Camden's Britannia newly translated into English, with large additions and improvements ; publish'd by Edmund Gibson ...

Saxon Coins.

By Mr. Walker.

TAB. V.

THE Saxons and Franks bordered upon one ano∣ther [ 1] in their ancient seats between the Elbe and the Rhine, and changed their countreys much about the same time; a little before the year of Christ 450. For a King of the Franks dying, left two sons (who contended for the Kingdom) the elder (whose name we know not) took part with Attila, and brought an army to him; as the younger did to Aetius: This seems, by good authors, to have been Meroveus, a very valiant Prince, and great friend to the Romans. To him, after that great battle, Aetius gave part of of Gallia, then very much depopulated by those de∣structive wars; which he going to possess, took with him the whole remainder of his nation; into whose countrey the Saxons succeeded. But a few years after, a considerable part of them also relinquished it, accepting that invitation into Britain. Both nations seem to have spoken the same language, retained the same customs, and to have imitated one another, as in many other things, so in their coins; both as to figure, weight, and manner of stamping. On the one side placing the King's face (and sometimes his name only,) on the other the name of the Mint-master, and sometimes of the governor of the place where coined. So that there is little or no erudition to be gained by them: (though their predecessors, the Britains, were careful after their embracing Christia∣nity, to express some of its customs and ceremonies) But in this they differed, that the Franks used more variety, and frequent changes, both of allay, weight, and value in their coins; and their Princes made more use of their seigneurage, or sovereign power of coining, to the no small disadvantage and trouble of their subjects; insomuch that they petition'd King Charles VII. to quit this his prerogative; and they would consent, that he should impose upon them tailles (taxes) and aides. To which the King con∣sented; reserving to himself only such a proportion of the seigneurage, as might pay the Officers of the mint, and the charges of fabrication. Whereas this Nation hath very seldom practised it either then or since. And though the French writers very much applaud us for it; yet the reason may be, that we have not such great occasions and necessities to force us to it. Therefore neither have we such variety of laws, records, or regulations of moneys as in France are in the Court des monnoies, established for those orderings and pleas concerning their money. And I conceive the reason to be, because very much more money was requisite to be coined in that rich and

[illustration]

[illustration] Saxon coins

Tabula. V. Nummi Saxonici. Page cxxxv

spatious dominion, exceedingly also, because of its situation, frequented by merchants; than in this small corner: as, I think, appears from this, that all our money is readily fabricated in one place, whereas in France more than 20 are hardly sufficient. And though in the Saxon times the like licence was grant∣ed to several cities and large towns; yet it seems, by what remains of them we find, that no great quan∣tity was here coined; nor can I imagine whence they should obtain any great quantity of bullion.

[ II] Though there be not much erudition in these coins (as indeed neither was there in the times of the later Emperors of Rome, who after Aurelian, did more regard the profit of the money, than the honour of their actions) yet something now and then occurs. But I think there is no man who would not be glad to see the countenances and other relicts of their victorious Ancestors. For notwithstanding what some have written, it seems very difficult to shew such a succession of worthy Princes in any nation, as were those of the Saxons; especially the progeny and suc∣cessors of Cerdic in the West. For, even when Pa∣gans, they were very active, valiant, warlike, and governed their people in great justice and peace∣ableness. Amongst so many of them 'tis wonderful to see how few were slothful or vitious.

[ III] Concerning their coins in general, it is observable, that we have much fewer of brass than either gold or silver; most of them also are small (pennies) equal to about 3 of our pence. They are also thin to hinder falsifying. The Kings, even when the Kingdom was reduced to one Monarchy, had se∣veral minting-houses. Divers Bishops also, and some Noblemen, had privileges to coin. King Aethelstan had at London 8; at Winchester 6; at Lewis, Hastings, Hampton, Wereham, in each two; at Chichester one; at Rochester 3, (the King two, the Bishop one); at Canterbury 7, (the King 4, the Archbishop 2, the Abbot one) &c. The reverse upon their coins was commonly quarterly divided: for at first they made no other money, and when they would have a half-penny or farthing, they broke them into two or four parts; and these are called broken money to this day. Hoveden saith, that Henry I. was the first that coined half-pence and farthings. Quoniam ante sua tempora, cum obolum vel quadrantem vellent, denarium in binas vel quatuor partes diruperunt. Harding also saith, that Edward IV. was the first, who coined greats or great pennies; which I think is false, for those peices were stamp'd in Edward the Third's time. The Danes also, whilst they governed here, used the Saxon-like penny; though they reckoned by Ores (oras), but having never seen any of them, I conceive it was not the name of any coin, but used only in accounting, as with us, a mark, a noble, &c.

[ IV] Ingulfus observes, that the Saxon alphabet was changed by King Aelfred, who being very learned and curious, introduc'd the French manner of writ∣ing. Their former hand seems to have borrowed much from the Runic, as you may see in the Table added to the last plate of the Roman Coins That which he introduced was according to the best Ro∣man at that time used, though he took it from the French. For, by those characters we can make good [] judgment of the writings of those times, and the an∣tiquity of the Manuscripts. Their W (the form whereof may be seen in the Saxon Alphabet) was pe∣culiar to them: it seems to have been in pronunciation the same with the V consonant; which seems anciently not to have partaked of the B. For that sound the Em∣peror Claudius invented the Digamma Aeolicum; but after his death, it was difused. Vir the Saxons pro∣nounced were; vallum, wall; vidua, widwe a widow, and the like. The Greeks expressed Vespasianus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Latins called vinum, the Saxons wine. More may be observed concerning their alphabet, which perhaps may be considered in another place.

[] The first and second are of the same Cuthred King of Kent, (there seem very few coins of these Princes extant). There were also two of the same name West-Saxons, and Christians. This Cuthred was by Coenuulf King of Mercia made King instead of Ead∣bertus Pren. He reigned, though obscurely, as be∣ing set up by an enemy, 8 years, and died Anno 805.

The third is of Plegmund, anno 890. chosen by God [ 3] and all his saints (saith Chr. Sax.) to be Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a person of excellent worth for learning, prudence, and devotion; at first an Hermit living near Chester, whence he was brought by King Alfred, both to instruct him when young, and advise him when he came to his Kingdom; by whom also he was thus advanced. He was in great veneration in the whole Church, as appears by the Archbishop of Rhemes letters: he deceased anno 923.

The fourth, Ceolnoth consecrated Archbishop, Sept. [ 4] 1. 830, and anno 831 received the Pallium, he died 870. He was commonly called, The good Bishop.

The fifth, Eadberht was the name of two Kings of [ 5] Kent, and one of Northumberland. Which of these coined this money is uncertain. His name (as too many of those of our ancient Kings) is diversly written, as Edbert, Eadbert, &c. The Reverse (a Dragon) if yet it be a Dragon (v. Tab. 1. Sect. 3.) was an ensign used by divers of the Northern Princes; This seems copied from one of Antiochus Epiphanes. The Romans from Trajan's conquering of the Da∣cians used it also; but theirs was in the form of a great serpent, and not of an imagination as this is.

