The history of Great Britaine under the conquests of ye Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans Their originals, manners, warres, coines & seales: with ye successions, lives, acts & issues of the English monarchs from Iulius Cæsar, to our most gracious soueraigne King Iames. by Iohn Speed.

CHAPTER I.

BRITAINE thus aban∣doned of all the Romane Garrisons, and emptied of * 1.1 strengths that should haue supported her now down-falling-estate, lay prostrate to confusion and misera∣ble calamities; no lesse burdened with the tu∣multuous vproares of her owne great men, who stroue for the supreme Gouern∣ment, then of the Barbarous Nations which with conti∣nuall incursions made spoile where they came. These times (saith Ninius) were full of feares, and were prolon∣ged * 1.2 with forty yeeres afflictions: wherein Vortigern then King was troubled with the violence of the Romans, * 1.3 the dreads of the Picts and Scots, and the oppositions of Aurelius Ambrosius, who suruiuing his slaine Pa∣rents, that had worne the Imperiall Purple Robe, sought their reuenge vpon their wicked Murderer: besides the Intrusions of the Germane Saxons, called in for Friends, but prooued indeed the greatest Enemies. Du∣ring the conflict of these tempestuous stormes, some small comforts were ministred vnto the Britaines by Bishop German his presence, who from France assisted * 1.4 them against the Pelagian Heresies, and the perillous assaults of the Scots and Picts, who in diuers skirmish∣es ouercame them.

(2) These dolorous times of Britaines destruction, Gildas the mournfull Historian, who liued not long af∣ter, * 1.5 doth declare. As soone as the Romans (saith hee) had left Britaine, and were returning vnto their home, foorthwith hideous multitudes of Scots and Picts came swarming out of their Carroghes, (wherewith they passed the * 1.6 Scitick Vale) like whole Armies of duskish vermine, which at high noone, when the Sunne is in his greatest heat, began to crawle foorth of their narrow holes an infinite number of hidcous Scots and Picts; which two kindes of People, though in conditions somewhat different, yet they consorted too well in greedie desire of bloud-shed: and ha∣uing intelligence, the associates of Britaine were now retur∣ned with vtter disclaime of further assistance, with more * 1.7 confident boldnesse then euer before, they seize all the Nor∣therne and vttermost part of the Iland, as if it had beene their own inheritance, euen as farre as to the Wall. Against these attempts there were ranged in the high Forts along the Wall, Garrisons of Souldiers, but such as were both slothfull, and also vnseruiceable for Martiall Affaires: which white-liuered Lozels with quaking hearts sate still warding day and night, till their ioints were as benummed and stupid as the stones whereon they sate: insomuch as the naked Enemies did with long hooked Engines plucke from * 1.8 off the wall those miserable Warders, dashing their bodies against the ground. This good yet they got by this their vn∣timely deaths, that being thus suddenly dispatched out of the world, they escaped the imminent lamentable calamities that their brethren and children shortly felt. To bee short, hauing abandoned their Cities and this high defensiue Wall, once more they betooke themselues to flight, and were dis∣persed in a more desperate manner then euer before. For the enemie was more hot in pursuit, and more cruell in the slaughter, the wofull Inhabitants being by their Enemies massacred, and rent in peeces like Lambes in the hands of bloudy Butchers, or in the iawes of cruell and sauage Beasts. In these most miserable times, (necessitie so compelling) the poore distressed people forbare not to rob each other of that sustenance, which could helpe them but for a very small sea∣son: and so their hostile oppressions were increased by their domesticke vexations, for that the whole Countrey by these continuall direptions, was vtterly depriued of the staffe of foode, hauing nothing left to prolong their life, but that only what they get in hunting. Whereupon, about the thirtie nine yeere of Theodosius, and of Christ foure hundred fortie six, the distressed Remaines of the down-cast Britaines addressed their missiue Letters to Actius, whom Gildas calleth Agitius, President of Gallia, in * 1.9 most lamentable manner, and thus inscribed.

To AETIVS Thrice Consul, the groanes of the BRITAINES.

The Barbariaus driue vs backe to the Sea; the Sea a∣gaine * 1.10 putteth vs backe vpon the Barbarians: thus be∣tweene two kindes of deaths, we are either slaughtered or drewned.

