The historie of Great Britannie declaring the successe of times and affaires in that iland, from the Romans first entrance, vntill the raigne of Egbert, the West-Saxon prince; who reduced the severall principalities of the Saxons and English, into a monarchie, and changed the name of Britannie into England.

The second Booke.

[illustration] portrait of Hengist

HENGIST: I: PRINC: SAX:

CHAP. I.

The Principalitie of the Kentish-Saxons established by Hengist, whom Vsk, Otta, and Ermeric succeede in the government. Austen the Monke is sent from Rome by Gregorie the Great, to preach the Christian faith to the Saxons and English. He landeth in Kent; where he is curteous••, ••ertained by Ethelbert, the Prince of that Countrie.

THE Territorie of the Kentish-Saxons, did at the first, include only that part, which at this day is con∣tained within the county of Kent, being the very entrance & key of the whole Iland. The west & south sides of it butte vpon the firme land: on the East, the Brittish Ocean beateth, and vp∣pon the North, runneth the famous river Thames,

navigable for ships of very great burden, and ebbing and flowing many miles within the land: whereby commodities are brought in, and carryed forth, to the enriching of it selfe, and the Countries round about. This Principalitie (enlarged by addition of such Pro∣vinces as Vortiger, after the slaughter of the Brittish No∣bilitie delivered to the Saxons for his ransome) was e∣stablished by Hengist eight yeares after his arrivall, a∣bout the yeare of grace 456. Valentinian, the third of that name, then shoring vp the decayed Empire in the West. Although (by consent of divers Writers) he ru∣led a long time; yet little or nothing is left of record, concerning any thing done by him, after he was set∣led in the governement: either for that perhaps, no great occasion was ministred to shew himselfe in action, (the Britans being now seated in the remote parts of the Ile, and his owne countrymen making warre in other places of the same) or else, for that (be∣ing wearied with the warre) he gave himselfe to ease and quietnesse, supposing hee had done enough al∣readie, in making the first attempt in an enterprize so difficult, and in getting and leaving to his poste∣ritie, the possession of so faire and fruitfull Coun∣tries.

After his death, there raigned, eyther joyntly, or successively, Vsk, Otta, and Ermeric; concerning whom, I finde no other mention then of their names onely.

Ethelbert (succeeding Ermeric his father) was in the beginning of his raigne, much encumbred with warres, which he made with very ill successe against Ceaulin, Prince of the West-Saxons: but afterwards, (his knowledge in militare affaires increasing with his yeares) hee fortunately repaired those losses: exten∣ding

his Dominion, (by reducing the South Provin∣ces to his obedience) even to the water of Humber. And the better to strengthen his estate by forraigne aliance, hee married Bertha the danghter of Ch••∣rebert, then King of France, a vertuous Lady, and a professor of Christianitie, wherein the King her hus∣band was not as yet instructed: howbeit hee per∣mitted both her selfe and Luidhard a French Bishop, (that accompanied her into Britannie) to vse the Rites and Ceremonies of their owne Countrie and religi∣on: eyther for observance of the contract which E∣thelbert before the marriage had made with the King her Father to that end, or else, for the heartie and entire affection which hee bare vnto her, as his wife, whom God had ordained to bee the meanes of his conversion to the Christian faith.

For in the yeare of grace five hundred ninetie sixe, and fourteenth of the raigne of Mauritius the Em∣perour, Austen a Monke, was sent by Gregory the first, (surnamed the Great, then Bishop of Rome) to preach the faith to the Saxons and English, then inhabiting the Ile of Britannie, where (landing in the Ile of Tanet, vpon the coast of Kent) hee was entertained in curte∣ous manner by Ethelbert the Prince, whose heart be∣ing somewhat prepared by his wives perswasion, and by the example of Luidhard, the devout Bi∣shop that lived with her) was more apt, in time, to take impression of the Truth, whereto (though him∣selfe assented not at the first,) yet hee licensed it to be taught privately, and assigned to Austen a convenient seate at Canterbury, (the cheefe Citie of that Province) giving him an olde Church, which in former times had beene erected by certaine Romans. (exercising there the Christian religion) and con∣secrated

to our Saviour Christ. This Church was then reedified, and (not many yeares after) Austen without the Citie Eastward, layd the foundation of a Monasterie: for which Ethelbert erected a Church, wherein both Austen himselfe with his successours, and also the Christian Princes of Kent, were (for the most part) interred after their death. This Monasterie being finished, long time after Austens decease, was dedicated to him by the name of Saint Austen, whose memoriall the ruines of that place retaine even to this day.

CHAP. II.

Austen converteth divers of the Saxons and English from Paganisme to Christianitie. The cause that first moved Gregorie the Great to intend their con∣version. Austen is consecrated chief Bishop of the En∣glish Nation by the Bishop of Arles in France. He advertiseth the Bishop of Rome, of the successe of his voyage into Britannie, and requireth directions tou∣ching the Ecclesiasticall governement to be there e∣stablished.

IN the meane time, Austen (beeing now re∣ceived as the Apostle of the English Nation) and such Priests as were with him, exercised their Ec∣clesiasticall functions, without empeachment; and for that they were altogether ignorant of the Brit∣tish language, they vsed the helpe of such Inter∣preters, as they had brought with them out of France, in preaching and instructing the people: with

whom, partly by their doctrine, and partly by their ex∣ample they prevailed so much, as many of them be∣leeved, and were baptized: for their teachers began then to expresse in their lives the practise of the Apo∣stles in the Primitive Church, by continuall watching, fasting, and praying, contemning the world, and con∣tenting themselves with things necessarie to sustaine Life and Nature: so strongly were they possessed with the spirit of zeale, in first planting the Christian reli∣gion among Idolatrous Saxons, and English.

It is reported, that Gregorie the Great (when he was but Archdeacon of the Sea of Rome) tooke notice first of the state of the Ile of Britannie, by seeing certaine yong men (borne in a Province of the Northumbers) presented in an open Market at Rome, to be there sold: For, marking well their faire complexions, and comli∣nesse of stature, he enquired whence they were: and vnderstanding that they were Angles, of a Province cal∣led Deira, and vnder the government of Alla, but as yet heathen (for so the Inhabitants of those parts then were:) he seemed much to lament, that such excellent outward gifts of Nature, should want the ornaments of inward grace: and thereupon alluding to the name of their Prince and Country, (according to their signifi∣cations in the Latin, and Hebrew tongue;) he vttered these words, as it were by way of Prophecie: These men are worthily called Angles, for they have the verie faces of Angels: and they shall be one day fellow heires with An∣gels in Heaven. For the people of Deira, must be delivered De-ira Divina, by their conversion to the Christian faith: and Alla their King must be taught to sing Alleluia to the praise of the most high God: which worke (being now Bishop of Rome) he was made the Instrument to effect, by sending Austen at this time to preach the faith of

Christ in Britannie, where (in a short space) the Chri∣stian Religion encreased, in such measure, that vpon one day (wherein the memoriall of the birth of our Savi∣our was celebrated) there was above ten thousand men, besides women and children, baptized in a river: the water thereof being hallowed by Austen the Monke, who commanded the people (by reason of the great multitude, and the small number of Priests) to go in by couples, and one to baptise another, In the name of the blessed Trinitie.

When these things were done, Austen went into France, where (according to order given by the Sea of Rome before his departure thence) he was by Ethe∣rius Bishop of Arles consecrated chiefe Bishop of the English Nation, and at his returne into Britannie, he sent Laurence a Priest, and Peter a Monke, to advertise the Bishop of Rome of the successe of his labors, requi∣ring also further instructions in some doubtfull points, concerning the discipline of the Church, and other matters of ceremonie and observance.

CHAP. III.

Instructions sent to Austen from the bishop of Rome, for the ordering and government of the new Church in Bri∣tannie. The Primacie of the Sea of Canterburie. The first English bishops of London and Yorke.

HEreupon the Bishop of Rome signified by his Let∣ters to Austen, and the rest of his Associates, how acceptable a worke, to God and his Church, they had performed: commending their great zeale, and constant minds, which neither the travaile of a long

and laborious journey, nor feare of danger by sea or land, could dismay from persisting in their good inten∣tion: giving thanks to God, that had assisted them with his spirit, and exhorting them to hold on the course in∣to which they were alreadie entred.

Touching the Ecclesiasticall government, if there were any thing, either in the Church of Rome, France, or any other Church, which Austen thought meete to be altered, for the better service of God: he willed him therein to vse his pastorall authoritie, and to select out of everie one of them, what himselfe thought most re∣quisite for setling an vniformitie of government in the Church of Britannie: affirming, that divine worship was not to be esteemed in regard of the place, but the place to be honoured, in regard of the divine worship. Fur∣ther, he put him in mind of the ancient custome of the Sea of Rome, which had ordeined the profits and reve∣nues of Bishoprikes to be divided into foure equall parts: whereof the first was assigned to the Bishop him self, and the family, for the maintenance of hospitalitie: the second for the benefite of the Clergie in generall: the third for reliefe of the poore, and the fourth for re∣pairing of Churches.

Then he admonished him, to deale gently with the new Converts, and to tollerate some of their erronious Traditions for a time, lest by restraining them at first to the precise observation of Christian discipline in e∣verie point, he might divert them from their good pur∣pose, and hinder the proceeding in the generall cause: For he supposed it a matter of verie great difficultie, to plucke vp at once those ranke weedes of Superstition, which by long continuance of time had taken deepe ••oote in their affections: considering well, that he that desireth to attaine the highest place, must ascend thi∣ther

by steps and degrees, and not by leapes (as it were) in an instant.

He answered likewise many other objections, pro∣pounded by Austen. concerning degrees of consangui∣nitie and aliance, to be observed in cases of Marriage, and also touching the admission of meete persons to be partakers of the Lords Supper.

Touching the punishment of Sacrilege, he advised, that offenders therein might first be charitably corre∣cted & admonished, to the end, that (knowing the great∣nesse of the crime) they might, by penance, and resti∣tution make amends, and detest from thence-foorth to commit the like.

With the Bishops of France, he willed him not to intermeddle otherwise then by counsaile, and exhorta∣tation, lest (by interposing himselfe in matters of Eccle∣siasticall government there) he should seeme to thrust his Sickle into an other mans Harvest: but he appoin∣ted all the Bishops of Britannie to be vnder his juris∣diction, giving him power to nominate, and consecrate Bishops in severall places, where he thought conveni∣ent. Howbeit it was then decreed, that the Bishop of London should (ever after) be consecrated by his owne Synod, and receive his Pall from the Sea of Rome; for he appointed the Citie of London to be the Metro∣polis and chiefe Sea: though Austen (contrarie to the Bishop of Romes direction in that behalfe) transferred it afterwards to Canterburie, as a place vnto which he was well affected, for the good entertainment he had there first received: and also, for that it was more com∣modious for sending by Sea to Rome, and more free from danger, then the miner parts about London, whose inhabitants were lesse civill, and not so well in inclined to receive the doctrine of christianity, as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉

were: For Pope Gregorie ordained, London, and Yorke to be the Seas of two Archbishoprikes, and that each of them should have vnder it twelve inferior Bishopriks, but that neither of the Archbishops should be subject to other, nor take place of precedence otherwise then according to prioritie of consecration, save onely that (for Austens honour) he appointed all of them to re∣maine vnder his jurisdiction during his life.

CHAP. IIII.

Austen receiveth the Pall from Rome. Gregorie the Great sendeth gratulatorie Letters to Ethelbert, who is converted to the faith, being the first Christi••n Prince of the English nation. The Church of Saint Paul in Lon∣don is founded? Melitus the first Bishop there in the Saxons time. Iustus the first Bishop of Rochester C••n∣tention betweene the English and Brittish Cleargie, a∣bout celebration of the feast of Easter.

