Historical antiquities, in two books the first treating in general of Great-Brettain and Ireland : the second containing particular remarks concerning Cheshire / faithfully collected out of authentick histories, old deeds, records, and evidences, by Sir Peter Leycester, Baronet ; whereunto is annexed a transcript of Doomsday-book, so far as it concerneth Cheshire, taken out of the original record.

PART I.

CHAP. I.

I. OUr Island of Great Brettaine was altogether unknown both to the ancient Grecians and Romans, until the Days of Caius Julius Caesar. Bede de Historiâ Gentis Anglorum, lib. 1. cap. 2. Learned Cambden, in his Britannia Printed 1607. pag. 24, 25. Also She∣ringham de Gentis Anglorum Origine, pag. 99. For the Name of Brettaine is not to be found in any Author, Greek or Latine, before that time, as far forth as I have ever seen or heard of, Diodorus Si∣culus being the first among the Greek Authors, and Lucretius among the Latines, who made mention thereof; and both these lived about the same Age with Caesar, or a little sooner.

Wherefore we have no certain History of this Island but from Caesar downwards. The ancient Brettans were a barbarous People, and left no Writing or History of their Countrey to Posterity. Gildas, called Sapiens, is the first among the Brettans who hath left us any mention in Writing hereof, and those very short and imperfect. Now Gil∣das writ about the Year of Christ 540. and what he writ (as he confesseth in his Pro∣logue) was by Relation from beyond Sea, more than out of ancient Records and Wri∣tings of his own Countrey: for those (if any such were at all) were either burned by the Enemy's rage, or carried away by the banished Natives; so that in his time there was no such extant.

II. Now Julius Caesar, upon his second Expedition into Brettaine, Anno antè Christum natum 54. or thereabout, subdued part of Brettain, and many Cities submitted, and

yielded up themselves to the Romans. Caesar de Bello Gallico, lib. 5. in ipso initio. And the Rule of the Romans in Brettaine ceased upon the declination of the Roman Empire, after that Alaric, King of the Gothes, had taken Rome, which hapned in the Year of Christ 410. according to our vulgar Computation. So Helvicus in his Chronology; also Bede de Hist. Ang. lib. 1. cap. 11. So that the Rule or Soveraignty of the Romans over Brettaine continued almost 470 Years, as Bede computeth in the same Chapter. But Cambden in his Britannia, pag. 60. computing to Valentinian the Third, saith 476 Years.

III. But now the poor Brettans, upon the Romans withdrawing of their Forces out of Brettaine, to defend themselves, were miserably devoured by the Scots and Picts: And therefore they called in, and invited the Saxons to aid them; who came first in∣to Brettaine Anno Christi 449. saith Bede and Malmesbury. But the Brettans (to use Gil∣das's own words) perceiving the Saxons, Quasi pro patriâ pugnaturos, sed eam certiùs im∣pugnaturos, defended themselves as well as they could. But the Saxons, after they had expelled the Scots and Picts, did also by degrees root out the Brettans also; and the Saxons at last solely possessed themselves of all the South part of Brettaine, which we now call England; but disagreeing among themselves, and contending for Superiority, each Party would set up themselves (as it commonly falls out in such Cases,) and so had a Heptarchy, or seven distinct Kingdoms in England, till at last they were all swallowed up into one by that of the West-Saxons, the poor Brettans being driven into Wales and Cornwall.

IV. Egbert King of the West-Saxons, being now sole Monarch of all England, (for so Hoveden calls him, pag. 414.) and having routed Wilaf King of Mercia, and made him Tributary, (which Kingdom of Mercia was the largest in compass of all the seven, and the last of the six unsubdued) ordained, That this part of Brettaine, whereof he had now the Soveraignty, should be called England; since which time it hath gained the Name of England. Verstegan's Saxon Antiquities, p. 123. And this Edict, saith Trevisa in his Translation of Polychronicon, was when Egbert was Crowned King of all England at Winchester, after the Battel of Ellindon, Fol. 275. Now the Battel of Ellindon is pla∣ced in Anno Christi 823. by Florentius Wigorniensis and Stowe.

This Egbert also is said to have new modelled England into Shires; the word Share we use at this day for a Part or Division. Huntington, lib. 1. Hist. pag. 298. Postquàm Reges West-Sexe caeteris praevaluerunt, & Monarchiam obtinuerunt, terras in 35 Provincias dividebant. This might be Ethelwolfe, Son of Egbert: yet Egbert was the first Monarch. Ingulphus saith, Alfred (the fourth Son of Ethelwolfe) divided England into Counties, Hundreds, and Tythings, pag. 870. But Selden supposeth Ingulphus is herein mistaken, otherwise Malmesbury would have attributed the Division of Shires unto Alfred as well as Hundreds and Tythings, which he omitteth altogether, pag. 44. Therefore Shires were distinguished somewhat sooner, to wit, by Egbert; Hundreds and Tythings by Alfred. This Alfred also ordained Judges and Sheriffs, making two Officers for the Governing of a Shire, whereof before was but one Officer, called Vice-Dominus.

This was but a new Model by Egbert and Alfred: for without doubt the ancient Brettans had their Divisions of Counties, Cities and Towns, as Cook upon Littleton well observes, Sect. 248.

V. As to this new Division of Shires, Huntington in the place cited, reckons up 35. where he reckons Cornwall, Northumberland, and Cumberland, to make up the Account. But Malmesbury De Gestis Regum, lib. 2. cap. 10. pag. 63. saith, That under King Ethel∣red, Anno Domini 1016. there were but 32 Shires in England: and the Record of the two Dooms-day Books hath onely 33 Shires under William the Conqueror, Anno Christi 1086. unless we take the East-Ryding, North-Ryding and West-Ryding, there mentioned, for Shires. See Splelman's Glossary on the word Dooms-day; which three do now make up but one Shire, called Yorkshire, as it now stands divided.