The 6th, Ecgbert was the name also of divers Saxon [ 6] Kings; one of Kent, one of Northumberland, one of Mercia; besides him of the West-Saxons, who reduced all the Kingdoms into one Monarchy. For whom this coin was made, is to me unknown: he seems placed between two crosses in imitation of some of the Eastern Emperors. The reverse seems only the name of the Mint-master. Uiborhtus is a name still in reputation in the North; it may be this Ecberht was the Northumbrian.

The seventh, Cuthred, whether the same with the [ 7] former, is not known. I rather think him to be the West-Saxon, brother of Ethelwerd, about anno 740, a valiant and victorious Prince. Sigebert seems to have been the Noble-person, commander of the place where this was coined.

The eighth, Alred, is Alhred King of Northum∣berland [ 8] anno 765; he reigned 8 years, and at York was expelled his Kingdom anno 774. On the reverse, Edwin, seems to have been a Nobleman.

The ninth, Eanred, may either be Eanfrid or Ean∣dred [ 9] both Kings of Northumberland. Eanfrid, eldest son of Ethelfrith, was expelled his countrey by Ed∣win; who had slain his father, and usurped the King∣dom anno 617, but being slain by Ceadwalla and Penda, Eanfrid returned to the crown anno 634, was baptized, and built St. Peters Church at York, (whereof S. Edwin had laid the foundation) making Paulinus Bishop. Eadwin on the reverse seems to have succeeded Eanfrid after some years.

The tenth, Aelfred seems by the cypher or mono∣gram [ 10] on the reverse to have been the King of Nor∣thumberland (the face not corresponding to that of Aelfred the West-Saxon). He murthered his true and lawful Prince anno 765; himself was expelled also. He is said to have been very learned: to shew which, it may be that he stamped that Monogram on the re∣verse: after the example of divers Constantinopolitan Emperors; but not after those of the Franks; which was begun by Charles the Great, probably because he could not write so much as his name, as Eginhart saith; and that even in his old age he vainly endea∣voured to learn.

The eleventh Edilred, seems to have been Ethelred [ 11] King of the Northumbers, son of Mollo. After he had reigned four years, he was driven out, and Read∣uulf crowned; who being slain by the Danes at Al∣vethlic, Ethelred again succeeded. But carrying himself tyrannically, particularly murthering Oelf, (Alfus) and Oelfwin, (Alfwin) sons of Alfwold, was again expelled and died in banishment. There was also another Ethelred, son of Eandred, a tributary King of the Northumbers; forced from his Kingdom

in the fourth year of his reign: being again restored, he was slain four years after.

[ 12] The twelfth Eandred, son of Eardulf, King of the Northumbers, reigned thirty years after Alfwold the Usurper: Afterwards submitted to Egbert.

[ 13. 14.] The thirteenth and fourteenth belong to Offa, the Mercian King; the reverse being the same in both; who seems to have been a Nobleman, and not a Mint∣master. Three of that name, An. 803. subscribed the Synod at Clov••sho, and another succeeded S. Bo∣niface in the Archbishoprick of Mentz. Offa having slain Beornred, An. 557. reigned over the Mercians: a Prince of great courage and success in arms; but not just nor virtuous: for he basely murthered Ethel∣briht King of the East-Angles, (enticing him to his Palace that he might marry his daughter) and seized upon his kingdom. He had much entercourse, and at length friendship also with Charles the Great. He drew a trench of wondrous length from sea to sea, se∣parating the Mercians from the Welch, part whereof remains visible to this day. He was the first who granted a perpetual Tax to the Pope out of every House in his Kingdom, at his being at Rome; and gave very bountifully, after his return, to the Clergy, in Pennance for his Sins: he died An. 794.

[ 15] The fifteenth Beornuulf, a valiant man, usurped the Kingdom of Mercia from Ceoluulf; in his third year was overthrown by King Egbert at Ellendon, An. 823. He retired thence to the East-Angles, as part of his dominion by the seisure of King Offa, with the re∣mainder of his army, and was there rencountred and slain: Whereupon the East-Angles surrendred them∣selves to Egbert. The reverse I take to be Moneta.

[ 16] The sixteenth, Ludican, succeeded Beornuulf in Mercia, An. 824. He reigned only two years: then, preparing to revenge the death of Beornuulf, his kins∣man, upon the East-Angles, was by them, with his five Consuls surprized and slain. The reverse I under∣stand not.

[ 17] The seventeenth Berhtulf, An. 838. reigned in Mercia, but as feudatary to the West-Saxons: being much molested with the invasions of the Danes, he quitted his Kingdom, and retired to a private life. The reverse Uulfhean; who he was, unknown.

[ 18] The 18th, Burgred, was by King Etheluulf made King of the Mercians, and married his daughter E∣thelswith. To avoid the oppression of the Danes he resigned his kingdom, and retired to Rome; where he lived in great reputation of Sanctity till his death. His Queen also entred into a Monastery at Pavia, and there died. The reverse is Vvhne, only the Mint-master. There are divers other of his Coins, but differing only in the names of the Mint-masters seem not worthy to be inserted.

[ 19] The nineteenth seems, however the faces unlike in their Coins, to have been of the same person. The re∣verse seems to be Moneta Uulf-fard, not known.

[ 20] The twentieth, is of Adulf or Aldulf, King of the East-Angles, son of Ethelwald's brother; a very worthy and pious Prince, as appears by the reverse; a great friend to venerable Bede: What Prisin means I know not. The reverse is remarkable, because his name is otherwise spell'd than upon the Coins.

[ 21] The one and twentieth is St. Edmond, King of the East-Angles, crowned at fourteen years old, at Buers, against his will: a very pious, valiant, and hopeful Prince. In the year 871. his kingdom was invaded by the Danes; against whom most valiantly fighting at Theotford, his army was routed, himself taken, and shot to death with arrows. Neither this, nor the two following seem to have been Coined by him; but, as I conceive by some of the West-Saxon Edmunds, who were all very much devoted to this holy martyr; tho' they may also denote king Alfred. The reverse seems to be of the Mint-master.

[ 22] The reverse of the two and twentieth, Oda Moneta; the place I understand not.

[ 23] Of the three and twentieth, Jomam me fecit, sig∣nifies that Jomam was the Mint-master. Me fecit is common upon the Coins of the Franks in Gallia.

[ 24] The twenty fourth, Aethelred Rex Anglorum, seems not to have been one of the West-Saxons; the first of whom is commonly written Aethered; the second is neither in countenance nor habit like this. There are mentioned in our Histories an Aethelred, successor to his brother Wulfred in Mercia: another the son of Mollo; another of Eandred, of whom we have already spoken. He is said to have married Leofrun, mother to Ethelbert, murthered by Offa; and to have reigned fifty years: little besides is known of him. The reverse seems to be a devout acknowledgment of his being sustained by the hand of Almighty God, who is Alpha and Omega. Who Holizard was, not known. This seems coined at Norwich.

The twenty fifth is like unto this reverse on both [ 25] sides, but of what Prince unknown; it is read Tuna moneta Eaxceaster, as I conceive. I cannot make sense of the Reverse.