And the more to intimate their miseries, and to mooue his assistance, thus they further vrge: Wee (say they) are the Remnant that suruiue of the Bri∣taines, and are your Subiects, who besides the Enemie, are

afflicted by famine and mortalitie, which at this present ex∣treamly rageth in our Land. And putting him in mind that it much importeth the Maiesty of the Roman Em∣pire to protect and succour their Prouince, seeing it had now stood vpon the point of fiue hundred yeers vnder their obedience, whose strength of Souldiers ta∣ken from thence to serue their Emperors in their Wars else-where, was now decaied, and their wealths wa∣sted by maintaining their many Legions in their own Land and abroad: All this notwithstanding the Ro∣mans either would not, or could not relieue, hauing enough to doe to vphold their owne; but returned them againe with heauy hearts into the hands of their most cruell Enemies, who now knowing them∣selues free from the Romans interceptions, as a violent floud brake thorow the Prouince, and bare downe all before them; the Inhabitants flying like chased Deere, some taking ouer Seas into Britany in France; some to * 1.11 South-wales, North-wales, Cornwall, and parts of Deuon∣shire, leauing the best of the Land to the will of their Persecutors, and much of their Treasures hid in the ground, which neuer after they inioyed.

(4) But the greeuous Famine still increasing, * 1.12 though it had this woful issue with some, that it made them yeeld themselues into the Enemies bloudy hands (onely in hope to gaine a little sustenance of food for the present) and for many yeeres after left lamentable tokens (saith Beda) of great desolations * 1.13 wrought by that dearth: yet with those other which were of more noble and resolute spirits it produced a better effect; insomuch as frō out of the Mountains, Caues, and thicke woods, they assailed their enemies, reposing their trust not in Man, but in God, whose help * 1.14 is then most at hand, when mans helpe faileth. These in many skirmishes gaue them the ouerthrow with much slaughter, and that for many yeeres together, when they made their incursions for booties and spoile; which caused these Rauening Irish to returne home; and the Picts a while rested from further mole∣station. Notwithstanding the Britaines returned not from their owne wickednesse, growing strong now daily in repressing the Enemie, but stronger in their owne sinnes and ciuill dissensions. By meanes where∣of, though a surcease of Hostile Warres was imbra∣ced, and the skarres of famine cleerly skinned vp, yet another sore as dangerous as either, secretly bred, and shortly brake forth. For the Land being free from the Enemies wastes, yeelded such plenty and abundance of all things, as the like before no age had seene; and * 1.15 therewithall such riot and excesse, that the peoples sins grew to a plentiful haruest, as by the words of Gyl∣das is apparant.

(5) Certainly it is heard (saith he) that there is such * 1.16 fornication, as the like is not among the Gentiles. Truth with the maintainers thereof is hated: Lies with the For∣gers thereof highly esteemed. Euill is entertained for good, leaudnesse respected more then vprightnesse, darknesse de∣sired before the bright Sunne, and Satan accepted for an * 1.17 Angell of light: Kings then were anointed, not according to Gods liking, but such as excelled others in crueltie; and as cruelly againe by their anointers were they murdered, not for any demerit, but that they might aduance others more sauage then the former. If hee were milde, or inclining to truth, the darts of hatred were on euery side leuelled against him, as the onely Subuerter of the Britaines Estate. What was pleasing or displeasing to God, was all one with them, sauing that the better things commonly wrought most dis∣content: so that rightly the saying of the Prophet, which was denounced vnto the people in old time, might bee applied to our Countrey: Yee lawlesse and corrupt children haue for∣saken * 1.18 the Lord, and prouoked vnto wrath the holy one of Is∣rael. Why should ye be smitten any more, still multiplying iniquitie? Euery head is sicke, and euery heart is heauy: from the sole of the foot vnto the crowne of the head, there is nothing sound therein. Thus did they all things that were contrary to their safetie, as if that medicine which * 1.19 was bestowed by that truest Physitian of all, was needlesse for the world. And not onely the prophaner sort did this, but also the selected flocke of the Lord, and the Shepheards thereof, who ought to haue giuen example to the whole peo∣ple. To speake of drunkennesse, numbers of them lay sense∣lesse and weltring in wine, swelling with pride, contention, and griping enuie, putting no difference in iudgement be∣tweene good and euill: insomuch that it seemeth contempt was powred forth both vpon Princes and people: and all of them seduced by vanities, wandred in errors and by-paths, * 1.20 not lead in the right way. When God therefore was minded to purge his Familie, and to recure them thus infected with the corruptions of sinnes, by heare-say only of Tribulation, the winged flight of an often-tried rumour pierced the at∣tentiue * 1.21 eares of all men, giuing notice of their ancient Ene∣mies, ready to arriue, and fully minded to destroy them vt∣terly, and to inhabit (as earst they did) the whole Countrey from one end to another. Yet all this could not reclaime them, but like vnto mad horses, which taking the bit fast betwixt their teeth, runne away with their Riders, so these leauing the way which leadeth (narrow though it bee) vnto saluation, ranne at randome in the wide way of all wicked∣nesse, which leadeth directly to death. Whiles therefore (as Salomon saith) the stubborne seruant will not bee amended * 1.22 with words, he is scourged for a foole, and feeleth not the whip: for loe, a pestilent contagion fell heauily vpon this foolish people, which (though the enemies sword was gone) in short space destroied such multitudes of them, that the li∣uing were not able to bury the dead. Neither yet also were they thereby bettered, that the saying of the Prophet Esay in them might be fulfilled: God called them to mourning, to baldnesse, and sacke-cloth: but behold, they fell to killing of * 1.23 calues, and to staying of Rammes; loe, they went to eating and drinking, and said withall, Let vs eat and drinke, for tomorrow wee shall die. And indeed the time now drew neere, wherein their iniquities (like as those in times past of * 1.24 the Amorites) should come to the fulnesse. And euen at that instant the like measure beganne to bee heaped vpon the Britaines.