Nor do we find in Dooms-day Book any mention at all of Northumberland, Cumber∣land, Westmorland, Durham, or Lancashire; howbeit part of Lancashire, as it now stands distinguished, is put under the Title of Cestershire in that Book, to wit, all that part

between the two Rivers of Ribbell and Mersey; and the rest of it I conceive was put under Euruic-Scire: So that Lancashire seems to have got and gained a distinct Name of a County or Shire since the Norman Conquest; but of later time it was made a County Palatine by the King's Charter to his Son John of Gaunt, Dated 28 die Febru∣arii, 51 Edw. 3. 1376. with all Priviledges sicùt Comes Cestriae infrâ Comitatum Ce∣striae dignoscitur habere: Confirmed by Parliament, 13 Rich. 2. 1389. Durham also hath not his Title in Dooms-day Book, but may seem there to be comprehended under Euric-Scire, or Yorkshire. So likewise Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmorland, are either there omitted, or comprehended under Yorkshire. But soon after these were all accounted for distinct Counties or Shires; which six (as they now stand divided) Nor∣thumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland, Durham, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, were by the Romans, during their Rule in Brettaine, stiled Brigantes, that is, Robbers. In the first Age of the Saxons Rule in Brettaine, these all made up the Kingdom of Deira, as it was then called; which afterwards the Saxons called The Kingdom of the Northumbrians, so called, because they possessed all the North of England, from the River Humber in Yorkshire, to Scotland. So Cambden's Britannia, in the Preface to Yorkshire.

Polychronicon, lib. 1. cap. 49. saith thus: That if Northumberland be counted for one Shire, which reached sometime from the River Humber to the River Twede, then are in England but 32 Shires, over and above Cornwall: But if it be parted into six Shires, that is to say, Evoric-shire, or Yorkshire, Durham-shire, Northumberland, Carlisle-shire; or Cumberland, Appleby-shire, or Westmorland, and Lancashire, then are there 36 Shires besides Cornwall.

In the Conqueror's time, who Described all the Provinces of England, were found 36 Shires, and half a Shire, 52080 Towns, 45002 Parish Churches, 75000 Knights Fees, whereof Houses of Religion had 28015. But now are more Towns and Villa∣ges inclosed and inhabited then were at that time; and whereas before it was written, that Cornwall was not set in the Shires of England, it may stand among them well enough; for it is not in Wales, nor in Scotland, but it is in England; and so reckoning Cornwall, be 37 Shires in England. Thus the Monk of Chester in his Polychronicon, who writ under Edward the Third.

But the Monk erreth in his Account; for there are 33 Shires named in Dooms-day Book, with Cornwall; and if Yorkshire in Dooms-day Book have five other Shires taken out of it, and be added to the rest, then there must be in all 38 Shires, and not 37. as the Monk counteth.

And if we add Rutlandshire (which was formerly part of Northamptonshire, but since Edward Plantagenet, Son and Heir to Edmund of Langley Duke of York, was made Earl of Rutland under King Richard the Second, it hath been reckoned for a County) and also Richmondshire, which is part of Yorkshire, being now also put into the number of our Counties, then have we just 40 Counties in England at this present.

VI. Wales was newly divided into Shires and Hundreds, Anno Domini 1283. 11 Edw. 3. saith Stow in his Annals; in which Year Wales was totally subdued by Ed∣ward the First, who then built two strong Castles there, one at Conway, the other at Caernarvan.

Cambden saith there were onely six Shires in Wales in the Reign of Edward the First, constituted; and the rest were ordained by Parliamentary Authority under Henry the Eighth; in his Britannia Printed 1607. pag. 115. But the Statute of 34 & 35 Hen. 8. cap. 26. tells us, That eight Shires were of ancient and long time, to wit, the Shires of Glamorgan, Caermarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan, Flint, Caernarvan, Anglesey, and Merioneth; but other four were made and appointed by the Statute of 27 Hen. 8. cap. 26. besides Monmouthshire, to wit Radnor, Brecknock, Montgomery, and Denbigh; and divers Do∣minions and Lordships in the Marches of Wales, were then also united and annexed to Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire; so that there were five Shires newly made under Henry the Eighth, and eight Shires under Edward the First, but some now ac∣count Monmouth among the Shires of England, as Cambden and Speed, and so make 41 Counties in England, because in that Statute of 27 Hen. 8. cap. 26. it is made subject to

the Chancery of England, and to the King's Judges of Westminster, as all other the King's Subjects be within every Shire of the Realm of England. By the same reason we may now account all the 13 Shires of Wales for Counties of England, because by the same Statute of 27 Hen. 8. the Dominion of Wales is from thenceforth incor∣porated, united, and annexed to the Realm of England.

Yet it seems to me more proper, that Monmouth be placed among the Shires of Wales, in regard it was formerly part of Wales, to preserve the memory thereof; and so we have at this day 13 Shires in Wales.

CHAP. II.

Of the Kingdom of Mercia.

I. FOr my better method and clearer passage to the Earls of Chester, it will not be amiss briefly to set down the Kings of Mercia, during the Heptarchy of the Saxons in England, under which our County of Cheshire is comprised.

This Kingdom of Mercia began Anno Domini 626. under Penda sirnamed The Strong, Son of Wibba: Howbeit Huntington brings it somewhat higher, even to begin under Crida, who died Anno Domini 596. lib. 2. pag. 315. whose Descent he also sets down out of the ancient Saxons Chronicle to Woden, pag. 316. and the Descent of Woden, Malmesbury reckons up,* 1.1 (lib. 2. de Gestis Regum, cap. 2. ad initium) out of the English Chronicles, to Noah. Also Hoved. Annal. pars prior, p. 414. brings it up to Adam: Which Descent, although we may conceive it true, as far as is set down, yet it carries great im∣probabilities along with it, in respect of the long Tract of Time it contains: for Woden is but the tenth Ancestor from Crida inclusively, and Noah but the sixteenth from Wo∣den, according to Malmesbury: So all the Generations from Noah to Crida are but 26. which in all probability cannot contain much above 600 Years; and so Crida living after Christ 550 Years, as Huntington clearly expresseth, the Generation where Noah is placed cannot exceed 100 Years before Christ, or thereabouts. Now Noah lived above 2000 Years before Christ, as is evident by the Scripture: and the Generations from Noah to Christ are reckoned up 68, Luke cap. 3. and according to Matthew, from Noah to Christ are reckoned up 52 Generations, which far exceed the proportion and number here set down by Malmesbury: Besides this, that Bedwegius should be the Son of Sem (as Hoveden hath it) is much to be suspected; or (as Malmesbury sets it down) that he should be the Son of Stresaeus, and Stresaeus reported to be the Son of Noah, seems likewise incredible, forasmuch as no such Son is recorded in the Text, Genesis cap. 10. either to Noah or Sem. But to return.

