The firste [laste] volume of the chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande conteyning the description and chronicles of England, from the first inhabiting vnto the conquest : the description and chronicles of Scotland, from the first original of the Scottes nation till the yeare of our Lorde 1571 : the description and chronicles of Yrelande, likewise from the first originall of that nation untill the yeare 1571 / faithfully gathered and set forth by Raphaell Holinshed.

Cadwan.

[illustration]

AFter that the Britains had continued about the space almoste of .xxiiij.* 1.1 yeares without any one special gouernor, being led by sun∣drie rulers, euer sithence that Ca∣reticus was con∣strayned to flee ouer Seuerne, and sought often∣tymes not onely agaynst the Saxons, but also one of them agaynste another, at length in the yeare of our Lorde .613.* 1.2 they assembled in the Citie of Chester, and there elected Cadwan that before was ruler of Northwales, to haue the so∣ueraine rule and gouernment ouer all theyr Na∣tion, and so the sayde Cadwan beganne to raigne as king of Brytaynes in the sayd yeare .613. But Harison sayeth, this was in the yeare .609. in whiche yeare Careticus the Brytish king depar∣ted this life. And then after his deceasse the Bry∣taynes or Welchmen (whether wee shall call them) chose Cadwane to gouerne them in the foresayde yeare .609. whiche was in the seuenth yeare of the Emperour Focas, and the .xxj. of the seconde Lotharius King of Fraunce, and in the xiij. yeare of Kilwoolfe King of the West Saxons.

This Cadwan being established King, short∣ly after assembled a power of Brytaynes, and went agaynst the foresayde Ethelfred King of Northumberlande, who beeing thereof aduerti∣sed, did associate to him the most part of the Sax∣on Princes, and came forth with his armie to meete Cadwane in the fielde. Herevpon as they were readie to haue tryed the matter by battaile, certayne of theyr friendes trauayled so betwixte them for a peace, that in the ende they broughte them to agreement,* 1.3 so that Ethelferd should kept in quiet possession those his Countreys beyonde the Ryuer of Humber, and Cadwan should hold all that which belonged as yet to the Brytaines on the south side the same ryuer.

Thys Couenaunte wyth other touching theyr agreement was confyrmed wyth othes solemnlye taken, and pledges therewith dely∣uered, so that afterwardes they continued in good and quiet peace withoute vexing the one the o∣ther.

What chaunced afterwardes to Edelfred, yee haue before hearde rehearsed, the whiche for that it soundeth more lyke to a truth than that whiche followeth in the Brytishe Booke, wee omitte to make further rehearsall, passing

forth to other doings which f•…•…ll in the 〈…〉〈…〉 son, whilest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cadwane had gouernment of the Brytayn•…•…s, raigning as king once them the tearme of .xxij. (or as other haue but .xiij.) yeares, and finally was slaine by the Northū•…•…ers,* 1.4 as be∣fore hath bene, and also after shall be shewed.

In the .viij. yeare after that Cadwan began to raigne, Ethelbert king of Kent departed this life, in the .xxj. yeare after the comming of Augu∣stin with his fellowes to preach the fayth of christ [ 10] here in this Realme: and after that Ethelbert had raigned ouer the Prouince of Kent aboute the tearme of .lvj. yeares (as Bede hath) but there are that haue noted three yeares lesse: he departed this worlde,* 1.5 as aboue is signified, in the yeare of oure Lorde .617. on the .xxiiij. daye of Februarie, and was buryed in the Ile of Saint Martine, within the Churche of the Apostles Peter and Paule, without the Citie of Canterburie, where his wife Queene Bartha was also buryed, and [ 20] the foresayde Archebishop Augustine that first conuerted him to the fayth.

Amongest other things this King Ethelbert with the adulce of his Councell ordeyned diuerse lawes and statutes, according to the whiche, de∣crees of Iudgements shoulde passe: and those decrees hee caused to be written in the Englishe tongue, which remayned and were in force vn∣to the dayes of Bede) as he declareth.

And fyrst it was expressed in those lawes, [ 30] what amendes hee shoulde make that stale anye thing that belonged to the Churche, to the By∣shop, or to any ecclesiasticall person, willing by all meanes to defend them whose doctrine he had receyued.

* 1.6

[illustration]

AFter the de¦cease of E∣thelbert, his son Eadbalde suc∣ceeded in the [ 40] gouernment of his kingdom of Kent, the which was a greate hinderer of the increase of the newe Churche amongest the Englishe men in those parties: for hee did not onely refuse to bee baptised himselfe, but also vsed suche kinde of for∣nication,* 1.7 as hath not beene heard (as the Apostle [ 50] sayth) amongest the Gentiles, for he tooke to wife his mother in lawe, that had beene wife to his fa∣ther. By which two euill examples, many tooke occasion to returne to theyr heathenish religion, the which whilest his father raigned,* 1.8 either for the Prince his pleasure, or for feare to offend him, did professe the Christian fayth.

But Eadbalde escaped not worthie punish∣ment them 〈…〉〈…〉 hys euill de〈…〉〈…〉 with a certaine 〈…〉〈…〉 an vnclean 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The foresayde storme or disquiet troubling of the Christian Congregation was afterwards greatly encreased also by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sabert, or Sabert King of the East Saxons, who depar∣ting this life to goe to a better, in the blis••••full kingdome of heauen, left behind him three sonnes as successours in the estate of his earthly King∣dome, whiche sonnes likewyse refused to bee baptised.