(6) For the common enemie now inuading the * 1.25 Southerne parts, was entred as farre as Stamford vp∣on the Riuer Welland; whom to resist, the Britaines assembled together, and hauing experience what ci∣uilliarres had formerly done, they iointly vnite their meanes and powers, and with one consent elect a * 1.26 King to manage these affaires, which was Vortigerne, by birth extracted from the British Line, nobly de∣scended, * 1.27 had not his many vices blemished the same. The British Historie saith, that hee was Earle of Corn∣wall, and of great command in the daies of Constantine * 1.28 their King, whose simplicitie hee much abused, and whom lastly hee caused to be murdered by the Guard * 1.29 of his Person, the Scots and Picts by him so placed, and to that end instigated: whom neuerthelesse with death hee seuerely punished, to auoid further suspiti∣on. In whose reuenge, these fierce Nations so assaul∣ted his Dominions with rape and spoile, that hee was forced for further assistance to send for these Saxons * 1.30 to his aid. Whether thus, or otherwise, most true it is, the Saxons were sent for, and of hoped Friends, be∣came the tried Enemies to the Britaines and their E∣states, as out of Gildas their Historian wee shall anon declare.

(7) The occasion and maner of this their inuiting and comming, is set downe by a Countryman of their owne Witichindus, a Writer of good antiquity, who thus relateth the circumstance thereof. Britaine (saith * 1.31 he) by Vespasian the Emperour, long since being reduced a∣mong the Roman Prouinces, and held in their subiection, stood them in no small stead: but their Legions abandoned, and destinie (as it seemeth) determining the downfall, be∣came soone assaulted by their neighbour Nations the Nor∣therne Borderers. For the people of Rome after that the Em∣peror * Martiall was slaine by his Souldiers, being tired out * 1.32 with forraine wars, were not able to assist their friends with supply of accustomed aides. And yet had they built a mighty peece of worke for the defence of the Country, reaching be∣tweene * 1.33 the confines from Sea to Sea, where it was thought that the Enemies would assaile the Inhabitants left in the Land. But no difficulty it was for them so fiercely bent, and euer ready to make war (especially where they dealt with a Nation feebled and left vnable to make resistance) to destroy

the said worke. Therefore hearing of the worthy and for∣tunate exploits atchieued by the Saxons, they sent an hum∣ble Embassage to require their aid; and these hauing audi∣ence, * 1.34 spake as followeth.

Most noble Saxons, the poore and distressed * 1.35 Brets, outworne and tired by the many incursions of their enemies, hearing the fame of those victories which you haue most valiantly obtained, haue sent vs. Suppliants vnto you, crauing that you would not deny them your helpe and succour. ☉A large and spacious Land they haue, plentifull and abun∣dant in all things, which wee yeeld wholly to bee at your deuotion and command. Hitherto wee haue liued freely vnder the patronage and protection of the Romans, next vnto whom wee know not any more powerfull then your selues; and therefore we seeke for refuge vnder the wings of your valour. So that we may by your puissance be superiour of our enemies, whatsoeuer seruice you shall impose vpon vs, that will we willingly abide.