WIth these and other such like instructions, the Messengers were dispatched into Britannie, where, at their returne, they presented to Au∣sten, the Pall (the ornament of a Bishop) which the Bi∣shop of Rome had sent vnto him as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and confir∣mation of his Ecclesiastical dignitie and authority, and also certaine Vessels and Vestments which were thought meete to be vsed for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the English Churches. 〈…〉〈…〉, with divers other godly lea••ned men, were ap∣poynted to accompanie the Messengers into the Iland, to the end they might assist Austen, and the Priests there in preaching the Gospel▪

At that time the Bishop of Rome sent also cer∣taine gifts of great value to Ethelbert the Prince, and by speciall Letters commended his favourable vsage and princely bountie shewed, in receyving and main∣teining such persons, as came into his Countrey, to instruct himselfe and his Subiects in the know∣ledge of true Religion (the greatest blessing that ever any Nation could enjoy:) signifying withall, that by his conformitie to those things which they taught, a happie entrance was alreadie made for reducing the whole Iland to Christianitie, and that if he perse∣vered as he had begun, he might vndoubtedly expect an eternall reward in heaven.

For albeit Ethelbert at the first was not verie rea∣dily induced to abandon the ancient superstitious customes of his owne Nation, partly, for that he had beene trained vp therein from his tender yeares▪ and partly, for that he was secretly informed, that some of the Priests (which then preached the faith of Christ) were seditious persons, exercising witchcraft, and seducing the people, vnder pretence of simplici∣tie: yet after his conversion he became a zealous pro∣fessor and practise•• of pietie: erecting faire Temples for divine Service, endowing them with large pos∣sessions; and earnestly exhorting other Princes with∣in the Ile to do the like.

He founded a Church in the Citie of London, which the Kentish Saxons (in right of superioritie o∣ver the East-Saxons) at that time possessed, and de∣dicated it to the Apostle Saint Paul. In more ancient times (as some conjecture by the bones of such beasts as were vsually sacrificed by the Gentiles, and found in that place) there had beene a Temple dedicated to Diana; of that Church Melitus (being sent by Au∣sten

to preach the Christian faith to the East-Saxons) was afterwards elected the first Bishop. The Cittie of Rochester also he assigned to Iustus, who was consecrated the first Bishop of that Sea.

But while these things were a doing, there arose some controversie betweene the English Roman Clear∣gie, and certaine British Bishops, concerning the ce∣lebration of the feast of Easter, and other Rites and Ceremonies, wherein the Brittish Church dissented from the Church of Rome: for the Britans then dwel∣ling in Wales, and the West parts of the Ile) conti∣nued there the exercise of the Christian faith, which had beene preserved among them ever since it was first planted in the Iland, though now and then the cleere course thereof, was either by contagious Here∣sies, or by prophane and irreligious Princes, interrup∣ted for a time: howbeit, when they perceived the Saxons themselves in some measure to approove it, they beganne with boldnesse to make open professi∣on of it, as seeming therein to agree even with their enemies, howsoever otherwise in respect of language, situation, or the law of Nations they were divided.

CHAP. V.

Austen calleth a Synode to reconcile the differences between the Brittish and English Cleargie. The Brittish Bishops aske counsaile of an Anchorite, whether they should con∣forme themselves to such things as Austen the Monke should require of them. They refuse to accept him for their Archbishop. Austen appointeth Laurentius to suc∣ceed him in the Sea of Canterburie. He dieth.

AVsten perceiving that this disagreement was like∣ly to prove prejudiciall to the state of the new Church, thought it the best and safest way, to pre∣vent the inconvenience in the verie beginning, and to that end he summoned a Synod, which (by the meanes of Ethelbert the Prince) he procured to be held vpon the borders of the West-Saxons Country.

At that Synod, seven Brittish Bishops, certain Monks of Bangor (the greatest Monasterie in the Ile, where∣of Dinothus was then Abbot) and diverse others well reputed for their learning and knowledge in divinitie were present. It is reported, that the Brittish Bishops (before their comming thither) asked counsaile of an Anchorite (a wise and holie man) living there about, what he thought meetest for them to do in that great businesse which they had then in hand: and whe∣ther they should follow the advice and directions of Austen, or retaine still their ancient Traditious: where∣to it is said, that the Anchorite made this answer: If he be of God, follow him, and that shall you best discerne by his humilitie: For Christ sayeth: Take vpon you my yoke, and learne of me, for I am milde, and humble of heart:

If therefore you perceive by his behaviour, that hee is prowd and high minded, then be ye well assured, that he is not of God. Heereupon, when they came to the place where the Synod was to be kept, and saw Austen sitting in a chaire, but not saluting them at their first entrance, nor see∣ming by his outward gesture to respect them: they supposed the Anchorists speech to have beene in part then verified, and with much impatiency, heard the Arch-bishops oration: wherein they were specially re∣quired to preserve the vnitie of the Christian faith, and (though they did many things contrarie to the vsage of the Roman Church,) yet to conforme themselves thereto in three points, namely, in celebrating the feast of Easter in due-time, in exercising the ministery of Baptisme, according to the manner of the Church of Rome: and in joyning with him, and the rest of the En∣glish Bishops, in preaching the Gospel of Christ to the heathen of that Nation; which if they would faithful∣ly performe, he promised, for avoyding contention, (a matter very dangerous, considering the present condi∣tion of the time) to tolerate the continuance of any o∣ther old rites and traditions, wherein they should dis∣sent from the Church of Rome. But the Britans (imagi∣ning, that he, who at his first comming, vsed them in that disdainefull manner, would afterwards, being set∣led in a superintendency over them, vtterly de∣spise them) discovered plainely their discontentment by their countenances, and made a short answer; that they would neither observe those things which he re∣quired at their hands, nor acknowledge him for their Bishop: Whereto Austen with bitter words replyed; that sith they would not receive peace when it was of∣fered, they should ere long, feele the heavy hand of war and vengeance vpon themselves and their posteritie:

and so the assembly was dissolved.

Not long after, Austen the Arch-bishop (wearied with care and travaile of minde) fell sicke of a langui∣shing disease: and doubting lest the state of the Church (being as yet greene, and shaken with the blasts of schisme and division) might easily miscarry for want of a Pastor: he thought good, while he lived, to provide for it, by appointing Laurence, a grave and learned Priest, to succeede him in the Sea of Canterbury: and ha∣ving to that end elected him, and caused the election to be published, he departed this life. His body was bu∣ried in his owne Monastery, within the Church, which Ethelbert had there erected, and an inscription in Latine, was set over the place of his buriall, decla∣ring his name, and qualitie, and the time, occasion, and successe of his comming into the Ile of Britan∣nie.

CHAP. VI.

Ethelbert the Prince, provideth for the maintenance of re∣ligious persons. Hee ordaineth lawes for civill governe∣ment, publishing the same in the English tongue. Ed∣bald his sonne succeedeth him in the Principalitie of the Kentish-Saxons. His Apostacie. Repentance. Death.

IN the meane while, Ethelbert the Prince, (persisting with great devotion in the profession of the Chri∣stian faith) did move very many of his subiects to follow his example therein: and such persons (as pro∣fessors of one faith with him) he vsed with speciall fa∣vour: the rest that refused to doe the like, he would not

compell, saying; that he had beene taught, that The ser∣vice of Christ must be voluntarie, and not forced.

And as he was very forward in advancing and sup∣porting the State ecclesiasticall, so he was not altoge∣ther carelesse of the civill governement. For by advice of the wisest and best learned men of his Province, he made certaine constitutions (after the manner of the Romans) and published them in the English tongue, to the end his people might vnderstand them, and (by knowing the penalties imposed vpon offences) more readily avoid the offences themselves. By these lawes he provided first for the weale and safegard of religious persons, ordaining restitution and severe punishment for such as by theft or violence, tooke away anything from Churches, Bishops, or Priests. For he thought it very meete, that he should, by all meanes, protect and prefer from worldly annoyance, such men as watched and prayed for the health & salvation of soules. And thus spending the rest of his time in the exercise of pie∣tie and all princely vertues, after he had prosperously raigned many years, he ended his daies in peace. He had issue Edbald, who succeeded him in the governement: and Ethelburga, married to Edwin, Prince of Northum∣bers.

Edbald was (by his fathers direction) trained vp in the knowledge of the Christian faith, which (af∣ter he had obtained the Principalitie) hee vtterly re∣nounced: being otherwise also defamed for divers no∣torious and detestable vices, whereby the greater num∣ber of his subjects (following his example) returned a∣gaine to idolatry, and ran head-long into all kinds of enormity: from which, (in his fathers time) rather feare of temporall punishment, then love of vertue and re∣ligion, restrained them. Heereupon Iustus the Bishop

of Rochester, and Melitus the Bishop of London, (per∣ceiving this generall defection in the Provinces, both of the Kentish and East-Saxons, by reason of Edbalds A∣postacie, and being vnable, eyther to direct, or to op∣pose themselves against the streame of superstition, which sodainely brake in vpon them) gave way to the time, and secretly fled into France, where they remai∣ned till Edbalds conversion: Laurence the Arch-bishop also intended to have followed them, but that he was admonished by a vision, (as it is reported) that hee should not forsake his flocke. In the meane time, Edbald continuing his profane and vicious manner of living, fell at the last (through distemperature of minde) into a frenzie, being also possessed with an vncleane spirit: When the Arch-bishop of Canterbury taking courage, (as in a good cause) repaired boldly vnto him, & partly by admonition, partly by exhortation, prevailed so farre with the Prince, as in the end he wan him to ap∣prove and professe the truth of Christianitie, from which by infidelitie he had fallen: whereupon soone after ensued the recoverie of his bodily health, which by many grievous infirmities, had beene a long time much empaired. The remnant of his life, (after he was rebaptized) he spent in devotion and deeds of charity, to expiate and make satisfaction for his former impietie and Apostacie.

CHAP. VII.

Ercombert succeedeth Edbald in the Principality. The in∣stitution of Lent. Honorius the Arch-bishop of Can∣terbury divideth his Province into Parishes. Deus∣dedit succeedeth Honorius in the Sea of Canterbury. Egbert ruleth the Kentish-Saxons after the death of Ercombert. Theodorus the Arch-bishop of Canter∣bury expelleth Wilfrid out of the Sea of York. His lear∣ning in Divinitie and Philosophie. His estimation in the Court of Rome.

THen Ercombert his son, (by Emma the daughter of the King of France) a temperate and religious Prince, prosecuted the worke which his father had begun, in reestablishing the Christian faith within his Dominions The idolatrous Priests he banished, ra∣zing their Temples to the ground, and erecting others for the service of the true God. The subjects of his Realme (being much inclined to excesse in eating and drinking) he restrained, by commanding a publike fast, during the space of fortie daies, to be yeerely kept, for the better exercise of devotion; which custome conti∣nueth among the English even to this day. The Church of Canterburie was governed in his time by Honorius, who first (as it is reported) divided his Province into Parishes, and left his Sea to Deus-dedit, the first Saxon Arch Bishop, (the former being strangers of other na∣tions;) his owne name was Frithona, which for his zea∣lous inclination towardes the advancement of the Church and Common-weale, was changed into Deus-dedit, as the man whom God himselfe had specially

given. After him, Wighard was elected, but died at Rome before his consecration.

Ercombert the Prince, having peaceably ruled the Kentish Saxons about foure and twenty yeares, ended his life when the continuance thereof was most desi∣red. He had by Sexourga, (one of the daughters of An∣na, Prince of the East-Angles) a sonne named Egbert, that succeeded him in the governement.

Egbert ruled the Kentish-Saxons with great moderati∣on, and had not his hands beene defiled with the in∣nocent blood of Elbert and Egelbright, his cosin ger∣mans, he might worthily have beene registred in the number of their best princes.