This Sabert, or Sebert, was conuerted to the fayth of Christ, and baptised by Mellitus Byshop of London (as before is mentioned) vn∣to whome some ascribe the first foundation of Westminster Church, but other ascribe it to Lu∣cius the first Christen king of the Brytaynes (as before ye haue heard) though there bee also that write that the Church was first buylded there by a Citizen of London (as before is also touched.)* 1.9

[illustration]

SAbert left behind him in the kingdome of the East Saxons three sonnes, named Se•…•…ed, Seward, and Sige∣bert, in whome remay∣ned no vertue, no feare of God, nor any respect of religion, but especial∣ly they hated the pro∣fessors of the Christian fayth. For after theyr father was dead, they be∣gan to fall to theyr olde Idolatrie, the whiche in his life time they seemed to haue giuen ouer. But now they openly worshipped Idols, and gaue li∣bertie to their subiects for to do the like.

And when the Bishop Mellitus at the so∣lemnising of Masse in the Churche distribu∣ted the Eucharisticall breade vnto the people, they asked him (as it is sayde) wherefore he did not delyue•…•… of that bryght white breade vnto them also, as well as hee had beene accusto∣med to doe to theyr father Saba, (for so they vsed to call hym) vnto whome the Byshoppe made thys aunswere: if you wyll bee washed in that wholesome Fountayne wherein youre father was washed, ye maye bee partakers of that holye breade whereof hee was partaker, but if you despise the washpoole of lyfe, ye may by no meanes taste of the breade of sal∣uation.

But they offended herewith, replyed in this wise: we will not enter into that Fountayne, for wee knowe wee haue no neede thereof: but yet neuerthelesse we will be refreshed with that breade.

After this when the 〈…〉〈…〉 and many tymes tolde, that without they woulde be baptised, they might not be partakers of the sacred oblation: At length in a great displeasure they told him, that if he would not consent vnto them in so small a matter, there shoulde be no place for him within the boundes of their Dominion. And so he was constrayned to depart. Wherevpon hee being expulsed, resorted into Kent, there to take aduice with his fellowe Bishoppes, Laurence [ 10] & Iustus, what was to be done in this so weigh∣tie a matter.

They finally resolued vpon this poynt, that it shoulde be better for them to returne into theyr Countrey, where with free myndes they might serue Almightie God, rather than to remayne a∣mongest people that rebelled agaynst the fayth, without hope to do good amongst them.

Therefore Mellitus and Iustus did first de∣parte, and went ouer into Fraunce, mynding [ 20] there to abyde till they might see what the ende would be.

But shortly after, those brethren the kings of Essex, whiche had expulsed their Byshoppe in maner aboue sayde, suffered worthily for theyr wicked doings: For going forth to battayle a∣gaynst the West Saxons,* 1.10 they were ouerthrown and slaine togither with all theyr armie, by the two Kings, Kinigils, and Quichelme. But ne∣uerthelesse, for all that the Authours of the mis∣chiefe [ 30] were thus taken away, the people of that Countrey woulde not as yet bee reduced againe from theyr diuelish worshipping of false Goddes, being eftsoones fallen thereto in that season by the encouragement and perillous example of theyr Rulers. Wherefore the Archebishop Laurence was in minde also to haue followed his fellowes Mellitus and Iustus: but when he minded to set forwarde, he was warned in a dreame, and cru∣elly scourged (as hath beene reported by the Apo∣stel [ 40] saint Peter, who reproued him) for that hee would so vncharitably forsake his flock, and leaue it in daunger withoute a shepherde to keepe the Woolfe from the folde.

The Archbishoppe enboldned by this vision, and also repenting him of his determinatiō, came to king Eadbald, and shewed to him his strypes, and the maner of his dreame.

The king being herewith put in great feare, renounced his heathenish worshipping of Idols, [ 50] and was baptized, and as muche as in him lay, from thence forth succoured the Congregation of the Christians, and aduaunced the Churche to his power.

He sent also into Fraunce, and called home the Bishops Mellitus and Iustus, so that Iu∣stus was restored again to his Sea of Rochester. But the East Saxons woulde not receyue Mel∣litus to his Sea at London, but continued its theyr wicked Mawmetrie in obeying a Bishop of theyr Pagan lawe, whom they had erected for that purpose. Neyther was King Eadbalde of that authoritie and power in those parties, as his father was before, whereby he might constrayne them to receyue theyr lawfull Byshop. But surely the sayde King Eadbalde with his people after hee was once conuerted againe, gaue hym∣selfe wholye to obey the lawes of God, and a∣mongest other deedes of godly zeale,* 1.11 he buylded a Church of our Ladie at Cantorburie, within the Monasterie of Saint Peter, afterwardes cal∣led Saint Agnes.

This Churche was consecrated by Mellitus, who after the death of Laurence succeeded in go∣uernaunce of the Archebishoppes Sea of Can∣terburie.

After Mellitus whiche departed this lyfe in the yeare of our Lorde .624.* 1.12 Iustus that before was bishop of Rochester, was made Archbishop of Canterburie, and ordeyned one Romanus to the Sea of Rochester.

About the same tyme, the people of the north partes beyond Humber receyued the fayth, by oc∣casion (as after shall appeare.)

Ye haue heard how Edelfred the king of Nor∣thumberlande was slaine in battaile, neare to the water of Idle, by Redwald king of the East An∣gles, in fauour of Edwin, whom the sayd Edel∣fred had confined oute of hys Dominion .xxiiij. yeares before.

The foresayde Redwald therefore hauing ob∣teyned that victorie, founde meanes to place Ed∣wyne in gouernment of that Kingdome of the Northumbers, hauing a tytle thereto as sonne to Alla, or Elle, sometyme King of Northumber∣lande.

THis Edwyn proued a ryght valiant prince,* 1.13 and grewe to be of more power than any o∣ther King in those dayes of the English Nation:* 1.14 not onely ruling ouer a great parte of the Coun∣treys inhabited with Englishe menne, but also with Brytaynes, which Brytaynes inhabyted not onelye in Wales, but also as yet in parte of Chesshire, Lancashire, Cumberlande, and a∣longest by the West Sea coast in Galloway, and so forth euē vnto Dunbrytain in Scotland: which I haue thought good to note, that it may appeare in what Countreys Cadwalle bare rule, of whome so often mention is made in this part of the Hystorie.

