Medulla historiæ Anglicanæ being a comprehensive history of the lives and reigns of the monarchs of England from the time of the invasion thereof by Jvlivs Cæsar to this present year 1679 : with an abstract of the lives of the Roman emperors commanding in Britain, and the habits of the ancient Britains : to which is added a list of the names of the Honourable the House of Commons now sitting, and His Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council, &c.

SAXONS.

THe Southern or more civilized Britains being now grown very low, and exceedingly weakned (what with the Romans exporting their valiant Countrey-men to serve in forraign Countries, what with their own civil dissen∣tions, the Romans forsaking them, and the Ca∣lamity of scarcity and Famine) their veteran foes the Scots, Picts and Irish, hereupon take their opportunity so miserably to infest and trouble them, that not longer able to defend and secure themselves, they supplicate aid out of Germany, from the Angles, Jutes, and Sax∣ons, then inhabiting Jutland, Holsten, and the Sea-coasts along to the River Rhene. Of these to the number of Nine thousand, under the command of the two Brethren Hengist and Horsa, entered Britain at Ebs-fleet in the Isle of Tenet, about 450 years after the birth of Christ. There they were received with great joy, and saluted with Songs after the accustomed man∣ner of the Britains, who appointed them that Island for their habitation. And not long after, Hengist obtained of Vortigern King of the Britains, the property of so much ground, as he could inclose with a Bulls-hide, which cutting into Thongs, he there built the Castle, called from thence Thong-Castle. To which place he invited Vortigern. who there fell in love with Rowena the Daughter, or Neece of

Hengist, upon which match Hengist began to grow bold, and to think of making this Island his inheritance. In order to which, he sent for fresh forces to come over to him, which being arrived, they sought and made occasi∣ons of quarrels with the Natives, driving the Inhabitants before them from their wonted possessions, every several Captain, accounting that part of the Countrey his own, where he could over-match the Britains, commanding in it as an absolute King: By which means the Land became burdened with Seven of them at the first, at one and the same time: But al∣though the Land was divided into Seven several Kingdoms, and each of them bearing a Sove∣reign command within his own Limits; yet one of them ever seemed to be supream over the rest.

The Saxon Heptarchy.

THe Kingdom of Kent consisting of that County only,* 1.1 (which Vortigern had given to Hengist in favour of Rowena) was the first Dominion of the Saxons Seven-headed Kingdom, and began in, or near the year of our Lord 455, continuing 372 years. In it there Ruled Seventeen Kings successively; the first of which was Hengist; and the first Chri∣stian King thereof was Ethelbert sirnamed Pren.

The South Saxons Kingdom containing the Counties of Sussex and Surrey,* 1.2 commenced in A. D. 488, continuing 113 years, Ella being

the first King, and Ethelwolph the first Christian King thereof.

* 1.3The West Saxons Kingdom containing the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somer∣set, Wilts, Berks and Hantshire, began in A. D. 519, continuing 300 years; Cherdick being the first King, and Hingils the first Christian King thereof.

* 1.4East Saxons Kingdom containing the Coun∣ties of Essex, Middlesex, and part of Hart∣fordshire, began in A. D. 527, continuing 281 years, Erchenwin being the first King thereof, and Sebert the first Christian King.

* 1.5The Kingdom of Northumberland containing the Counties of York, Durham, Lancaster, West∣moreland, Cumberland, and Northumberland, be∣gan in A. D, 527, continuing 379 years; Ella and Ida the first Kings thereof, and Edwin the first Christian King.

* 1.6The Kingdom of Mercia containing the Counties of Huntingdon, part of Hartfordshire, Northampton, Rutland, Lincoln, Leicester, Der∣by and Nottingham, began in A. D. 582, con∣tinuing 202 years, Creda being the first King, and Peada first Christian King thereof.

* 1.7The Kingdom of the East-Angles containing the Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge, began in A. D. 575, continuing 353 years, Ʋffa being the first King, and Redwald the first Christian King thereof. Its last King was Ed∣mond, whom the Danes for his constant profes∣sion of the Christian Faith most barbarously slew, at a Village then called Heglisdune, where when the Danes were departed, his head and

body were buried, and the Town upon occa∣sion thereof called St. Edmunds-bury. After the death of this Edmond, the Kingdom of the East-Angles was possessed by the Danes till such time that Edward sirnamed the Elder expulsed them, and joyned it a Province to the West-Saxons: But the Britains, during the time of the Heptarchy, stood still in defence of their own rightful inheritance, with great disdain, and valorous resistance, as much as in them lay, opposing the Saxon yoke.

The British Princes who contended with the Saxons to maintain their Countries rights, were these chiefly. First,

VOrtigern, at that time King,* 1.8 by the electi∣on of the Britains, when the Saxons were first invited into the Land. This Vortigern reigned first Sixteen years, and then deposed for his favours to the Saxons, was retained in¦durance all the Reign of Vortimer his Son, af∣ter whose death he was re-established; but oppressed by the Saxons, and pursued by Au∣relius, he fled into Wales, where in a Castle which he built by Merlins directions in the Mountains, he, with his Daughter whom he had taken to Wife, were burnt to Ashes.

VOrtimer for his Fathers abuse of Govern∣ment,* 1.9 was constituted King of the Britains. He gave unto the Saxons Four famous over∣throws, almost to their utter expulsion. After

his last Victory over them,* 1.10 he caused his Mo∣nument to be erected at the entrance into Thanet, whither he had driven the Saxons, even in that same place of the overthrow. Which Monument was sometime called Lapis Tituli, now the Stoner, wherein he command∣ed his Body to be buried, to the further ter∣rour of the Saxons; that in beholding this his Trophey, their hearts might be daunted at the remembrance of their great overthrow. But Rowena procured his death by Poyson. He re∣stored the Christian Religion, then sorely de∣cayed, and rebuilt the Churches destroyed by the Pagan Saxons.

* 1.11AƲrelius Ambrosius descended of that Con∣stantine, who was elected here, only in hope of his lucky name. He was very suc∣cessful against the Saxons; but, as some say, was poysoned by the procurement of Pascentius the youngest Son of Vortigern. Others report that he was slain in the Field by the Saxons, and that the Britains erected that famous Monument called Stone-henge, anciently Chorea Gigantum, over the place where he was slain and buried; though according to the saying of some, Aure∣lius Ambrosius caused that Monument of Stone-henge to be erected in memorial of the Massa∣cre of 300 of the Nobility of the Britains by the Saxons, who were there buried. He built Ambresbury in Wilts.

ƲTer Pendragon, the Brother of Ambrosius, was in all his Wars against the Saxons most victorious and fortunate.* 1.12 He was sirna∣med Pendragon, either because at his birth there appeared a fiery Comet something resembling a Dragons-head, or because of his Serpentine-wisdom, or from his Royal Banner, wherein was pourtrayed a Dragon with a Golden head. When he had reigned Eighteen years, he dyed of poyson put into a Well, whereof he usually drank.

ARthur, the Son of Pendragon,* 1.13 begotten up∣on the Lady Igren Dutchess of Cornwall, was Crowned King of Britains at Fifteen years of Age, about A. C. 516. Twelve Battels he fought against the Saxons with great manhood and victory, the last of which was fought at Bath, or Bathen-Hill, where the Britains gave the Saxons a very great overthrow. But Mor∣dred a Prince of the Picts, whose Mother was Pendragons Sister, affecting the Crown, upon the pretence of Arthurs reputed Bastardy, gave many attempts against him, and lastly at Cam∣balu, now Camelford in Cornwall, encountering King Arthur gave him his deaths-wound, and was himself slain by Arthur in the place. From which place this renowned King was carried to Glastenbury where he dyed of his wounds in A. D. 542, whose body was there buried, and after 600 years was digged up by the command of Henry the 2d. His bones of great bigness, and Skull, wherein was perceived Ten wounds,

were found in the Trunk of a Tree; over him was a huge broad Stone, in which a leaden Cross was fastned, and therein this Inscription, Hic jacet, &c. Here lyes King Arthur buryed in the Isle of Avalonia. By him lay his Queen Guenaver, whose tresses of hair finely platted, of a golden colour, seemed perfect and intire, till but being touched they mouldred to dust. These relicks were reburied in the great Church.