II. The Kingdom of Mercia was otherwise called Midel-Engle, or Mediterranea Anglia, Huntington, lib. 2. Histor. pag. 317. and was distinguished into the Northern and Southern Mercians. The South-Mercians were 5000 Families, and were severed by the River Trent from the North-Mercians, who contained 7000 Families: and this distinction was in the time of Peda, Son of Penda. Huntington, lib. 3. pag. 332.

It was called Mercia, not from the River Mersey, running from the corner of Wirral in Cheshire, because that River was the utmost Limit thereof Westward; but I rather be∣lieve that River took Denomination from this Kingdom, which it Bounded on that side; and was called Mercia, because it abutted or bordered upon part of all or most of the other Kingdoms of the Heptarchy: for Marche in the Saxon Tongue signifieth A Border or Limit: Hence we call the parts of Wales next bordering upon England, The Marches of Wales; and at this day we call the utmost Border of a piece of Land, A Land-March, now pronounced Land-Mark, which is as much as A Mere or Boundary.

III. I shall now briefly run over the Kings of Mercia since the Saxons first set up their Rule here, with the Years of their several Reigns.

1. Crida died about the Year of Christ 596. He began his Reign Anno Domini 586. and Reigned ten Years.

2. VVibba, Son of Crida. He began his Reign Anno 596. and Reigned twenty Years.

3. Ceorlus, Son of VVibba. He began his Reign Anno 616. and Reigned ten Years.

4. Penda, sirnamed The Strong, Son of VVibba, slew Edwin and Oswald,* 1.2 Kings of Nor∣thumberland, in several Battels. Oswald was slain the fifth day of August, Anno Domini 642. Oswald was a holy Man, and many Churches and Chappels were Consecrated and Founded in honour of him. This Penda was slain by Oswy, Bro∣ther of Oswald in the Year 656. in Battel. He began his Reign Anno 626. and Reigned thirty Years.

5. Peda, or Weda, Son of Penda, Married Alflede, Daughter of Oswy King of Nor∣thumberland, and was the first King of Mercia that received the Christian Faith. He received half of Mercia by the Gift of Oswy his Father-in-law, to wit, South-Mercia. This Oswy Founded Lichfield Church, and made Dwina a Scotchman Bi∣shop thereof, Anno Domini 656. He was the first Bishop of Mercia. Stow. pag. 67. This Peda began his Reign Anno 656. and Reigned three Years.

6. Wulfere, Son of Penda, after the Death of his Brother Peda, succeeded King of Mercia: for the Nobility of Mercia, Jumin, Eaba, and Eadbert, did rebell against Oswy, and set up Wulfere, who Married Ermenhild, Daughter of Erconbert King of Kent, and had Issue by her, Kenred a Son, and Werburge a Daughter, that holy Virgin, who died at Chester, and there buried. Will. de Malmesbury, lib. 1. de Gestis Regum, cap. 4. This Wulfere was the first of the English Kings who committed Simony, and sold the Bishoprick of London to one VVina. He killed two of his own Sons, Ulfade and Rufin, because they went to be instructed in the Christian Faith by St. Chad Bishop of Lichfield, whose Bodies Ermenhild the Queen buried in a Sepulchre of Stone, where after she Founded a Priory, called The Priory of Stones, in Staffordshire. Stow. pag. 69. He began his Reign Anno 659. and Reigned seventeen Years.

7. Ethelred, Brother to VVulfere, erected a Bishoprick at VVorcester. He began his Reign Anno 675. and Reigned twenty nine Years.

8. Kenred, Son of VVulfere, in the fifth Year of his Reign went to Rome, and became a Monk in St. Peters Church in Rome, where he continued all his Life. He began his Reign Anno 704. and Reigned five Years.

9. Ceolred, Son of Ethelred, Fought stoutly against Ina, King of the VVest-Saxons. Ceolred was buried at Lichfield. He began his Reign Anno 708. and Reigned eight Years.

10. Ethelbald the Proud, whom Malmesbury stiles Pronepos Pendae ex Alwio fratre, Reigned peaceably one and forty Years. This Ethelbald, and almost all the No∣bility of Mercia, were much addicted to Adultery, rejecting their Wives, as ap∣pears by the Letter of Boniface, Archbishop of Mentz and German Legate, to Ethel∣bald, about Anno 747. He Founded the Abbey of Crowland, and was slain by his own Subjects, by the procurement of Berared, at the Battel of Segiswold, within three Miles of Tamworth, as he was Fighting against Cuthred King of the VVest-Saxons, Anno 757. Stow. and his Body was Interred at Ripedon or Ripon. He was Son of Alwy, Son of Eoppa, Son of VVibba. Matth. VVestminst. pag. 264. He be∣gan his Reign Anno 716. and Reigned one and forty Years.

11. Berared, an Usurper, was slain by Offa, and had an end meet for a Traytor. He began his Reign Anno 757. and Reigned one Year.

12. Offa was Cosin to Ethelbald, scilicet Son of Dingferth, Son of Eanulf, Son of Osmod, Son of Eoppa, Son of VVibba. Florentius VVigorniensis, pag. 274. He overcame in Battel Kinulf King of the VVest-Saxons. He built the famous Mona∣stery of black Monks at St. Albans, Anno 793. in the three and thirtieth Year of

his Reign, and Endowed it with Lands, witnessed by himself, Egfrid his Son, nine Kings, fifteen Bishops, ten Dukes, &c. He translated the Arch-bishop's See from Canterbury to Lichfield, and Founded the Abbey of Bathe. He made a great Dike or Ditch between VVales and the Kingdom of Mercia, which is called Offa's Dike, and whereof part is yet to be seen. Stow. pag. 71. He gave to the Pope a yearly Rent out of every House in his Kingdom, stiled The Charter of Peter-Pence. Polychron. lib. 5. cap. 25. His Wifes Name was Quendrida; whose Daugh∣ter she was, I find not: By whom he had Issue, Egfrid a Son; Ethelburge a Daugh∣ter Married Brictric, King of the VVest-Saxons, Anno 787. whom Florentius calleth Eadburge, pag. 280. Elfled another Daughter, was second Wife to Ethelred King of Northumberland. Speed's Hist. pa. 362. and Elfrid another Daughter, betook her self to the Monastery of Croyland. He died at Ofley, saith Stow (Quaere if not mistaken for Ocley,) the twenty ninth day of July, and was buried at a Chappel without the Town of Bedford. He began his Reign Anno 758. and Reigned thirty nine Years.

