ANCIENT STATE OF BRITAIN.
BOOK I.
CHAPTER I.
1. The shore of Gaul would be the boundary of the world, did not the
island[353] of Britain claim from its magnitude almost the appellation
of another world; for if measured to the Caledonian promontory[354] it
extends more than eight hundred miles in length.[355]
2. Britain was first called by the ancients Albion,[356] from its
_white_ cliffs; and afterwards in the language of the natives, Britain.
Hence all the islands hereafter described were denominated British.[357]
3. Britain is situated between the north and west,[358] opposite to,
though at some distance from, Germany, Gaul, and Spain, the most
considerable parts of Europe, and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
4. On the south of Britain lies Belgic Gaul, from which coast passengers
usually sail to the Rhutupian port.[359] This place is distant from
Gessoriacum,[360] a town of the Morini, the port most frequented by the
Britons, fifty miles, or according to others, four hundred and fifty
stadia. From thence may be seen the country of the Britons whom Virgil
in his Eclogues describes as separated from the whole world,--
"--penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos."
5. By Agrippa, an ancient geographer, its breadth is estimated at three
hundred miles; but with more truth by Bede at two hundred, exclusive of
the promontories.[361] If their sinuosities be taken into the
computation, its circuit will be three thousand six hundred miles.
Marcian, a Greek author, agrees with me in stating it at
MDI[OO]LXXV.[362]
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 353: The early Greeks and Romans doubted whether Britain was
an island, or part of the continent. This uncertainty gave rise to a
controversy which was not settled till the time of the propraetor Julius
Agricola.--_Tac. Vit. Agric. c._ 38. _Dio. Cass. Hist. Rom. lib._ 39.]
[Footnote 354: Dunnet Head.]
[Footnote 355: Richard gives too great an extent to our island, which,
according to the most accurate observations, stretches only from lat.
49 deg. 48', the most southern point, to Dunnet Head, which is in lat. 58 deg.
40' or scarcely 540 geographical miles.]
[Footnote 356: Various explanations have been given of the names of
Albion and Britain, applied to our island. Some derive Albion from the
white rocks which bound the coast; some from Albion, a son of Neptune,
who is represented as its first discoverer and cultivator; others have
likewise derived the name Britain from the Phoenician or Hebrew
_Baratanac_, signifying the land of tin. It was also called by the
natives, _Hyperborea_, _Atlantica_, _Cassiteris_, _Romana_, and _Thule_.
According to the British Triads, "the three names given to the isle of
Britain, from the beginning, were: before it was inhabited, the name of
_Clas Merddyn_ (or the green spot defended by water); after it was
inhabited, _Y Vel Ynys_ (the honey island); and, after it was brought
under one government by Prydain, son of Aedd, it was called _Ynys
Prydain_ (or the isle of Britain)."
In some old writings it is also termed, _Yr Ynys Wen_, (or the white
island.)]
[Footnote 357: This part is taken from Pliny, who enumerates the British
isles in the following order:--Orcades, 40; Acmodae, 7; Haebudes, 30.
Between Britain and Ireland, Mona, Menapia, Ricnea, Vectis, Silimnus,
Andros; beneath, Siambis and Axuntos: on the opposite side, towards the
German Sea, the Glessariae, called Electrides by the later Greek writers,
from the amber found there: and last of all, Thule.
He refers to others mentioned by different authors, viz., Mictis,
Scandia, Dumnia, Bergos, and Nerigos.]
[Footnote 358: That is, from Rome. Richard, in copying the Roman
writers, adopted their expressions in regard to the relative positions
of places.]
[Footnote 359: Richborough, Kent.]
[Footnote 360: Boulogne.]
[Footnote 361: Richard errs in supposing the estimation of Bede more
accurate than that of Agrippa.]
[Footnote 362: The numerals are here so incorrect that it is difficult
to discover what number was meant by Richard. Marcian observes that the
circuit of our island is not more than 28,604 stadia, or 3575 miles, nor
less than 20,526, or 2576 miles. Hence Bertram is led to prefer the
greater number.]
