King Bithricus XII.
17. THe 12. Christian King was Bithricus, who began his reigne An. 784. and reigned 16. yeares as Malmsb. saith 1. Reg. 2. and in Fastis,* 1.1 and dyed An. 800. He was saith he pacis quam belli studiosior, more desirous of peace than of war Ethelwerd. l. 3. calleth him Regem pijssimum. A most godly Prince.* 1.2 Cooper An. 778. saith he Knightly ruled the Land. His Roman reli∣gion is most notorious. For as Hunting. lib. 3. Houed pag. 404. Westmon An. 739. and others write,* 1.3 in his tyme came Legats into England from Pope Adrian antiquam (say they) renouantes &c. renewing the ancient League and Catholick saith, who were honorably receaued both of the Prelats and Princes, and held a Councell at Cealtid ex Houed. pag. 410. Be∣sides he maried the daughter of King Offa,* 1.4 who in his time left his Kingdom, went to Rome with Kenred King of Northumberland, and there bound his Kingdom to pay the Peter pence, and finally became a Monke as Fox writeth lib. 2. pag. 3. and pag. 129. and others. Besides of this King Offa Stow writeth pag. 89.