* 1.14COnstantine the Son of Cador Duke of Corn∣wall, and Cousin to King Arthur by Mar∣riage, and his adopted Heir, was slain by Co∣nanus, when he had been King Three years, and was buried at Stonehenge.

* 1.15AƲrelius Conanus, King Arthur's Nephew, de∣tained his Uncle in perpetual Imprison∣ment, and slew his two Cousins, because they had more right to the Crown than himself.

* 1.16VOrtiporus in many Battels vanquished the Saxons, and valiantly defended his Sub∣jects; but otherwise very wicked.

* 1.17MAlgo Canonus, in Arms and Dominions, was stronger and greater than any other Bri∣tish Potentate, saith Gildas.

* 1.18Careticus sowed civil Wars amongst his Sub∣jects the Britains, which occasioned them to forsake him, and leave him to the mercy of the Saxons; who pursuing after him, he fled

into Cyrencester for safety; but by the device of his pursuers, certain Sparrows being taken, and fire fastned to their feet, were let fly into the City, who lighting among Straw, set it on fire, whence the City was burnt to the ground; but Careticus escaped, and fled for safety unto the Mountains of Wales, where he dyed. From that time forth the Britains lost their whole Kingdom in the East part of the Island, and were confined in the West, by the Rivers Severn and Dee.

CAdwan maintained himself and Subjects in great honour and peace.* 1.19 His first affairs against the Saxons was to revenge the deaths of his Britains, and harmless Monks of Bangor, slain by wild Ethelfrid the mighty King of Nor∣thumberland.

The Monastery of Bangor in North-Wales, was situated in the fruitful valley now called the English Mailor, containing within it the quantity of a Mile and an half of ground. This Monastery, as saith Bernard Clarivalentius, was the Mother of all others in the World. Whose Monks distributed themselves into Se∣ven portions, every one numbring 300 Souls, and all of them living by the labour of their own hands. Many of these Monks assembled at* 1.20 Caer-Legion, to assist their Brethren the Britains with their Prayers, against Ethelfrid sirnamed the Wild, King of Northumberland, who with his Pagan Soldiers set upon the Bri∣tains, discomfited their host, and put to the Sword Twelve hundred of these Christian Monks.

CAdwallo, or Cadwallin the Son of Cadwin, warred most valiantly against the Saxons, slew the Christian King Edwin of Northumber∣land,* 1.21 with his Son Osfride, in a great and bloody Battel at Heathfield. He dyed in peace, as the British Writers say, and was buried in St. Mar∣tins Church in London; his Image great and ter∣rible, triumphantly riding on Horseback, being artificially cast in Brass, the Britains placed upon Ludgate, to the further fear and terror of the Saxons.

* 1.22CAdwallador the Son of Cadwallo, with great valour fought against the Saxons; but his Nobles dissenting and warring among them∣selves, did much endamage his very hopeful undertakings. And by the All disposing hand of Providence, so great a dearth befell, that Herbs and Roots were the Commons chiefest sustenance. Mortality and Pestilence likewise raging so sore, and so suddenly, that people in their eating, drinking, walking, and speak∣ing, were surprised by death, and in such numbers, that the living were scarce sufficient to bury the dead. Which calamities lasted no less than Eleven years whereby the Land became desolate, insomuch, that the King and many of his British Peers were forced to seek and eat their bread in forain parts. But the destroying Angel by Gods appointment, having sheathed his devouring Sword, Cadwallador was minded to have returned into his native Country, with some aids which he had procured of his Cousin

Alan King of Little-Britain; but was forbid by an Angel (as he thought) and command∣ed to go to Rome, and there take upon him the habit of Religion; which accordingly he did, and dyed at Rome, where in St. Peters Church he was buried, being the last King of the Bri∣tains blood, about A. D. 689.

The most powerful Kings of the Saxon Heptarchy were

HEngist,* 1.23 who about the 5th year after his arrival in Britain began his Kingdom in Kent, He (as all the Saxon Kings beside) doth derive his original from Prince Woden, and his Wife Fria, by Wechta the eldest of their Seven Sons, being the fifth in Issue from them. His Brother Horsa was slain in Battel by the Britains. According to some himself dyed in peace; others say, that he was slain when he had reigned Thirty four years.

ELla the first King of the South-Saxons,* 1.24 in the Twenty third year of Hengist's Reign, brought a fresh supply of Germans to he relief of his Countreymen; who landing at Shoreham in Sussex, vanquished the Britains in those parts, after which he assumed the name of King of that Province.

CHerdick the first King of the West-Saxons,* 1.25 arrived in the Western parts of this Island, in the Seventh year of Ella's reign; where in

his first Battel with the Britains, he slew a migh∣ty King of theirs named Natanleod, or Nazaleod. This Battel was fought in Hampshire, near un∣to a Brook of Water, which from Cherdick, began to be called Cherdick-ford, where now a Town of the same name standeth; but by con∣traction called Charford.

* 1.26KEnrick the 2d King of the West-Saxons, in∣larged his confines upon the territories of the Britains, giving them two great over∣throws, the one at Searbury in Wiltshire, the other at Banbury in Oxfordshire.

* 1.27CHelwin, or Cheuline, the Son of Kenrick, and 3d King of the West-Saxons, over∣came the Britains in many fights; also set him∣self to inlarge his own Territories upon his Countrey-mens: For entring Kent, in a set Battel he defeated that Kings forces. He sur∣prized the Cities of Glocester, Bath, and Cyren∣cester; slew Three of the British Kings, named Coinmagil, Candidan, and Farimnagil: But grown proud through his many victories he tyran∣nized over his own Subjects, which moved them to take part with the Britains against him; and at Wodnesbeath, now Wansditch in Wiltshire, they vanquished and put him to flight, for∣cing him into Banishment, in which he dy∣ed.

EThelbert the 5th King of Kent,* 1.28 was Married to Berta the Daughter of Chilperick King of France on these conditions, That the Lady should enjoy the profession of her Christian Faith, and the conversation of Luidhard her learned Bishop. About this time it chanced that Gregory the Great, then Arch-Deacon of Rome, saw certain youths of this Island of Bri∣tain, brought to Rome to be sold, concerning whom he enquired, first of what Nation they were, and being answered that they were Angles, Gregory replied, and not without cause are they so named indeed, their resemblance is so Angelical; and fit it is that they be made inheriters with the Angels in Heaven. But of what Province are they in Britain, said he? and being answered of Deira, now great pit∣ty it is said he, but that these people should be taken from Dei••ira, the wrath of God. And being told that their Kings Name was Ella, he by way of allusion said, That Alelu∣jah to the praise of God, should shortly be sung in that Princes Dominions; to which end, when he had attained to be Bishop of Rome, he sent Augustin a Monk, with Fourty others his assistants, which landed in Thanet, about A. D. 596; finding at their coming Seven Bishops in the British Churches. These Roman Christians sent by Gregory, were by King Ethelbert freely permitted to Preach the Gospel, and in his chief City of Canterbury, he allowed them fit places of residence, and to Augustine resigned his own Palace. In this

City Austin laid the foundation of that great Church dedicated to the name and service of Christ.* 1.29 And also at his cost built a most fair Monastery, wherein Eight Kings of Kent, and Ten Arch-Bishops were afterwards interred. But between the Britain Christians and Austin, there was a great difference about the due time for celebrating the Feast of Ea∣ster. Easter was kept in Britain after the man∣ner of the Eastern Church, on the Fourteenth day after the full Moon, whatsoever day of the week it happened on, and not on Sunday, as we at this day observe it; which made Austin in great displeasure against them, and they to dislike him for his pride. The British Bishops were consecrated by their own Arch-Bishops, and they by their own Suffragans, making no profession of subjection to any other Church. And when Augustine the Monk required of the British Bishops to profess subjection to the See of Rome, Dinothus Abbot of Bangor, made it apparent by divers Arguments that they owed him none; nor did they follow the Rites of Rome. But King Ethelbert being by Augustine converted to the Christian Faith, was the in∣strument of converting of Sebert King of the East-Saxons, whom he assisted in the building of St. Pauls, where had stood the Temple of Dia∣na, as also the Church of St. Peters at Westmin∣ster, then called Thorney, where the Temple of Apollo stood; and himself built the Cathedral Church at Rochester, dedicating it to St. An∣drew He brought the Laws of his Countrey into their own Mother-Tongue, and was very

forward in advancing the Christian Religion. He dyed in, or near A.D. 616, and was buried at Can∣terbury. Augustine the first Arch-Bishop of Can∣terbury dyed, during the reign of Ethelbert, & was buried in the Northern Porch of the New Church in Canterbury dedicated to St. Peter and Paul; and Laurentius succeeded him in that Bishoprick.