CHAP. II.
1. Albion, called by Chrysostom Great Britain, is, according to Caesar,
of a triangular shape, resembling Sicily. One of the sides lies opposite
to Celtic Gaul. One angle of this side, which is the Cantian
promontory,[363] is situated to the east; the other, the Ocrinian
promontory,[364] in the country of the Damnonii, faces the south and the
province of Tarraconensis in Spain. This side is about five hundred
miles in length.
2. Another side stretches towards Ireland and the west, the length of
which, according to the opinion of the ancients, is seven hundred miles.
3. The third side is situated to the north, and is opposite to no land
except a few islands;[365] but the angle of this side chiefly trends
towards Germania Magna.[366] The length from the Novantian
Chersonesus,[367] through the country of the Taixali, to the Cantian
promontory,[368] is estimated at eight hundred miles. Thus all
erroneously compute the circuit of the island to be two thousand miles;
for from the Cantian promontory to Ocrinum,[369] the distance is four
hundred miles; from thence to Novantum, a thousand; and from thence to
the Cantian promontory, two thousand two hundred. The circumference of
the whole island is therefore three thousand six hundred miles.[370]
4. Livy and Fabius Rusticus compare the form of Britain to an oblong
shield or battle-axe; and as, according to Tacitus, it bears that figure
on the side of Caledonia, the comparison was extended to the whole
island, though the bold promontories at its further extremity give it
the shape of a wedge. But Caesar and Pomponius Mela assert that its form
is triangular.
5. If credit may be given to the celebrated geographer Ptolemy and his
contemporary writers, the island resembles an inverted Z,[371] but
according to the maps the comparison is not exact. The triangular shape,
however, seems to belong to England alone.[372]
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 363: North Foreland.]
[Footnote 364: Lizard Point.]
[Footnote 365: The Orkney and Shetland isles.]
[Footnote 366: Under this name the ancients comprised not only Germany
proper but Denmark, Norway, &c.]
[Footnote 367: Rens of Galloway.]
[Footnote 368: North Foreland.]
[Footnote 369: Lizard Point.]
[Footnote 370: Bertram has endeavoured to reconcile the various and
discordant calculations given by different ancient authors of the
circuit of our island. On such vague principles as these estimations are
made, it would be almost impossible, even now, for two persons to
produce the same result.]
[Footnote 371: Ptolemy's expression is obscure; but he was evidently led
to this supposition by the notion that Caledonia or Scotland trended to
the east, as appears from his latitudes and longitudes. This form,
therefore, he not unaptly compares to the inverted Z. It would be a
trespass on the patience of the reader to attempt to reconcile what is
irreconcilable.]
[Footnote 372: These words are chiefly taken from Tacitus. The obscurity
of the expression and the absurdity of the comparison, will sufficiently
show the ignorance of those ancients whose works have reached the
present time, in regard to our island.--_Tacit. Vit. Agricolae, sec.
10._]
CHAP. III.
1. The original inhabitants of Britain, whether indigenous or foreign,
are, like those of most other countries, unknown. The Jews alone, and by
their means the contiguous nations, have the happiness of tracing their
descent since the creation of the world from undoubted documents.
2. From the difference of personal appearance different conjectures have
been drawn. The red hair and large limbs of the Caledonians proclaim
their German origin; the painted faces and curled locks of the Silures,
and their situation opposite to Spain, corroborate the assertion of
Tacitus, that the ancient Iberians passed over and occupied this country
and Ireland. Those who live nearest the Gauls resemble them, either from
the strength of the original stock, or from the effects which the same
positions of the heavens produce on the human body.
3. If I were inclined to indulge a conjecture, I might here mention that
the Veneti[373] in their commercial expeditions first introduced
inhabitants and religion into this country. Writers are not wanting, who
assert that Hercules came hither and established a sovereignty. But it
is needless to dwell on such remote antiquities and idle tales.[374]
4. On the whole, however, it is probable that the Gauls occupied the
contiguous regions. According to Tacitus, their sacred rites and
superstitions may be traced; nor is the language very different; and
lastly, the tradition of the druids, with the names of the states which
still retain the same appellations as the people sprung from the cities
of Gaul, who came hither and began to cultivate the country.[375]
5. According to Caesar, the country was extremely populous, and contained
numerous buildings, not dissimilar to those of the Gauls. It was rich in
cattle.