13. Egfrid, Son of Offa, died young. He Reigned but 141 Days, saith Florentius, pag. 281. and was buried at St. Albans. He began to Reign Anno 796.

14. Kenulfe, an heroick and noble Prince, succeeded King of Mercia. He was Son of Cuthbert, and Trinepos VVibba, that is, The Sixth in Descent from VVibbae, saith Matthew of VVestminster, pag. 291. He took Eadbert, (or Egbert as others call him) sirnamed Pren, King of Kent, whom he carried away Prisoner triumphantly, An. 798. and not long after, when he had built VVinchelcombe Church, on the Day of the Dedication thereof, he set his Prisoner free at the Altar of that Church, and made Cuthred King of Kent in his stead. So VVestminster and others. He also Founded the Church of St. Ethelbert in Hereford, the Bishop's See; and by Elfride his Wife had Issue Kenelm a Son, and two Daughters, Quendrede and Bur∣genhild. He died Anno Christi 819. saith Florentius; Anno 821. saith Westminster, and buried at Winchelcome Abbey. He began his Reign Anno 796. and Reigned twenty four Years.

15. Kenelm, Son of Kenulfe, a Boy of seven Years old, was murthered within few Months after his Father's Death by one Ascebert his Governor, who taking him into a Wood, cut off his Head, and buried him under a Thorn Tree. This was done by the procurement of Quendrede his Sister; whereby Kenelm obtained the Name of a Martyr. His Body being found, was buried at Winchelcombe. He be∣gan to Reign Anno 819.

16. Ceolwulfe, Brother of Kenulfe, succeeded King. He was deposed by Bernulfe, and driven out of the Kingdom, and had a Daughter called Cenedrith. Spelman's Coun∣cels, pag. 333. He began to Reign Anno 820. and Reigned one Year.

17. Beornulfe, elected King Anno 821. who in the third Year of his Reign was over∣come in Battel at Ellandon, by Egbert King of the West-Saxons, Anno 823. but as Westminster puts it, Anno 825. and was slain in Battel against the East-Angles, Anno 824. He began his Reign Anno 821. and Reigned three Years.

18. Ludecan, Cosin to Bernulfe, waging War with the East-Angles, in revenge of Bernulfe, was himself killed, with five Captains of his Army, 826. He began to Reign Anno 824. and Reigned two Years.

19. Wilafe, or Wiglafe, succeeded King; but was subdued by Egbert King of the West-Saxons, Anno 827. under whom he enjoyed his Kingdom, paying Tribute. Wimund, Son of Wilafe, Married Elflede, Daughter of Ceolwulfe King of Mercia, and had a Son called Wilstan. Ingulphus, pag. 858. slain by Berfert. This Wilafe be∣gan his Reign Anno 826. and Reigned thirteen Years.

20. Berthulfe, Brother to Wilafe, was also Tributary to the King of the West-Saxons, till at last he was chased beyond the Seas, by the Sea-Rovers of Denmark. He had a Son called Berfert, who killed his Cosin Wilstan, June 1. Vigiliâ Pentecostes, Anno 850. Florentius, pag. 295. He began his Reign Anno 839. and Reigned thirteen Years.

21. Burdred, or Burhred, paying Tribute, enjoyed it twenty Years, and then being

driven out of his Countrey, fled to Rome. The Danes deliver his Kingdom to Ceolwulfe, sometime Servant to Burhred, on Condition that he should resign it whensoever the Danes should demand it, Anno 874. but not long after King Alfred got it. This Burdred began his Reign Anno 852. and Reigned twenty Years.

So that King Alfred prevailing over the Danes, united the Kingdom of Mercia unto that of the West-Saxons, inseparably from this time, and was absolute Monarch of all England; and so the Kingdom of Mercia failed Anno Domini 875. which, if we reckon from King Penda, had stood about 250 Years; but if we reckon from Crida, about 290 Years.

CHAP. III.

Of the Governors of Mercia, Substituted by King Alfred and his Successors.

TO pass by those former Earls of Chester, namely Edol, or Edolfe, who lived in the time of King Vortiger the Briton, about the Year of Christ 471. stiled Earl of Caer∣legion, or Chester, by Fabian in his Chronicle, Part 5. cap. 89. and also Curfale, or, as by some he is written, Sursalem Earl of Chester, in the time of King Arthur, Anno Domini 616. as Geffrey Monmouth affirms, one of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table; I shall now speak of those Earls, who are more certainly recorded in our Histories of credit, but not yet Earls of particular Places.

I find in Florentius, sub Anno Domini 800. that Ethelmundus Dux Merciorum, coming out of Mercia, and passing Kimeresford with an Army, was met with by Weolhstan Dax Wiltoniensium, and had a cruel Battel, Amboque Duces* 1.3 occisi; but the Victory fell to the Wiltshiremen: by which words, I conceive, the Author means no more than a Ge∣neral, expressed by the word Dux. The two Generals of the Armies met and Fought, and were both slain.

I. I now proceed to the chief Governors of Mercia from the time of King Alfred. The first I meet with (who under Alfred Governed Mercia) is stiled Ethered, or Ethelred, who Married Elflede, Daughter to King Alfred. His Title I find variously delivered: by Higden, the Monk of Chester, he is stiled Ethelredus Dux & Subregulus Merciorum. So likewise by Matthew of Westminster. Also by Hoveden and Huntington, sometimes Dux, sometimes Subregulus, sometimes Dominus Merciorum. Malmesbury, De Gestis Re∣gum, lib. 2. cap. 4. calls him Comes Merciorum. The most usual Title in all those ancient Authors is Dux; which in those Times seems to be all one with an Earl, or Comes. By all it is apparent, that he was then the chief Governor of Mercia under the King; and he lived in the Reigns of King Alfred and Edward the Elder. I desire I may have liberty to render these Titles by the Name of Earl.

The Acts of Earl Ethelred, and of Elflede his Countess.