But as concerning Edwyn: his reputation was such, as not onely the English men, Bry∣taynes and Scottes, but also the Iles of Ork∣ney, and those of Man,* 1.15 and other the West Iles of auncient tyme called Meuania, had him in re∣uerence,

and feared his mightie power, so as the•…•… durst not attempt any •…•…xp•…•…oy•…•…e to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of him.

It chaunced also that shortly after king Red∣walde had aduaunce•…•… him to the Kingdome of▪ Northumberlande, v•…•… aboute sixe yeares, the same Redwalde deceassed, whiche made greatly for the more augmentation of Edwyns power. For the people of the East Angles, which whilest Edwyn remayned amongest them as a banished [ 10] man, had conceyued a good opinion of him, for his approued valiancie and noble courage, of∣fered themselues to bee wholy at his commaun∣dement.

* 1.16But Edwyn suffering Carpwalde or Erp∣walde the sonne of Redwalde to enioy the bare tytle and name of king of that Countrey, ruled al things at his owne will and pleasure. Neither was there any Prouince within Brytaine that did not obey him, or was not ready to do him ser∣uice [ 20] (the kingdome of Kent onely excepted) for he suffered the Kentishmen to here inquie•…•…, bycause he began to haue a lyking vnto the sister of king Eadbald, the Lady Ethelb••••ga, otherwise named Tar•…•…, or Tace.

* 1.17He made request therefore by sending Ambas∣sadours to hir brother•…•… to haue the sayde Ladie in mariage: and at length obteyned hir, with con∣dition that shee being a Christian woman, might not onely vse the Christian religion, but also that [ 30] all those, whether men or women, priestes or mi∣nisters, which came with hir, might haue licence to doe the same, without trouble or impeachment of any maner of person. Herevpon she being sent vnto him,* 1.18 there was appoynted to goe with hir, (beside many other) one Pauline, which was con∣secrated Bishop by the Archbishop Iustus, the xxj. of Iuly, in the yeare of our Lorde .625.

* 1.19At his comming into Northumberlande, thus in companie of Ethelburga, hee trauayled [ 40] earnestly in his office, both to preserue hir and such Christians in the fayth of Christ, as were appoynted to giue theyr attendaunce on hir, least they shoulde chaunce to fall: and also sought to winne some of the Pagans if it were possible vn∣to the same fayth, though at the first he little pro∣fited in that matter.

In the yeare following, there came a mur∣therer vnto the Court of King Edwyn, as then soiourning in a Palace whiche stoode vppon the [ 50] syde of the Ryuer of Dorwent, being sent from Quichelme King of the West Saxons, to the intent to murther Edwyn, bycause hee had of late sore endomaged the Countreys of the west Saxons.

* 1.20This murtherer was called Eumerus, and caried vnder his cote a short double edged Wood∣knife enuenomed of purpose, that if the King •…•…e•…•…ing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a little 〈…〉〈…〉 of the wound, yet he should not 〈…〉〈…〉 get of the poyson.* 1.21

On Easter Mo••••••y this 〈…〉〈…〉 to the King, and working foorth to •…•…pan•…•… had beene to haue declared 〈…〉〈…〉 fr•…•… his Maister, when hee had espyed his tyme, he dr•…•…we hy•…•… w•…•…apo•…•…, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King▪ But one of the Kings 〈…〉〈…〉 Lylla, perceyuing thys, 〈…〉〈…〉 another blowe. But y•••• the 〈…〉〈…〉 s•…•…aype forwarde 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•…um•…•…ing through the bodie of Lylla, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also the King a little: and before this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 coulde bee beaten downe, he fiue another of the Kings seruaunts, a might that attended vpon him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fordher.

The same night Queene Ethelburga was delyuered of a daughter named Ea••••ed, for the whiche when King Edwyn gaue thankes vnto his Goddes,* 1.22 in the presen•••• of Bishop Paulyne;

[illustration]

the Bishop di•…•… admonish him, rather to giue thankes vnto the true and onely God, by whose goodnes it came to passe that y^e Queene was fastly and without daun∣ger delyuered. The King gi∣uing good eare vnto the By∣shops whole∣some admonition, promised at that presente to become a Christian, if hee myghte reuenge hys iniuryes receyued at the handes of the West Saxons, and to assure Pauline that his pro∣mise shoulde take place, hee gaue vnto him hys newe borne daughter to be made holy to the lord, that is to say, baptised.

The Bishoppe receyuing hir, on Whitsun∣daye nexte following baptysed hir, with twelue other of the Kings householde, shee beeyng the fyrste of the Englishe Northumbers that was so washed in the Fountayne of Rege∣neration.

In the meane tyme King Edwyn being re∣couered of his hurt, assembled an army, and went agaynst the West Saxons, with whom recoun∣tring in battaile, he eyther f•…•…ue or brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 subiection all them that had conspyred his death•…•… And so returned as a conquerour into his cuntry▪ But yet he •…•…elayed •…•…me for performance of his promise to become a christian: howbeit he had left

his doing of sacrifice to Idols, euer since he made promise to be baptised.

He was a sage Prince, and before he woulde alter his Religion, he politikely thought good to heare matters touching bothe hys olde Reli∣gion, and the Christian Religion throughlye examined.

And whilest he thus hangeth in doubt to whe∣ther pa•••• he shoulde encline, there came letters to him from Pope Bonifa•…•…e the fift of that name,* 1.23 [ 10] exhorting him by sundrie kinds of gentle perswa∣dens, to turne to the worshipping of the true and liuing God, and to renounce the worshipping of Mawmets and Idols.