REdwald 3d King of the East-Angles,* 1.30 was Baptized in Kent; but returning into his own Countrey (through the perswasions of his Queen) he returned to his superstitions, and in one and the same Temple, erected an Altar for the service of Christ, and another for his Idols.

EDwin the Great,* 1.31 and 2d King of Northum∣berland, subdued all the coasts of Britany, wheresoever any Provinces were inhabited, either by Britains or Saxons; which thing, no King of the English before him had done: And added the Mevian Isles or Hebrides unto his own Dominions. He was converted to the Christian Faith by Paulinus, and Baptized at York in St. Peters Church then built of Wood, which he rebuilt of Stone, making it the Cathedral Church; and Paulinus Arch-Bishop of that See.* 1.32 He suppressed Idolatry, established the Gospel in the Northern parts which daily spread into other Provinces and with such fruit of Peace, that throughout his Domini∣ons, a weak Woman with h••r new-born babe might have passed without danger or ••am••ge over all the island from State ••ea•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And for the conveniency of way-faring me•• 〈…〉〈…〉

closed clear Springs by the ways sides,* 1.33 where he placed great Basons of Brass, both to wash and bathe in. But Penda the Mercian King, and Cadwallo the Britain confederated against him, and in fight slew him and his Son Osfryd. His Body was buried at Streanshall, now called Whitby.

* 1.34OSwald the 5th King of Deira, the 9th of Bernicia, and 3d of Northumberland, ha∣ving received the Christian Faith in Scotland, during his banishment there; at his return took such care for the salvation of his Sub∣jects, that he sent into Scotland for Aidan a Christian Bishop, to instruct his Northumbri∣ans in the Gospel of Truth. And because the Bishop could not speak their Language, the King himself would interpret his Sermons to the people. Which godly undertaking of the good King and Bishop was so successful, that as is reported, in Seven days space, Fifteen thousand received Baptism. At this time the whole Island flourished with Peace and plenty, and acknowledged their subjection to Oswald, But Penda King of Mercia envying his flourish∣ing estate, slew him in Battel, at a place call∣ed Maserfield in Shropshire; and then tore his body peace-meal: Whereupon, the said place of his death, is called to this day Oswalds-tree. His dismembred Limbs were first buried in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolnshire, after∣wards removed to Glocester, and buried in the North-side of the upper end of the Quire in the Cathedral Church.

King Oswald being at Dinner on Easter-day,* 1.35 one brought him word, that there was a great company of poor people in the Streets which asked Alms of him; whereupon he commanded the Meat prepared for his own Table to be car∣ried to them, and brake a Silver Platter to pieces and sent it amongst them.

In the year of Christ 636, Honorius Arch-Bishop of Canterbury first divided England into Parishes. Northumberland was sometime part∣ed into two Kingdoms, namely Deira, and Bernicia.

Osway the 4th King of Northumberland,* 1.36 slew Penda in fight, with the discomfiture of all his Mercian power; and in the same Bat∣tel slew Ethelbert King of the East-Angles, who sided with Penda, after which victory he subdu∣ed the Mercians, and made the Northern part also wholly subject unto him. He founded the Cathedral Church in Lichfield for a Bishops See, dyed in A. D. 670, and was buried in St. Peters Church in Streanshalch.

VƲlfhere the 6th King of the Mercians,* 1.37 slew his two Sons Vulfald and Rufin, because they usually resorted to reverend Chad for the profit of their Souls, and had received at his hands the Sacraments of Baptism. Their martyred bodies, Queen Erminhild their Mo∣ther caused to be buried in a Sepulchre of Stone, and thereupon a fair Church to be erected; which by reason of the many Stones brought thither for the foundation, was

ever after called Stones;* 1.38 and is now a fair Mar∣ket-Town in Staffordshire. But Vulfhere repenting his most inhumane murder, and becoming a Christian, converted his Heathen Temples unto Churches and Monasteries, and finished Medisham, now Peterborough (his brother Pada's foundation) inriching it largely with Lands and possessions. He dyed A. D. 674, and was buried at Peterborough.

* 1.39EThelred, because of his Nephew Kenreds minority, and disposition to a private life, was accepted of the Mercians for their King. His entrance was with War against the Kentish King Lothair, whose Countrey he miserably destroyed, sparing neither Re∣ligious, nor secular place. But at length disquieted in mind, because of his cruelties, to expiate his crimes, he first built a godly Monastry at Beadney in Lincolnshire, then re∣signing the Crown to Kenred, became there a Monk himself, living a regular life the term of Twelve years, and dyed Abbot of the place, in A. D. 716. In the 4th year of his Reign a fearful Blazing-Star discover∣ed it self, and for three Months together continued rising in the morning, and giving forth a blazing pile, very high, and of a glittering flame.

KEnred the 8th King of Mercia,* 1.40 reigned in peace the term of four years; but affect∣ing a private retired life, he appointed Chel∣red his Cousin to rule in his stead, and accompa∣nied with Offa King of East-Saxons,* 1.41 and Edwin Bishop of Winchester, he went unto Rome, where himself and Offa became Monks, and there dyed.

CHeldred the 9th King of the Mercians,* 1.42 was all along during his seven years reign engaged in Wars against Inas King of the West-Saxons. Which Inas being in pilgrimage at Rome in A.D. 720, gave a tribute to Rome called Peter-pence, being a peny for every house. At first it was called the Kings Alms; it was also called Rome∣scot. Inas built a Colledg at Wells, and a stately Abby at Glastenbury, where formerly the old Cell of Joseph of Arimathea had been. He also built a Castle at Taunton.

King Chelred dyed in A. D. 716, and vvas bu∣ried in the Cathedral Church at Lichfield.

EThelbald the 10th King of the Mercians,* 1.43 spent the most part of his reign in peace, and too much thereof in Luxury; for the vvhich he vvas reproved by Boniface (an English man) Bishop of Mentz: Whose Epistle Redargutory had this influence upon the King, that in sign of repentance, he priviledged the Church from all Tributes to himself, and founded the Abby of Crowland. About which time it was appointed by Arch-Bishop Cuthbert and his Clergy, in a convocation held in his Province,

that the Sacred Scriptures should be read in their Monasteries, the Lords Prayer and Creed taught in the English tongue, A. D. 733. In January the Sun suffered so great an Eclipse, that the Earth seemed to be overshadowed, as with Sack-cloth. And A. D. 756, and in De∣cember, the Moon being in her full, appeared both dark and bloody; for a Star (though there be none lower than the Moon) seemed to follow her, and to deprive her of light, till it had got before her. But great Ethelbald fight∣ing against Cuthred the West Saxon, was tray∣terously slain by the procurement of one of his own Captains, near Tanworth, and was buried at Repton in Derbyshire.