Ethelred and his Countess restored Caerleon, that is, Legecestria, now called Chester,* 1.4 after it was destroyed by the Danes, and enclosed it with new Walls, and made it nigh such two as it was before; so that the Castle that was sometime by the Water with∣out the Walls, is now in the Town within the Walls. So Trevisa in his Translation of Polychronicon, lib. 6. cap. 4. whereunto agreeth Florentius and Matthew of Westminster. But Hoveden placeth it in Anno 905. Which Town of Chester remained in possession of the Britons or Welshmen, till it was taken by Egbert, the Saxon Monarch of England, about the Year 824. Trevisa, lib. 5. cap. 28.

* 1.5Also he and his Countess translated the Bones of St. Oswald, King and Martyr, from Bardeny to Glocester, where they built an Abbey in honour of St. Peter. Polychronicon.

[ 911] The Danes breaking their Truce with King Edward and this Ethelred, wasted Mercia, and were beaten by the English at Totenhale in Staffordshire; and afterwards at Wodenes∣field, within a Mile of Wolverhampton in Staffordshire, was a great Battel Fought on the fifth day of August in the same Year, wherein the Danes were routed, and three of their Kings slain, Healfdene, Eywysle, and Igwar. Stow. Ethelwerd in Chronico suo, lib. 4. cap. 4. and Trevisa, fol. 287.

[ 912] Ethelred Eximiae vir Probitatis, Dux & Patricius, Dominus & Subregulus Merciorum, decessit, Anno 912. So Florentius; whose Death is placed by Hoveden sub Anno 908. He had onely one Daughter, called Elfwine or Algiva; at whose Birth Elflede her Mother was so much astonished with the pain, that ever after she refrained the Em∣braces of her Husband for almost 40 Years, saith Matth. Westminst. pag 359. protesting often, That it was not fit for a King's Daughter to be given to a Pleasure that brought so much pain along with it; and thereupon grew an heroick Virago, like the ancient Amazons, as if she had changed her Sex as well as her Mind. Ingulphus, pag. 871. Malmesbury, pag. 46.

[ 913] This Lady Elflede is variously written by our ancient Historians, as Edelfled, Ethel∣fled, Egelfled, and Elflede; and from the time of her Husbands Death she Governed all Mercia excellently, except London and Oxford, which King Edward her Brother retained to himself.

She built a Fort at Sceargete, and another at Bridge upon Severn, which I conceive is now called Bridgenorth.

[ 914] She repaired Tamworth nigh Lichfield, and built a Fort at Stafford.

[ 915] She built the Town of Eadsbury in the Forrest of Cheshire, whereof now nothing re∣mains, but that we now call The Chamber of the Forrest. And the same Year she built Warwick.

[ 916] She built also Ciricbyrig, now called Monkes-Kirkby in Warwickshire, saith Dugdale in his Warwickshire, pag. 50. a. and another called Weadbirig; and a third called Run∣covan, but now called Runcorne, in Cheshire. This was long since demolished. Poly∣chronicon. Florentius.

[ 917] She took Brecannemere, or Brecknock, and carried away the Queen of Wales, and 33 of her Men, Prisoners into Mercia.

[ 918] She took the Town of Darby from the Danes, and the whole Province thereof. In Storming of which Town she lost four of her chiefest Officers, antè Calendas Augusti.

[ 919] Elfled died at Tamworth the twelfth day of June, Anno 919. and was buried in St. Peter's Church at Glocester. Florentius, Westminster, Polychronicon, and Huntington. But Hoveden placeth her Death sub Anno 915. And so Ethelwerd, lib. 4. cap. 4. So much do Writers vary for the time.

In the same Year wherein she died, King Edward built a Fort or Town at Thelwall in Cheshire, and Garrison'd it; and also made another Garrison at Manchester, which was then in the outmost Border of the Kingdom of Northumberland this way; and took Mercia from his Neece Elfwin into his own Hands. Florentius. Polychronicon.

I cannot here pass by Henry Huntington's, contradiction of himself, Lib. quinto Histor. pag. 353. where he tells us, That Edred Dux Merciae died Anno 8 Edwardi Regis Angliae, which falls Anno Christi 908. And in the same Page a little after he says, That Ethe∣red Dux Merciae, Father of Edelfled, died in the eighteenth Year of King Edward's Reign; which must needs be a mistake, unless there were two Ethereds Governors of Mercia successively, and two Elfledes, Mother and Daughter; of which I find no mention in other Authors.

The Countess Elflede was a prudent Woman, and of a manly Spirit. She much assisted King Edward her Brother, as well by Councel as by her Actions. She was be∣loved of her Friends, and feared by her Enemies. Of whom Huntington hath these Verses, lib. 5. Hist. pag. 354.

O Elfleda Potens, O terror Virgo Virorum, Victrix Naturae, nomine digna Viri! Tu quo Splendidior fieres, Natura Puellam, Te probitas fecit nomen habere viri: Te mutare decet sed solùm nomina Sexûs: Tu Regina Potens, Réxque Trophaea parans. Jam nèc Caesarei tantum meruêre Triumphi: Caesare Splendidior Virgo, Virago, Vale.

II. Alfere is the next Governor of Mercia: He is also stiled Dux Merciae. He is Witness to a Charter of King Edgar's, made to the Abbey of Croyland, Anno 966. Ingulphus, pag. 882. & 888.

Anno 975. he destroyed many Abbeys, turning out the Abbots with their Monks, and bringing in Clergy-men with their Wives. Hoveden, pag. 427. Florentius, pag. 361.

Anno 983. Alfere Dux Merciorum, and Cosin to King Edgar, died; and Alfric his Son succeeded in that Government. Florentius, pag. 363. And if we may believe Malmesbury, pag. 61. he was eaten to death with Lice.* 1.6

III. Alfric, Son of Alfere, succeeded his Father, and was Dux Merciae by Successi∣on, Anno 983. Huntington calls him Consul Alfricus, Earl Alfric, lib. 5. Hist. pag. 357. For Dux and Consul in these Ages were Synonima.

He was banished England, Anno 986. Florentius. and not long after was received again into favor, contrary to the Rule of State-Policy; for, Quem semel gravitèr lae∣seris, non facilè tibi fidelem credideris: Never think that Man will be faithful to you, whom you have before greatly injured and distasted.