* 1.24The Pope likewise wrote to Queene Ethel∣burga, praying hir to cōtinue in hir good purpose, and by all meanes possible to doe what might bee done for the conuerting of hir husbande vnto the fayth of Christ.

* 1.25But the thing that most moued the king, was [ 20] a vision which sometime he had while hee remai∣ned as a banished man in the Court of Redwald king of the East Angles as thus:

* 1.26After that king Ethelfred was informed howe that the foresayde Redwalde had receyued Ed∣win, he ceassed not by his Ambassadours to moue Redwalde eyther to deliuer Edwyn into hys handes, or else to make him away.

At length by often sending, and promises made of large summes of money, mixed with threat∣nings, [ 30] he obteyned a graunt of his suyte, so that it was determined that Edwyn shoulde eyther bee murthered, or else deliuered into his enimyes handes.

One of Edwynes friendes hauing intelli∣gence hereof, in the night season came to Ed∣wyns Chamber, and taking him forth abroade, tolde him the whole practise, and what was pur∣posed agaynst him, offering to helpe him out of the countrey, if he would so aduenture to escape. [ 40]

* 1.27Edwyne being wonderously amazed, than∣ked his friend, but refused yet to depart the Coun∣trey, sith hee had no iust cause outwardly giuen to play suche a slipper parte, choosing rather to ieoparde his lyfe wyth honour, than to giue men cause to thinke that hee had first broken promise with such a Prince as Redwalde was, to whom he had giuen his fayth.

Herevpon his friende departing from him, left him sitting without the doores: where after hee [ 50] had reuolued many things in his mind, & thought long vpon this matter, at length he perceyued one to come towards him vnknowne, & in strange ap∣parell, seeming to him in euery poynt a straun∣ger, at which sight for that he could not imagine who he shoulde be, Edwyn was much afrayde: but the man comming to him saluted him, and asked of him what he made there that time of the night when other were at rest. Edwyn on the other part asked what hee had to doe therewith and whether he vsed to lie abrode in the night, or within house: who aunswering sayde: Thinke not Edwyn that I am ignorant of thy heaui∣nesse, of thy watching, and this thy solitarie sit∣ting here withoute doores. For I knowe who thou art, wherefore thou art thus pensi••••, and what euilles thou fearest to be towardes thee at hande. But tell me, what wouldest thou giue him, that coulde deliuer thee out of this heaui∣nesse, and perswade Redwalde that hee shoulde neyther do thee hurt nor delyuer thee to thine e∣nimyes? Herewith when Edwyn sayde, that he woulde gladly giue all that in him might lye to suche a one in rewarde: the other added: what wouldst thou thē giue, if he should promise in good sooth that (all thy enimies beeing destroyed) thou shouldest be king, and that thou shouldest passe in power all the Kings whiche haue raigned in the English nation before thy time?

Edwyn then beyng better come to himselfe by such demaundes, did not sticke to promise that he would requite his friendship with worthy thāks.

Then replyed he to his wordes and sayde. I•…•… he that shall prophecie to thee this good h•…•…ppe to come shall also be able to ••••fourme thee such coū∣sail for thy health & life as neuer any of thy fore∣fathers or kinsfolke yet haue heard, wouldest thou obey him, and consent to receiue his wholsom ad∣uertisement? Whervnto without further delibera∣tion Edwin promised, that he would in all points folow the instruction of him that shoulde deliuer him out of so many and greate calamities, and bring him to the rule of a kingdome. Which an∣swere being got, this person that thus talked with him, layde his hande vppon his heade, saying, when thys therefore shall chaunce to thee, bee not forgetfull of this tyme, nor of this com∣munication, and those things that thou nowe doest promise, see thou perfourme. And there∣wyth •…•…e vanished away, so that Edwin might well preceyue it was no manne but a vision that thus had appeared vnto him.

And as he satte still reioysing of this com∣fortable talke, but yet thoughtfull in his mynde what he shoulde be, or from whence he came that had talked in this sort with him. Beholde hys friende returned that first had brought him forth of his Chamber, and declared vnto hym good newes, howe the King by the perswasion of the Queene had altered his determination, and min∣ded to mainteyne his quarell to the vttermost of his power: and so hee did in deede: for wyth all diligence hee raysed an armie, and went agaynst Edelfride, vanquished him in battaile, and placed Edwyn in the Kingdome (as before yee haue hearde.)

Her vppon whilest, King Edwyn as before is mentioned def•…•…ed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ue he would receyue the Christian fayth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our 〈…〉〈…〉 vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he •…•…at•…•…ui•…•…ing what hee were best to do, and layd his hand vpon his head, a 〈…〉〈…〉 if he knew that signe: 〈…〉〈…〉 king would haue fallen downe at his feete, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 y•••• vp, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it were in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wi•…•…e thus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to him: Behold, by the assystance of Gods fauour thou hast escaped the handes of thyne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ 10] whom thou stoodest in dread of: Behold through hys bounteous liberalitie, thou hast attempted the Kingdome which thou diddest desire, remember then that thou delay not time to perfourme the thirde thing that thou diddest promise, in recey∣uing his fayth, and keeping his cōmaundements▪ which deliuering thee from worldly aduersities, hath thus aduaunced thee to the honor of a king and if from henceforth thou wilt obey his with which by my month hee setteth forth & preacheth [ 20] to thee and other, he will deliuer thee from euer∣lasting torments, and make thee partaker wyth him in his celestiall kingdome.

It is to be thought that the vision which the K. had in times past receiued, was in spirite reuealed vnto Pauline, wherevpon without delay of time he put him in remembrance of it in maner as a∣boue is mentioned.

The king hauing heard his words, answered▪ that he would & ought to receyue the fayth which [ 30] he taught, but first he woulde conferre with hys nobles and if they would agree to do the like, then would they be baptised altogither at one time.