6. The inhabitants of the southern part were the most civilized, and in
their customs differed little from the Gauls. Those of the more distant
parts did not raise corn; but lived on fruits and flesh. They were
ignorant of the use of wool and garments, although in severe weather
they covered themselves with the skins of sheep or deer. They were
accustomed to bathe in the rivers.
7. All the Britons formerly stained their bodies of a blue colour, which
according to Caesar gave them a more terrible appearance in battle. They
wore their hair long, and shaved all parts of the body except the head
and the upper lip.
8. Ten or twelve Britons had their wives in common; and this custom
particularly prevailed among brethren, and between fathers and sons; but
the children were considered as belonging to him who had first taken the
virgin to wife. The mothers suckled their own children, and did not
employ maids and nurses.
9. According to Caesar also they used brass money, and iron rings of a
certain weight instead of coin.[376]
10. The Britons deemed it unlawful to eat hares,[377] fowls, or geese;
but they kept those animals for pleasure.
11. They had pearls, bits made of ivory, bracelets, vessels of amber and
glass, agates, and, what surpasses all, great abundance of tin.
12. They navigated in barks, the keels and ribs of which were formed of
light materials; the other parts were made of wicker and covered with
the hides of oxen.[378] During their voyages, as Solinus asserts, they
abstain from food.[379]
13. Britain produces people and kings of people, as Pomponius Mela
writes in his third book; but they are all uncivilized, and in
proportion as they are more distant from the continent, are more
ignorant of riches; their wealth consisting chiefly in cattle and land.
They are addicted to litigation and war, and frequently attack each
other, from a desire of command, and of enlarging their possessions. It
is customary indeed for the Britons to wage war under the guidance of
women, and not to regard the difference of sex in the distribution of
power.
14. The Britons not only fought on foot and on horseback, but in
chariots drawn by two horses, and armed in the Gallic manner. Those
chariots, to the axle-trees of which scythes were fixed, were called
_covini_, or wains.
15. Caesar relates that they employed cavalry in their wars, which before
the coming of the Romans were almost perpetual. All were skilled in war;
each in proportion to his family and wealth supported a number of
retainers, and this was the only species of honour with which they were
acquainted.[380]
16. The principal strength of the Britons was in their infantry, who
fought with darts, large swords, and short targets. According to
Tacitus, their swords were blunt at the point.
17. Caesar in his fourth book thus describes their mode of fighting in
that species of chariots called _essedae_.[381] At first they drove
through the army in all directions, hurling their darts; and by the
terror of the horses, and the noise of the wheels, generally threw the
ranks of the enemy into disorder. When they had penetrated between the
troops of cavalry, they leaped from their chariots and waged unequal war
on foot. Meanwhile the chariots were drawn up at a distance from the
battle, and placed in such a position, that if pressed by the enemy, the
warriors could effect a retreat to their own army. They thus displayed
the rapid evolutions of cavalry, and the firmness of infantry, and were
so expert by exercise, as to hold up the horses in steep descents, to
check and turn them suddenly at full speed, to run along the pole, stand
on the yoke, and then spring into the chariot.
18. The mode of fighting on horseback threatened equal danger to those
who gave way, or those who pursued. They never engaged in close lines,
but in scattered bodies, and with great intervals; they had their
appointed stations, and relieved each other by turns; and fresh
combatants succeeded those who were fatigued. The cavalry also used
darts.
19. It is not easy to determine the form of government in Britain
previous to the coming of the Romans. It is however certain that before
their times there was no vestige of a monarchy, but rather of a
democracy, unless perhaps it may seem to have resembled an
aristocracy.[382] The authority of the Druids in affairs of the greatest
moment was considerable. Some chiefs are commemorated in their ancient
records, yet these appear to have possessed no permanent power; but to
have been created, like the Roman dictators, in times of imminent
danger. Nor are instances wanting among them, as among other brave
nations, when they chose even the leader of their adversaries to conduct
their armies. He, therefore, who before was their enemy, afterwards
fought on their side.