Wherefore, Anno 992. this Alfric being made Chief Governor of the Forces which King Ethelred had collected, and preparing a great Navy against the Danes, gave private Intelligence to the Enemy; and the Night before the Navy was to Engage, he privily conveyed himself to the Danish Fleet, and fled away with the Enemy. But the English Ships pursuing, slew many of the Danes, and took the Ship wherein Alfric was, he himself by flight scarcely escaping. Florentius, pag. 365, 366.

Anno 993. King Ethelred commanded that the Eyes of Algar, Son of Alfric, should be put out; which was effected. Florentius. Howbeit, Huntington saith, pag. 358. that Algar's Eyes were caused to be pluck'd out by one Edwyn; which may stand with the other, as employed by the King to see it done.

Anno 1003. this Traytor Alfric feigned himself sick, when he should have fought with the Danes.

Anno 1016. Alfricus Dux was slain in Battel against the Danes, with many other No∣blemen of England. Florentius, pag. 388.

IV. Edric, sirnamed Streon, a most perfidious Man, [ 1007] was made Duke or Governor of Mercia by King Ethelred, Anno 1007. in which Year the King of England agreed to pay thirty six thousand Pounds Tribute-money to the Danes, so as they would desist from their Rapines. Florentius, pag. 373. with whom also agrees Huntington, Hoveden, and Polychronicon. Onely Westminster saith, he was made Duke of Mercia, Anno 1003.

He was the Son of Egelricus, of low Kindred, and to whom nevertheless his elo∣quent Tongue and crafty Wit procured great Riches and Honor; and for Envy,* 1.7 Fals∣hood, Pride, and Cruelty, exceeded all Men at that time.

He had to his Brothers, Brihtric, Alfric, Goda, Agelwin, Agelward, and Agelmer,* 1.8 Fa∣ther of Wulnoth, Father of Godwin Earl of the West-Saxons.

He married Edgitha, Daughter of King Ethelred. Hoveden, pag. 430.* 1.9 and had Issue Wulfege, and Wegete, two Sons.

His unworthy Acts Historians Record thus.

Anno 1006. he murthered Duke Alfhelme (whom VVestminster calls Ethelstane) by a Wile; for having invited him to a Banquet at Shrewsbury, about the third or fourth

day of his Entertainment, he took him along with him on Hunting, and led him into a Wood, where he had laid in ambush a Butcher of Shrewsbury, called Godwin Port∣hund, whom he had hired to kill Alfhelme. This Godwin, spying his opportunity, when all the rest of the Company were busied in Hunting, fell upon Alfhelme, and murthered him: And shortly after, King Ethelred caused the Eyes of Edric's two Sons, VVulfeage and VVegate, to be put out at Cocham, or Cosham, where the King then lived. Florentius, pag. 372.

Anno 1015. he guilefully got Sigeferth and Morcar, Sons of Earngrime, into his Chamber, where he caused them to be killed secretly; and also endeavored secretly to have slain Edmund Prince of England: And not long after, having gotten forty Ships well Manned with Danish Soldiers, he revolted to Canutus King of the Danes. Florentius, pag. 382. Hoveden, pag. 433.

Sigeferth and Morcar are stiled Earls of Northumberland by VVestminster; whose Lands the King seised, as forfeited by their Treason.

To omit many other of his Treacheries, Anno 1016. Edric most perfidiously caused King Edmund, sirnamed Ironside, to be murthered: for he caused his Son to thrust a sharp Knife into the King's Fundament, as he was at the House of Office exonerating himself: And this was done when the King lodged at Oxford, on the last day of No∣vember. Matt. VVestminster, pag. 401. But Malmesbury, pag. 72. saith, Edric corrupted two of the King's Bed-chamber to thrust an Iron Hook into his Fundament, as he was exonerating himself; so was the common Fame, saith he. Howbeit, Florentius and Hoveden both tell us, That King Edmund died at London, about the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle.

At last this Edric had a just Reward for all his Villanies; for Anno 1017. Cnut, the Danish King, caused him to be Beheaded, after he had told him what he had done to King Edmund, and set his Head upon the Tower of London; for he said he would make him higher than all the Noblemen of England. Others say, That for fear of Tumult, he was privately strangled, and his Body thrown into Thames: So VVestmin∣ster, pag. 402. Vide Ingulphum, pag. 892.

By Edric's Counsel, Cnut banished Edwine, Brother to Edmund Ironside; and also Edward and Edmund, Sons to King Edmund Ironside.

[ 1018] V. Leofric is the next Governor of Mercia I meet with. He is the first that I find stiled Earl of Chester in express words. Henry Huntington, lib. 6. pag. 366. Leofricus Consul Nobilissimus Cestriae. He is also stiled Earl of Leycester by Ingulphus, pag. 891. Howbeit in truth he was now Earl of all Mercia, whereof those Counties were Mem∣bers or Branches; and was one of the Primest Counsellors among all the Nobles of England, and very gracious with his Prince. He lived in the several Reigns of King Cnut, Harald sirnamed Harefoot, Hardy-Cnut, and Edward sirnamed The Confessor.

But give me leave here, by way of Digression, to explain the Title of Earl, which we give unto them; for hitherto, before this Leofric, they have most usually by anci∣ent Authors been stiled Duces Merciae: But from Leofric downwards, they are usually stiled Comites Merciae.

Wherefore it is to be observed, That under the Saxons, the subordinate Titles of Temporal Honour, were those of Ethelinge, Ealdorman, and Thane, or Theigne. The Thanes were answerable to our Barons: The Ealdormen, usually stiled Aldermanni in the old Latin Translations of the Saxon Laws, were such as had Provinces or Coun∣ties under their Government, and signifies as much as Senior, or Senator, in Latin; ex∣pressed sometimes by Subregulus, Regulus, Patricius, Princeps, Dux; and in Saxon, by Heretoga; sometimes by Comes, and Consul. Selden's Tit. Hon. pag. 605. Ethelinge was a Title attributed to those of the Blood-Royal, Sons and Brothers to the King; and signifies as much as Nobly Born: which, in the times of the Saxons, was in Latin expressed Clyto, from the Greek Word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies Famous, Noble, or Emi∣nent.