Pauline satisfied herewith Edwin did as hee had promised, calling togither the wisest men of his realme,* 1.28 and of them asked the question what they thought of this diuinitie, which was prea∣ched vnto them by Paulyn, vnto whom his chief Bishop named Coiū,* 1.29 incōtinently made this an∣swere, that surely the religion which they had he∣therto [ 40] followed was nothing worth. For sayth he, there is none of thy people that hath more re∣uerently worshipped our Gods than I haue done, and yet be there many that haue receyued farre greater benefites at thy handes than I haue done: and therefore if our Godd•…•…s were of any power, then would they rather helpe me to high honours and dignitie than others.

Therefore if it may be founde that this newe Religion is better and more auaileable than oure [ 50] olde, let vs wyth all speede embrace the same. Finally, when other of the Kings Counsayle and men of high authoritie gaue theyr consents, that this doctrine which Pauline taught ought to be receyued, if therein appeared more certaintie of saluation than could be found in the other:* 1.30 at length the king gaue l•…•…nde to Pauline openly to preach the Gospell; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his worship∣ping of false god professeth the christian fayth.

And when he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who shoulde first defay•…•… the aulters of their Idols and the 〈…〉〈…〉 with the whiche they were compasse•…•… about he answered, that hee himselfe would do it. For what is more meete (sayth he•…•…) thā that I, which through foolishnesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wor∣shipped them, should nowe for example sake de∣stroy the same, through wisedome giuen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the true & liuing God? And streight ways throw∣ing away the superstition of vanitie, required ar∣mo•••• and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the king▪ with a stoned horse, vpon the which he being mounted, rode 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to destroy the Idols.

This was a straunge •…•…ight to the people▪ for it was not lawfull to the Bishop of their lawe to put on armour, or to ride on any beast, except it were a Matt. He hauing therefore a ••••ore gyrde to him, tooke a speare in his hande, and aiding on the kings horse, went to the place where the I∣dols stoode. The common people that beheld him had thought he had b•…•…ene starke mad, and out of his wittes: but hee without longer deliberation, incontinently vpon his comming to the temple, began to deface the same, and in contempt▪ threw his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against it, and reioysing greatly in the knowledge of the worshipping of the true God, commaunded his company to destroy and burne downe the same temple withall the aulters.

This place where y^e Idols were somtime wor∣shipped was not farre from Yorke, towardes the East part of the riuer of De•…•…went, and is called Gotm•…•…ndin Gaham, where the foresayd Bishop by the inspiration of God defaced and destroyed those aulters which he himselfe had hallowed.

King Edwyn therefore with all the nobilitie,* 1.31 and a great nūber of his people, receyued the faith and were baptized, in the yeare of our Lorde .627. in the tenth yeare of his raigne, and about the .178 yeare after the first comming of the English men into this lande.* 1.32 Hee was baptised at Yorke on Easter day (which fel that yere the day before the Ides of Aprill) in the Church of S. Peter the A∣postle, which hee had caused to bee erected vp of timder vpon the sodaine for that purpose, and af∣terwards began the foūdation of the same church in stone worke of a larger compasse, comprehen∣ding within it that Oratorie which hee had fyrst caused to be built: but before he coulde finish the worke, he was slaine (as after shall bee shewed, leauing it to be performed of his successor Os∣walde. Pauline continued from thenceforth du∣ring the kings life, which was sixe yeares after in preaching the gospel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prouince, co••••••e••••ing an 〈…〉〈…〉 number of people to me fayth of Chryst, among•…•…st •…•…h•…•… whiche were 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Edwyn 〈…〉〈…〉 begot t•…•…a•…•… tyme of hys 〈…〉〈…〉

Quinburga, the daughter of Cearlus King of Meccia. Also afterwarde•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 children begot on his seconde wife Ethelburga, that is to say, a son called Edelhimus, and a daughter named Edil∣trudis:* 1.33 and another sonne called Bust••••ra, of the which the two first died in theyr Cradels, and were buryed in the Church at Yorke. To bee briefe: by the kings assystance and fauour shewed vnto Pauline in the worke of the Lorde, greate multitudes of people dayly receyued the fayth, [ 10] and were baptised of Pauline in manye places, but specially in the Ryuer of G•…•…euy wythin the Prouince of Bernicia, and also in Swale in the Prouince of Deira: For as yet in the begynning thus of the Church in those Countreys, no tem∣ples or fountes coulde be buylded or erected in so short a time.

Of such great zeale was Edwyn (as it is re∣ported) towards the setting forth of Gods truth,* 1.34 that hee perswaded Carpwalde the Sonne of [ 20] Redwalde King of the Eastangles to aban∣don the superstitions worshypping of Idolles, and to receyue the fayth of Christ with all hys whole Prouince.

His father Redwalde was baptised in Kent long before this time, but in vaine: for returning home,* 1.35 through counsayle of his wife and other wicked persons, he was seduced, and being turned from the sincere puritie of fayth, his last doings were worsse than his fyrst, so that according to [ 30] the manner of the olde Samaritanes, he woulde seeme both to serue the true God,* 1.36 and his false Goddes (which before time he had serued) and in one selfe Churche, had at one time both the Sa∣craments of Christ ministred at one aulter, and Sacrifice made vnto Diuels at another.