The twenty sixth seems to be Sigfrid Moneta, a [ 26] King of the East-Saxons, called also Suuefred, and denominated Sigfrid the good. He makes no great fi∣gure in our Annals. It is not usual to add Moneta to the King's name. Concerning Euura I can find no∣thing.

The twenty seventh seems to have been King of [ 27] the East-Saxons, son of Siger; a very comely and virtuous person, and exceedingly beloved of his peo∣ple. Yet devotion prevailing, after a short reign, he, with Kenred King of Mercia, went to Rome in the time of Pope Constantine, and there retired into a Monastery. Ibba on the reverse, seems some Noble man.

The twenty eighth, Edmund Rex, seems to have [ 28] been one of the West-Saxon Edmunds. The reverse may be Edmund Martyr.

The twenty ninth I do not understand. [ 29]

The thirtieth, for which of the Athelstans I know [ 30] not, as neither the reverse.

The thirty first Eunaa Rex. I cannot find any [ 31] such name in all our Histories. The reverse seems to mention Oxford.

The thirty second: I cannot find any mention of [ 32] Heareth and Herred.

The thirty third is imperfect. [ 33]

The thirty fourth seems not to be Aelfred the [ 34] West-Saxon, because the name is spel'd otherwise Ou∣nig is also unknown.

The thirty fifth is to me unknown. [ 35]

Saxon Coins. TAB. VI.

TO the first, there were two Ethelweards, one of [ 1] the South, the other of the West-Saxons; this seems to be of the latter. In some writers he is call∣ed Ethelheardus. Little remembred of him, besides that when King Ina went to Rome, Anno 728, he assumed the government of the Kingdom; and fought a battle with Prince Oswald: with what suc∣cess not mentioned. He is said to have governed fourteen years. On the reverse is Edmund, with a ligature of several letters, which cannot stand for St. Edmund the Martyr, which happened not till Anno 870. After which time there was none, ex∣cept Ethelbert, the son of Aetheluulf; but he also before the Martyrdom of St. Edmund. I rather think that cypher to signifie some mark of the Mone∣tarius.

The second Coenuulf, called commonly Kenulph, [ 2] Kinulf, Ceoluulf. One of that name was adopted to be King of the Northumbers by Osric: little more known of him, than that he left his Kingdom, and became a Religious at Lindisfarn. Another was King of the West-Saxons, who reigned in great splendor and renown thirty one years. He was once worsted by the great Offa at Bensington (now Benson) in Ox∣fordshire. He was slain at Mereton in Surrey (by Kinheard, a seditious noble man, banished by him) as he was with a Lady there, too much affected by him about Anno 786. But this Coenuulf seems to have been a King of Mercia, a very worthy Prince: this Coin is of him; he was a very powerful and victori∣ous, as well as pious Prince; accounted one of the great Saxon Monarchs. He dispossessed Ethelbertus

[illustration]

[illustration] Saxon coins

Tabula VI. Nummi Saxonici. Page cxxxix

Pren, King of Kent, and took him prisoner, but af∣terwards released him without ransome or other con∣dition.

[ 3] The third Beormerick (by Speed called Brithric, for of that other name we find no mention in histories) was King of the West-Saxons, and succeeded Coen∣uulf. In the third year of his reign was the first ap∣pearance of the Pirats upon these coasts. Pirats, I call them, because they were not owned by any So∣vereign Prince till long after: but were a confluence of all sorts of thieves, who by spoil and robbery, ar∣rived to much wealth, and the confidence to erect a kind of Community or Republick at a strong town, now called Wollin in Pomerania; whence they went out to rob, and laid up their prey there. Brihtrick banished Ecgberht, fearing both the goodness of his title, and his great abilities; yet dying childless, he left the Kingdom to him, An. 800. He was poyson∣ed by his wife, the wicked Eadburga, by chance tasting of a Cup she had prepared for one of his fa∣vorites. Upon his death, she fled, with all her trea∣sures, into France; when coming to Charles the Great, he asked her whom she desired to marry, himself or his son, there present? She foolishly an∣swered, that if it were in her choice, she would marry his son, because he was the younger. Where∣upon the Emperor told her, that if she had chosen himself, she should have married his son; but now, that she should retire to such a monastery. Whence also for her incontinency, she was shortly turned out, and died begging.

[ 4] The fourth, Ecgberht, partly by conquest, partly by the submission of other Kingdoms, united all into one dominion, calling it England; because, as it is said, himself, the King of the West Saxons, was an Angle. It seems that Almighty God saw it necessary, for re∣sisting the violence of the heathenish Pirats, to unite the intire force of all the Nation, yet little enough to defend themselves. He was a Prince (though but of small stature) extraordinary both for wisdom and valour; for being banished by Brithric, he applied him∣self to Charles the Great, who bestowed upon him a considerable post in his Army. And he was signally blessed with a numerous succession of most worthy Princes of his family and blood; which indeed was necessary for the preservation of the Nation, its peace, and unity.

[ 5] The fifth, Cenedryd Regina, some suppose to have been wife to the great Offa, the Mercian, and to have reigned after his death; and that Eopa was one of her chief Ministers. But she rather seems to have been the eldest daughter of Kenuulf the Mercian; to whom also, he left the care of Kenelm his son; whom out of ambition, she caus'd to be murthered by his Educator. After his death, she reigned some time; and perhaps might be married to some of the West-Saxon Princes: as Eopa (a name frequent a∣mongst the Saxons) was the Son of Ingilidus or Ingil∣sus, brother of Ina; and therefore probably might be in some great, perhaps the chief employment un∣der her, or else married to her: and therefore placed upon her Coin, not as a King, nor a Bishop, though he hath a Cross in his hand. That she was a Mer∣cian, appears by the letter M upon the reverse.

[ 6, 7.] The sixth and seventh are of King Aethelwolf, son and heir of Egbert, a peaceable and devout, yet ve∣ry valiant Prince. He first gave the tithe of his own Estate, and afterwards of the whole Kingdom, with the consent of the Nobility, to the maintenance of the Clergy. He obtained a very great, and glorious victory over the Danes at Aclea (now conceived to be either Ockham, or very near it) in Surrey. He subdued also part of North-wales, upon the intreaty of Burhred, King of Mercia, and out of great boun∣ty and moderation, resigned it to him. After set∣ling the Kingdom, he had so much leisure, as to go to Rome; (a journey mentioned with honour by Anastasius Biblioth.) where he sojourned in very great esteem twelve months. In his return, he married Juditha, the beautiful daughter of Carolus Calvus; after Etheluulf's death, re-married to Baldwin ferreum∣latus, Forester, and afterwards Count of Flanders. At his return, his undutiful, if not also rebellious son Aethelbald, endeavored to exclude him the Kingdom. Yet, notwithstanding the Nobility freely offered their assistance against Aethelbald; rather than en∣gage in a war with his own people, he, in wonder∣ful moderation, consented to divide the Kingdom, and contented himself with the worse half.