In his time there lived Adrianus the Abbot, and The∣odorus, (a Graecian borne) then Arch-bishop of Canter∣bury, and the last of those that came out of Italie. They were men of speciall regard for their learning and ho∣linesse of life. This Theodorus began first of all others, to exercise his Pontificall authoritie over all Britannie, placing and displacing Bishops at his pleasure, conse∣crating (contrary to ordinances of the church of Rome) Bishops of other Seas in the Citie of Yorke, and either by force or shew of right, removing first Cedda, and af∣terwards Wilfrid, (who had bin Bishops of that place) pretending, that the wealth and possessions of that Bi∣shopricke alone, were sufficient to maintaine three Bi∣shops, and that it was meete they should be divided ac∣cordingly: but whether he did it for the selfe same end that was pretended, or for envie at the glorie and great∣nesse of that Sea, I will not take vpon me to censure. Howbeit, Wilfrid (being thus expelled, and his Sea dis∣membred) exhibited his complaint to Agatho, then Bi∣shop of Rome; notwithstanding he sought thereby, ra∣ther to manifest his owne innocency, then to accuse

Theodorus. Whereupon, being in the end acquited by judgement of the Court of Rome, he was remanded into his former seate, which yet he could not obtaine, by reason that Egfrid, the Prince of Northumberland, refused to receive him, while Theodorus either openly opposed against his re-admission, or cunningly vnder∣hand, laboured to empeach it: the reputation of this Arch-bishop, (as of a stowt Prelate, and very well lear∣ned both in Philosophie and Divinitie) being so great with the Church of Rome in those daies, as she would not alter or make frustrate, what he indirectly had esta∣blished; for further proofe whereof, also may serve the verie testimonie of Agatho, the Bishop of Rome, who de∣ferred the Session of the sixth Synod at Constantinople, (where the Bishops of all other Nations were assem∣bled) vpon expectation onely of Theodorus his com∣ming thither out of Britannie.

CHAP. VIII.

Lothar (by intrusion) succeedeth Egbert his brother in the governement. The West-Saxons invade the Province of Kent. Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury, cal∣leth a Synod for reformation of abuses in the Cl••rgy. The succession of the Kentish Princes, from Lothar to Alrich. Kent is subdued, and annexed to the Principa∣litie of the West-Saxons.

AFter Egbert, Lothar his brother vsurped the go∣vernement, which by right appertained to Edrick his Nephew, and (seeking by force, to keepe and maintaine what by wrongfull intrusion he had gotten) was in the end (after many conflicts) wounded with a

dart, whereof he died. Then Edrick, the sonne of Eg∣bert recovered the Principalitie, which hee possessed with little quiet, partly by reason of civill dissention a∣mong some of his owne subjects, that aspired to the go∣vernement, and partly, for that the Kentish Territorie was then invaded by Moll, (the brother of Ceadwall, Prince of the West-Saxons) and divers valiant Captaines his associates, whom the Kentishmen, by casting fire vp∣pon their Tents, destroyed and consumed to ashes. Whereupon Ceadwall, to revenge his brothers death, hotly pursued the war in Kent, and expulsed Edrick the Prince, spoiling and burning Townes as he marched, and chasing the inhabitants from place to place, with little or no resistance. By reason of these troubles, the Province remained certaine yeares without a Gover∣nor, till Withred (the sonne of Egbert) purchasing peace with money, obtained the Regiment, although Sweb∣herd at that time held part of the Province, either by vsurpation, or composition. About this time Berctual∣dus governed the Sea of Canterbury, vnto which Tat∣winus succeeded: and after him Nothelmus, who was a speciall helper of venerable Bede, in furnishing him with notes and instructions for composing his storie of the Church of England. After the death of Withred, his three sonnes, Edbert, Edelbert, & Alrich, ruled succes∣sively. During the raigne of Edbert the Prince, Cuthbert was translated from the Sea of Hereford, to the Arch∣bishopricke of Canterbury, where he sate about eigh∣teene yeares. Hee was had in great reverence both of religious and secular men, in regard of his holinesse of life, and zealous care for reforming abuses in the Cler∣gie: For to that end he summoned a counsell of the Bishops and Prelates of the land, at which Ethelbert the Prince of the Mercians, with the most part of his

Nobilitie were present.

Alrich raigned many yeares, and fortunately defen∣ded his Dominions against the Mercians, till at the last, he was overthrowne in battaile by Offa their Prince, who in his owne person invaded the Province of Kent. He died without issue, being the last Prince of the Ken∣tish line, which was cut in sunder with the threed of his life.

Then Edelbert, (surnamed Pren) vsurping the State, made warre vpon the Mercians, by whom he was taken prisoner, and afterwards escaped, though (recovering his libertie) he could not recover his former dignitie.

Cuthred likewise assum'd, for a time, the title of Prince, which he left to Balbred his sonne. But now the Provin∣ciall governement of the Kentish-Saxons, (which had continued about 380. yeares) drawing on to his fatall period: Egbert the West-Saxon Prince, strongly assailed the chiefe places of defence, driving the Mercians out of the Province, and forcing Balbred also to abandon it; by which meanes, in the end, making a conquest of the whole Countrie, he vnited it to the Principalitie of the West-Saxons.

❧The succession of the South-Saxon Princes.

• 1 ALla ruled about 24. yeares,
• Simen
• the two elder sonnes of Alla.
• Plening
• 2 Cissa the youngest sonne of Alla.
• 3 Edilwalch the first Christian Prince.
• 4 Aldin the last Prince of the South-Saxons.

It is very likely that there were more Princes of the South-Saxons, though I finde no certaine report of any other then those aboue mentioned.

❧The succession of Bishops in the Principalitie of the South-Saxons.

Bishops of Selesey.

• 681 Wilfrid (expulsed from his Sea in Northumber∣land) sate 5. yeares.
• 686 Hedda (who was also at the same time Bishop of Win∣ton) sate 19. yeares.
• 705 Daniel (who likewise held the Sea of Winton) sate 6. yeares.
• 711 Eadbertus 8. yeares.
• 719 Eolla 9. yeares.
• After the death of Eolla, the Sea was void about 5. yeares.
• 733 Sigga 28. yeares.
• 761 Alubertus 29. yeares.
• 790 Osa alias Bosa (who was Bishop of Selesey, in the time of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince) sate 27. yeares.

The first CHAPTER.* 1.1

The principalitie of the South-Saxons established by Ella. Cissa his yongest sonne succeedeth him therein. Edil∣walch the first Christian Prince of the South-Saxons.

ELLA the Saxon, was one of those Captains, which Hengist (vpon pre∣tence of ayding the Britans against the Picts) had sent for out of Ger∣manie, while himselfe was making warre in Kent. About the yeare of Grace 478. being well appointed for men, shipping, and other war∣like provisions, he arrived on the coast of Sussex (with his three sonnes, Cimen, Plening, and Cissa:) and after many sharpe encounters with the Britans inhabiting those parts▪ was constrained (by reason of his ill successe in the beginning) to send into Germanie for new sup∣plies, wherewith he besiegeda 1.2 Andred-Cester (a place si∣tuated neere a verie great Forrest) the chiefe and most defensible fortresse in all the Southern parts, and (ha∣ving by policie intercepted the Brittish forces that came to relieve it) entred the Citie by assault, and put to the sword, all those that were within: the souldiers ransac∣king the houses for bootie, murdering the inhabitants, and defacing the Citie it selfe, whereof Time hath left no other remembrance to this day, then onely the name, and calamitie of the place.

After this great losse, the Britans sought rather to provide for their owne saftie, by flying into the woods, (whence they might sallie forth vpon advantage, and

retire themselves againe) then by making open resi∣stance, which oft-times procured apparant and irreco∣verable daunger.

In the meane time, Ella began to erect a Provinciall government over that part of the Ile (lying vpon the sea South-ward (which at this day containeth the Counties of Surrey, and Sussex: though his successors by encroching vpon their neighbor Princes, extended it afterwards even to the Firth of Humber.

After his death, his two elder sonnes Cimen, and Plening (being either slain in the field, or dead by course of nature) Cissa his yongest sonne was by generall con∣sent of the people of his owne nation, received as Go∣vernor. The chiefe seate of his principalitie, was the Citie of Chichester, which he reedified, and called by his owne name. He also fortified the place now called Cissburie in Sussex by casting a trench about it for de∣fence of the Province.

What other things were done by him, as also by the rest of the South-Saxon Princes, the Writers of the occurrents of that age, have (for the most part) omitted, or Time it selfe hath vnhappily bereaved vs of the knowledge of them. He ruled the South-Saxons verie many yeares, and died naturally: leaving the govern∣ment in peaceable estate to Edilwalch, who succeeded him therein.

Edilwalch, by the earnest perswasion of Wulfhere (the religious Prince of the Mercians) was first moved to em∣brace the Christian faith: and Wulfhere himselfe) being his Godfather) did at the time of his baptisme, give vn∣to him the Ile of Wight, and another small Province in the West part of Britannie.

CHAP. II.

Variance betweene the Archbishops of Canterburie, and Yorke. Wilfrid chiefe Bishop of the Northumbers, (expulsed from his owne sea at Yorke) flieth into Sus∣sex, where he converteth the inhabitants to the Christi∣an faith. He is curteously entertained by Edelwalch the Prince, who assigneth to him the Ile of Selesey for an Episcopall sea. The South-Saxons are brought vnder the obedience of the West-Saxon Princes.

IN the meane time Wilfrid, chief Bishop of the North∣humbers (being expulsed from his sea at York, by The∣odorus the Archbi. of Canterburie, & openly disgraced by Egfrid, then Prince of Northumberland) appealed to the Court of Rome, from which he obtained a defini∣tive sentence, for his justification, touching those mat∣ters wherewith he was charged, and also for his restitu∣tion and reestablishment in his Sea. But Egfrid the Prince refused to receive him, protesting against the sentence, as vnduly procured: whereupon Wilfrid the Bishop fled secretly into Sussex, and preached the Chri∣stian faith to the South-Saxons, whose Prince named Edelwalch received him with great joy, assigning vnto him for his Sea, the Ile of Selesey, where afterwards the foundation of a Monasterie was laid. After the death of Egfrid Prince of the Northumbers, he was revoked, and restored to his former dignitie, which yet he en∣joyed not long without interruption. He was a man of great courage, as having beene continually exercised with troubles, and worldly incumbrances, which do commonly deject and oppresse such as yeeld thereunto, but do engender constancie or obduracie in such as

encounter and oppose them. The authoritie of the Sea of Rome he was euer stiffely bent to maintaine. The cu∣stome of celebrating the feast of Easter after the Roman maner he diligently taught and defended in publike disputation against the Bishops of Scotland, who obser∣ved the vsage of the East Churches, according to the tradition of the Iewes.

It is reported of him, that while he remained in the Province of the South-Saxons, he instructed the rude poore people, (dwelling vpon the Sea coasts) in the art of fishing with Nets, and Ginnes, by which meanes they were relieved in the time of famine, wherewith the Country was then much afflicted.

The province enjoyed a long time of prosperitie vnder this Christian Prince, till in the end it was assai∣led by Ceadwall, a man of great power and courage (des∣cended from the race of the West-Saxon Princes) who being banished from his owne Country, attempted by force to have expulsed Edelwalch: and finally (after ma∣ny conflicts) slue him in battaile. Howbeit (the grea∣test number of his owne forces being spent in that warre) he was afterwards constrained to abandon the Province (which Aldin then governed) till afterwards obteyning the West-Saxon Principalitie, he assaied the recoverie of it againe, and in the end, by conquest, an∣nexed it to that government, when it had remained (a∣bout three hundred yeares) vnder the obedience of the South-Saxon Princes.

The succession of the Mercian Princes.

• 1 Creda, the first Prince of the Mercians, ruled about ten yeares.
• 2 Wibba (the sonne of Creda,) twentie yeares.
• 3 Ceorla (the sonne of Wibba) ten yeares.
• 4 Penda (surnamed the Stowt) the sonne of Wibba, thirtie yeares.
• 5 Peda, the sonne of Penda, the first christian Prince.
• 6 Oswin.
• 7 Wulfere, the brother of Peda.
• 8 Ethelred, the brother of Wulfhere.
• 9 Kinred, the sonne of Wulfhere.
• 10 Celred, the sonne of Ethelred.
• 11 Ethelbald.
• 12 Bartred.
• 13 Offa, the nephew of Ethelbald.
• 14 Ecfrid, the sonne of Offa.
• 15 Kenulph, nephew to Penda in the fifth degree.
• 16 Kenelm, a child of seven yeares (the sonne of Ecfrid) murdered by his owne sister, and reputed a Martyr.
• 17 Ceolwulph, brother to Kenulph.
• 18 Bernulph, defeated by Egbert Prince of the West-Saxons.

❧The succession of Bishops in the Principalitie of the Mercians, till the raigne of Egbert the first English Monarch.

Bishops of Lichfield, and Chester.