* 1.44OFFA the 11th. King of the Mercians, as is said, was born both lame, deaf, and blind, continuing so unto his mans estate. He was of such stout and daring spirit, that he thought no∣thing impossible for him to attain unto. The first that felt his fury were the Kentish men, whose King Alrike he slew in fight with his own hands. From south to north he then marched, and be∣yond Humber made havock of all that opposed him. Whence returning in triumph, he van∣quished Kenwolph and his West-Saxons, with whom Marmadius King of the Britains, sided. He caused a great ditch to be made between his and the Britains borders, that is, from Basing∣wark in Flintshire, and North-Wales, not far from the mouth of Dee, running along the Moun∣tains into the South, ending near Bristol at the fall of Wye. The tract whereof in many places

is yet seen, being called Clawdh Offa,* 1.45 or Offa's Ditch. The Danes that had invaded England, he forced back to their ships, with the loss of all their booty, and many of their lives. Then making his son Egfryd Partner with him in the Kingdom, he went to Rome, where he made his Kingdom subject to a tribute called Peter-pence, and gave rich gifts to Pope Hadrian for canoni∣zing Alban a Saint; in honour of whom at his return he built a Magnifick Monastry over against Verolanium. Also in testimony of his repent∣ance for the blood he had shed in his Wars, he gave the tenth part of his goods unto the Church-men and poor. At Bath he built a Mo∣nastry, and in Warwick-shire a Church, where the adjoining town from it and him beareth the name Off-Church. He dyed at Offley in A D. 794, and was buried without the town of Bedford, in a Chappel standing upon the bank of Owse, which long since was swallowed up by the same River.

In A D. 755, was Sigebert King of West-Sax∣ons slain by a Swineherd; and in A.D. 760, Ken∣wolph King of West-Saxons made Wells an Epis∣copal See.

EGfryd the son of Offa restored to the Church her ancient priviledges which his Father had deprived her of.* 1.46 He dyed in the first year of his reign, and was buried in the Abby-Church of St. Albans.

KEnwolph the 13th King of the Mercians,* 1.47 was at home a president of peace, religion, and

justice, and abroad of temperance, humility, and courtesie. In War stout and victorious, in Peace studious of enriching his subjects. He vanquished the Kentish men, and carried away their King prisoner, detaining him captive, and giving his Kingdom to Cuthred. He built a fair Church at Winchcomb in Glocestershire, where upon the dedication thereof, he led Pren his captive King of Kent, up to the high altar, and there without either his entreaty or any ransom, set him at full liberty. He dyed A. D. 819, and was buried at Winchcomb, where was buried also Kenelm his son, murder'd by his sister Quen∣dred.

SAXON MONARCHS.

* 1.48EGbert the 18th King of West-Saxons, first warred against the Cornish and Welsh, a remnant of the old Britains, which for four∣teen years held side against this King; which so enraged him, that he made it present death for any Britain to pass over Offa's pitch into Eng∣land. Their great Caer-legion, now Westchester, he took from them; and at London cast down the Image of their Prince Cadwalle. He subdu∣ed Kent, East-Saxons, and East-Angles, also the Mercians, and indeed all upon the North and South of Humber yeilded him obedience. He was crowned at Winchester absolute Monarch of the whole Island in A. D. 819, and caused the South of this Island to be called England. Three several times the Danes landed in Eng∣land in his reign, whom he expelled. He dyed in

A. D. 836, and was buryed at Winchester.* 1.49 But his bones were since taken up, and with others bestowed in Chests, set upon the Wall on each side the Quire of the Cathedral, with these verses inscribed:

Hic Rex Egbertus pausat cum Rege Kenulpho, nobis egregia munera uterque tulit. His issue were Ethelwolph and Ethelstan, and one Daughter na∣med Egdith, commonly called St. Edith, who was Governess of a Monastry of Ladies at Pol∣lesworth in Warwickshire.

EThelwolph was in his youth committed unto the care of Helmestan Bishop of Winchester,* 1.50 and by him unto learned Swithun the Monk. He took such a liking unto the quiet and solitary life (enjoyed only by religious men, all other estates being molested to withstand the intru∣ding Danes) that he took upon him the Monk∣ish Vow and profession, and was made Deacon; and shortly after upon the death of Helmestan, he was elected, if not consecrated also Bishop of Winchester. But the death of his Father im∣mediately following, by the intreaty of the No∣bles, and constraint of the Clergy, he was made King, and absolved of his vows by Gregory 4th. His Bishoprick he bestowed on Swithun. This King in great devotion passed to Rome, where he rebuilt the School built by King Offa (late fired) bearing the name of Thomas the holy, con∣firmed the grant of Peter-pence; and for his kind entertainment in the Popes Court, he co∣venanted to pay a hundred Marks to St. Peter's Church, another to St. Pauls Light, and a third

to his Holiness.* 1.51 In his return through France, he married fair Judith the daughter of Charles the Bald, then Emperor, in honour of whom he ever placed her in his English Court in a Chair of State, with all other Majestical comple∣ments of a Queen, contrary to the Law of the West-Saxons formerly made for Ethelburga's of∣fence, who by accident had poyson'd her own Husband with the poyson she had prepared for one of his Minions. Which respect of his to his Queen so displeased his Nobles, that they rose in arms against him; but by mediation of Friends the difference was composed on these terms, viz. That the Land should be divided betwixt himself and Son Ethelbald, to whom the better part was allotted. He dyed at Stan∣bridg in A.D. 857, and was first buried where he deceased, but afterwards his body was re∣moved to the Cathedral of Winchester. He had issue Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelred, Elfred, and one Daughter named Ethelswith. It is said of this King, That by the advice of his Nobles he gave for ever to God and the Church, both the tythe of all goods, and the tenth part of all the Lands of England, free from all secular service, taxations, or impositions whatsoever.

* 1.52EThelbald, or Ethelwald, married Judith his Mother-in-law. Some say, that he mar∣ried his own Mother, who was King Ethelwolph's Concubine. But when he had reigned about two years and an half, he dyed in A D. 860. His Body was first buried at Sherbourn in Dorcetshire, (where at that time was the Cathedral Church

and Episcopal See) but afterwards was remo∣ved to Salisbury.

EThelbert was disquieted by the Danes all the time of his reign. First,* 1.53 they spoiled all before them to Winchester, also sacking and spoiling that City; howbeit in their return, the Berkshire men, under the conduct of Osryck Earl of Hampton, met with them, recovered the prey, and slew many of them. The same year also the Danes with the Normans entred Thanet; but these the Kentish men repulsed, and made a great slaughter of them. Ethelbert dyed in A. D. 866, and was buried at Sherbourn.

EThelred was now King of England,* 1.54 when there arrived on the English Coasts an huge Army of Danes, under the command of those strong and cruel Captains, Inguar and Habba who burnt down the City of York, and therein consumed with fire all those that had fled thi∣ther for security: Who entred Mercia, won the City of Nottingham, and therein wintred. Who with fire and sword laid all waste where they came, and spared neither sex nor age, re∣ligious or secular. Therefore to avoid their Barbarities, the Nuns of Coldingham deformed themselves by cutting off their upper-lips and noses. King Ethelred in one years time fought no less than nine set-battels with these Danes; and at that battel fought at Essendon, not far from Reading, he obtained a great victory over them. But in a fight at Basing, the King recei∣ved his mortal wound, whereof he dyed at

Wittington in A. D. 872.* 1.55 He was buried at Win∣bourn in Dorcetshire with this Inscription:

In hoc loco quiescit corpus Sancti Ethelredi Re∣gis West-Saxonum, Martyris, qui A.D. 872, 23 die April: per manus Ducorum paganorum occubuit.

His Issue were Elfred and Oswald, and one Daughter named Thyre.