The eighth, Plegmund, is out of its place; yet not [ 8] to be omitted, because on the reverse is the Pallium, or Archiepiscopal ornament received from the chief Pastor of the Church, who thereby acknowledgeth and authorizeth such a one to the dignity of an Archbi∣shop; and from this also seems derived that which is now since, even till this time, the Arms of that Arch∣bishoprick, though otherwise fashioned. This of Plegmund is not unlike the Pedum of the oriental Bi∣shops.

The ninth. 'Tis uncertain for which Aethelstan [ 9] this was made, for there were divers; one was King of Kent, a very valiant and victorious Prince against the Danes; whether he was the son of Egbert or Ae∣theluulf, is not easily discovered from our authors; I rather think him the second son of Egbert. Another was a Danish King, called Godrun, overcome by King Alfred at Eddington, afterwards Christened, and called at his baptism Aethelstan; of whom hereafter. But this seems most probably to have been the son and successor of Edward Senior. Regnald on the re∣verse seems to have been the son of Guthferth, the son of Sihtric, a Danish King in Northumberland. An. 923, he took York. Chr. Sax. Hoc anno Regnal∣dus rex expugnavit Eboracum; which he seems to have kept till recovered by Aethelstan; yea, though an. 924, it be said, that the Scots, Regnald, and the son of Ladulf, and all the inhabitants of Northumberland had chosen Edward Sen. to be their Lord and father: that being only for fear of his arms, they rebelled a∣gain presently after his death. I cannot but lament the misery of this Nation in those times. When (v. g.) in Northumberland, The Danish Invaders had one King, the Saxons another, and who had not their limits distinguished, but lived promiscuously one amongst another; so that here was always certain war, or uncertain peace. In the time of King Ed∣mund, an. 945, Regnald was baptized; but (as it seems) relapsing, he was by King Edmund driven out of his Kingdom. The Building upon the reverse may perhaps signifie some repairing of the Minster; and AC may also stand for Archiepiscopus. It is re∣ported by divers of our Historians, that Ethelstan, in his march towards the North, seeing a great number of people going upon the way, demanded whither they went? and being answered that they went to visit the Shrine of St. John of Beverly (who wrought many miracles) he resolved to go thither also, and af∣ter having paid his devotions, vowed, that if St. John would pray to God for victory against his enemies, he would redeem his knife (which he there presented and left) with somewhat of value; which he did at his re∣turn with victory. And I have been informed, that about 1660, the people going to repair something in that Church of Beverley, light accidentally upon the Coffin of St. John, which opening, they sound the dried body of the Saint, and an old fashioned Knife and Sheath.

The tenth and eleventh are of the valiant, devout, [ 10] and bountiful third son of King Aetheluulf. He fought many and sore battles against the Danes, most-what successfully. At Ashdown (near Lamborn in Barkshire) was a most terrible fight against the whole body of the Danish forces, divided into two wings; one under two of their Kings, the other led by their Earls. King Aethered divided his army likewise into two bodies, the one commanded by his brother Ael∣fred, the other by himself. Aelfred was ordered to sustain their charge, whilst King Aethered heard pub∣lick Prayers; and though word was brought him that the battle was begun, and his brother fiercely charged, yet would he not rise from his Prayers till all was ended; and then, after a most terrible battle, he obtained an entire and glorious victory, wherein were slain one of their Kings, and most part of their Earls and chief Commanders. In another battle, this most worthy, valiant, and benign Prince, was

mortally wounded, and died at Winborn in Dorset∣shire.

[ 11] In the eleventh, his name is Aethered, as it is also in the Testament of King Aelfred: the letters of the former reverse I cannot interpret; in the latter, Osgut moneta. The other letters I understand not.

[ 12] From the twelfth to the nineteenth, are of the great Aelfred. The reverse of all, or most of them, seem to be Noblemen and Governors. The reverse of the twelfth, seems to be in honour of St. Cuthbert, one of the first, greatest, and most famous of our English Saints. His life is written both in prose and verse by Venerable Bede, who was born some time before Cuthbert died, so that his story was then fresh in memory. When King Aelfred was in his lowest estate absconding in Athelney, St. Cuthbert appeared to him, and to his wife's mother, declaring to them, that Almighty God was reconciled to him, and par∣doned his offences (the chiefest whereof were the neglect of his duty, and too much addiction to hunt∣ing in his youth, as St. Neot warned him) and would suddenly give him a signal victory over his enemies, (which happened at Edington in Wiltshire,) and would restore him to his Kingdom. The King in gratitude gave to the service of God, in St. Cuthbert's Church, the Province called now the Bishoprick of Durham, and put his name upon his Coin: as he did likewise that of Uulfred, Count or chief governor of [ 13] Hamshire, upon the thirteenth.

[ 14] Of the fourteenth I understand neither side. The reverse seems to be Bernwaled, unknown to me who [ 15] he was. So is also that of the fifteenth, only it was [ 16] an eminent name amongst them; as was also Aethel∣stan [ 17] on the sixteenth. That upon the seventeenth is likely to be of that valiant and noble Viceroy of Mer∣cia, married to the King's daughter Ethelfleda, a wo∣man of admirable wisdom, courage and zeal; in sum, a daughter worthy of such a father.

[ 18] The eighteenth is of Edward Senior, that victorious and glorious son and successor of King Aelfred; equal to his father in valour and military skill, but inferiour to him in learning and knowledge. His actions are suf∣ficient for a volume. On his head is a close (or im∣perial) crown, born by few, if any other, besides the Kings of England. The reverse is Leofwine, or Lincoln.

[ 23] The twenty third, Beornwald. I rather read it De∣orwald, i.e. Deirorum sylva, York-woulds; the chief Town whereof was Beverly. And the rather, because of the twenty fourth, Diora Moneta, which seems to [ 24] be the money of the Deiri, or Yorkshire-men.

The rest of the Coins of this Prince are easily un∣derstood. The names upon the reverses seem to have [ 25] been Noblemen or Governors. The twenty fifth is remarkable for the spelling, Jedword; the reverse is [ 26] Arnerin, on Eoferwic, i.e. York. The twenty sixth hath the reverse Othlric on Ring; which might be Ringhornan in Lancashire, a large Town, one of the [ 27] eight, built by his sister Ethelflede. Of the twenty seventh, I do not understand the reverse.

[ 28] The twenty eighth is of that most famous and wor∣thy King Aethelstan, the true progeny of such a fa∣ther and grandfather. In his youth, his grandfather King Aelfred saw such a spirit and indoles in him, that he foretold, if it should please God that he came to the Crown, he would perform very great actions for the good of his country; and he made him also (I think the first that we read to have received that ho∣nour in this nation) a Knight, and gave him orna∣ments accordingly; the more likely, because Aelfred also order'd the robes and ceremonies of the Coro∣nation. This Prince extended his Victories North∣ward, even into Scotland: Which countreys, till his time, were never peaceably settled; because the two nations, Saxons and Danes, mingled together in their habitations; and yet having several Kings and Laws, could never be long in quiet. Upon the borders of Scotland, he fought one of the most terrible battles that ever was in England, against Anlaf King of Ireland, Constantine King of Scotland, and a very mighty and numerous Army. Wherein were said to be slain five Kings, seven Earls or chief Comman∣ders, besides vast numbers of inferior Officers and Soldiers. Authors say, that King Aethelstan's valiant Chancellor and General Turketill, with wonderful courage and strength, broke through the enemies ranks, till he met with King Constantine, and slew him with his own hand. Others say that Constantine was not slain, but his son. Turketill, after all his wars and greatness, resigning his estates and wealth, repaired to the Monastery of Croyland, and lived in it himself till his death. The reverse is Biorneard moneta Lond∣onensis civitas or Holond ci. The former reading is the true.