• 656 Diuma, (the first Bishop of the Mercians) sate two yeares.
• 658 Cella, two yeares.
• 660 Trumherus, five yeares.
• 665 Iarumannus, foure yeares.
• 669 Cedda, (removed from the Sea of Yorke) three yeares.
• 672 Winfridus, foure yeares.
• 676 Sexulphus, sixteene yeares.
• 692 Hedda, twentie-foure yeares.
• 716 Aldwinus, twentie one yeares.
• 737 Witta, fourteene yeares.
• 751 Hemetus, thirteene yeares.
• 764 Cuthfridus, nine yeares.
• 773 Bertunus, seven yeares.
• 780 Higbertus, ten yeares.
• 790 Aldulfus, (in the time of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince) twentie foure yeares.

Bishops of Lindisferne, now called Holy-Iland.

• 678 Edhedus, sate one yeare.
• 679 Aethelwinus, twenty two yeares.
• 701 Edgarus, nineteene yeares.
• ...

• 720 Kenebertus, thirteene yeares.
• 733 Alwich, eighteene yeares.
• 751 Aldulphus, sixteene yeares.
• 767 Ceolwulfus, seventeene yeares.
• 784 Vnwona, two yeares.
• 786 Ealdulphus, (after whose death the Sea was void cer∣taine yeares) lived about the time of Egbert the West-saxon Prince.

Bishops of Hereford,

• 680 Putta sate eleven yeares.
• 691 Tirthelus, twelve yeares.
• 703 Tortherus, fifteene yeares.
• 718 Walstodus, eighteene yeares.
• 736 Cuthbertus, five yeares.
• 741 Podda, five yeares.
• 746 Ecca, six yeares.
• 752 Cedda, six yeares.
• 758 Aldbertus, eleven yeares.
• 769 Esna six yeares.
• 775 Ceolmundus, eight yeares.
• 783 Vtellus, five yeares.
• 788 Wulfhardus (in the time of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince) twentie one yeares.

Bishops of Worcester.

• 688 Boselus, sate twelve yeares.
• 692 Ostforus, one yeare.
• 693 Egwinus, twentie foure yeares.
• 717 Wilfridus, twentie seven yeares.
• 744 Mildredus, thirtie two yeares.
• 776 Weremundus, three yeares.
• ...

• 779 Wolberus, two yeares.
• 782 Eathoredus, seven yeares.
• 789 Denebertus, (in the time of Egbert the West-Sax∣on Prince) thirtie three yeares.

Bishops of the Middle-English, whose Sea was at Leycester.

• 692 Wilfrid, (expulsed from his province of Northum∣berland) sate ten yeares; after whose departure the Sea of Leycester was governed by the Bishops of Lichfield, vntill the time of Totta.
• 737 Totta, twentie seven yeares.
• 764 Edbertus, (in the time of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince) fortie three yeares.

CHAP. I.* 1.3

The principalitie of the Mercians, erected by Creda the Saxon. Penda persecuteth the Christians in his Pro∣vince. Peda succeedeth Penda his father in the go∣vernment. He marrieth the daughter of Oswin Prince of the Northumbers, and receiveth the Christian faith.

THe middle part of the Ile of Bri∣tannie (containing at this day the Counties of Glocester, Hereford, Worcester, Salop, Chester, Stafford, Bathe, Warwicke, Leycester, Rutland, Nottingham, Northampton, Lincoln, Huntington, Bedford, Buckingham, Oxenford, and part of the Countie of Hertford) was in ancient time possessed by the Angles, whom the inhabi∣tants of the bordering Provinces round about did then call Mercians. It was in circuit of ground much larger then either of the other principalities, being at the first diuided into three parts, according to the seve∣rall situations, namely the East, West, and Middle Mercia.

The first Prince of the Mercians was Creda, who a∣bout the yeare of Grace 586. (either by his owne force, or by the assistance of such Princes of his owne nation, as were alreadie established in government) expelling the Britans, obtained the principalitie.

After him Wibba his sonne: then Ceorla, and Penda, the sonnes of Wibba, ruled successively.

Penda was a Prince of a hautie spirit, and a great

persecuter of the Christians: he made continuall incur∣sions vpon the borders of his neighbour Princes, exer∣cising all kind of crueltie where he vanquished. Sebert, Egricke, and Ana, three Religious Princes of the East-Angles, were by him overthrowne. The Princes of Nor∣thumberland, Edwin, and Oswold, he slue in several battels. Oswin the successor of Oswald, after many assaults, of∣fering his richest Iewels, and a great summe of monie, to redeeme his peace, could not procure it. For Penda▪ had made a solemne vow, that he would never give o¦ver the warre, till he had rooted out the whole Nation of the Northumbers. Heruepon Oswin perceiving himself vnable to make resistance against so power-full an ene∣mie, prayed to God for helpe, protesting, that, if he ob∣tained the victorie against the Mercians, his daughter Alfrid, should be consecrated to serve him in perpe∣tuall virginitie: and a great quantitie of land should be assigned for the erection and maintenance of Mona∣steries: both which (the successe answering his desire) he afterwards performed.

Peda the eldest sonne of Penda (in the life of his fa∣ther) possessed that part of the Province, which was called Middle-Mercia. He married the daughter of Oswin, Prince of the Northumbers, vpon condition that he should receive the christian faith:) whereupon he was baptised by Finan the Bishop ofa 1.4 Lindisfarn in the Pro∣vince of the Northumbers: and at his returne into Mer∣cia, brought with him certaine Priests to instruct; and baptise his people, which Penda himself was contented to tollerate, either for the affection which he bare vnto Peda his sonne, or else for that he could not but approve the conversation of such as taught Subjects to be hum∣ble, charitable, and obedient to their superiors: by rea∣son whereof, he exercised lesse crueltie against the pro∣fessors

of Christianitie, then in former times he had ac∣customed: pursuing onely such persons, as bearing the name of Christians, lived dishonestly, and irreligiously, alledging that they, who neglected the service of that God, in whom alone they professed themselves to be∣leeve, were very wretches, and worthie of all kinds of punishment.

CHAP. II.

Oswin Prince of the Northumbers ruleth the Mercians, after the death of Peda, till he is deposed by Wulfere, the brother of Peda. Lichfield is made a Bishops Sea, for the Province of the Mercians. Chadde is Bishop of that place. Wulfere is christned. Ethelred his bro∣ther succeedeth him in the Principalitie. He foundeth a Bishops Sea at Worcester. He resigneth his government, and goeth to Rome, where both himselfe, and Kinred his nephew, take vpon them the habit of religion. Celred his sonne succeedeth him.

PEnda being slaine in battell, and Peda his son made away by the trecherie of his wife, Oswin alone pos∣sessed the government, having at that time also the soueraigntie over the South-Saxons. The Picts, that forreyed the borders of his Province, he in short time reduced to obedience. Then he provided for establish∣ment both of the Civill and Ecclesiasticall state, advan∣cing the one by execution of Iustice, and augmenting the other by large Donations to Religious houses. He founded the church of Lichfield, which he made the Bi∣shops Sea for the province of Mercia. Dwina a Scottish man, Bishop of Holy-Iland, was made Bishop also of that Province (the number of Priests being then so smal, that

one man had the charge of two Bishoprikes.) The fift Bishop in succession from Dwina was Cedda; a man much reverenced for his holinesse of life, and after his death, commonly called Saint Chadde.

But the Mercians desirous to advance Wulfere the brother of Peda to the government, conspired against Oswin, and expulsed him by force out of the Province, which afterwards Wulfere peaceably enioyed.

Wulfere in the beginning of his raigne, was a perse∣cuter of the Christian faith. His two sonnes (that went to Bishop Chadde, to be instructed therein) he vnnatu∣rally slue with his owne hands: their dead bodies were by Ermenheld the Queene their mother, buried in a Se∣pulchre of stone, where afterwards a Church was erec∣ted; the place, by reason of the multitude of stones that were brought thither vpon devotion by the com∣mon people, gave the name vnto the towne, which is at this day called Stone (in the Countie of Stafford.) But Wulfere after his conversion to the Christian faith, en∣devoured (as he thought) to wipe away the guilt of that bloodie offence, with the teares of repentance and satisfactorie works of charitie, in erecting Churches, and devoting the rest of his life to the service of God: whose example therein, Ermenheld his wife did follow after his death, sequestring her self from the world, and taking vpon her the veile in the Nunrie at Ely, where Sexburga her mother was Abbesse.

Ethelred succeeding Wulfere his brother procured a Bishops Sea to be established at Worcester: Of that place Bosellus was the first Bishop. In his time diverse religi∣ous houses were erected, as the Monasterie of Euesham, (then called Hothe-Holme) founded by Egwinus the se∣cond Bishop of Worcester: the priorie of Teuksburie by Odo and Dodo: the Monasterie of Glocester by Osreck

Bishop of Glocester, and divers others. The King him∣selfe having raigned about thirtie yeares, became a Monke at Bardony, in the Countie of Lincolne: and Kinred the sonne of Wulfere, (his Nephew) having en∣joyed the governement fiue yeares, went to Rome, where he tooke vpon him the habite of religion.

Celred, the sonne of Ethelred, (succeeding him) shew∣ed great courage in his warres against Ina the West-Sax∣on Prince, but died before he could finish it.

CHAP. III.

Ethelbald succeedeth Celred in the governement. He is reprooved by Bonifacius an Englishman, (Bishop of Vtricht in Holland) for his lascivious life. His Re∣pentance. Hee erecteth the Monastery of Crowland. He is slaine in battaile.

EThelbald, the successour of Celred, was a professour of Christian religion, though much addicted to wantonnesse and sensuall pleasures, for which he was sharpely reprooved by Bonifacius an Englishman, (then Bishop of Vtricht in Holland, and afterwards Arch-bishop ofa 1.5 Mogunce in Germanie) who wrote vn∣to him, how fowle and dishonourable a thing it was, that he, which raigned over so many Nations, should himselfe be the bondslave of fleshly lust: signifying withall, that those offences of impuritie which he com∣mitted, were punished even among the heathen with death and cruell torments: that by his ill example, he corrupted his subjects: that God himselfe for those vi∣ces, had plagued many Princes, both in their own per∣sons, and in their posteritie: and finally, that the plea∣sures

of this life, are but short and vaine, and the paines ordained for sinne, intolerable and eternall.

He likewise admonished Cuthbert, Arch-bishop of Canterbury, that hee should cause the light habites of Priests and Nunnes, (who fashioned themselves too much after the secular guise) to be reformed.

But Ethelbald being stricken with compunction of heart, for the lascivious follies of his youth, sought by all good meanes to prevent those dangers; into which, through securitie and continuance in sinne, he doub∣ted that he might irrecoverably have fallen: and first, by the advise of his Clergie and temporall Nobilitie, he ordained; that all the Churches within his Domi∣nions, should be discharged of tribute, and freed from all burthens and labours, excepting onely such as were to be vndertaken for the necessary building of Tow∣ers, Castles, and Bridges, for the defence and generall good of the Province; in which case, none were to be exempted: and that persons professed in religion, should enioy the profits of their lands entirely, and not be constrained to make any other payments out of the same vnto the Prince.

About that time also, Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Can∣terbury, by the advice of Bonifacius, the Arch-bishop of Mogunce, made certaine constitutions for the governe∣ment of the Clergie, vnder his jurisdiction: by which (amongst other things) it was ordered, that the holy Scriptures should be vsually read in Monasteries: that Priests should be no buiers nor sellers of worldly com∣modities: that they should receive no rewards for ad∣ministring the Sacraments: that there should be an vni∣formitie among them in the observation of Ecclesiasti∣call ceremonies: that they should both learne them∣selves, and teach others the Lords praier, & the articles

of the Christian faith in the English tongue, and that none should be admitted to holy Orders, but such per∣sons, whose conversation and maner of living was first examined and approoved.

In the meane time, Ethelbald the Prince (partly of his owne religious inclination, and being partly mo∣ved by the examples of his predecessors) caused a great and goodly Monastery to be erected at Crowland in the Countie of Lincolne, where, for that the ground was fennie, and vnable to support the weight of a stone building, many huge piles of Oke were driven into the Marish, and hard earth (brought thither about nine miles by water) was rammed in with the piles, where∣vpon the foundation of the Church was laid: such was the zeale of Princes in those dayes, as they could levell Mountaines, convert fennie bogs into firme land, and alter, in a maner, the verie course of nature: no cost see∣ming too much, no labour too great, nor any thing im∣possible that they had a will to effect.

