ſo reſented by the people, that the Mercians and Northumbrians revolted from him, and ſet up Edgar his Brother, leaving to Edwi the Hoved.An. Dom. 957 Sax. an.An. Dom. 958 Mat. Weſt.Weſt-Saxons only, bounded by the River Thames; with greif wherof, as is thought, he ſoon after ended his daies, and was buried at Wincheſter. Mean while Elfsin Biſhop of that place after the Death of Odo, aſcending by Simony to the Chair of Canterbury, and going to Rome the ſame year for his Pall, was froz'n to Death in the Alps.

Edgar.

Edgar by his Brothers Death now King of all England at 16 years of Age, call'd home Dunſtan An. Dom. 959 Malmſ.out of Flanders, where he liv'd in exile. This King had no War all his Reign; yet allways well prepar'd for War, govern'd the Kingdom in great Peace, Honour, and Proſperity, gaining thence the Sirname of Peaceable, much extoll'd for Juſtice, Clemency, and all Kingly Vertues, the more, ye may be ſure, by Monks, for his building ſo many Monaſteries; Mat. Weſt.as ſome write, every year one: for he much favour'd the Monks againſt ſecular Preiſts, who in the time of Edwi had got poſſeſſion in moſt p. 235of thir Covents. His care and wiſdome was great in guarding the Coaſt round with ſtout ſhips, to the number of 3600, Mat. Weſt. reck'ns them 4800, divided into fowr Squadrons, to ſail to and fro on the fowr quarters of the land, meeting each other; the firſt of 1200 ſail from Eaſt to Weſt, the ſecond of as many from Weſt to Eaſt, the third and fowrth between North and South, himſelf in the Summer time with his Fleet. Thus he kept out wiſely the force of Strangers, and prevented Forein War; but by thir too frequent reſort hither in time of peace, and his too much favouring them, he let in thir vices unaware. Thence the people, ſaith Malmsbury, learnt of the out-landiſh Saxons rudeneſs, of the Flemiſh daintineſs and ſoftneſs; of the Danes Drunk'neſs; though I doubt theſe vices are as naturally home-bred heer as in any of thoſe Countries. Yet in the Winter and Spring time he uſually rode the Circuit as a Judge Itinerant through all his Provinces, to ſee juſtice well adminiſterd, and the poor not oppreſs'd. Theeves and Robbers he rooted almoſt out of the Land, and wild Beaſts of prey altogether; enjoining Ludwal King of Wales to pay the yearly tribute of 300 Wolves, which he did for two years together, till the third year no more were to be found, nor ever after; but his Laws may be read yet extant. Whatever was the cauſe he was not Crown'd till the 30. of his Age, but then with great An. Dom. 973 Sax. an. Ingulf.An. Dom. 974 Sax. an.ſplendor and magnificence at the City of Bath, in the Feaſt of Pentecoſt. This year dy'd Swarling a Monk of Croyland, the 142. year of his Age, and another ſoon after him in the 115th. in the Fenn and watriſh air, the more remarkable. King Edgar the next year went to Cheſter, and ſummoning to p. 236his Court there all the Kings that held of him, took homage of them: thir names are Kened King of Scots, Malcolm of Cumberland, Maccuſe of the Iles, five of Wales, Duſwal, Huwal, Grifith, Jacob, Judethil, theſe he had in ſuch aw, that going one day into a Gally, he caus'd them to take each man his Oar, and row him down the River Dee, while he himſelf ſat at the Stern: which might be done in meriment and eaſily obei'd; if with a ſerious brow, diſcoverd rather vain glory and inſulting haughtineſs, then moderation of mind. And that he did it ſeriouſly tryumphing, appears by his words then utterd, that his ſucceſſors might then glory to be Kings of England, when they had ſuch honour done them. And perhaps the Divine power was diſpleas'd with him for taking too much honour to himſelf; ſince we read that the year following he was tak'n An. Dom. 975 out of this life by ſickneſs in the highth of his glory and the prime of his Age, buried at Glaſton Abby. The ſame year, as Mat. Weſt. relates, he gave to Kened the Scottiſh King, many rich preſents, and the whole Country of Laudian, or Lothien, to hold of him on condition that he and his ſucceſſors ſhould repair to the Engliſh Court at high Feſtivals when the King ſat Crown'd, gave him alſo many lodging places by the way, which till the days of Henry the ſecond were ſtill held by the Kings of Scotland. He was of Stature not tall, of body ſlender, yet ſo well made, that in ſtrength he choſe to contend with ſuch as were thought ſtrongeſt, and diſlik'd nothing more then that they ſhould ſpare him for reſpect or fear to hurt him. Kened King of Scots then in the Court of Edgar, ſitting one day at Table was heard to ſay jeſtingly among his Servants, he p. 237wonderd how ſo many Provinces could be held in ſubjection by ſuch a little dapper man: his words were brought to the Kings Ear; he ſends for Kened as about ſome private buſineſs, and in talk drawing him forth to a ſecret place, takes from under his garment two Swords which he had brought with him, gave one of them to Kened; and now ſaith he, it ſhall be try'd which ought to be the ſubject; for it is ſhamefull for a King to boaſt at Table, and ſhrink in fight. Kened much abaſh'd fell preſently at his Feet, and beſought him to pardon what he had ſimply ſpok'n, no way intended to his diſhonour