The twenty ninth is King Edmund, Brother, and [ 29] not inferior either in valour or counsel to Aethelstan. He pursued the design of reducing all his subjects to perfect unity and peace, by extirpating those rebel∣lious irreconcileable enemies, the Danes. In the be∣ginning of his Reign, he cleared Mercia of them. For King Edward, seeing the Kingdom so much de∣populated by those destructive wars, ever since the en∣trance of the Danes; upon promise and oath of feal∣ty and obedience, (as his father also had done amongst the East-Angles) permitted these Danes to live a∣mongst his natural Subjects; and chiefly in the great Towns: thinking, because of their profession of arms and soldiery, they would better defend them than the Saxons, more industrious and skilful in labour and husbandry. The Danes also having been themselves beaten and conquered by him, were very ready to engage to obedience, peace, and loyalty. But the Saxons by their labours growing rich, and the Danes retaining their former tyrannical and lazy dispositions, began to oppress and dominere over the natives. Ed∣mund therefore, after Mercia, began to reduce Nor∣thumberland, where remained the greatest number of them, (for Edward himself had suppressed those in East-Anglia;) and to reduce those Northern coun∣ties into the form of Provinces: and committed Cum∣berland (as a Feud) to Malcolme King of Scotland. His zeal for justice cost this heroical Prince his life. For celebrating the festival of St. Austin, and giving thanks for the Conversion of the nation; he spied a∣mongst the Guests one Leof, a notable thief, whom he had before banished. The King's spirit was so moved against him, that rising from the Table, he seized up∣on him, threw him to the ground, and was about to do some violence unto him. The Thief fearing what he had deserved, with a short dagger, which he con∣cealed, wounded the King mortally, who died in a short time, to the very great grief and affliction of his people. The reverse is very imperfect; but it may perhaps be Edward Moneta Theodford, or rather Ead∣mund Martyr, to whose Church he gave the Town called St. Edmund's-bury.

The thirtieth is Eadred, who degenerated not in [ 30] the least from his father King Edward, or his brethren the precedent Kings. He compleated the reduction and settlement of the North; making Osulf the first Earl of it. The Scots voluntarily submitted, and swore Allegiance to him. An. 955. in the fifth year of his reign, and flower of his youth, he sickned, died, and was exceedingly lamented of his subjects.

The thirty first is Eadwig, son of K. Edmund, who [ 31] being come to age, received the Kingdom: so lovely a person, that he was named the fair. His actions are variously reported by Historians; generally they ac∣cuse him of voluptuousness, and neglect of his affairs: insomuch that a great part of the North applied them∣selves to his Brother Edgar, and set him up against Ed∣wy, who (as is thought) with sorrow sickned, and died, An. 958. Heriger on the reverse, seems to have been Mint-master.

The thirty second, S^cus Edwy, is here placed next [ 32] to his names-sake: but it is a mistake; for it should be S^cus Edwynus. There were two St. Edwins, both Nor∣thumbers; the first a Monk, the second a King. He laid the foundation of the Cathedral of York; and was slain by Penda and Cadwallin the Britain, (to whom Penda, being taken Prisoner, had sworn submission;) with Of∣fred his son, and the whole Army dispersed. His head was brought to York-minster; and that whole Kingdom came into very great divisions and calamities. But this Coin was not coined by him, nor do we know by whom: neither is Badi, the Mint-master, known to

[illustration]

[illustration] Saxon coins

Tabula VII. Nummi saxonici. Page cxlvi

what King he belonged; only that letter A is upon divers Coins of the West Saxons, and there∣fore probably this also belonged to some of those Kings.

[ 33] The thirty third, Eadgar, son of King Edmund, peaceably enjoyed the fruits of the labours and dangers of his predecessors. A man admired by all, both fo∣reigners and natives, for his great piety, justice, pru∣dence, and industry in governing the Kingdom. Sine praelio omnia gubernavit prout ipse voluit. The reverse is, Leofsig Moneta Hamptonensis.

[ 34] The thirty fourth is of Eadward, son of King Ed∣gar, by Ethelfleda the fair, (called also Eneda) Daugh∣ter of Duke Ordmear. He is much commended for a virtuous, well-disposed, and hopeful Prince; and such the small remainders of his History do truly represent him. But, by order of his Stepmother Alfritha, to whom he was too obedient, he was murthered, to empty the Throne for her son Aethelred. Edward was accounted a Saint and Martyr, because of the many miracles said to be done at his Tomb; which occa∣sioned the removal of his body from Wereham to a more honourable place, (Shaftesbury:) and the Mur∣dress, repenting of that wicked action, spent the rest of her days in grief and severe penances. Who that Heremod on the reverse was, we know not.

[ 35] The thirty fifth is of Aethelred, son of Edgar by Al∣fritha, the only weak and slothful Prince of all the line of King Egbert; endeavouring to govern his Kingdom, not by true justice and valour, as his pre∣decessors had done, but by tricks, and (as they call it) policy. First gave an opportunity to the Danes to renew their invasions; and then, negligently or unfortunately, opposing them, he brought the King∣dom into great poverty and calamity, and afterwards into subjection unto those antient enemies and rob∣bers of the country; by his laziness losing all that his forefathers by their industry had acquired; as Histo∣rians say St. Dunstan foretold of him at his Baptism. Egbert began the advancement of the Kingdom, by reducing it into one Monarchy; his successors valiant∣ly defended, and setled and augmented it, by subduing the Danes and all other enemies. Edgar enjoyed it in full peace, prosperity, and glory; and his son, this Aethelred, suffered it to run down again into a worse condition than ever it was. And indeed it would be strange to imagine so great a change in one man's time; did it not appear that there was no cause of ruine left unpractised in his long reign; his own negli∣gence, cowardise, want of intelligence, unskilfulness in war; the great factions, enmities, and treasons of the nobility; the particulars whereof have filled the tedious relations of our Historians.

Saxon Coins. TAB. VII.