But Carpwalde within a while after he had receyued the fayth, was slaine by one of his owne Countrey men that was an Ethnicke, called Richbert, and then after his death, that Prouince [ 40] for the terme of three yeares was wrapped eft∣soones in errour,* 1.37 tyll that Sybert, or Sigibert, the brother of Carpwalde, a moste Chrystian Prince, and verie well learned, obteyned the rule of that kingdome, who whilest hee liued a bani∣shed man in France during his brothers life time, was baptised there, and became a Christian: and when he came to be king, hee caused all his Pro∣uince to be partaker of the same fountaine of life wherein he had beene dipped himselfe. [ 50]

Vnto his godly purpose also, a Bishop of the parties of Burgoigne named Felix was a great furtherer, who comming ouer vnto the Archebi∣shop of Canterburie Honorius that was succes∣sour vnto Iustus, and declaring vnto him his earnest desire, was sent by the same Archbishop to preache the worde of life vnto the Eastangles, which he did with such good successe, that he con∣uerted the whole countrey to the fayth of Iesus Christ,* 1.38 and places the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Bishoprike at Dunwich, ••••ding the course of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therein peace, after he had continued in that his Bishop∣lyke office the space of .xvij. yeares.

Moreouer Pauline after that he had conuer∣ted the Northumbers,* 1.39 hee preached the worde of

[illustration]

God vnto them of Lindsey, whiche is a parte of Lincolnshire:* 1.40 and first he perswaded one B•…•…ecca the gouernor of the Citie of Lincoln to turne vn∣to Christ togither with all his familie.

In that Citie he also buylded a Churche of stone worke.

Thus Pauline trauailed in the worke of the lord, the same being greatly furthered by the help of Edwin, in whose presence he baptised a greate number of people in the riuer of Trent, neare to a towne the which in the olde English tongue was called T•…•…o vuifingacester. This Pauline had with him a deacon named Iames, the which shewed himselfe verie diligent in the ministerie, and pro∣fited greatly therein.

But now to returne to king Edwin, who was a prince verily of worthy fame, and for the poly∣tike ordering of his Countreys and obseruing of iustice, deserued highly to be commended:* 1.41 for in his time all robbers by the high way were so ba∣nished out of his dominions, that a woman with hir new borne childe alone withoute other com∣panie might haue trauayled from sea to sea, and not haue encountred with any creature that durst once haue offered hir iniurie.

He was also verie carefull for the aduaunce∣ment of the commoditie and common wealth of his people,* 1.42 insomuch that where there were any sweete and cleare water Springs, hee caused postes to bee set vppe, and Iron dishes to be fast∣ned thereto wyth Chaynes, that wayfaryng men might haue the same readie at hand to drink wyth: and there was none so hardye as to

touch the same but for that vse: he vsed whereso∣euer he went within the Cities or elsewhere a∣brode, to haue a banner borne before him, in token of Iustice to be ministred by hys royall autho∣ritie.

In the meane season, Pope Honorius the fift, hearing that the Northumbers had receyued the fayth (as before is mencioned) at the preaching of Pauline,* 1.43 sent vnto the sayde Pauline the Pall, confirming him Archbishop in the Sea of Yorke. [ 10]

He sent also letters of exhortation vnto king Edwin, to kindle him the more with fatherly ad∣uice, to continue and proceede in the waye of vnderstanding, into the which he was entered.

At the same time also, bycause Iustus the Archbishop of Canterburie was deade, and one Honorius elected to that Sea, Pope Hono∣rius sente vnto the foresayde Honorius the elect Archbishoppe of Canterburie, his Pall, with letters,* 1.44 wherein was conteyned a decree by him [ 20] made, that when eyther the Archbishoppe of Canterburie or Yorke chaunced to depart thys life, he that suruiued should haue authoritie to or∣deyne another in place of him that was deceassed, that they shoulde not neede to wearie themsel∣ues with going to Rome, beeing so farre distant from them. The copie of whiche letter is regy∣stred in the Ecclesiasticall Hystorie of Beda, bea∣ring date the thirde Ides of Iune in the yeare of our Lorde .633.* 1.45

The same Pope •…•…ut letters also to the Scot∣tish,* 1.46 people exhorting them to celebrate the feast of Easter in such due time as other Churches of the Christian world obserued:* 1.47 and also bycause the Heresie of the Pelagians beganne to renue a∣gaine amongest them, (as he was enformed) hee admonished them to beware thereof, and by all meanes to auoyde it.

But now that the Kingdome of Northum∣berland flourished (as before is partly touched) in happie state vnder the prosperous raigne of Ed∣wyn, at length after he had gouerned it the space of .xvij. yeares, Cadwalline,* 1.48 or Cadwallo King of Brytaynes, who succeeded Cadwane, as Gal. Mon. hath, rebelled agaynst him: for so it commeth to passe, that nothing can be so sure cō∣fyrmed by mans power, but the same by the lyke power may be againe destroyed.

Penda king of Mercia enuying the prosperous proceedings of king Edwin,* 1.49 procured Cadwallo to moue this rebellion against Edwin: & ioyning his power with Cadwallo, they inuaded the coū∣trey of Northūberland ioyntly togither. Edwyn hereof aduertised, gathered his people, and came to encounter them, so that both the armies met at a place called Hatfield, where was fought a right sore and bloudie battaile.* 1.50 But in the end Edwin was slain with one of his sonnes named Osfrid,

[illustration]

and his army beaten downe & dispersed. Also there was slain on Edwyns part, Godbald K. of Ork∣ney. [ 50] Moreouer there was another of Edwyns sonnes named Edfride, constrayned of necessitie to gyue himself into the hands of Penda, and was after by him cruelly put to death (contrarie to his promised fayth) in king Oswaldes dayes, that succeeded Edwyn.

Thus did king Edwin end his life in that bat∣taile, fought at Hatfield aforesayde, on the fourth Ides of October, in the yeare of our Lorde .633.* 1.51 hee beeing then aboute the age of .xlvij. yeares and vpwardes.