* 1.56ELfred, or Alfred, the fourth Son of King E∣thelwolph, was in his young years and Fa∣thers life-time anointed King at Rome by Pope Leo; but after his brother Ethelred's death was crowned at Winchester, and is by some stiled the first absolute Monarch over the English. Within a Months time after his Coronation, he was for∣ced into the field against the Danes, whom he fought at Wilton, where he was worsted. Then the Danes constrained the West-Saxons to enter into league with them, then advanced to Lon∣don, where they wintred; compelled the Mer∣cians to compound with them, banishing Bur∣thred their King, placing another in his stead of their own chusing. Their King Halden gained Northumberland, which he bestowed amongst his followers. In A.D. 876, Rollo a noble-man of Denmark came over with a great Army of fresh Forces, making a miserable spoil where he came; but Alfred forced him out of the Land. How∣beit the Danes who had already seated them∣selves in England, bring the King many times to such extremities, that he was forc'd to hide him∣self out of sight, and with such small compa∣nies as he had, to live by fishing, fowling, and hunting, having no more of his great Monar∣chy

left him but Wilt, Somerset, and Hantshire, nor them neither free from the incursions of the Danes. The solitary place of his most residen∣cy was an Island in Somersetshire, commonly cal∣led Edelingsey, where in poor disguise he was entertained into a Cowherds Cottage. This Cowherd who succoured King Alfred, named Dunwolfus, whom the King after set to learning, and made Bishop of Winchester. Yet in these his distresses he would sometimes disguise him∣self in the habit of a common Minstrel, repair∣ing to the Danes Camp, and by his excellent skill in Musick and Song, would gain the oppor∣tunity of observing as well what their design∣ments were, as their security, which he wisely improved. For seeing his time, he gathered what small Forces he could, and on the sudden surprized his careless enemies in their Camp, making a great slaughter of them, to the great terror of others of them in other parts of the Nation, who accounted the King dead long be∣fore. Shortly after this, the Devonshire men joyned Battel with King Hubba, whom they slew with a great number of his Danes, near unto a Castle then called Kinwith. The body of Hub∣ba was there buried in the field, and thereof called Hublestone. In that fight the English took the Danes much esteemed Banner, called Reafan, wherein a Raven pourtrayed was wrought in Needle-work by the three Sisters of Hubba. And now the English fortunes seemed so advanced, that the Danes sent to the King for Peace which was condescended unto, and Gormon, or Gurthrun their King was Bapti∣zed.

Alfred being his Godfather,* 1.57 and giving him the name of Athelstone, and withall be∣stowing on him in free gift Gormoncester, or Godmonchester near Huntingdon, with the ad∣joyning territories. Thirty of the chief Da∣nish Nobility were likewise baptized, upon whom King Alfred bestowed many rich gifts. And that the limits of the English might be free from Danish incursions, thus the confines of King Alfreds Kingdom were laid out. His Do∣minions were to stretch from the River Tham∣isis, and from thence to the Water of Lea, even unto the head of the same water, and so forth streight unto Bedford, and lastly, going along by the River Ouse, to end at Watling-street. But not∣withstanding the agreement, the Danes were still unquiet, with whom one Hastings a Noble∣man of Norway joyned, bringing a considerable force to their assistance. And in the year of Grace 901, this excellent King dyed much be∣wayl'd of his Subjects, whose body was first buried at Winchester, next removed into the Church of the new Monastry; and lastly, his Body, Monument, Church and Monastry, were all removed without the North-gate of the City, since called Hide. He was born at Wanading, now Wantage in Berks, where anci∣ently was a Mannor-House of the Kings of England.

London that had been destroyed and burnt by the Danes about A. D. 839, King Alfred repaired and made habitable again in A. D. 886. At Edelingsey he built a Monastry, at Winchester another, at Shaftsbury a Nunnery,

where he made his Daughter Ethelgeda Abbess. The day and night consisting of 24 hours, did this vertuous Prince design equally (when State-business would permit such an order) to Three special uses, and them he observed by the burning of a Taper set in his Oratory. Eight hours he spent in contemplation, read∣ing and prayers, other eight hours for his re∣pose and health, and the other eight in the affairs of State. His Kingdom he likewise di∣vided into Shires, Hundreds, and Tithings, for the better administration of Justice, and suppressing of Thieves; whereby he effected so great security to his Subjects, that honest men might travel without injury; and that brace∣lets of Gold being hanged in the High-ways, none durst be so bold as to take them away. He ordered all his Subjects possessing two Hides of Land, to bring up their Sons in learning, till Fifteen years of Age at least; saying, That he reputed a man free-born, and yet illiterate, no better than a Beast, a Brainless-body, and very Sot. Nor would he admit any into Office in his Court, unless Learned. His Census or Tri∣bute he divided into Six parts; the first part of which he gave to the poor, the 2d to the foun∣dation of Churches, 3d to Schollars at Oxford, 4th, to the Lights of the Church, 5th, to his Military men, 6th, to Labourers and Artificers. The best Laws for his Subjects good he rendred into English. The holy Gospel he translated into the Saxon Tongue; and therein the Lords Prayer after this manner,

Faeder ure thu the Earth on Heafenum, si thin nama Gehalgod, to be came thin Rice, Gewurthe thin willa on eorthan swa swa on heafnum, urne ge daeghwanlican hlaf syle us to daeg. And forgyf us ure gyltas swa swa we forgivath urum gyltendum, And ne gelaedde thu us on cosenung, ac Alyse u•• of yfle. [Si it swa.]

He was a great protector of the Clergy, Widows and Orphans, devout in the service of God. 'Tis also said of him, that he layd the foundation of the Unversity of Oxford, and of that Colledge called

* 1.58Ʋniversity Colledge. Others say that Oxford was built by one Mempritius a British King, and from him was at first named Caer Mempric; Et crevit ibi posteris dielus nobile studium generale, ab inclyta universitate de Greeklade derivatum.

Baliol Colledge was founded by John Baliol King of Scots, in A. D 1263.

Merton Coll. founded by Walter de Merton, Lord Chancellor, and Bishop of Rochester, 1274.

Excester Coll. by Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Excester, and Lord Treasurer, 1316.

Oriel Coll. founded by King Edward the 2d. or by his Almoner Adam Brown, 1327.

Queens Coll. by Robert Eglesfield, Chaplain to Queen Philip Wife of Edward the 3d, 1340.

New Coll. by William of Wickham, Bishop of Winchester, 1379.

Lincoln Coll. first founded by Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, 1420; but finished by

Thomas Rotheram, Bishop of the same See.

All-souls founded by Henry Chichely Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, 1437.

Magdalen Coll. by William Waniflet Bishop of Winchester, 1459.

Brazen-Nose Coll. by William Smyth Bishop of Lincoln, 1513; but finished by Richard Sutton.

Corpus Christi Coll. by Richard Fox, Lord Pri∣vy Seal, and Bishop of VVinchester, 1516.

Christ-Church begun by Cardinal Wolsey, 1546; and by King Henry the 8th, ordained the Ca∣thedral Church of the See of Oxford.

Trinity Coll. first founded by Thomas Hatfield Bishop of Durham, by the name of Durham Coll. 1518; but after its suppression, Sir Tho∣mas Pope restored it, and dedicated it to the holy Trinity, 1556.

St. Johns Coll. founded by Henry Chichely A. Bp. of Cant. by the name of Bernards Colledge, 1437; but after its suppression by Henry the 8th, Sir Thomas White Merchant-Taylor of Lon∣don, rebuilt it to the honour of St. John Bap∣tist, 1557.

Jesus Coll. by Dr. Hugh Price, 1562.

Wadham Coll. founded by Nicholas Wadham of Somersetshire, and Dorothy his Wife, 1613.

Some report that Cambridge was built by Cantabar a Spaniard,* 1.59 375 years before the birth of Christ, and that he founded the University there, and brought thither from Athens certain Philosophers, amongst whom An••ximander and Anaxagoras. Another Author thus writeth, Oxonii gymnasium instituit Aluredus (Alfred) hortante Neoto viro sanctissimo, unde, à tempore

quo Cantabrigia sub Sigeberto, rege orientialium, & Oxonium sub Aluredo condita sunt, semper fu∣êre viri in Anglia doctissimi, à quibus Lutetia Fa∣risiorum, Papia in Italia originem duxerunt. Can∣tabrigiae gymnasium praecessit Oxonio annis 265, nam Sigebert, A. D. 630 Cantabrigiam erexit, & Alured Oxonium, A. D. 895. But as some contend, Cambridge began not to be an Uni∣versity. till such time that Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely founded the

Colledge of Peter-house, in A D. 1256.

Clare-Hall, founded by Elizabeth de Burgo Countess of Clare, Widow of John de Burgo Earl of Ʋlster, in A. D. 1347.

Pembroke Hall founded by Mary de St. Paul, Widow of Adomarius de Valentia Earl of Pem∣broke, 1347. First named Aula de Valence Ma∣ria.

Corpus Christi, commonly called Benet Colledg, was founded by the Alderman, and Brethren of Corpus Christi Guild, and the Brethren of our Lady Guild in Cambridge, 1351.