ALL the first ten are of Cnut, (called the Great) [ 1] the first Danish King of England. There are very many of his Coins extant: I have only descri∣bed those wherein is some notable variety. Though Swane his father made divers conquests, and several countries as well as persons (preferring his activeness before Aethelred's sloth) not regarding the justice of the cause, submitted to him, and paid largely for his protection; yet was he never King, nor assumed (he or his son) the title; till Edmund Ironside consented, by the persuasion of a traytor, to divide the Kingdom with him. The vile but potent Edric thought that more was to be got by shoring up a new active Usur∣per, than adhering to the just cause of his true and Royal Sovereign. Nor was Cnut unmindful of him; but, according to his promise, advanced him above all the other Lords of the Kingdom, by cutting off his head, and exposing it upon a high pole. Amongst all these figures of Cnut, only one (the seventh) is with a crown; and that an open one, (contrary to that of the English Kings before him) and adorned with lilies; which would make me suspect that Coin to be counterfeit, were it not that our Historians say that when he was young he wore his Crown at the great assemblies of the Nobility, so many times in the year; as was the custom, both here, in France, Germany, and I think with all European Princes in those times. But one time, being mightily flattered by his Courtiers, he chanced to be upon the sea-banks, whither he commanded his chair to be brought; where sitting down upon the beach in great Majesty, he told the sea, that that was his land, and the water his wa∣ter; wherefore he commanded the sea to be content with its own chanel, and not cover any part of the land. Which he had no sooner said, but the water dashed upon him: whereupon he told his flatterers, that they should henceforward forbear all boasting of his power and greatness. After this, it is reported he would never wear a Crown. Others say, that he never wore a Crown after his coronation; and that then also, at his coronation, presently after the Crown was set upon his head, he took it off, and fixed it upon the head of our Saviour crucified. The ordinary covering of his head was sometimes a Mitre, (as fig. 6.) other times a cap, (as fig. 5.) sometimes a triangular covering, used after him by Andronicus the Eastern Emperor, and by St. Edward the Confessor. The reverse of the first is Farthein Monet Eoforwic, i.e. York. [ 2. 3.] Of the second, Sunolf. Of the third, Crinam. The fourth is Wulnoth. All coined at York. [ 4]

The fifth is Leodmer, and seems coined at Raculf∣minster, [ 5] now Reculver.

The sixth hath Luffwine, at Dover. [ 6]

The seventh hath Wulfric on Lunden. [ 7]

The eighth is Selwi, at Theoford. [ 8]

The ninth is Outhgrim, at York. [ 9]

The tenth is Cnut aged, with a Diadem about his [ 10] head. The reverse is Nodwin Moneta: The name of the place I cannot read. In his younger years he spared no labour, nor any art, just or unjust, op∣pression or murder; to acquire and settle the King∣dom to himself and Posterity. Which being, as well as he could, performed, he endeavoured to act more justly and plausibly, that he might retain the obedi∣ence of the people, which he had so unjustly gotten. Yet not long before his death, he dispossessed Olavus King of Norway of his dominion, about An. 1029.

The eleventh is of Harold, Cnut's second son cal∣led [ 11] for his swiftness Hares-foot. Cnut to his eldest son Suane, suspected to be none of his own, gave the King∣dom of Norway: to Harold, his second son, (by fo∣reign writers also called a Bastard) the Kingdom of England: to Hardacnut, his son by Emma, he gave Denmark. Harold's Reign was short, about four years, and employed more in endeavouring to settle his title, than perform any worthy action. The reverse is Godric at Theotford.

The twelfth is of the same, with a Diadem about [ 12] his Helmet. The reverse is Sliwine on Theodford.

The thirteenth is of Harthacnut. He reigned about [ 13] two years, and died suddenly at a great feast in Lam∣beth. Little of note mentioned of him, besides that he was very affectionate to his mother's children; and that he loved good eating, making four meals a day. The reverse is Elnwine on Wice.—perhaps Worcester.

The fourteenth is of St. Edward the Confessor; of [ 14] whom there are very many Coins still extant. I have presented only those of most variety. This represents him as a young man sitting with a staff or scepter; (which amongst the Romans was the Hasta pura and Sceptrum, sometimes made of Ivory, and many times an Eagle upon the top of it; instead of which our Kings used commonly a Cross, tho' not always of the same fashion: sometimes also a Lily) in his left hand a globe, with a cross fastened in it. This was used only by Christian Emperors and Kings, as witnessing them to have that power through the virtue of the Cross, or Passion of our Saviour. The Pagan Ro∣man Emperors used rather a stern or oar fastened to a globe, shewing that they steered the world, not expressing whence they received that power. Where∣as Suidas saith of Justinian, that in his left hand he car∣ried a globe with a cross upon it; signifying that by faith in the cross of Christ he was advanced to be Lord of the world, i.e. that he obtained that dominion by Christ crucified, but who was now made Lord of Lords, and Prince over the Kings of the earth. This

Prince was son to King Aethelred; so that in him, to the great joy of the English, (the Danish Govern∣ment being extinguished) the noble antient Saxon Line was restored. He was a Prince of very great justice, devotion, mildness, bounty, and many other excellent virtues. And indeed several things reported to his prejudice seem capable of a rational Apology; as the hard usage of his mother Emma, and his wife Edith. Neither wanted he courage or diligence: but the factions of the great nobility, and ambition of Earl Godwin, required a more severe, if not austerer Go∣vernment. The reverse Othgrim on Efrwic, I conceive to be York.

[ 15] The fifteenth is of the same Edward, but with an unusual ornament upon his head; in his hand a scep∣ter ending in a lily. The reverse perhaps is Ailmer on Scrobe. coined at Shrowesbury.

[ 16] The sixteenth is of the same, with an Imperial or close crown: his scepter hath three pearls cross-wise. On the reverse is a cross between four martlets, I sup∣pose; which was the original or first of those Arms they call of the West-Saxons (though Arms and Scutcheons, &c. are of a later invention) and are now of the City of London, and divers other places: but they are in several particulars altered from what they were in his time; perhaps for the greater beauty. The reverse of the sixteenth is imperfect. That of the [ 17] seventeenth I cannot read: perhaps it is the same with that of the nineteenth.

[ 18] Of the eighteenth the reverse is Walter on Eofer∣wick.

[ 19] The nineteenth is Edward with a crown Imperial and scepter; on it a cross like that of an Archbishop. The Reverse is Drintmer on Wal. perhaps Walling∣ford.

[ 20] The twentieth is Edward with a crown pearled: the reverse may be.... dinnit on Leicester.

[ 21] The twenty first hath another unusual orna∣ment on his head: the reverse is Sietmait on Sutho— perhaps some place in Suthfolk.

[ 22] The twenty second is of Harold, a younger son of Earl Godwin. How he gain'd the Kingdom, whilst the rightful Heir Edgar was alive, except by force and power, I know not. Some say King Ed∣ward bequeath'd it to him, conceiving Edgar not so able to govern; others that he was chosen by the consent of the Nobility; but this is not probable. But his father as long as he lived had used all means, just and unjust, to get the great offices of command into his hands, of which, coming after his death to Harold, the best and worthiest of his children, he made use accordingly. Before his reign he had shewed himself very valiant, diligent, and loyal also; at least more than his brethren: and as soon as crown'd he endeavoured by all prudent and fitting means to obtain the favour of the people. But his reign lasted not long, and was taken up with wars and troubles: At last, fighting rashly and indiscreetly with William Duke of Normandy, he was slain with two of his brethren; the third being killed before in a battle near York. And so ended the great power and ambition of Earl Godwin and his family: as also of the Kingdom of the Saxons.