Cadwal and Penda hauing obteyned this vic∣torie, vsed it most cruel•…•…y. For one of the Cap∣taynes was a Pagan, and the other wanting all ciuilitie, shewed hymselfe more cruell than any Pagan coulde haue done. So that Pen∣da beeing a worshipper of false Goddes with all his people of Mercia, and Cadwallo hauing no

respect to the christian religion which lately was begonne amongst the Northumbers,* 1.52 made ha∣uocke in all places where then came, not sparing man, woman nor childe: and so continued in their furious outrage a long time, in passing through the countrey, to the great decay and calamitie of the christian congregations in those parties. And still the Christian Brytaines were lesse mercifull than Penda his heathenish souldiers. For euē vn∣to the dayes of Beda (as he affyrmeth) the Bry∣tains [ 10] made no account of the fayth or religion of the Englishmen, nor would communicate with them more than with Pagans, bycause they dif∣fered in rites from their accustomed traditions.

When the countrey of the Northumbers was brought into this miserable case by the enimies inuasion,* 1.53 the Archbishop Pauline taking wyth him the Queen Ethelburga, whō he had brought thither, returned nowe againe with hir by water into Kent, where he was honourably receyued of [ 20] the Archbishop Honorius, and king Eadbald. He came thither in the conduct of one Bassus a vali∣ant man of warre, hauing with him Eaufred the daughter, & Vulfrea the son of Edwyn and also Yffi the son of Osfride Edwins sonne, whō their mother after for feare of the kings Edbold & Os∣wald did send into France, where they died.

The Church of Rochester at that time was destitute of a Bishop, by the death of Romanus, who being sent to Rome vnto Pope Honorius, [ 30] was drowned by the waye in the Italian Seas. Wherevppon at the request of the Archeby∣shoppe Honorius, and King Eadbald, Pau∣line tooke vpon hym the charge of that Sea, and helde it till he dyed.

* 1.54AFter that Edwyn was slaine in battaile (as before yee haue hearde) Osrike the sonne of his Vncle Elfricke, tooke vpon hym the rule of the Kingdome of Deira, which had receyued the sacrament of Baptisme by the preaching and ver∣tuous [ 40] instruction of Pauline.

* 1.55But the other kingdome of Northumber∣lande called Bernicia, Eaufride th•…•… sonne of E∣delfred or Edelfride, tooke vpon him to gouerne.

This Eaufride during the time of Edwins raigne, had continued in Scotland, and there be∣ing conuerted to the Christian fayth was bapti∣sed. But both these Princes after they had ob∣teyned possession of theyr earthly kingdomes, dyd forget the care of the heauenly kingdome, so that [ 50] they returned to their olde kind of Idolatrie. But the almightie God did not long suffer this theyr vnthankfulnesse without iust punishment: for first in the next Sommer,* 1.56 when Osrike had rashlye besieged Cadwallo King of the Brytaynes, within a certayne Towne, Cadwallo brake forth vpon hym, and fynding him vnprouided to make resystance, slue him with all his armie.

And after thys, whilest Cadwallo not like a Conquerour gouerned the Prouynces of the Northumbers, but lyke a Tyran wasted and destroyed them, in slaying the people in tragi∣call manner, hee also slue Eaufride, the whiche with twelue menne of warre, came vndiscretely vnto him to sue for peace, and thus within lesse than twelue Monethes space both these renegate kings were dispatched.

[illustration]

THen Os∣walde the sonne of Edel∣fred,* 1.57 and bro∣ther to the fore∣sayde Eaufride was created K. of the Nor∣thumbers, the sixt in number from Ida.

This Os∣walde after that his father was slaine, liued as a banished person a long time within Scotlande, where he was baptised, and professed the christiā religion, and passed the flower of his youth in good exercises, both of minde and bodie.

Amongst other things, he practised the vnder∣standing of warlike knowledge, minding so to vse it, as it might stande him in steade to defende himselfe from iniurie of the enimies that shoulde prouoke him, and not otherwise.

Hereupon Cadwallo King of the Brytayns made in maner no account of him: for by reason that he had atchieued such great victories agaynst the Englishe men, and hauing slaine theyr two Kings (as before is expressed) he ceassed not to proceede in hys tyrannicall doyngs, repu∣ting the Englishe people for slouthfull, and not apt to the warre, boasting that he was borne to their destruction.

And thus being set vp in pryde of courage, he feared no perilles, but boldely withoute consi∣dering at al the skilful knowledge which Oswald had sufficiently learned in feates of warres, tooke vppon hym to assayle the foresayde Oswalde, that had broughte an armie agaynst hym, and was encamped in a playne fielde, neare vnto the Wall whiche the Romaines had buylded in tymes past agaynst the inuasion of Scottes and Pictes.

Cadwallo straight prouoked Oswald to trie the matter by battaile, but Oswalde forbare the first day, and caused a Crosse to bee erected in the same place where he was encamped, in full hope that it should be an ensigne or trophy of his victo∣rie, causing all souldiers to make their prayers to God, that in time of such necessitie it might please him to succour them that worshipped him.

It is sayde, that the Crosse being made, and the hole digged wherein it shoulde be set, he tooke the Crosse in his owne handes, and putting the foote thereof into that hole, so helde it till his soul∣diers had filled the hole▪ and rammed it vp: And then caused al the souldiers to kneele downe vpon their knees, and to make intercession to the true and liuing God for his assistāce agaynst y^e proud enimie, with whō they should •…•…ight in a iust qua∣rel for the preseruation of their people•…•… & countrey. [ 10]

After this, in the next morning he boldly gi∣ueth battaile to his enimies, so that a sore and cruell fight ensued betwixt them. At length Oswald perceyued that the Brytaynes beganne somewhat to faint, and therfore he caused his peo∣ple to renue their force, and more lust•…•…ly to preasse forwarde, so that first he put that most cruell eni∣mie to •…•…light, and after pursuing the chase, ouer∣tooke him,* 1.58 and slue him with the most part of all his huge and mightie armie, at a place called

[illustration]

Denisseborne, but the place where hee caused the Crosse to be erected, height He•…•…field.