When he had reigned aboue fortie yeares, Cuthred the West-Saxon Prince, invaded the territorie of the Mercians: during the continuance of which warres, Ethelbald was slaine by Bartred (a person notorions for his crueltie) and was afterwards buried in the famous Monasterie of Rippon: howbeit Bartred soone lost that which he had ill gotten: for he was also slaine by Offa the Nephew of Ethelbald, who succeeded him in the government.

CHAP. IIII.* 1.6

Offa ruleth the Mercians. He foundeth the Monasterie of Saint Albans. He maketh a ditch to divide the Ter∣ritories of the English and Walshmen. Kenelmus the Martyr. The Catalogue of the Mercian Princes, from Offa, vntill the West-Saxons obtained their Principalitie.

OFfa was a warlike Prince, and for the most part fortunate. Kineulph the West-Saxon Prince he o∣verthrew in a setbattaile: and Ethelbert Prince of the East-Angles, he surprized vnder colour of friend∣ship, and after his death, vsurped that Province. How∣soever ambition and desire of glorie, transported him beyond the limits of his owne Principalitie: yet was he a great benefactor to the Church: for he erected a faire Monasterie in the honour of Saint Alban, neere the Towne that now beareth the Martyrs name, and richly endowed it by his Charter; He founded also the Abbey of Bathe: the Archi-Episcopall Sea, he transla∣ted from Canterburie to Lichfield, (the chiefe seat of the Mercian government,) where it continued but a short time. Betweene Wales and the borders of his Province he caused a ditch to be made for defence against the incursions of the Britans, whom the Saxons then called Walsh, which in their language signifieth (stranger.)

Elfrid his sonne succeeding him, reigned but one yeare.

Then Kenulph (descended from Penda the Tyrant) obtained the regiment. He assailed the territorie of the Kentish-Saxons, and tooke prisoner Egbert their Prince,

whom afterwards he freely delivered, vpon the selfe same day that he dedicated the Church at VVinchel∣combe, whereof he was the founder: adding that spe∣ciall Act of clemencie to the other exercises of prayer and fasting, then ordinarily vsed at such dedications. In the Cittie of Hereford also, he founded a Church which he consecrated to Saint Ethelbert.

Kenelm, sonne of Ecfrid, being about the age of se∣ven yeares was slaine by Quinda his owne sister, that aspired to the government, and dying innocently, was afterwards reputed a Martyr.

Then Ceolworth the brother of Kenulph, having raig∣ned but one yeare, was expulsed the Principalitie, by Bernulph: and Bernulph himselfe, (after three yeares) defeated by Egbert the VVest-Saxon Prince. Then Lu∣can defending himselfe against the West-Saxons, was as∣sailed, and overthrowne by the East-Angles.

VVithlasm for a time withstood the VVest-Saxons, but in the end submitted himselfe to their subiection, which he acknowledged by the payment of a yearely Tribute.

After his death, Berthulf possessed the principalitie, with like conditions, till being assailed by the Pirates of Denmarke, he was constrained for safegard of his life, to abandon the Countrie.

Burdred succeeded Berthulf, both in estate and for∣tunes: for being chased out of Mercia by the Danes, he fled to Rome, where he died. Then was some part of the principalitie assigned by the Danes to Ceolwolph, who held it of them by homage: till Alfred the nephew of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince, entred the Province with an armie, and expulsing both Ceolwolph and the Danes, reduced it vnder the obedience of the VVest-Saxons.

❧The succession of the East-Saxon Princes.

• 1 Erchenwin held the province of the East-Saxons, as feodatarie to the Princes of Kent.
• 2 Sledda, the sonne of Erchenwin.
• 3 Sebert, the sonne of Sledda, the first Christian Prince.
  the sonnes of Sebert ruled ioyntly.
  • Serred,
  • Seward,
  • Sigbert,
• 4 Sigebert, (surnamed the Little) the sonne of Seward.
• 5 Sigbert, the sonne of Sigebald, (brother of Sebert.)
• 6 Sigher.
• 7 Sebbi.
• 8 Sigeherd, the sonne of Sebbi.
• 9 Seofride, the brother of Sigeherd.
• 10 Offa, the sonne of Sigeherd.
• 11 Celred.
• 12 Suthred, defeated by Egbert, Prince of the West-Saxons.

❧The succession of the Bishops of London in the Province of the East-Saxons.

• 604 Melitus, the first Bishop (sent from Rome) sate thir∣teene yeares, after whose translation, the Sea was void about fortie yeares.
• 658 Cedda, eight yeares.
• 666 Wina, (translated from the Sea of Winton) 9. yeares.
• 675 Erkenwaldus, twenty two yeares.
• 697 Waldherus, eighteene yeares.
• 715 Ingualdus, thirtie one yeares.
• 746 Egwulfus, eight yeares.
• 754 Wighedus, seven yeares.
• 761 Eadbrichtus, eleven yeares.
• 775 Deora, nine yeares.
• 784 Eadbaldus, eleven yeares.
• 795 Heathobertus, (in the time of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince) eighteene yeares.

The first CHAPTER.* 1.7

The principalitie of the East-Saxons, erected by Erchen∣win. Sebert the first Christian Prince. Miletus the first Bishop of the East-Saxons, hath his Sea at London. Saint Pauls church there founded by Ethelbert (the first Christian Prince of the Kentish-Saxons.) The Church at Westminster founded by Sebert. Cedda (afterward called St. Chadde) preacheth the Gospel to the East-Saxons. Sigher and Sebbi, ioyntly rule the Province.

ERchenwin was the first of all the Saxons, that erected a Provinciall government among the East-Sax∣ons, who then inhabited those parts, which now containe the Counties of Essex, Middlesex, and part of the Countie of Hartford: all which, both himself and his successors many yeares togither held by homage of the Kentish Princes, as of their superiour Lords. This Prince having reigned a long time (with what successe, I find no certaine re∣port,) left the government to Sledda his sonne, who, to strengthen his estate by affinitie, married Ricula, the daughter of Ermerick the Prince of Kent, by whom he had issue Sebert that succeeded him.

Sebert governed peaceably the Province of the East-Saxons, which in his time was converted to Christia∣nitie: for in the yeare of Grace 604. Miletus was sent by Augustin the Archbish. to preach the faith of Christ to that people, and had the Cittie of London assigned to him for his Episcopall Sea, where Ethelbert

the Kentish Prince erected a Church, which he dedica∣ted to Saint Paul, endowing it with large possessions: and Sebert (following his example therein) founded an other at the West end of the citie, where afterwards, a Monasterie was builded: The place at that time (be∣ing environed with water, and overgrowen with thornes) was called Thorney, and afterwards (by reason of the situation thereof) the West-Minster.

It is reported that in more ancient times there had beene a Temple of Apollo, which being overthrowen by an Earth-quake, Lucius the first Christian Prince of the Britans, reedified and converted to a Church for the exercise of the Christian Religion.

Sebert (having spent the most part of his time after his conversion) in deedes of Charitie and Devotion, ended his life, and was buried in that Church, togither with his wife Ethelgoda.

Serred, Seward, and Sigbert his sonnes, ruled ioyntly the province of the East-Saxons. They were all men of disordered conversation, and open despisers of religi∣ous rites: for, being not yet baptised, they would have receyved the Sacrament of Christs bodie: wherein, for that Miletus the Bishop had opposed himself against them, they expelled him from his Sea at London, and themselves soone after were by Kinegles the West-Saxon Prince, deprived both of government, and life.

Sigebert, surnamed the Little, the sonne of Seward, succeeded in the principalitie, which in short time he left to Sigbert, (the nephew of Sebert (the first Chri∣stian Prince of the East-Saxons:) Sigbert was by perswa∣sion of Oswin chiefe governor of the Northumbers, con∣verted from Paganisme to Christianitie, wherein he was confirmed, by Cedda, a devout learned man, that then preached to the East-Saxons, and recovered many

of them, which (after the expulsion of Miletus) had fal∣len from the faith. He was afterwards by Finan (the Bishop of Holy-Iland) consecrated bishop of the East-Saxons: amongst whom, he preached the Gospell of Christ without interruption, till such time as Sigbert the Prince, (procoring the dislike of his Subjects, for that he shewed too much clemency to the Mercians his ene∣mies) was trecherously murdered by one of his owne kindred.

After his death, Swidhelin, the sonne of Sexbald, ob∣tained the regement, and was baptised by Cedda the Bishop.

Then Sigher & Sebbi ruled togither, but not with abso∣lute authoritie, for at that time they acknowledged al∣legeance to Wulfere Prince of the Mercians. In those dayes great plague and mortalitie fell vpon the Inhabi∣tants of the Province, and Sigher (renouncing the faith) fell to Idolatry, which in a short time greatly encreased, till Iarumanus the Bishop of Lichfield, and certain priests (being sent thither by VVulfere to that end) laboured with all diligence to stop the course thereof, and in the end suppressed it.

CHAP. II.

The Devotion, Chastitie, and Chiritie, of Sebbi the Prince. The maner of his death. Offa resigneth the government, and goeth to Rome, where he entreth into Religion. Eg∣bert the West-Saxon Prince, obtaineth the principalitie of the East-Saxons.

IN the meane time Sebbi, and the people vnder his obe∣dience, (notwithstanding the relapse of their Coun∣try-men) persisted constantly in the faith of Christ:

and Sebbi himselfe by praying, fasting, and Almes ceeds,* 1.8 manifested his owne earnest desire to maintaine the same: being so strongly possessed with the spirit of zeale, and love of Chastitie, as he perswaded his wife to a separation, whereby they might serve God with more puritie of heart: and his pietie and humilitie was had in such estimation, even among the religious per∣sons, as they reputed him more meete to have beene a Priest, then a Prince. After he had (with much diffi∣cultie obtained his wives consent for a separation) he bestowed the greatest part of his worldly wealth vpon the poore: reserving nothing for himselfe (besides his necessarie maintenance) but onely the expectation of a future recompence. In his time lived Erkenwald a god∣ly Priest, who was afterward Bishop of London. He founded two Monasteries, the one for himselfe, at Chartsey in Surrey, and the other for Ethelburga his sister at Barking in Essex. Sebbi having ruled about thirtie yeares, fell sicke of a grieuous and verie painfull disease; by reason whereof, doubting lest ••hrough frailtie of the flesh, he might burst out into any intemperate speeches, or do any other thing vnseemely for his person & pro∣fession, he desired Waldher the successor of Erkenwald, (then Bishop of London) by prayers and ghostly coun∣saile to assist him in his agonies, and that no more then himselfe, and two of his Chaplains onely might be pre∣sent at the time of his departure: so great a care had this religious Prince in well finishing that race, which he had prosperously continued the most part of his life: and in preventing all occasions of scandall to the faith which he professed. His bodie was buried in the church of Saint Paul in London, and then Sigeherd, and Seofrid his two sonnes, successively ruled the Province of the East-Saxons. After them it was governed by Offa, the

sonne of Sigeherd, who married Geneswede the daughter of Penda Prince of the Mercians. The possessions be∣longing to the Church of VVestminster, he greatly aug∣mented, and (resigning the governement to Celred) went to Rome, where he ended his life in a Religious house. Celred succeeded Offa, maintaining the state of the Province in peace, till in the end he was slaine: but in what maner, or by whom, I find no mention. Then Suthred (either by right of succession, or by election) obtained the governement, which he enioyed but a short time; for Egbert the VVest-Saxon Prince, invaded at one time the Provinces both of the East and Ken∣tish Saxons, and in the end brought them vnder his sub∣jection: albeit the Citie of London remained vnder o∣bedience of the Princes of Mercia, so long as that prin∣cipalitie continued.

The succession of the Princes of the East-Angles.