To this petition the Peeres and Nobles of the Saxons briefly made answer in this wise. * 1.36

Know yee that the Saxons will bee fast friends vnto the Brets, and ready at all times both to assist them in their necessitie, and also to procure their wealth: with ioy therefore returne yee Am∣bassadors, and with this wished-for tidings make your Countrey-men glad.

Heereupon (according to promise) an Armie sent into Britaine, and ioifully receiued, * 1.37 which in short time freed the Land frō the spoiling enemies, & recouered the country vnto the behoof of the Inhabitants.

(8) But how true this last clause is, may appeare out of the ancient Gildas, who thus recordeth it: To represse (saith hee) many Inuasions of those their ancient * 1.38 enemies, which with cruell slaughters and booties continu∣ally afflicted them, the Britaines fell to consult vpon some conuenient course therein to be taken. Lastly, all the Coun∣sellers, together with the proud Tyrant, being blinded in iudgement, deuised such a protection, as in the end prooued their Countries destruction; namely, that those •…•…rce Sa∣xons, a people sauage and of hatefull name, odious both to God and man, should be let into this Iland, as it were wolues into sheepe-folds, to repulse (for sooth) the Northerne Na∣tions; then which proiect doubtlesse nothing was euer more pernicious and vnhappie vnto this Land. O senses senslesse and plunged into deepest mists of errour! O desperate dul∣nesse, and blinde blockishnesse of minde! Those whom in ab∣sence were feared more then death, now of their owne ac∣cord are inuited by these Princes of Aegypt (if I may so say, thus sottishly counselling their Pharao) to come and rest with them vnder one roofe. Presently out of the Denne of that barbarous Lionesse rushed foorth a kennell of her whelpes, in three long Vessels, called in their Language * Cy∣ula, carried vnder full saile, and with ominous presages * 1.39 fore-prophecying that for 300. yeeres they should possesse that Land vnto which they then directed their course, and * 1.40 for halfe of that space, (viz. one hundred and fiftie yeeres) they should waste and depopulate the same. These being put on shore first in the East part of the Iland, and that by * 1.41 Commandement of this vnfortunate Tyrant, there set fast their terrible pawes, pretending to the Ilanders, defense of their Countrey, but more truly intending the destruction of them. The foresaid Lionesse finding that her first troupe of whelpes sped so well, sends againe a greater Rabble of the same Litter, which heere arriued in Fl•…•…es, bringing with them some other Associates of bastardly and vnnoble brood. And these beginnings, the slips of iniquitie, and the roots of bitternesse, (an accursed plantation well befitting our de∣merits) haue sprung vp, and put foorth in our soile their haughtie boughes and spreading branches. This barbarous Nation thus admitted, professing themselues our Souldiers, and such as would endure all hazards (so they fained) in defense for their good Hosts, first they craued supplie of vi∣ctuals only; which being giuen them, for some time stopped (as we may say) the Dogs mouth: howbeit, afterward they complaine that their wages was not bountifully enough * 1.42 paid, deuising of purpose colourable occasions of quarrell, and threatning that vnlesse they might haue more munifi∣cent entertainment, they would with the breach of couenant spoile and waste the whole Iland. And without further delay, they second these threats with deeds (for our Sinnes, the cause of deserued reuenge, were still nourished) and the fire kindled Eastward, was set a flaming by these sacrilegi∣ous men from Sea to Sea, ceasing not to consume all the Ci∣ties and Countries bordering there about, vntill such time as burning welneere all the Inland Soile of the Iland, it lic∣ked (as it were) with the red tongue of the flame the very Westerne Ocean it selfe. In this violent inuasion, compara∣ble to that of the Assyrians against the Land of Israel in old * 1.43 times, is historically fulfilled also in vs that which the Pro∣phet by way of sorrowfull lamentation vttereth: They haue set fire vpon thy holy places, and haue burned the dwelling place of thy name, euen vnto the ground. And againe: O God the Heathen are come into thine heritage, thy holy Tem∣ple * 1.44 haue they defiled: for all the Fortifications demolished with their Engines, and the Inhabitants together with the Bishops of the Church, and also the Priests and people, with glistering swords and crackling flames, were all at once laid along vpon the ground, yea and (which was a most lamen-table spectacle) the stately Turrets, high mounted Walles, and the sacred Altars, lay all tumbling together (all purpled with the broken and bloudy Quarters and goared Carcases mixed as in a horrible wine-presse. Neither were there any other Sepulchers abroad, saue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of buildings, and the bowels of wilde beasts and birds.