And thus Cadwallo the most cruell enimie of the English name ended his life: He was terrible both in nature & countenance, for the which cause they say the Brytaynes did afterwards set vp his Image, that the same might bee a terrour to the enimies when they shoulde beholde it.

But here is to bee remembred by the Bry∣tish [ 30] Historie of Gal. Mon. it shoulde appeare that Cadwallo was not slaine at all, but raigned victoriously for the space of .xlviij. yeares, and then departed this life, as in place afterwards it shall appeare. But for that the contrarietie in wryters in such poyntes may sooner be perceyued than reformed to the satisfying of mennes fan∣cies whiche are variable, wee will leaue euery man to his libertie to thinke as seemeth him good, noting now and then the diuersitie of suche wry∣ters, [ 40] as occasion serueth.

* 1.59

[illustration]

PEnda the son of Wil∣ba succeeded in the gouernmēt of the kingdom of Mercia, af∣ter Ciarlus, & beganne hys raigne in the [ 50] yeare of oure Lord .636. He was fiftie yeares of age before he came to bee king, and raigned .xxx. yeares, he was a Prince right hardie and aduenterous, not fearing to ieo∣pard his person in place of danger; assured & readie of remembrance in time of greatest peril. His body could not be ouercome with any trauaile, nor his mind vanquished with greatnesse of businesse, but these his vertues were matched with notable vy∣ces, as first with such bitternesse of maners as had not beene heard of, crueltie of nature, lack of cur∣tesie, great vnstedfastnesse in performing of word and promise, and of vnmeasurable hatred toward the Christian religion.

Vpon confidence put in these his great ver∣tues and vices from time that he was made king as though the whole Ile had beene due to him, he thought not good to let any occasion passe that was offered to make warre, as well agaynst his friendes and confederates, as also agaynst hys owne sworne enimyes. Part of his doings ye haue heard, and more shall appeare hereafter.

Of the kings of the East Saxons and East Angles, ye haue heard before: of whom in places conuenient yee shall finde further mention also, and so likewise of the kings of the South Sax∣ons: but bycause theyr kingdome continued not past fiue successions, little remembrance of them is made by wryters.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cadwan king of Bry∣tayne.
• * 1.2

  613
• * 1.3

  Galf. M••••.
• * 1.4

  •…•…ohn. Hard.
• * 1.5

  VVil. Malm. Beda. li. 2. ca. 5
• * 1.6

  Ead∣bald.
• * 1.7

  1. Cor. 6.
• * 1.8

  The Princes example occa∣sion of euill.
• * 1.9

  Ran. Cestren. Beda. li. 2. ca. 5. Serrerd, Se∣ward, and Si∣gebert, the sonnes of Sa∣bert.
• * 1.10

  The sonnes of king Sebert slaine.
• * 1.11

  Beda li. 2
• * 1.12

  Beda. li. 2. •…•…
• * 1.13

  Edwyn.
• * 1.14

  Beda. li. 2. •…•…
• * 1.15

  Wil 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ta∣keth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be Angle••••
• * 1.16

  Carpwaldus.
• * 1.17

  Beda lib. 2. cap. 9.
• * 1.18

  Mat. VVest. Beda lib. 2. cap. 9.
• * 1.19

  625
• * 1.20

  Other say an axe, as Math. VVest.
• * 1.21

  Eumerus.
• * 1.22

  Eaus•…•…ed borne.
• * 1.23

  Beda lib. 2. cap. 10.
• * 1.24

  Bede. lib. 2. cap. 11.
• * 1.25

  A vision.
• * 1.26

  Bede. cap. 12.
• * 1.27

  The honora∣ble considera∣tion of Edwin.
• * 1.28

  Elwyn con∣sulteth with his nobles.
• * 1.29

  The answere of an heathen Bishop.
• * 1.30

  Pauline licen∣ced to preach the Gospell.
• * 1.31

  King Edwyn with his peo∣ple receyue the christian fayth. Beda. li. 2. cap. 14.
• * 1.32

  627
• * 1.33

  Ediltrudis.
• * 1.34

  This chaunced in the yeare 632 as hath Math. VVest.
• * 1.35

  Redwald king of Eastangles baptised.
• * 1.36

  Carpwalde woulde serue God and the diuell.
• * 1.37

  Sibert or Si∣gibert.
• * 1.38

  A Bishops 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dunwich
• * 1.39

  Beda li. 2. cap. •…•….
• * 1.40

  This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the yeare 628. as 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Mat. VVest.
• * 1.41

  VVil. M••••
• * 1.42

  Mat. VVest. Beda. lib. 2. cap. 16.
• * 1.43

  Beda. li. 2. cap. 17.
• * 1.44

  A decree con∣cerning the Archbishops of Canterburie and Yorke.
• * 1.45

  633
• * 1.46

  The feast of Easter.
• * 1.47

  The heresie o•…•… the Pelagian•…•…
• * 1.48

  Cadwallin, o•…•… Cadwallo kin•…•… of Brytayne.
• * 1.49

  Penda king •…•… Mercia.
• * 1.50

  King Edwin slaine. Mat. VVest
• * 1.51

  Mat. VVe•…•…
• * 1.52

  The crueltie •…•…f Penda and Cadwallo.
• * 1.53

  The Archbi∣•…•…op Pauline •…•…eeth into •…•…ent.
• * 1.54

  •…•…eda lib. 3. cap. 1. ••••rike king •…•… Deira.
• * 1.55

  •…•…fred king of •…•…rnicia.
• * 1.56

  •…•…he two kings •…•… Northum∣berland s•…•…ain.
• * 1.57

  Oswald beganne his raigne in the yeare .635. Beda lib. 3. cap. 3.
• * 1.58

  Beda. VVil. Malm.
• * 1.59

  Penda. 636