[ 23] From the twenty third to the twenty eighth is Sancti Petri moneta, most of them coined at York, yet with several stamps. I am in great doubt whe∣ther these were coined for Peter-pence (or Romescot) which was an annual tax of a penny each houshold, given for the West-Saxon Kingdom by King Ina about anno 720, for Mercia by King Offa, and paid at the festival of S. Petri ad vincula. At first, some say, for the education of Saxon Scholars at Rome; but afterwards, as all grant, for the use of the Pope himself, not then so well provided as afterwards. (The like tax of three half pence and a sieve of oats for each family, was about the same time given also by the Polonians upon the same reasons.) Or whether it was the ordinary money coined by the Archbishop, whose famous Cathedral was of St. Peter. For amongst the great number of such coins I have seen very few (one is that of the 20th in this table) stamped other where. Besides there is such great variety in the stamps, that very many (more than methinks necessary for that payment) must needs have been coined: nor is the sword a proper symbol for S. Peter.

The twenty sixth. What the word in the reverse [ 26] signifies, whether the name of a person or place, I know not.

The twenty eighth and twenty ninth, St. Neglino, [] I do not understand, as neither the thirtieth. These [ 30] coins of St. Peter, with the three following, and di∣vers others scattered in the other plates, were found at Harkirk in the parish of Sephton in Lancashire, as they were digging for a burying-place; and were all af∣terwards engraved and printed in one large sheet: but having seen many of the same, it was not fitting to omit them.

The thirty one is of Berengarius King of Italy in [ 31] Charles the Great's time. The reverse shews the building of some church; what, we know not: the words Christiana Religio shew also so much.

The thirty second is Ludovicus Pius; the reve••se [ 32] much the same.

The thirty third is of Carlus Magnus; and informs [ 33] us of his true name, which was not Carolus from Cha∣rus or Carus; but Carlus in the Northern languages signifying a man, vir, or a strong man. Metullo was one of the coining places in France in his time.

The thirty fourth is Anlaf Cyning; a name very [ 34] troublesome about the times of Aethelstan, and a••ter. There seem to have been two of them; one, King of Ireland; another, of some part of Northumberland. V. Tab. 6. c. 28. What that not-unelegant figure in the midst implies, as also that in the reverse, except it be the front of some church, I cannot conceive; as neither who that Farhin or Farning was. I much doubted how Anlaf a Pagan should stamp a church with crosses upon his coin: till Mr. Charleton shewed me on a coin of Sihtric (Anlaf's father) a Christian, the very same figures; the Mint-master for haste or some other reason making use of the same stamp.

The thirty fifth is of the unfortunate Aethelred [ 35] mentioned here, because coined by Earl Godwin in Kent Whence appears what I hinted before, that the Nobility and Governors put their names upon the coins; and not only the Mint-masters, as was more frequent in France.

The thirty sixth is of Harold the son of Godwin; [ 36] the reverse is Brunstan on Lot fecit. Brunstan seems to have been only a Mint-master; where Lot is I know not.

The thirty seventh is of Harold son of Cnut. The [ 37] reverse is Leofwine on Brightstoll.

The thirty eighth hath the reverse Brintanmere on [ 38] Wallingford, as I conceive. These 3 by misfortune were misplaced, yet fit to be known because of the places of their stamping.

Saxon Coins. TAB. VIII.

IN this plate are collected divers unknown coins, yet such as I conceive to have belonged to these Nations: some also of former Kings repeated; but for the most part the faces, and in all, the reverses are divers; in hopes that it may not be ungrateful to them who have the curiosity to collect these rarities, to have the more assistances for the understanding of them.

The first is of the unfortunate King Aethelred, the [ 1] face unlike the ordinary one; the reverse CRVX. between the 4 branches of the cross, Winstan moneta on Winchester.

The second, a spread Eagle, Anlaf cyning. The [ 2] reverse Aethelred minetric. which seems to be Mint-master.

The third is Eadmund Rex. Reverse, Reingrim mo∣neta. [ 3] Which Edmund this was is uncertain. Besides the son of Edward Sen. (of whom we have spoken before, Tab. 6. c. 29.) there is none famous in our Histories besides Edmund sirnamed Ironside, the va∣liant son of King Aethelred, and St. Edmund King of the East-Angles. Edmund Ironside reigned so short a time, that there are very few, if any, coins extant of him; those which may probably be thought his are in this Table. He was a very bold indefatigable Sol∣dier,

[illustration]

[illustration] Saxon coins

Tabula VIII. Nummi saxonici. Page cxlvii

but unfortunate, being in most of his enter∣prises betrayed or defeated by the Traitor Edric. Who, being a man of a mean family, by his insinua∣tions got into power; of a crafty wit, fair spoken tongue; he exceeded all men living of th••se times in ma∣lice and treachery, in pride and cruelty. His brother Agelmer was the father of Wulnoth, the father of Earl Godwin.

[ 4] The fourth is Ethelstan Rex Anglorum. Reverse, Hegenredes moneta on Deorabi. Coined at Darby.

[ 5] The fifth is another face of King Ethelred. Re∣verse, Watlfreth moneta Gippeswic. Ipswich the place of coining it.

[ 6] The sixth is Eadmund. Reverse, B••in LYG. Who it was I know not.

[ 7] The seventh seems to be of Coenuulf King of the West-Saxons. Of whom see Tab. 6. c. 2. of the Northumbers. I know not where to begin to read the letters on the reverse; nor do I understand them.

[ 8] The eighth is Eadred Rex. The reverse, Manna moneta. This face resembles not that in Tab. 6. c. 30.

[ 9. 11. 12 37.] The ninth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirty seventh, seem to be of the ancient Irish Kings, the only ones that I ever saw. The letters are very unusual, and therefore difficult to be read or understood. The ninth I conjecture to be Dida Medino. The reverse, two hands in the opposite angles of a cross. The word seems to be Iniconeic, a name (as I am in∣formed) still extant in Ireland.

[ 10] The tenth, if it be not Offa, I know not who it is.

[ 11] The eleventh is of an Irish Prince (I conceive) by the words Midino on the ninth coin, Midini upon this and the twelfth, which seems to refer or belong to Midia, now called Meath, one of the divisions and countreys in Ireland.

[ 13] The thirteenth is Eadear Rex. Reverse, Aethered moneta Lundoniae. It was probably one of the Ed∣wards, but the effigies being like none of the other, I know not of whom it is.

[ 14] The fourteenth, Dmo, unless it be one of the Edmonds, I cannot guess at it; but the countenance, cloaths, &c. are not like any of the other. The re∣verse also is equally unknown.

[ 15] The fifteenth I do not understand.

[ 16] The sixteenth is Coenuulf a Mercian; but not like any of those already described. The reverse Ceol∣heard I understand not.

[ 17] The seventeenth is set down because of the beauty and unusualness of the reverse.