(9) During this most wofull, desperate, and tem∣pestuous season (saith the mournfull Historian) some * 1.45 poore Remaines of Britaines being found in the Mountains, were slaine by whole heapes: others pined by famine, came and yeelded themselues vnto their enemies, vpon compositi∣on to serue them as Bond-slaues for euer, so they might not bee slaughtered out of hand: which granted, was reputed a most high and especiall grace. Others went ouer Seas into Strange Lands, singing vnder their spread Sailes with a lamentable and mourning note, that of the Psalmist: Thou hast giuen vs, O Lord, as Sheepe to bee deuoured, and hast scattered vs among the Heathen. Yet others remained still * 1.46 in their owne Countrey (albeit in fearefull estate, and con∣tinually suspecting hazard) committing their liues and safetie to the high steepe Hilles, to craggie Mountaines na∣turally intrenched, to thick growne Woods and Forrests, yea and to the Rockes of the Sea.

(10) Thus was Britaine brought to the period of her glory, and the people miserably subiected to a forraine Nation, about the yeere from Christs Nati∣uitie 473. and after the Romans last farewell 28. In which time you see they were most cruelly pursued * 1.47 with all calamities of warre, and lastly betraied by them in whom so much trust was reposed, as mourn∣full Gildas hath ruefully declared.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Britaine abando∣ned of the Roman Garrisons.
• * 1.2

  Ninius.
• * 1.3

  Great troubles in the raigne of Vortigern.
• * 1.4

  Bishop German an assister against the Pelagians.
• * 1.5

  Gildas.
• * 1.6

  The Irish Sea.
• * 1.7

  Scots and Picts (the Romans de∣parted) seize all the Northerne parts.
• * 1.8

  Scoti and Picts catch the Bri∣taines with long hookes.
• * 1.9

  Britaines send for helpe to Actius President of Gallia.
• * 1.10

  Beda Hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 13.
• * 1.11

  Britaines flie into France, South-wales, North-wales, Cornwall, Demonshire.
• * 1.12

  A great Famine. Gildas, ibid.
• * 1.13

  Beda, lib. 1. c. 14.
• * 1.14

  Britaines trusting in God, ouer∣come their ene∣mies.
• * 1.15

  Beda hist. Aug. lib. 1. cap. 14.
• * 1.16

  Great sins among the Britaines.
• * 1.17

  Gildas.
• * 1.18

  Esay 1.
• * 1.19

  Britaines did all things contrary to their safetie.
• * 1.20

  Psal. 106. 40.
• * 1.21

  Britaines heare of an inuasion, yet not reclai∣med.
• * 1.22

  Prou. 29. 19.
• * 1.23

  Esay 22. 13.
• * 1.24

  Britaines ini∣quitie.
• * 1.25

  The Enemie in∣uadeth the Sou∣therne parts.
• * 1.26

  Britaines vnite their powers.
• * 1.27

  Vortigern of the British line.
• * 1.28

  Earle of Cornwall.
• * 1.29

  The Scots and Picts set to mur∣ther Constantius.
• * 1.30

  Wil. Malms. The Saxons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for.
• * 1.31

  Witichindus.
• * 1.32

  Martian he mea∣neth.
• * 1.33

  The Romans worke for the Britaines defence, raced by the Northerne Bor∣derers.
• * 1.34

  Saxons great Warriours and fortunate.
• * 1.35

  Britaines. The Britaines Ambassage and speech to the Saxons.
• * 1.36

  The Saxons an∣swere to the Pe∣tition of the Britaines.
• * 1.37

  Saxons good ser∣uice at their first comming.
• * 1.38

  Gildas.
• * 1.39

  Keeles.
• * 1.40

  Saxons prophecie to possesse Bri∣taine for 300. yeeres.
• * 1.41

  The Saxons first arriuall on the East part of this Iland.
• * 1.42

  Saxons inuent oc∣casions of quar∣rell.
• * 1.43

  Saxons spoiles comparable to the Assyrians vp∣on the Israelites. Psal. 74. 8.
• * 1.44

  Psal. 79. 1.
• * 1.45

  Britaines 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Moun∣taines.
• * 1.46

  Psal. 44. 11.
• * 1.47

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 pursued with all calami∣ties of Warre.