About King Ethelstan's Reign, the Word Earl was received in England, as a Sync∣nima

to Etheling; and so denoted the Sons or Brothers of the King, and not an Earl, as at this day it is used for a Special Dignity. Selden, Tit. Hon. pag. 604. The word Earl coming into England with the Danes, in whose Language Erlig at this day sig∣nifies as much as Noble, or Honourable. And after the Danish Power encreased in England under King Cnut, the Name of Earl was fixed on those who before were by the Saxons called Ealdormen; and the Saxon Title Ethelinge, no more expressed by the word Earl. The Title of Ealdorman continued until about the Year 1020. expressed by these words in Latin, Duces, Principes, Comites, &c. Selden, Tit. Hon. pag. 609. But from the Norman Conquest, Earl and Comes, most usually have translated each other: And therefore because these Governors of Mercia, first stiled Duces, were also after∣wards stiled Comites, and Consules, I give them the Title of Earls.

Howbeit, in truth, the Titles of Dux and Comes, used by the ancient Historians of our Nation, and also frequently found in old Latin Charters under our Saxon Kings about 800 Years after Christ, did then signifie with us no other than Chief Governors of Provinces and Counties under the King, and promiscuously used in that Age for the same Title. So were also Consul, and Subregulus.

But though Dux and Comes were promiscuously used by Florentius, Huntington, Hove∣den, and other old Authors; yet I find in Latin Chartes of those Ages, many stiled Duces, and others Comites, in the same Charters; as we find in Ingulphus: Nay, you may observe in the Subscriptions of those Ages, this Order;—First Bishops, then Ab∣bots, then Duces, then Comites, then Minister, which in those Chartes denotes a Thane or Lord Baron, &c. And this, as it were, by a constant Course and Order: So that by Duces, somewhat more than by Comites seems to be understood. Comes sine dubio de Provinciarum Comitibus dicitur, qui Populum & judiciariâ Potestate gubernabant, & arma∣tâ manu tuebantur, saith Spelman on the word Comes, which properly and commonly was of old time used for A Governor; and such Provinces as were under the Jurisdiction of such Comes, were called Comitatus, or Counties. The Comes had also his Vice-Comes, or Sheriff, sometimes also called Vice-Dominus, which was substituted under the Comes, for the Rule of his County, in those elder Ages.

Quâ autèm differebat munus Ducis & Comitis, quâ Territorium, non habeo quod asseram, saith Spelman in his Glossary, on the word Dux, pag. 233. a. For the opinion (as there he addeth) of those Men who conceive the Title Dux to be given to such as Governed ma∣ny Shires or Counties, and that of Comes to be attributed to such as Governed but one County, is not clearly proved, nor allowed of; neither of those who make Dux to be meant only of such who were Chief Commanders over such Provinces in Military Affairs, and Comes onely of the Chief Magistrate in the Civil and Judiciary Govern∣ment, according to the Laws within his County.

Certain it is, these Titles were Officiary in those Ages, and were sometimes Feu∣dal, and sometimes conferred at the Pleasure of the Prince. Selden, Tit. Hon. pag. 615. But the Title Dux, or Duke, became not a peculiar Title of Place and Dignity with us in England, as it is now used, before 11 Edw. 3. 1337. when the Black Prince was crea∣ted Duke of Cornwal. And now to return to Leofric.

Concerning the Descent of this Earl Leofric, Cambden in his Britannia, at the end of Leycestershire, reckons it up in this Order.—Leofric Earl of Leycester in the time of Ethelbald King of Mercia, Anno Salutis 716. to whom succeeded in a direct Line, Algar the First, Algar the Second, Leofric the Second, Leofstan or Leofwine, Leofric the Third (Earl of Mercia) of whom I now speak: Which Descent Cambden there pro∣fesseth to have received from a great Antiquary, Thomas Talbot, who had collected the same out of the King's Records. See this Descent also in Monasticon, 1 Part, pag. 304. and in Burton's Description of Leycestershire, pag. 167. The same followed by Dug∣dale in his VVarwickshire, pag. 87. So easily doth Error spread, being once broached.

I will now shew where that Descent is defective.

Leucitus, mis-writ for Leuricus, or Leofric, Comes Leycestriae, Anno Domini 716. tempo∣re Ethelbaldi Regis Merciorum. This appears by the Charter of the said Ethelbald made

to the Abbey of Croyland, as you may find it at large in the History of Ingulphus, pag. 852. But for this Leofric's Wife, Issue, or Successor, no History or Record (which I have hitherto met withal) makes up the wide breach of Descents to the time of Al∣gar the First above-mentioned, containing the Revolution of 120 Years, or therea∣bouts: So that this Leofric cannot be the Father of Algar the First there mentioned.

* 1.10Algar the First, stiled Algarus Comes Leycestriae Senior, sub Regno Wiglafi Regis Merci∣orum. Ingulphus, pag. 860. about the Year 836. He was a great Benefactor to the Ab∣bey of Croyland.

Algar the Second, stiled Algarus Comes Leycestriae Junior, Filius Algari Comitis, lived in the time of Beorred King of Mercia, Anno Domini 860. Ingulphus, pag. 863. He was slain by the Danes in Battel at Kesteven in Lincoln-shire, Anno Domini 870. Ingul∣phus, pag. 865, 866. Nor doth Ingulphus call them Earls of Leycester, though I sup∣pose them so; but onely Algarus Comes Senior, and Junior: Of what Family, he men∣tions not.

Here likewise is another great Interruption, from Anno 870. to Anno 1000. when Leofwine lived, containing about 120 Years more, which the Descent above fills up very improbably, onely one Descent of Leofric the Second, to fill up 120 Years.

{fleur-de-lys} The Descents from Algar the Second, to Leofwine here, are much desired to be filled up, and proved by good Authority.

Leofwine Earl of Leycester flourished under King Ethelred, about the Year of Christ 1000. He was Son of _____ _____ and Married _____ _____ and had Issue Leofric Earl of Mercia, and Normannus, one of the Prime Nobles to Edric Streon Ducis Merciae, which Norman became Protector of Croyland Abbey by Covenant during his Life; for which he had the Mannor of Badby given him for 100 Years, Anno 1017. Ingulphus, pag. 891, & 898. Hoveden, pag. 437, & 442. Also Edwine, ano∣ther Son, slain by Griffith King of Wales, Anno Domini 1039. Monasticon, 1 Pars, pag. 134. And Godwin, another Son. Monasticon, 1 Pars, pag. 130.