• 1 Vffa.
• 2 Titill.
• 3 Redwald, an Apostatae.
• 4 Carpenwald, the sonne of Redwald.
• 5 Sebert, the brother of Carpenwald.
• 6 Egrick the kinsman of Sebert.
• 7 Ana.
• 8 Athelhere, the brother of Ana.
• 9 Adelwald.
  the sonnes of Athelhere, ruled ioyntly.
  • Aldulph,
  • Elohwold,
  • Hisberna,
• 10 Ethelbert. 1.
• 11 Ethelbert 2.
• 12 Offa.
• 13 S. Edmund.

❧The succession of Bishops in the Principalitie of the East-Angles.

• 636 Faelix a Burgundian Bishop of Dunwich, sate twelve yeares.
• 648 Thomas (his Deacon) five yeares.
• 653 Bonifacius, alias Birtgilsus, seventeene yeares.
• 670 Bisi.

After Bisi, the bishopricke was divided into two Seas.

¶Dunwich.	¶North-Elmeham.
671 Aecca, twentie three yeares.	Beadwinus.
696 Aesculfus, twentie foure yeares.	Northbertus.
720 Eadberctus, sixteene yeares.	Heatholacus.
736 Cuthwinus, eleven yeares.	Eahelfridus.
747 Aldbertus, foure yeares.	Lamfertus.
771 Eglafus, eight yeares.	Athelwulfus.
779 Eadredus, six yeares.	Hunfertus.
785 Althunus, three yeares.	Sibba.
788 Titfridus, twentie yeares.	Alherdus.

CHAP. I.* 1.9

The Principalitie of the East-Angles erected by Vffa. Fae∣lix a Burgundian, preacheth the faith to the East-An∣gles. His Episcopall sea at Dunwich in Suffolke. Se∣bert the first Christian Prince, resigneth his government to Egrick, and entreth-into a Monasterie, from whence he is drawne forth by his subiects, when the Mercians invade his Province. He is slaine in battaile with Egrick, whom Ana succeedeth in the government.

THe Counties of Norfolke, Suffolke, and Cambridge, with the Ile of Ely, were the ancient habitations of the East-Angles; among whom, Vffa (about the yeare of Grace 492.) established a principalitie, which he left vnto Ti••il, of whom little or nothing is recorded, save onely the name and title.

Then Redwald succeeding him, entred into league with Edwin, advauncing him to the government of the Northumbers, after the death of Edelfrid their Prince, whom Redwald had slain in battaile. He was afterwards (by the exhortation of Edwin the Prince,) converted to Christianitie, from which he was within a short time withdrawne by his wi••es perswasion, though Dorwald one of his sonnes persevering therein, was cru∣elly murdered by Rochbert a Pagan: and Carpenwald his other sonne (succeeding his father in the govern∣ment) participated with his brother in his fortune; for he was slaine by the same man, and in the same maner.

Then Sebert his brother obtained the govern∣ment. During the raigne of Carpenwald, he lived as a ba∣nished man in France, where he was first instructed in the Christian Religion. In his time, Foelix the Burgun∣dian came into Britannie, and made suite to Honorius the Archbishop of Canterburie, that he might be licen∣sed to preach the Gospel to the East-Angles: whereto the Archbishop (approving his zealous intention) wil∣lingly assented; and so the Christian faith within few yeares was dispersed throughout the Province, by the diligence and labor of Foelix, whom the inhabitants re∣verenced as a man, that (being himselfe happie both in name and condition) had power also to make others happie. He was made Bishop of Dunwich in Suffolke, which being then but a small town, became afterwards very rich and populous, and was governed according to the maner of the ancient and best Cities. Many reli∣gious houses (the fruits of devotion in that age) were at sundry times erected in the place. There was also a Mint wherein a certaine coine (with the inscription of the name of the Citie) was stamped. But time hath worne out in a maner the remembrance of these things at this day, and the sea hath devoured the greatest part of the building. It continued an entire Bishops Sea, but a while; for Bisi (the fourth Bishop in succession from Foe∣lix) divided it into two Bishopricks: the one of Dun∣wich, the other of Holinham.

In the meane time Sebert, (imitating the example of the Kentish Saxons) provided meanes, that the chil∣dren born within his Dominions, might be trained vp in learning, and religion, erecting Schooles, and allow∣ing stipends for the maintenance of Teachers. He was also a great benefactor to Hospitals, and Religious houses, and in the end (resigning the government

to Egrick his kinsman) hee entred into a Monasterie, (whereof himselfe had beene the founder) and there remained peaceably, till (by the treacherous practise of Athelhere, one of his nobilitie) Penda the Mercian Prince, with an armie of Pagans, invaded his Province; for then was hee forcibly drawne thence by his owne subjects, who (finding themselves too weake to resist their enemies) brought Sebert himselfe into the field: supposing, perhaps, that his personall presence would encourage his people to fight with more resolution: but in that battaile, the East-Angles were overthrowne, and both Sebert and Egrick his cosin slaine.

The like successe in the selfe same manner befell Ana, who succeeded Egrick in the Principalitie.

CHAP. II.

Athelhere the brother of Ana, ruleth the East-Angles. He is slaine by Oswin, Prince of the Northumbers. S. Ethelbert is murdered by Offa, Prince of the Mer∣cians. Offa having made a voyage into the Holy-Iland, dieth in his returne homewards. Edmund suc∣ceedeth Offa in the governement. The Martyrdome of S. Edmund by the Pagan Danes. The Monastery of S. Edmunds. bury in Suffolke erected. The Princi∣palitie of the East-Angles annexed to that of the West-Saxons.

THen Athelhere the brother to Ana, assumed the governement, but preventing his time in the getting of it, he lost it againe ere he was fully s••∣led: for, as by combining with Penda the Pagan 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had beene a meanes to hasten the death of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hee

and kinsman:* 1.10 so his owne blood (together with Pen∣daes) was soone after shed by Oswin, Prince of the Nor∣thumbers.

Adelwald his brother with little better fortune suc∣ceeded him, leaving the Principalitie to Aldulf, Eloh∣wold & Hisberna, (the sonnes of his brother Athelhere,) who by civill discention, (supplanting one another) made way for Ethelbert to attaine the government.

Ethelbert by his wife Laonorine, had a sonne of his owne name that succeeded him. Ethelbert the second, was a Prince much renowmed for learning and piety. He governed the Province with great wisedome and prosperous successe, till by the perfidious dealing of Offa, the Mercian Prince, he was shamefully murdered. For being betrothed to Alfride, the daughter of Offa, (who ambitiously affected the Principality of the East-Angles) he was vnder colour of friendship, invited to a feast, where Offa (by the perswasion of his wife) com∣manded his head to be cut off, and his body to be bu∣ried in the banke of a river. By this dishonourable act, the Mercians obtained the Province. But Offa, being af∣terwards touched with sorrow and compunction of heart for committing it, caused Ethelberts body to be taken vp, and to be conveied to the Citie of Hereford, (not farre from the place where he was slaine) and there to be very solemnly enterred: supposing thereby to ex∣piate in part, the guilt of his former offence: After∣wards a Church was there built, and dedicated to E∣thelbert by the name of a Saint. Then Offa vndertooke a voyage to the Holy-land, and passing through Saxony, was there received with great ioy by Alkemond the King his kinsman, and Syware his wife: at that time he adopted Edmund, the son of Alkemond, to be his heire, and to succeede him in the Principalitie of the East-Angles,

which did soone after fall vnto him; for Offa in his returne from the Holy-land, ended his life at Port St. George: whereupon Edmund speedily repaired into Britannie, where he was received by the East-Angles, as their Prince. In his time Hinguar & Hubba, the two Da∣nish Pirates, invaded Northumberland; and Hinguar ha∣ving enriched himselfe with the spoyles of that Coun∣try, sailed towards the coast of the East-Angles, where (afterwards landing) hee surprized their chiefe Citie, consuming it by fire. The Citizens also, without re∣spect of age or sect, he cruelly murdered, and in the end, tooke Edmund the Prince, whom first the Pagan Danes perswaded to renounce the profession of Chri∣stianitie. But when they could neither by promises of assurance of life and safetie, nor by threats and terror of death, prevaile with him therein, they beate him with staves, scourged him with whips, and vsed him with all kindes of barbarous in civilitie and crueltie, which the religious Prince with great meekenesse and patience, endured cheerefully, calling vpon the name of Iesus, as reioycing for his sake, to suffer those torments and indignities. The Pagans seeing his great constancie and courage, were transported with furie, and at the last, wounded him with their shafts, which they shot at him, till his body was covered over with them. The•• they cut off his head and cast it into a bush. His body (being afterwards found) was enterred at Bury in folke, where a goodly Monastery was erected and ••••••dicated to him, (the ruines therof remaining yet to this day.) After his death, the Principalitie of the East-An∣gles was possessed by the Danes about 50. yeares, till Ed∣ward (the sonne of Etheldred) the West-Saxon Prince ex∣pulsing them, annexed both that Province & the coun∣try of the East-Saxons, (adjoyning to it) vnto his owne government.

❧The succession of the Princes of the Northumbers.

• 1 Ida.
• 2 Alla.
• 3 Ethelrick the younger sonne of Ida.
• 4 Ethelfrid the brother of Ethelrick.
• 5 Edwin the first Christian Prince.
• 6 Osric.
• 7 Eanfrid.
• 8 Oswald (the Martyr) brother of Eanfrid.
• 9 Oswin the brother of Oswald the Martyr.
• 10 Adilwald the sonne of Oswald the Martyr.
• 11 Egfrid the sonne of Adilwald.
• 12 Alfred the bastard sonne of Oswin.
• 13 Osred the sonne of Alfred.
• 14 Osric.
• 15 Kenred.
• 16 Ceolnulph.
• 17 Egbert.
• 18 Oswolf.
• 19 Moll.
• 20 Alered.
• 21 Etheldred.
• 22 Aelfwold.
• 23 Osred.

❧The succession of Bishops in the Principalitie of the Nor∣thumbers.

Arch-bishops of Yorke.

• 625 Paulinus sate nine yeares.
• 666 Cedda three yeares.
• 669 Wilfrid nine yeares.
• 678 Bosa nine yeares.
• 687 Wilfrid (restored) foure yeares.
• 691 Bosa fourteene yeares.
• 705 Ioannes sixteene yeares.
• 721 Wilfridus two yeares.
• 738 Egbertus nine and twenty yeares.
• 767 Ethelbertus thirteene yeares.
• 780 Eanbaldus 1. sixteene yeares.
• 796 Eanbaldus 2. sixteene yeares.

Bishops of Lindisfarn (Holy-Iland.)

• 635 Aidanus sate seventeene yeares.
• 652 Finanus nine yeares.
• 661 Colmannus three yeares.
• 664 Tuda two yeares.
• 666 Cedda three yeares.
• 669 Wilfridus nine yeares.
• 678 Eata five yeares.
• 685 Cuthbertus two yeares.
• ...

• 687 Wilfridus (restored) one yeare.
• 688 Eadbertus ten yeares.
• 698 Eadfridus twentie three years.
• 721 Aethelwoldus nineteen years.
• 740 Kinewulfus thirty nine years.
• 779 Higbaldus twenty foure years.

Bishops of Haugustald (Hexham.)

• 678 Eata sate two yeares.
• 680 Tumbertus five yeares.
• 686 Ioannes one yeare.
• 687 Wilfridus foure yeares.
• 691 Ioannes (after Wilfrids expulsion.)
• 705 Wilfrid (restored) foure yeares.
• 709 Acca thirtie yeares.
• 739 Frithebertus twenty seven yeares.
• 766 Alhmundus fourteene yeares.
• 780 Tilherus nine yeares.
• 789 Aethelbertus eight yeares.
• 797 Heardredus three yeares.
• 800 Heanbertus ten yeares.

Bishops of Whit-hern in Scotland.

• 723 Pethelmus sate thirteene yeares.
• 736 Frithewaldus twenty seven yeares.
• 763 Pechtwinus fourteene yeares.
• 777 Aethelbertus thirteene yeares.
• 790 Beadwulfus.

CHAP. I.* 1.11

The Principalitie of the Northumbers divided into two Provinces, namely Deira and Bernitia, which are vni∣ted by Ethelrick. Ethelfrid defeateth the Britans, and killeth the Monks of Bangor. Edwin the first Chri∣stian Prince. Paulinus preacheth the faith to the Nor∣thumbers, and hath a Sea assigned him at Yorke. The death of Edwin.