[ 18] The eighteenth. There were divers Aethelstans, one was the son either of Egbert or Aetheluulf, and was King of Kent; another was the son of Edward Sen. of whom before: the third was a Danish King cal∣led Gormund, who being overcome by Aelfred at the battle of Eddington, submitted himself and his army, either to embrace the Christian Religion or depart the whole Countrey. Himself with 30 of his chiefest Commanders were baptized, with a great part of the Army, the rest quitted the Realm. King Aelfred was his Godfather, call'd him Aethelstan, and gave him the Kingdom of the East-Angles then very much dispeopled by the cruel wars. I take this coin to be of him; and the rather, because the reverse seems to be Danish language, and not understood by me.

[ 19] The nineteenth is of Edmond; I should attribute it to the valiant Ironside, if I could find other of his coins; but his reign was short and troublesom.

[ 20] The twentieth is of S. Edward the Confessor; pub∣lished here, because by the reverse it should seem, what I have read also, that he either founded or re∣edified the great Church of St. Edmond at Bury.

[ 21] The twenty first is Aethelnoth on Snotenegham (No∣tingham) who is meant by it I know not; but it is worth nothing, since both sides are the same.

[ 22] The twenty second seems to be of the great Aethel∣stan, what [to Brit] means I know not. The reverse is Regnald moneta Eoferwic.

[ 23] The twenty third I believe was of Ethelstan King of Kent, a very valiant Prince, and fortunate against the Danes: he died young. The reverse is Berharhed¦on, no place named.

The twenty fourth is of King Edgar, of whom we [ 24] have spoken before. The reverse is Wermod moneta.

The twenty fifth Sci Canuti. This rare coin was [ 25] lent us by that ingenious and worthy Gentleman Mr. Ralph Thoresby; which he saith was sent him out of Swedeland; and found in a vault in Gothland up∣on St. Canutus's coffin; at the time when his church in Ottensea was repaired, anno 1582. The reverse in a cross IHC (Jesus) INRI (Jesus Nazarenus Rex Ju∣daeorum). A and D are conjectured to be Anglia and Dania: that King (as Saxo Grammaticus, Hist. lib. lxii. noteth) looking upon his pretensions to the Crown of England as just as any of his Predecessors, was resolved to attempt the regaining of it.

The twenty sixth I cannot interpret. [ 26]

The twenty seventh is also of Ethelstan, probably [ 27] King of Kent; because of his helmet made after an antique fashion, but useful; covering the nape of the neck; and a bar descending as low as his nose; he hath also a gorget: The reverse Smala, I take to be the name of the Mintmaster.

The twenty eighth is Wiglaf. After that Beor∣nuulf [ 28] was slain by the East-Angles, and Ludican by Egbert; This Wiglaf obtained (but I know not how) the Mercian Kingdom. But he being also overcome by Egbert, resigned, and Egbert restored it to him under such a tribute; and so he reigned 13 years. Little recorded of him. Redward was Mintmaster.

The twenty ninth is Sihtric Rex DHGH. What [ 29] these letters signifie, is unknown to me, He was a Danish King in Northumberland, for his pride and tyranny very much hated of his neighbours. To strengthen himself, he desired to marry Edith the sister of the great Aethelstan; who would not consent till he promised to become Christian, as he did, and was baptized, but died not long after. His two sons, because they would not turn Christians, fled their countrey; Gudferth went into Scotland, and Anlaf into Ireland; where they wrought all the mischief they could against the English; till Aethelstan utterly vanquished them both. V. Tab. 6. c. 9. The re∣verse is Colbrand. Why may not this be that Colbrand, in the Romance of Guy of Warwick, mentioned (by Knighton and others) to have combated, and been vanquished by that famous Earl? whose valour de∣served better than to have been discredited by those fabulous, if not ridiculous, exaggerations. How∣ever it appears by this coin, that those persons were contemporaries in the time of King Aethelstan, and of a Danish King (whom the fable miscalls) enemy for a long time to Aethelstan. The two combatants also seem to have been very eminent for their valour and employments. Upon these true considerations, (according to the custom of the times about the holy war) some ill-employed persons raised up the sorry childish fabrick of a silly fable.

The thirtieth is of Aethelstan; to brie I understand [ 30] not: the reverse Pauls moneta Leiec. seems to be coined at Leicester.

The thirty first I read Eadred Rex, the reverse, [ 31] Garuurd moneta.

The thirty second Eadward Rex; the reverse, [ 32] Uulfgar under the front of a church, probably West∣minster-Abby.

The thirty third is Berthulf Rex, of the Mercians; [ 33] of whom we have mentioned before: the reverse is Byrnuuald.

The thirty fourth is Anlaf Rex to do, the meaning [ 34] unknown; the reverse is Radulf, under such a plant as is also in a coin of St. Edward's.

The thirty fifth is a very old face, if of any I sup∣pose [ 35] it must be of St. Edward; the reverse is Thorr on Eoferwic.

The thirty sixth St. Neglin. I have already de∣clared [ 36] that I knew not who he was.

The thirty seventh seems to be of an Irish Prince, [ 37] to me unlegible.

The thirty eighth is Edwin Rex. This seems to [ 38] have been the glorious King of the Northumbers; who being forced out of his countrey by a cruel and tyrannical Usurper, betook himself to Redwald King of the East-Angles; who also after many pro∣mises and threats, agreed to deliver him up to his

enemy. At which time the worthy Edwin was com∣forted by a message from God, promising him safety, his Kingdom, &c. And laying his right hand upon Edwin's head, had him remember that sign; which when it came to pass, he should receive the Gospel. This Edwin faithfully promised, and afterwards faith∣fully performed, as may be read in Venerable Bede in his second book of the Eccl. History, which in greatest part is concerning this valiant, victorious, religious Prince. His conversion fell out in the year of Christ 627; The reverse is Sefwel on Eoferwic.

[ 39] The thirty ninth hath a coronet upon his helmet. Aethel, Rex may either be Ethelred, Ethelwolf, or Ethelstan; though the face represents none of them; The reverse is not legible.

[ 40] The fortieth is taken out of Dr. Plot's history of Oxfordshire; it was found in digging the works at Oxon, and is in the possession of Sir John Holman. 'Tis supposed to be the gold given by St. Edward the Confessor at his curing the Scrophulae, or the Kings-Evil. It is worth noting that it hath upon it the fi∣gure of a woman veiled, as it seems in the habit of a Nun; whether of the Blessed Virgin, or some other holy woman, I cannot determine. But it seems much more proper for that function, than that now used of an Angel; which was taken from the French.

It remains that we declare whence we received these coins. HA were such as were found in making a burial-place at Harkirk in the Parish of Sephton in Lancashire.

J S, is John Speed in his Chronicle; which he co∣pied out of Sir John Cotton's store in his famous li∣brary.

W C, are those which were with great care, judg∣ment, and expence, collected by that most worthy and ingenious treasurer of ancient learning Mr. Wil∣liam Charleton; whose kindness deserves a greater testimony than this place permits.

R T, is Mr. Ralph Thoresby, of Leeds in York∣shire; who by his great industry hath augmented his father's considerable stock of this sort of knowledge.

C H, is Mr. Charles Hills, very well known by his eminent skill in all natural and also antique learning.

D P, is Dr. Plot, well known every where; D T Dr. Trumball; W K is Will. Kingsley Esq of Can∣terbury. Divers also of them are in our own posses∣sion.