or diſparagement: wherewith the King was ſatisfi'd. Camden in his deſcription of Ireland, cites a Charter of King Edgar, wherin it appears, he had in ſubjection all the Kingdomes of the Iles as far as Norway, and had ſubdu'd the greateſt part of Ireland with the City of Dublin: but of this other Writers make no mention. In his youth having heard of Elfrida, Daughter to Ordgar Duke of Devonſhire, much commended for her Beauty, he ſent Earl Athelwold, whoſe loyalty he truſted moſt, to ſee her; intending, if ſhe were found ſuch as anſwerd report, to demand her in marriage. He at the firſt view tak'n with her preſence, diſloyally, as it oft happ'ns in ſuch emploiments, began to ſue for himſelf; and with conſent of her Parents obtain'd her. Returning therfore with ſcarſe an ordinary commendation of her Feature, he eaſily took off the Kings mind, ſoon diverted another way. But the matter coming to light how Athelwold had foreſtall'd the King, and Elfrida's Beauty more and more ſpok'n of, the King now heated not only with a relapſe of Love, but with a deep ſence of the abuſe, yet diſſembling his diſturbance, pleaſantly p. 238told the Earl, what day he meant to come and viſit him and his fair Wife. The Earl ſeemingly aſſur'd his welcome, but in the mean while acquainting his Wife, earneſtly advis'd her to deform her ſelf, what ſhe might, either in dreſs or otherwiſe, leſt the King, whoſe amorous inclination was not unknown, ſhould chance to be attracted. She who by this time was not ignorant, how Athelwold had ſtepd between her and the King, againſt his coming arraies her ſelf richly, uſeing whatever art ſhe could deviſe might render her the more amiable; and it took effect. For the King inflam'd with her love the more for that he had bin ſo long defrauded and rob'd of her, reſolv'd not only to recover his intercepted right, but to puniſh the interloper of his deſtind ſpouſe, and appointing with him as was uſual, a day of hunting, drawn aſide in a Foreſt, now call'd Harewood, ſmote him through with a Dart. Some cenſure this act as cruel and tyrannical, but conſiderd well, it may be judg'd more favourably, and that no man of ſenſible Spirit but in his place, without extraordinary perfection, would have done the like: for next to life what worſe treaſon could have bin committed againſt him? it chanc'd that the Earls baſe Son coming by upon the fact, the King ſternly aſk'd him how he lik'd this Game; he ſubmiſly anſwering, that whatſoever pleas'd the King, muſt not diſpleaſe him; the King return'd to his wonted temper, took an affection to the youth, and ever after highly favour'd him, making amends in the Son for what he had done to the Father. Elſrida forthwith he took to Wife, who to expiate her former Huſbands Death, though therin ſhe had no hand, coverd the place of his bloodſhed with a Monaſtery of Nuns to ſing over him. Another p. 239fault is laid to his charge, no way excuſable, that he took a Virgin Wilfrida by force out of the Nunnery, where ſhe was plac'd by her friends to avoid his perſuit, and kept her as his Concubine; but liv'd not obſtinatly in the offence; for ſharply reprov'd by Dunſtan he ſubmitted to 7 years penance, and for that time to want his Coronation: But why he had it not before, is left unwritt'n. Another ſtory there goes of Edgar, fitter for a Novel then a Hiſtory; but as I find it in Malmsbury, ſo I relate it. While he was yet unmarried, in his youth he abſtain'd not from Women, and coming on a day to Andover, caus'd a Dukes Daughter there dwelling, reported rare of Beauty, to be brought to him. The mother not dareing flatly to deny, yet abhorring that her Daughter ſhould be ſo deflour'd, at fit time of night ſent in her attire, one of her waiting Maids; a Maid it ſeems not unhanſom nor unwitty; who ſuppli'd the place of her young Lady. Night paſs'd, the Maid going to riſe, but day-light ſcarſe yet appearing, was by the King aſkt why ſhe made ſuch haſt, ſhe anſwer'd, to do the work which her Lady had ſet her; at which the Kingwondring, and with much ado ſtaying her to unfold the riddle, for he took her to be the Dukes Daughter, ſhe falling at his Feet beſought him, that ſince at the command of her Lady ſhe came to his Bed, and was enjoy'd by him, he would be pleas'd in recompence to ſet her free from the hard ſervice of her Miſtreſs. The King a while ſtanding in a ſtudy whether he had beſt be angry or not, at length turning all to a jeſt, took the Maid away with him, advanc'd her above her Lady, lov'd her and accompanied with her only, till he married Elfrida. Theſe only are his faults upon record, rather p. 240to be wonderd how they were ſo few, and ſo ſoon left, he coming at 16 to the Licence of a Scepter; and that his vertues were ſo many and ſo mature, he dying before the Age wherin wiſdome can in others attain to any ripeneſs: however with him dy'd all the Saxon glory. From henceforth nothing is to be heard of but thir decline and ruin under a double Conqueſt, and the cauſes foregoing; which, not to blur or taint the praiſes of thir former actions and liberty well defended, ſhall ſtand ſeverally related, and will be more then long enough for another Book.

The End of the Fifth Book.