THe Principalitie of the Northum∣bers, extended northward, over all that part of the land, which at this day containeth the Counties of Lancaster, Yorke, Durham, Cumber∣land, Westmerland and Northumber∣land: all which were possessed by the Angles, and divided into two Regiments, where∣of the one was called Deira, and the other Bernitia. Bernitia was bounded with the river Tyne and Eden∣borough Firth: and Deira with the Tyne and Hum∣ber.

When Hengist was setled in the possession of the Kentish governement, he sent Octa his brother, and Ebusa his sonne, to vndertake the conquest of those parts, which with verie much difficultie they obtai∣ned. The Province afterwardes, (during the space of ninetie and nine yeares) was governed by certaine Dukes or Captaines, who held the same by homage of the Kentish-Saxons.

About the yeare of grace 547. Ida erected a Principa∣litie

in Deira, and Alla his kinsman succeeded him there∣in: for at that time, Adda the eldest sonne of Ida, ruled the Bernicians.

Alla governed Deira many yeares: but little men∣tion is made of him, save onely that in his time, the English Nation was first made knowne to Gregorie, then Arch-deacon of the Sea Apostolike, who (being af∣terwards Bishop of Rome) sent Augustin the Monke into Britannie, to preach the Gospel of Christ vnto the inhabitants there.

Ethelrick, the younger sonne of Ida, succeeded Alla in the government of Deira: and in short time adioyned thereto, the Province of Bernicia: ma∣king of them both, one entire Principality, which he left to Ethelfrid his brother.

Ethelfrid was a valiant and victorious Prince. Hee made continuall warre vppon the Britans that inha∣bited the borders of his Province, and (chasing them from their habitations) planted his owne subjects therein. But Aidan the King of Scots, suspecting the neighbourhoode of so mightie an enemie, as∣sayed by force, to empeach his further passage Northward, till by the Northumbers, (being fewer in number then the Scottes) hee was in battaile over∣throwne.

Then Ethelfrid, incouraged with this good suc∣cesse, remooved the warre to Chester, where the Bri∣tans in great number had assembled themselves to make resistance: but, while the Monks and other re∣ligious persons were praying there, that the Britans their countrymen might speed and prosper well in that enterprize, Ethelfrid with his forces furiously assayled them, putting to the sword about one thousand and two hundred religious persons of the Monastery of

Bangor, & driving the rest of the Britans into the woods and marishes: (many of them perishing by the hand of the enemie, before they could recover those places.)

When Ethelfrid had raigned about twentie seven yeares, he was slaine in a battaile by Redwald, Prince of the East-Angles: and left behind him seven sonnes, whom Edwin (that succeeded in the government) dis∣possessed, and banished out of the Province.

Edwin was by Boniface the Bishop of Rome exhor∣ted to embrace the Christian faith, and in the yeare of Grace 6••6. Paulinus (the third Bishop of Rochester in succession) was appointed by Iustus the Archbishop of Canterburie to preach the Gospel vnto the Northum∣bers, and to be their Bishop: to which end also, Edbald the Prince of the Kentish-Saxons, had by letters recom∣mended him to Edwin his brother in law.

In the mean time, Evichelm the West-Saxon Prince, (ambitiously affecting the soveraigntie of the Nor∣thumbers) practised with Eumer (a man easily corrup∣ted for desire of gaine) to murder Edwin the Prince: for the execution of which detestable purpose, Eumer with a poysoned weapon hidden vnder his garment, assailed the Prince, and had slaine him in the place, if Lilla had not thrust himselfe betweene his person, and the danger; and, (by making himselfe the memorable example of a faithfull servant) preserved his masters life with the losse of his owne.

In revenge of this trecherous act, Edwin invaded the territory of the West-Saxons, & (after a great slaugh∣ter of the Inhabitants of that Province) reduced the most part of it vnder his obedience. Then, to shew the fruits of his conversion to Christianitie, he gave vnto Paulinus the Citie of Yorke, to be a Bishops Sea, for him and his successors: laying the foundation of the Ca∣thedrall

Church of Saint Peter, which was afterwards finished by Oswald.

About the same time also, Paulinus himselfe erected the great Church at Lincoln.

This prince in felicitie of government, excelled all his predecessors: he was greatly beloved and honored of his people, and no lesse feared of his neighbor Prin∣ces, who (for the most part) held their Provinces of him by homage. The Roman Banner Tufa was carried before him in token of triumph, as well in times of peace, as warre.

It is not to be forgotten, that he caused certain cups of Iron, and Brasse, to be set by cleare Wels and foun∣taines, running by high wayes, for the vse of Pilgrims, and Travailers: which Cups remained long after in those places, no man attempting to convey them a∣way, either for the reverence they bare vnto the Prince, (by whose appointment they were set there) or else that they made a conscience to convert to their private commoditie, such things as were ordained for a pub∣like good.

But Edwin having reigned about seventeene years, was in the end assailed at one time, both by Penda the Prince of the Mercians, and Ceadwall the Brittish Prince, till, with the losse of his life, he made an end of the warre.

CHAP. II.

Oswald ruleth the Northumbers. He is slaine in battaile against Penda the Mercian Prince. He is honoured with the title of a Martyr. Oswin his brother succeedeth him. A Bishops Sea at Lichfield. Egfrid the Prince, removeth Bishop Wilfrid from his Sea at Yorke. Ce∣olnulph and Egbert, successively ruling, give over the government to enter into Religion. Venerable Bede li∣veth in the time of Ceolnulph. The Northumbers are brought vnder the subiection of the West-Saxons.

AFter his death, the Principalitie of the Northum∣bers was dismembred againe: For Osrick the sonne of Elfrick. (Prince Edwins vncle) held onely the government of Deira, and Eanfrid the sonne of Ethel∣frid, commanded the Bernicians. Both these Princes for∣saking the Christian faith, fell to Idolatrie, and were slain in battell by Ceadwall the Brittish Prince, that spoi∣led & wasted the country of Northumberland, til Oswald (the brother of Eanfrid) opposed himselfe against the power of the Britans, whose Captaine Ceadwall, with the greatest number of his forces, perished in the field.

After this victorie, Oswald possessed the Province in peace, and then sent for Aidan a Scottish-man, to preach the Christian faith vnto his people, assigning to him Holy-Iland for his Sea. The Inhabitants of Deira and Bernicia (who for the hatred which they bare one to another, had submitted themselves to severall heads) he wisely reconciled, and vniting them in affection, brought them vnder the obedience of one governor.

He was a zealous professor of the Catholike Reli∣gion,

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which he endevoured to establish throughout all his Dominions.

When he had raigned about eight yeares, he was killed in a conflict with Penda the Mercian Prince, a cruell Pagan, who commanded his head and armes to be cut from the rest of his bodie, and in reprochfull maner, to be hanged vp vpon high polles: by reason whereof, and for his holy conversation while he lived, he was after his death honoured with the title of a Martyr.

Then Oswin the brother of Oswald succeeding him, was much incumbred, partly by the invasion of the Mercians, and partly by the rebellion of his own sonne Elfrid. Adilwald (the sonne of Oswald the Martyr) at∣tempted by force to have recovered the Province: and Oswy the sonne of Osrick (sometime governor of Deira) being trecherously delivered into his hands, he caused to be murdered.

He fought oft times with fortunate successe against the Mercians, whom (after he had vanquished Penda) he procured to be instructed in the christian faith: and the better to strengthen his purpose therin, he erected the Church at Lichfield to be the Bishops Sea for that Pro∣vince. After he had raigned about thirtie two yeares, he ended his life in peace.

Then Egfrid his son ruled the Northumbers. He mar∣ried Mildred, one of the daughters of Ana Prince of the East-Angles. It is reported of her, that (living with her husband about twelve yeares) she continued all that time, both a wife, and a virgin; and in the end tooke vpon her the vaile of a Nun at Ely, where she erected a Monasterie, and was her selfe the first Abbesse.

In the meane while Egfrid removed Wilfrid from his Bishopricke at Yorke, appointing two other Bi∣shops

over the Northumbers for their better instruction in the knowledge of Religion. In his time diverse Sy∣nods were called by Theodorus, then Archbishop of Canterburie, for reformation of abuses in the Church, for approbation of the five first general Councels, and for the condemnation of the heresie of Eutyches, who denied the humanitie of Christ. Not long before his death, he made warre vpon Edelfrid Prince of the Mer∣cians, with whom he was afterwards reconciled, by mediation of Theodorus the Archbishop: and then he converted his forces against the Irish and Scottish-men, (inhabiting the Northern Iles) of whom he made a great slaughter: and the yeare following (making warre vpon the Picts, contrarie to the advice of Cuthbert the Bishop) he was slaine by some of his enemies that lay in ambush to surprise him.

Then Alfrid (the Bastard sonne of Oswin) succeeded him, repairing the decaied state of the Northumbers, though he could not recover all that the Picts, Scottish∣men, and Britans, had gotten from them in his bro∣thers time.

Osred his sonne (of the age of eight yeares) posses∣sed the government, till he was murthered by his kins∣men, Kenred and Osrick, who divided the Principalitie between them; till falling at civil discord among them∣selves, the one supplanted the other: by which means, Kenred alone ruled the Northumbers, about two yeares.

Then Osrick (obtaining the government) elected Ceolnulph the brother of Kenred to be his successor: Ce∣olnulph after he had ruled the Province eight yeares, and obtained many victories against his enemies, gave over the regiment, and became a Monke in Holy-Iland.

About this time lived Benedict the Priest, who first taught the Saxons the art of painting, glasing, & Mason∣rie.

In the raigne of Ceolnulph, Venerable Bede, (the or∣nament of that age for learning and pietie) flourished in Britannie. He writ the historie of the English church, and dedicated it vnto Ceolnulph the Prince.

Then Egbert the cosin-german of Ceolnulph (imi∣tating the example of his predecessor) forsooke the world, and entred into Religion. His brother (bearing the same name) was then Archbishop of Yorke, where he founded a famous Librarie.

Oswolf, Moll, Alered, Etheldred, Aelfwold, and Osred, raigned successively with like fortune, for the most part; for they were all either slaine, or deposed by their own subjects, except Etheldred, who was afterwards restored to the government, which yet he enjoyed not long: For (within four yeares after) he was miserably slaine.

After his death the Province was wasted, either by cruell dissention, or forreine invasion by the space of thirtie yeares; during which time, Eardulph, Alfwold, Eandred, Ethelred, Readulph, Osbert, and Elle, vsurped the title of Princes. Readulph, Osbert, and Elle, were slaine at Yorke by the Danish Pyrates, Hinguar and Hubba, whom Benbokard (in revenge of the indignitie offred to him by Osbert, that had ravished his wife) had stirred vp to vndertake that enterprise. But about the yeare of grace 800. the Danes were expelled, & the Northumbers brought vnder the subiection of Egbert the West-Saxon Prince.

The succession of the West-Saxon Princes.

• 1 Cerdic.
• 2 Kenric his sonne.
• 3 Ceaulin, the sonne of Kenric.
• 4 Cearlick, the nephew of Ceaulin.
• 5 Ceolnulph.
• 6 Kinegles, the first Christian Prince.
• 7 Guichelin, the sonne of Kinegles.
• 8 Cuthred, the sonne of Guichelin.
• 9 Kennewalch, the yonger sonne of Kinegles.
• 10 Sexburga, the widdow of Kennewalch.
• 11 Eascwin, the nephew of Kinegles.
• 12 Kenewin, the yongest sonne of Kinegles.
• 13 Ceadwall.
• 14 Ina.
• 15 Ethelard.
• 16 Cuthred.
• 17 Sigebert.
• 18 Kenulph.
• 19 Britric.
• 20 Egbert.

❧The succession of Bishops in the Principalitie of the West-Saxons.

Bishops of Dorchester.