Trinity Hall was of old time an Hostel or House of study, wherein Students lived at their own charge; but Dr. William Bateman founded it a Colledge, 1353.

Gonvil and Caius Coll. first founded by Ed∣mond de Gonvil, Rector of Terrington and Bush∣worth in Norfolk, 1353; and was repaired by John Caius Dr. of Physick, 1557.

Kings Coll. by King Henry the 6th. 1441.

Queens Coll. by Margret Andegavensis, Wife to King Henry the 6th, 1441; but finished by Elizabeth Wife to King Edward the 4th 1465

Katherine Hall founded by Robert Woodlark Provost of Kings Colledge, 1475.* 1.60

Jesus Colledge from a desol••te Nunnery was converted into a Colledge, by John ••lcock Bi∣shop of Ely 1497.

Christs Colledge founded by Margret Countess of Derby (the Mother of King Henry the 7th.) in the place where the Colledge of Gods-house stood, 1505.

St. Johns Coll. was erected upon the ruines of an ancient Hospital of regular Canons by the said Margret Countess of Derby, 1508.

Magdalen Coll. first an Hall, wherein Monks of divers Monastries studied; but in the year 1542, Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor of Eng∣land, founded there a new Colledge in honour of St. Mary Magdalen.

Trinity Coll. founded by King Henry the 8th, in A. D. 1546.

Emmanuel Coll. founded by Sir Walter Mild∣may, 1584.

Sidney Sussex Coll. was founded by Frances Countess of Sussex, the Daughter of Sir Willi∣am Sydney, A. D. 1598.

EDward sirnamed the Elder,* 1.61 the eldest Son of Alfred, was Crowned at Kingstone upon Thames. At Wodnesfield near Wolfrune Hampton, he obtained a great victory over the Da••es; for two of their Kings were slain, many of their Nobles, and an innumerable company of their commons, which caused him both to be feared and loved. His Sister Elfleda had very hard travel of her first Child, therefore ever

after she forbare the nuptial embraces,* 1.62 alledg∣ing it to be an over-foolish pleasure, which brought with it so great pains. And listing her self under Mars, she in person assisted her Bro∣ther against the Danes, performing many manly feats. King Edward dyed at Farringdon, and was buried in the new Monastry of Winchester, in A. D. 924. His Issue were Ethelstan, Elfred, Elsward, Edwin, Edmund, Edred, and Nine Daughters. He built a Castle at Stafford, in A.D. 914, He like∣wise built a Castle at Huntingdon, in A. D. 917, which Henry the 2d afterward demolished, as some say. He also built Hereford, out of the ruines of old Aviconium. Manchester in Lancashire, anci∣ently Mancunium, having been destroyed in the Danish Wars, this King caused to be built a∣gain; because the Inhabitants had behaved themselves manfully against the Danes.

King Edward the elder, built a new Town over against Nottingham, and made a Bridge over the River betwixt the two Towns.

* 1.63EThelstan was Crowned at Kingstone by A∣thelme Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. This Prince by the evil suggestions of his Cup-bear∣er, became suspitious of some Treason to be wrought against him by his Brother Edwin, therefore caused him to be put in a small vessel without Tackle, and Oars, and so to be expo∣sed to the mercy of the Waters; whence the young Prince overcome with grief, cast him∣self headlong into the Sea: whose Ghost the King sought to pacifie by a Seven years volun∣tary penance, and building the two Monastries

of Middleton and Michelness. He also took revenge on his Cup-bearer by this occasion. On a festival-day as his Cup-bearer was ser∣ving, one of his feet hapned to slip; but he recovered himself with the other, and there∣upon pleasantly said, You see how one Brother helpeth another. Then the King with grief called to mind the death of his innocent Bro∣ther, and forthwith commanded execution to be done upon his Cup-bearer, the procurer thereof. King Ethelstan or Adelstane overcame in fight Godfrey the Danish King of Northumber∣land, Constantine King of Scots, and Howell, or Ludwall King of Wales, constraining them to submit unto his pleasure, which done, he pre∣sently restored to their former estates, saying, That it was more honour to make a King than to be a King. He enlarged his dominions beyond any of his predecessors and was in the greatest reputation with all foreign Princes, who sought his friendship both by alliance, and rare presents. Hugh King of France, (besides some inestimable Jewels) sent him the Sword of Constantine the Great, in the Hilt whereof; all covered with Gold, was one of the Nails, as 'twas said, which fastned Christ to the Cross. He sent likewise the Spear of Charles the Great, reputed to be the same which pierced the side of our Saviour; also a part of the Cross whereon he suffered and a piece of the Crown of Thorns, with also the Banner of St. Mau∣rice. And from Otho the Emperor who had married his Sister, was sent a vessel of preci∣ous Stones, artificially made, wherein were

Lantskips with Vines,* 1.64 Corn, Men, all seeming so naturally to move, as if they had been re∣ally the things themselves. And the King of Norway sent him a famous and rich Ship. Some of these Relicks he gave unto Swithuns Abby in Winchester, and the rest to the Mona∣stry in Malmsbury. He beautified the City of Excester, founded St. Germans in Cornwall, St. Petrocus at Bodman, the Priory of Pilton, and enriched every famous Abby in the Land, ei∣ther with new-buildings, Jewels, Books, or Revenues, as also he did certain Cities with the Mintage of his Money. Whereof in Lon∣don were Eight Houses, at Winchester Six, Lew∣is Two, Hastings Two, Hampton Two, Warham Two, Chichester One, Rochester Three, two for the King and one for the Bishop; Canterbu∣ry Seven, four for the King, two for the A. Bi∣shop, and one for the Abbot. He caused the Holy Bible to be translated into the Saxon Tongue. He dyed at Glocester, called by the Britains Caer-Gloue, i. e. Fair City, in A. D. 940, and was buried at Malmsbury in Wilts, first built by Malmutius a King of the Britains. A∣bout this King Ethelstans time (if ever) lived that famous Guy Earl of Warwick.

* 1.65EDmond the 5th Son of King Edward, was Crowned at Kingston. He obtained many signal victories over the Danes in divers parts of the Land, recovering out of their hands several Counties and Cities; but at his Mannor of Puckle-kerks in the County of Glocester, whilst he was interposing himself between his

Sewer and another to part a fray, he was with a thrust through the body wounded to death in A. D. 946, and was buried at Glastenbury. His Issue was Edwy and Edgar.

EDred was the sixth Son of King Edward,* 1.66 and succeeded his Brother in the Non-age of his Sons. Wolstane Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, for some misdemeanors he committed to cu∣stody; but afterwards in reverence to his office discharged him. So devout he was in the Reli∣gion of those times, that he suffered his royal body to be chastised at the will and direction of Dunstan Abbot of Glastenbury, unto whose keeping he also committed the greatest part of his treasures and richest Jewels. The stately Abby of Mich at Abingdon, built by King Inas, but destroyed by the Danes, he repaired, and most richly endowed it, confirming the Char∣ters with Seals of Gold. St. Germans he or∣dained a Bishops See, which there continued, till by Canutus it was annexed to the Bishoprick of Kyrton in Devon, both which Sees were by Edward the Confessor translated to Excester, He dyed in the year of Grace, 955, and was interred in the old Minster or Monastry of Win∣chester. His Issue Elfrid and Bertfrid.

EDwy the eldest Son of King Edmond was Crowned at Kingstone,* 1.67 and on the day of his Coronation, as some Monks say, he in sight of his Nobles as they sate in Councel, abused the body of a great Lady his near Kinswoman, and not long after slew her Husband, that he

might the more freely injoy his incestuous pleasure.* 1.68 A great enemy he was to the Monks Order, expelling them from some of their Monastries, and placing married Priests in their vacancies. Dunstan the St. he expelled the Realm, either for his bold reprehensions of him, or for detaining the Treasure his Uncle had committed to his keeping, or both; but the people having the Monks single life in high veneration, and conceiting Dunstan to be a ve∣ry holy man, they turned their affections from him, and sware their fealty to Edgar; for very grief whereof he pined away and dyed, A. D. 959, and was buried in the Church of the New-Abby at Winchester.