Leofric, Son of Earl Leofwin, was the fifth Earl or Governor of Mercia: He is some∣times stiled Earl of Leycester, and sometimes Earl of Chester, as I have before shewed. He was Witness to a Charter made by King Cnut to the Abbey of Croyland, Anno Do∣mini 1032. when Cnut also gave to that Abbey a Golden Cup, subscribed in these words,—✚ Ego Leofricus Comes Concessi. ✚ Ego Algarus Filius Leofrici Comitis astiti, [ 1017] &c. Ingulphus, pag. 893. Hoveden tells us, pa. 437. That in Anno Christi 1018. when the Traytor Edric Streon was put to death by King Cnut, then also were put to death with him Dux Normannus Filius Leofwini Ducis, Frater scilicet Leofrici Comitis, & Ethelwaudus Filius Agelmari Ducis,* 1.11 & Brictricus Filius Alfegi Damnoniensis Satrapae: Leofricum pro Normanno Germano suo Rex Constituit Ducem, & cum post modum valde charum habuit. I know not what he means here by Constituit Ducem, unless he means General or Governor over all Mercia, or else, that he now had the Earldom of his Brother Norman added, whom Ingulphus, pag. 912. stiles Vice-Comes Edrice, id est, Sub∣stitute of Mercia.

This Leofric is said to have a Sister called Ermenhild, Mother to Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester: So the Record cited in Monasticon, 1 Pars, pag. 305. b. Sed quaere: For that Re∣cord is most grosly mistaken in many Places of it.

This Leofric married Godiva Sister of Thorold de Bukenhale. Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Ingulphus, pag. 913, 914. Possibly he was descended from that Thorold whom Ingulphus stiles Vice-Dominus Lincolniensis, sub Anno 851. pag. 861.

He and his Countess Godiva built or enriched these Monasteries, viz. Coventry, Leon, Wenloke, Worcester, Evesham, and two Monasteries of St. John Baptist, and St. Werburge in Chester, and the Church of St. Mary-Stow, which Eadnothus Bishop of Lincoln built. Florentius, pag. 419. Hoveden, pag. 444.

The same Godiva, or, as Florentius writes her, Godgiva, freed the Town of Coventry from all Toll, except the Toll of Horses, by riding naked through the Town, without

any thing to cover her but her Hair; which Condition performed, Earl Leofric granted the Townsmen a Freedom by Charter. Polychronicon, lib. 6. cap. 26. Westminster, pag. 424. which Charter Mr. Dugdale (in his Warwickshire, pag. 86.) conceives rather a Freedom from Servile Tenure, than onely Toll.

This Illustrious Leofric died at his own Town of Bromley, the last day of August, [Obiit 1057] An∣no Domini 1057. So Florentius, and Hoveden, pag. 444. and also Matt. Westminster; and was buried at Coventry, in the Monastery which he had built there, the richest Monaste∣ry then in England.

VI. Algar, Son of Earl Leofric, succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Mercia, Anno Domini 1057. Hoveden, pag. 444. and is stiled Earl of Chester by Huntington, pag. 366. and also Earl of Leycester by Ingulphus, pag. 898.

Anno Domini 1053. the Earldom of the East-Saxons (which before Harold Son of Earl Godwin held) was given to this Algar. And in the Year 1056. he was banished by Edward the Confessor; but by the aid of Griffith King of Wales, after the Slaughter of many, he was reconciled to his Prince, and received his Earldom.

In the Year 1058. being the Year after his Father's death, he was again banished for Treason; but by the help of King Griffith, and the Norwey Navy, he recovered his Earldom by force.

He had to Wife the Sister of William Mallet, as Burton in his Antiquities of Leycestershire affirmeth, pag. 168. and had two Sons, Edwine Earl of Mercia, and Morcar Earl of Nor∣thumberland; and two Daughters, Aldith, first married to Griffith King of Wales, and after to Harold King of England; and Lucio, who had three Husbands, Ivo Talbois Earl of Angeau, the first Husband of Lucy; Roger de Romara, Son of Gerold, the Second Hus∣band of Lucy, by whom she had Issue William de Romara Earl of Lincoln. Randle de Mes∣chines Viscount Baieux in Normandy, Lord of Cumberland in England, and afterwards Earl of Chester, was the third Husband of Lucy, by whom she had also Issue: But she survived all her Husbands. Ingulphus, pag. 898. Hoveden, pag. 443, 444. Ingul. pag. 902, 903. Ordericus vitalis, pag. 511. & 871. Cambden's Britannia in Leycestershire. [Obiit 1059]

Anno Domini 1059. Algar died, and was buried at Coventry. Ingulphus, pag. 898.

VII. Edwine, Son of Algar, succeeded Earl of Mercia, Anno Domini 1059. He and his Brother Morcar stoutly opposed William the Conqueror, Anno 1066. But the Conque∣ror prevailing, he lost his Earldom.

He lived to the fourth Year of the Conqueror's Reign, Anno 1070. [Obiit 1070] When fearing to be imprisoned, he conveyed himself secretly from the Court of William the Conqueror, and rebelled against him; and unable to withstand, he intended to have gone to Mal∣colme then King of Scotland: but being betrayed by his own Men, was slain by the way. Ordericus, pag. 521. Florentius, pag. 437, 438. Some say Morcar was taken by the Conqueror, and died in Prison: Howbeit Ingulphus, pag. 901. saith, Comites Edwinus & Morcarius ambo à suis per insidias trucidati.

I find no mention of any Issue, either of Edwine or Morcar.

Finis Primae Partis.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Also Matth. Paris de H. 2. and Asser Me¦nevensis de Alfredo pa. 1.
• * 1.2

  Bede de Hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 9.
• * 1.3

  Tr••visa, the Translator of Polychronicon, calls them Dukes, fol. 275.
• * 1.4

  Anno Chr. 908.
• * 1.5

  Ann. Chr. 910.
• * 1.6

  Ann. Dom. 983.
• * 1.7

  Florentius, pag. 373.
• * 1.8

  See Hoveden, pag. 450.
• * 1.9

  Stow calls her Edina, pag. 90. b.
• * 1.10

  Vide Ingul∣phum, p. 857.
• * 1.11

  Damnonia, id est, Cornwal and Devon∣shire. Alfegus was Earl of Devonshire & Cornwal.