• 635 Birinus sate fifteene yeares.
• 650 Agilbertus, ten yeares.
• 660 Wina, sate at Winton ten yeares.
• 670 Leutherius, seven yeares.
• 686 Hedda, twentie eight yeares.
• 705 Daniel, (who was also Bishop of Selesey) sate fortie yeares.
• 745 Humfertus, ten yeares.
• 755 Kinewardus, twentie five yeares.
• 780 Aethel••ardus, eleven yeares.
• 791 Egbaldus, foure yeares.
• 795 Dudda, two yeares.
• 797 Kinebertus, eleven yeares.

Bishops of Shireburn.

• 705 Aldelmus, sate five yeares.
• 710 Fortherus, twentie seven yeares.
• 736 Herewaldus, nineteene yeares.
• 756 Aethelmodus, twentie two yeares,
• 788 Denefrithus, twentie one yeares.
• 798 Wibertus, twentie yeares.

CHAP. I.* 1.12

The Principalitie of the West-Saxons, established by Cer∣dic. Berinus preacheth the Christian faith to the West-Saxons. The towne of Dorchester assigned to him for a Bishops Sea. Kinegles the first Christian Prince. Winchester is made a Bishops Sea by Kennewalch the West-Saxon Prince. Ceadwall (resigning the go∣vernement to Ina) goeth to Rome, where he dieth.

THe West-Saxons tooke the additi∣on of their name from the situati∣on of place, as inhabiting the We∣sterne part of the Ile; wherein at this day, are contained the Coun∣ties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wilton, Southampton, and Berk.

About the yeare of grace 509. Cerdic (with Kenric his sonne, and a warlike companie of Saxons) arrived in Britannie, where they were en∣countred by Natanleod a Brittish Prince, neere a shal∣low brooke, (afterwards called Cerdics-foord) and now by contraction of speech, Chardfoord. The fortune of that bataile, determined the hope of the Britans, and e∣stablished the Saxons in possession of the greatest part o•• those Countries: over which, Cerdic and Kenric ruled with equall authoritie, enlarging their dominions by the conquest of the Ile of Wight: the governement whereof, was assigned by Cerdic, to Stuffa and Withgar his nephewes.

After the father and sonne had ruled joyntly about seventeene yeares, Cerdic (ending his life by course of

nature) left the entire Principalitie to Kenric his sonne.

Kenric was oft times assailed by the Britans, who at∣tempted the recoverie of their antient possessions, but could not prevaile: and the Province being otherwise free from annoyance, was peaceably governed during his time.

Then Ceaulin his sonne succeeding him, made warre vpon Ethelbert the Kentish Prince: in the prosecution whereof, Oslave and Cnebban (two valiant Captaines of the Kentish Saxons) were slaine, and Cutholp his brother, made head against the Britans; from whom, he recove∣red divers Forts and Cities, which they had gotten in the Territorie of the Mercians. But while Ceaulin was making warre abroad, Cearlic (his brother G••tholps sonne) kindled a rebellion within the Province, and by force, vsurped the governement about five yeares.

After the death of Cealric, Ceolnulph the sonne of Cu∣tha, (the sonne of Ceaulin) recovered the Principalitie. In the beginning of his raigne, the Province of the West-Saxons was invaded, both by the Britans, & also by the Scottishmen and Picts. The East-Angles likewise at the same time assailed it: but Ceolnulph, having appeased these troubles, and (beginning a new warre against the South-Saxons) died before he could fully finish it, lea∣ving the prosecution thereof to Kinegles his sonne: who with good successe vndertooke the warre, and (having overthrowne the Britans) converted his forces against Penda the Mercian Prince; with whom (after each had tried the others strength in battaile) he con∣cluded a peace.

In the yeare of grace 635. he imbraced the Christi∣an faith, and was baptised by Berinus, who first prea∣ched the Gospel to the West-Saxons: (Oswald Prince of the Northumbers, being his godfather at his baptisme.)

The Citie of Dorchester was by Kinegles and Oswald, as∣signed to Berinus, for the Bishops Sea of that Province.

Then Guichelin, the sonne of Kinegles, and Cuthred, the sonne of Guichelin, ruled successively, and were both baptised by Berinus the Bishop.

After them, Kennewalch (the yonger sonne of Kine∣gles) obtained the governement. He married the sister of Penda the Mercian Prince, and afterwards put her a∣way: whereupon Penda, (to revenge the indignitie of∣fered to his sister) made warre vpon him, and drave him out of the Province, which he afterwards recovered by the assistance of Ana, Prince of the East-Angles: for Ken∣newalch, during the troubles in his owne dominions, had fled thither, and was there baptised by Faelix the Bishop.

He founded the Cathedrall Church at Winchester, to be the Bishops Sea for the Province of the West-Saxons, and appointed Wi••a to be the first Bishop of that place. Hee gave also to the Abbot Aldelmus, the towne of Mal••esbury, where (by the helpe of Elutherius, that suc∣ceeded Wi•••• in the Bishopricke of the West-Saxons) he erected a faire Monasterie, of which, William of Mal∣mesbury, (who wrote in Latine part of the English Hi∣story) was sometimes a Monke.

After his death, Sexburga his wife held the Principa∣litie: but (finding that by reason of the weakenesse of her sexe, she was vnable to support so weightie a bur∣then) she soone gave it over, and went into a Nunnery in the Ile of Shepey, which her selfe had founded.

Then Eascwin (the nephew of Kinegles) succeeded. He began a warre against Wolpher the Mercian Prince, with whom he fought a set battaile. What other things were done by him worthy remembrance, I finde little reported.

Then Kenewin (the youngest sonne of Kinegles) ruled the West-Saxons. He was oft times annoyed by the Bri∣tans, whom in the end he chased into the vtmost parts of the Province Westward.

Ceadwall the nephew of Ceaulin, possessing the govern∣ment, subdued the Province of the South-Saxons, and wasted the Kentish Territories: in the pursuit of which warre, he gave vnto the Church (even before he was baptised) the tenths of all those spoiles which hee tooke. Wherein, howsoever his intention may be cen∣sured, yet the example is no way, justifiable, conside∣ring it is written; That hee which offereth vnto God the goods of the innocent, doth as it were sacrifice the Son in the ••ight of the Father. After hee had subdued the Ile of Wight, he sent thither Wilfrid the Bishop, to instruct the inhabitants in the knowledge of Christian religion: and being wearied with worldly affaires, resigned the governement to Ina, and went to Rome; where he was baptised by the name of Peter, and soone after ended his life. His body was buried in the Church of Saint Peter, and (over the place where he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉) the inscription of his name and condition was engraven.

CHAP. II.

Ina succeedeth Ceadwall in the governement of the West-Saxons. Peter Pence first paied to Rome. The Bisho∣pricke of the West-Saxons divided into two Seas. Lawes made by Ina the Prince. The Church at Wells made a Bishops Sea. The first arrivall of the Danes in Britannie, in the time of Britric▪ Egbert the West-Sax∣on Prince, subdueth divers provinces, which he annexeth to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Principalitie.

INa was lineally descended from the West-Saxon Prin∣ces. He was a Prince of great courage and wisedome, and for the most part fortunate in his attempts: For 〈…〉〈…〉 Prince, he withstood by open forc•• the Kentish-Saxons (being weakned by many forme•• as∣saults) he constrained with great summes of money, to purchase peace at his hands: and the Province of the 〈…〉〈…〉, after the death of Anth•••• their Prince, 〈…〉〈…〉 in battaile) he reduced wholly vnder his obedience.

Then he manifested his good inclination, to support and advance the state of the Church: to which end, he 〈…〉〈…〉 at W••ll••, that was afterwards 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to a Bishops Sea. He builded also anew, the Abbey of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, bestowing great cost vpon the Church there, which he caused to be very ••ichly garnished with gold and 〈…〉〈…〉 for the religious persons.

He instituted a certaine yeerely payment to the Sea of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••••ipyning every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Read me▪ (that 〈…〉〈…〉

This payment was first called the Kings Almes, and af∣terwards the Peter pence.

In his time the Bishopricke of the West-Saxons, be∣comming voide, was divided into two Seas, whereof the one remained at Winchester, and the other was esta∣blished at Shirborn.

He made many good lawes both for the administra∣tion of justice in civill causes, and also for the governe∣ment of the Church: some of which (even in these our daies) are extant in the Saxon tongue.

After he had raigned a long time in great prosperity, he was perswaded by Ethelburga his wife, to resigne the Principalitie to Ethelard his kinsman, and to goe to Rome; where afterwards, professing voluntary poverty, he ended his latter daies in as lowly and meane estate, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he had formerly spent the greatest number of 〈…〉〈…〉 pompe and glory.

Ethelard at his first entrance, was much troubled with civill discention, which Oswald (one of the princely blood aspiring to the governement) had raised 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the West-Saxons▪ but (that rebellion being app••••••ed) he raigned the rest of his life in peace.

Then Cut••red, the kinsman of Ethelard succeeded. The borders of his Province b••ing strongly assailed by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he fortunately defended: In his time there ap∣peared two blazing Stars, which were afterwards noted to be ominous predictions of those calamities which befell the Province vnder the tyranny of the Danes.

Then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 obtained the Principality of the West-Saxons. He was a Prince much de••ained for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and oppression of his subjects, the antient lawes and cu∣stomes of the Province, 〈…〉〈…〉

in such like outragious practises, he was at the last by his owne people deprived of all authoritie, and enfor∣ced for safeguard of his life, to hide himselfe in woods and forrests, where he lived in great misery, secluded from the societie of men, (whereof by his inhumanitie he had made himselfe vnworthy) till at the last, he was slaine in Andreds-wald by a Swineheard, whose Maister in former times, Sigebert had injuriously put to death.

Kenulph (descended from the line of Cerdic, the first Prince of the West-Saxons) was partly for the honour of his blood, and partly for the generall opinion of his sufficiencie, advanced to the government. Such facti∣ons and popular tumults, as had risen by the deposing of his predecessor, hee pacified with great wisedome and moderation. He was the first founder of the church at Wells, where a Bishops Sea was afterwards placed. Howbeit hee was much inclined to the wanton plea∣sures of the flesh, which were the occasion of his destru∣ction in the end: for, going in private manner to visite a strumpet, (whom he kept) he was entrapped by one of Sigeberts kinsmen, and murdered in the way.

Then Britric (being also of the race of Cerdic) gover∣ned the West-Saxons. Hee was a Prince by nature more addicted to peace then warre: He married Eadburga, the daughter of Offa, Prince of the Mercians, by whose ayd hee expelled Egbert, the West-Saxon that invaded his Province, forcing him to flie into France, where af∣terwards he lived (like a banished man.) In his time a∣bout the yeare of grace 800. the Danes first attempted to land in Britannie, whereat their arrivall, they tooke the Ile of Portland; but Britric (combining with some other of the Saxon Princes) ioyntly assailed them, and in short time chased them out of the land: and Britric himselfe, having raigned about seventeene yeares, was

poisoned by Eadburga his wife, who fled into France, transporting thither great store of treasure.* 1.13 But (not fin∣ding that good entertainement which she expected at the French Kings hands) she became a Nunne, and af∣terwards Abbesse of a religious house; from whence a•• the last, shee was expulsed for committing adulterie with a lay person and ended her vitious and dishonou∣rable life in extreame povertie.

After the death of Britric, the West-Saxons were gover∣ned by Egbert, who enlarged his dominions by many and great conquests: for first, he brought vnder obedi∣ence the Walshmen, (who had beene alwaies accusto∣med vpon advantage, to make incursions into the Pro∣vince:) then with like successe, he assailed and subdued the Mercians, the Northumbers, the Kentish and the East-Saxons, whose Provinces he annexed to the Prin∣cipalitie of the West-Saxons, as by relation of that which followeth, more plainely shall appeare.

The end of the Second Booke of the Second Part of the Historie of Great Britannie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  South-Saxons.
• a 1.2

  An ancient Citie seated in that place, where New∣enden in Kent now standeth.
• * 1.3

  The Mer∣cians.
• a 1.4

  Holy-Iland
• a 1.5

  Mentz.
• * 1.6

  The Mer∣cians.
• * 1.7

  East-Saxons.
• * 1.8

  East-Saxons.
• * 1.9

  East-Angles.
• * 1.10

  East-Angles.
• * 1.11

  The Nor∣thumbers.
• * 1.12

  West-Sax∣ons.
• * 1.13

  VVest-Sax∣ons.