* 1.69EDgar sirnamed the Peaceable, was Crowned at Kingston by Otho Arch-Bishop of Canter∣bury. To rid the Land of Wolves, which then were very plenty, instead of the Tribute impo∣sed on the Prince of Wales by King Athelstan, he appointed Luduall Prince of Wales to pay yearly 300 Wolves. His Navy-Royal he imployed in securing the Coasts from Pirates and foreign enemies, wherein himself would sayl every Summer. And in the Winter he would circuit the Countrey, taking an account of the admi∣nistration of his Laws, and demeanor of his great men, especially his Judges, whom he would punish severely if he found them to have been guilty of bribery, or partiality, insomuch that there was never less robbery, deceit or op∣pression than in the reign of this King. His State was so flourishing in peace and prosperity, that

caused divers Kings to bind themselves in League with him. Wars he had none in all his reign,* 1.70 save a little towards the latter end thereof by the Welsh whom he quickly curbed. But that which darkned his glory, was his lasciviousness. For he defloured a certain Nun called Wolfchild, on whom he begat St. Edyth; after her another na∣med Ethelflede, on whom he begat his son Ed∣ward. And after this, happening to hear a We∣stern Dukes Daughter extolled for her beauty, he came to her Fathers house, commanding her to his bed. But her Mother, tender of her ho∣nour, instead of her Virgin-daughter, brought her servant-maid in the dark to the King; who well enough pleas'd him that night; though in the morning when he understood the deceit, he checked the Lady, yet entertain'd this Servant for his Concubine, keeping to her bed alone till he married his lawful Wife Elfrida, Duke Ord∣garus daughter: The fame of whose excelling-beauty coming to his ear, he employed Earl Ethelwold his Favourite to go to visit her, and if he found her beauty suiting, then to court and secure her for the King. But Etholwold li∣ked her so well when he saw her, that he courted her for himself, and at his return to Court pretended to the King that her beauty was far short of what it was famed to be; there∣fore besought the King, in respect she was a great Heiress, that he would sollicite her Fa∣ther to bestow her upon him to Wife; Which the credulous King did: But the Duke had not been long married with fair Elfrida, ere a fresh commendation of her beauty sounded in the

Kings ears:* 1.71 Whereupon he resolved to make his own eyes the Witnesses, which according∣ly he did: And upon sight of her beauty be∣came so inamored of her, that taking Ethol∣wold at the advantage as they were hunting together, he ran him through with his Jave∣lin, then took Elfreda to be his Wife, who was very willing to embrace the honour.

Edgar at the instigation of Dunstane now Archbishop of Canterbury, displaced the mar∣ried priests, and possessed their vacancies with Monks of single life. To repress drunkenness which the Danes had brought in, he ordained a size by certain Pins in the Pot, with penalty to any that presumed to drink deeper than the Mark. He dyed A.D. 975, and was buried in the Abby of Glastenbury.

His Issue were, Edward, Edmond, and Ethel∣red.

Ordolph the son of Ordgare Earl of Devon∣shire, in A. D. 961, built a famous Abby at Tavistoke in Devon. Ethelwald Bishop of Win∣chester, about A. D. 963, and in the reign of King Edgar, in a great Famine sold away all the sacred Vessels of his Church for to relieve the poor, saying, That there was no reason that the sensless Temples of God should abound in riches, and lively Temples of the Holy-Ghost to want them.

* 1.72EDward, sirnamed the Martyr, was much opposed by his Mother-in-law Queen El∣frida, and many of the Nobles, as being illegi∣timate; but by the procurement of Dunstane

and the Clergy, he was admitted to be King, and was crowned at Kingstone in A.D. 975. The beginning of whose Reign was attended with a miserable barrenness of the ground, and Mur∣rain amongst Cattel. A dreadful Comet also appeared. These many men thought to be signs and judgments sent from heaven, for the sins committed against the Married Clergy, who were expulsed from their ancient possessions. In favour of whom, the Duke of Mercia destroy∣ed the Monastries in his Province, cast out the Monks, restoring to the Priests and their Wives their ancient revenues. On the contrary, Duke Edelwin in East-Saxia grievously oppressed the married Priests. To put an end therefore to these troubles, and to prevent the dangers that might ensue, the case was referred to be heard in Council at Winchester; where the business was debated so long, till the Monks were in hazard of losing the day. Whereupon it was perswaded to be referred to the Rood, placed where the Council sate; which Oracle (after devout prayers made unto it) thus spake, God forbid it should be so, God forbid it should be so: you judged well once; and to change that again, is not good. Upon which words the married Priests went down the wind. But they disclosing to the people that this was but a trick of the Monks, in placing a man behind the wall, who through a trunk uttered these words in the mouth of the Rood: it was therefore instantly desired, that the case might be once more scanned. Which was granted; and at Cloves in Wiltshire the Pre∣lates, Peers, and Commons assembled, where

being set in consultation,* 1.73 the Chamber-floor being over-pressed with the weight of people, broke, and fell down, hurting many, and kill∣ing others; only St. Dunstane by a miracle re∣mained without any hurt, the post whereon his Chair stood, standing still firm. This is the sto∣ry. And now the secular married Priests were left to take Care without any Cure. But King Edward as he hunted near Corf-Castle, where Elfrida and her son Ethelred resided, either on purpose or by chance parted from his company, and came to the Castle to visit his Brother-in-law; where, as he sate on horse-back at the gate, discoursing with Elfrida and Ethelred, and whilst he was drinking a cup of Wine, a knife was struck into his back by a servant whom Elfrida had appointed thereunto. Whereupon the King, setting spurs to his horse, rode away; but fainting through the loss of much blood, he fell from his horse, and with one foot in the stir∣rup was drag'd up and down the woods and grounds, till in the end his body was left dead at Corfe's Gate; and was first buried at War∣ham, afterwards removed to the Minster of Shaftsbury. Alfrida his Mother-in-law, sore re∣penting the fact, to expiate her guilt, and paci∣fy his crying blood (as she thought) founded the Monastries of Almsbury and Worwell, in the last whereof she dyed and was buried.

* 1.74EThelred, for his slowness sirnamed The un∣ready, was crowned at Kingstone. Upon his Coronation a Cloud was seen through Eng∣land, one half like blood, the other half like

fire:* 1.75 And in the third year of his reign the Danes arrived in sundry places of the Land, and did much spoil. And about the same time a great part of London was consumed by fire. He payed tribute 40000l. yearly (called Dane-gilt) to the Danes. His reign was much molested with Danish Invasions in divers parts of the Land. And so low were the English at that time by the in∣truding Danes, that they were forced to till and sow the ground, while the Danes sate idle in their houses, and eat that which they toiled for. Also abusing their Daughters and Wives, and having all at their command, the English for very fear calling them Lord Danes. Hence we call a lazy Lubber a Lurdane. In this the English distressed estate, the King at last sent forth a se∣cret Commission into every City within his Do∣minions, That upon the Thirteenth day of No∣vember they should massacre all the Danes which were amongst them. This Command of the Kings the people put in execution with extreme rigor in A.D. 1002. But to revenge this great destruction of the Danes, Swein King of Den∣mark prepared a very great Navy, and arrived in the West of England, and shortly after Canu∣tus brought 200 sail of ships well furnished to his assistance. And in A. D. 1016, King Ethel∣red dyed, and was buried at St. Pauls.

His Issue were Ethelston, Egbert, Edmond, E∣dred, Edwy, Edgar, Edward, Elfred, and four Daughters.

In the year of our Lord 991, was Ipswich in Suffolk sacked by the Danes. And in A. D. 1004, Thetford in Norfolk, anciently called Sitoma∣gus,

was sack'd by the Danes;* 1.76 for the recovery whereof, Bishop Arfast removed his Episcopal See from Elmham thither. Norwich was fired by the Danes; its Castle was afterward re-edi∣fied by Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk.

* 1.77EDmond, sirnamed Ironside, the eldest son that Ethelred had living at his death, was crown∣ed at Kingstone by Livingus Archbishop of Can∣terbury, A. D. 1016. At which time the Danes were so powerful in England, that Canute was accepted King at South-hampton by many of the Clergy and Laity, who sware fealty to him. But the City of London stood most firm for Edmond, and bravely withstood Canute besieging it, till such time that King Edmond came and relieved them. At Penham near Gillingham King Edmond engaged with the Danes, where he put many of them to the sword, and the rest to flight. And not long after, his and the Danish Host met nigh to Shereston in Worcestershire, where the battel was for the first day fought with equal success; but on the next day, when the English were in forwardness and probability of the victory, the Traytor Edrick on purpose disanimated them, by cutting off the head of a dead soldier, put∣ting it on his sword point, then crying to the English Host, Fly ye wretches, fly, and get you a∣way, for your King is slain; behold, here is his head; seek therefore now to save your own lives. By which means the fight ended on even hands. And the next night following Canute stole away toward London, whom Ironside followed, first raising the siege that Canutus had laid against

London, and then marching after him to Brent∣wood, where he gave the Danes a great over∣throw. Then near unto Oteford in Kent, the two Armies met again, and fought in furious manner, till at last the day fell to the English, who slew Four thousand five hundred men, with the loss but of Six hundred, and put the rest to flight, whom the King had pursued to their ut∣ter confusion, had not his brother-in-law Edrick play'd the Traytor again, disswading him from the chase of them, under the pretence of dan∣ger of ambushments, and the English soldiers over-weariedness. Whereupon Canute had the opportunity of passing over into Essex, where his scattered Forces rallied, and fresh supplies came in to them. After whom Edmond advan∣ced, and at Ashdon by Saffron-Waldon the Armies joined battel, when a bloody slaughter ensued with the hopes of victory on the English side; which the ever-traytorous Edrick perceiving, he withdrew his strength to the Danes, the ene∣my thereby regaining the day. Of King Ed∣mond's Nobles were slain, Duke Alfred, Duke Goodwin, Duke Athelward, Duke Ethelwin, Earl Ʋrchel, with Cadnoth Bishop of Lincoln, and Wolsey Abbot of Ramsey, and other of the Cler∣gy that were come thither to pray for good success to the English. The Memorial of this Battel is still retained by certain small hills there remaining where the dead were buried. From hence King Edmond marched to Glocester with a very small Army, which he there en∣creased. After him Canute followed, and at Dearhurst near Severn both Hosts met, and were

ready to join battel; When by the motion of a certain Captain, Edmond and Canute under∣took by single Combat to end the difference. So entring into a small Island called Alney, adjoin∣ing to Glocester, there they valiantly fought, till Canute having received a dangerous wound, and finding Edmond to over-match him in strength, he thus spake to the English King:

What necessity should move us, most valiant Prince, that for the obtaining of a Title, vve should thus endanger our lives? Better it were to lay Malice and Weapons aside, and to condescend to a loving Agreement. Let us novv therefore become svvorn Brothers, and divide the Kingdom betvvixt us, and in such league of amity, that each of us may use the others as his ovvn: So shall this Land be peaceably governed, and We jointly assist each others necessity.

Which vvords ended, they both cast dovvn their Svvords, embrace as friends, vvith the great joy and shouting of both Armies. And according to Canute's proposal, the Kingdom was divided betwixt them; Edmond having that part that lay coasting upon France, Canute the rest. But the Traytor Duke Edrick, with design to work himself further into Canute's favour, procured Edmond to be thrust into the body as he was easing nature. Then cutting off his head, he presented Canute therewith, saying, All hail, thou now sole Monarch of England; for behold here the head of thy Co-partner, which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off. To whom Canute, like a worthy King, replyed, That in re∣gard

of that service, the bringers own head should be advanced above all the Peers of his Kingdom. A while after performing this his promise, by causing Edrick's head to be cut off, and placed on the highest Gate of London. But some say that King Edmond dyed a natural death at London, when he had reigned seven Months, whose body was buried at Glastenbury.

His Issue were, Edward sirnamed the Out-law (because he lived out of England during the reign of the Danes) and Edmond.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1. Kent.
• * 1.2

  2 South Saxons.
• * 1.3

  3. West Saxons.
• * 1.4

  4. East Saxons.
• * 1.5

  5. North.
• * 1.6

  6. Mercia.
• * 1.7

  7. East Angles.
• * 1.8

  VORTI∣GERN.
• * 1.9

  VORTI∣MER.
• * 1.10

  British Princes.
• * 1.11

  AMBRO∣SIUS.
• * 1.12

  UTER PENDRA∣GON. A.D. 497.
• * 1.13

  ARTHUR, A.D. 516.
• * 1.14

  CON∣STAN∣TINE, A.D. 542.
• * 1.15

  CONA∣NUS, A.D. 545.
• * 1.16

  VORTI∣PORUS, A.D. 578.
• * 1.17

  MALGO, A.D. 581.
• * 1.18

  CARETI∣CUS, A.D. 586.
• * 1.19

  CADWAN, A D. 635.
• * 1.20

  Chester.
• * 1.21

  CADWAL∣LO, A. D. 635.
• * 1.22

  CADWAL∣LADOR, A.D. 685.
• * 1.23

  HENGIST, A.D. 455.
• * 1.24

  ELLA, A.D. 479.
• * 1.25

  CHER∣DICK, A. D. 485.
• * 1.26

  KENRICK.
• * 1.27

  CHELWIN A.D. 560.
• * 1.28

  ETHEL∣BERT, A.D. 561.
• * 1.29

  Augustine the Monk, and Lau∣rentius, A. Bps. of Canterbury.
• * 1.30

  RED∣WALD, A.D. 616.
• * 1.31

  EDWIN, A D. 624.
• * 1.32

  Church of Lincoln founded by Bp. Paulinus.
• * 1.33

  Melitus and Justu, A. Bps. of Canterbury.
• * 1.34

  OSWALD, A.D. 633.
• * 1.35

  Melitus and Justus, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.36

  OSWAY, A.D. 643.
• * 1.37

  VULF∣HERE, A D. 668.
• * 1.38

  Honorius and Dues∣dedit, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.39

  ETHEL∣RED.
• * 1.40

  Theodorus and Ber∣tualdus, A. B of Cant.
• * 1.41

  KENRED.
• * 1.42

  CHELRED A.D. 709.
• * 1.43

  ETHEL∣BALD.
• * 1.44

  OFFA, A.D. 758.
• * 1.45

  Tarninus and No∣thelmus, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.46

  EGFKID, A.D. 794.
• * 1.47

  KEN∣WOLPH, A.D. 795.
• * 1.48

  EGBERT, A.D. 819.
• * 1.49

  Cuthbert and Brog∣mius, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.50

  ETHEL∣WOLPH, 836.
• * 1.51

  Lambert & Ethelard, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.52

  ETHEL∣BALD, A.D. 857.
• * 1.53

  ETHEL∣BERT, A.D. 860.
• * 1.54

  ETHEL∣RED, A.D. 866.
• * 1.55

  Alfredus & Trelolegel∣dus, A. B. Cant.
• * 1.56

  ALFRED, A.D. 872.
• * 1.57

  Celnoth and Ethelrad, A. B. Cant.
• * 1.58

  Oxford U∣niversity Colledge.
• * 1.59

  Cambridge University.
• * 1.60

  Plemundus, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.61

  EDWARD, A.D. 901.
• * 1.62

  Athème, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.63

  Ethelstan, A. D. 924.
• * 1.64

  Ulfelinus or Wolstane A.B. Cant.
• * 1.65

  EDMOND, A.D. 940.
• * 1.66

  EDRED, A. D. 946.
• * 1.67

  EDWIE, A.D. 955.
• * 1.68

  Otho, A B Cant.
• * 1.69

  EDGAR, A.D. 959.
• * 1.70

  OTHO A.B. Cant.
• * 1.71

  Elsius and Dunstane, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.72

  EDWARD II. 975.
• * 1.73

  Ethelgar and Elfrick A.B. Cant.
• * 1.74

  ETHEL∣RED, A.D. 978.
• * 1.75

  Ethelgar & Alfrick A.B. Cant
• * 1.76

  Siricus, Elphegus, Livingus, A.B. Cant.
• * 1.77

  EDMOND IRONSID. A.D. 1016