20. The Britons exceeded in stature both the Gauls and the Romans.
Strabo affirms that he saw at Rome some British youths, who were
considerably taller than the Romans.
21. The more wealthy inhabitants of South Britain were accustomed to
ornament the middle finger of the left hand with a gold ring; but a gold
collar[383] round the neck was the distinguishing mark of eminence.
Those of the northern regions, who were the indigenous inhabitants of
the island from time immemorial, were almost wholly ignorant of the use
of clothes, and surrounded their waists and necks, as Herodian reports,
with iron rings, which they considered as ornaments and proofs of
wealth. They carried a narrow shield, fitter for use than ornament, and
a lance, with a sword pendant from their naked and painted bodies. They
rejected or despised the breast-plate and helmet, because such armour
impeded their passage through the marshes.
22. Among other particulars, this custom prevailed in Britain. They
stopped travellers and merchants, and compelled them to relate what they
had heard, or knew, worthy of notice. The common people usually
surrounded foreign merchants in the towns, and obliged them to tell from
whence they came, and what curious things they had observed. On such
vague reports they often rashly acted, and thus were generally deceived;
for many answered them agreeably to their desires with fictitious
stories.[384]
23. Their interments were magnificent; and all things which they prized
during life, even arms and animals, were thrown into the funeral pile. A
heap of earth and turf formed the sepulchre.[385]
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 373: The Veneti, a tribe seated on the coast of Armorica or
Bretagne, distinguished for their maritime power, and with whom Caesar
waged war. Their territory according to his description, was part of
Celtic Gaul, and the present Vannes was their capital.]
[Footnote 374: To these conjectures relative to the original
inhabitants, and subsequent colonists of Britain, it may not be
uninteresting to add the accounts preserved in the Welsh Triads.
The historical Triads record that the first colonists of Britain were
_Cymry_, who originally came from _Defrobani Gwlad Yr Hav_, the summer
land, or Tauric Chersonesus. There they have left many traces of their
name preserved by ancient authors, among which we may instance the
Cimmerian Bosphorus.
Subsequent colonists arrived from the neighbouring continent at various
times. The _Loegrwys_ (Loegrians) from Gascogne; the _Brython_ from
_Lydaw_ (Britanny), who were descendants from the original stock of the
_Cymry_. Two descents are also mentioned in Albin, or North Britain; one
called the tribe of _Celyddon_, the other the primitive _Gwyddelians_.
Another descent is said to have been made in the south, in _Ynys-Wyth_,
or the Isle of Wight, by the men of _Galedin_ (the Belgae), when their
native country was inundated. Another colony called the _Corani_ came
from the country of the _Pwyl_ (Poland), and settled on the sea coast,
about the river Humber. A descent in Albin, or North Britain, of a
colony of _Gwyddelian Ficti_ [Irish Picts], who are described as coming
from the sea of _Loclyn_ (the Baltic); and a partial settlement of the
men of _Loclyn_ (Scandinavians), who were expelled after remaining for
three generations. The arrival of the Romans and Saxons is also
mentioned, as well as some partial settlements of Gwyddelians from
Ireland.]
[Footnote 375: We discover a few cities in Gaul, bearing nearly the same
appellations as those of Britain; and in both countries we find the
Atrebates, the Morini, the AEdui, the Senones, the Menapii, and the
Rhemi.]
[Footnote 376: The natives of China and Japan follow a similar custom in
regard to gold and silver, which are not coined, but pass according to
weight.]
[Footnote 377: It seems that they considered the appearance of a hare a
fortunate omen; for the Roman historians observe that Boadicea, after
haranguing her troops, let loose a hare which she had concealed in her
garments.]
[Footnote 378: This species of boat is still used on the Welsh rivers,
and is called a coricle in English, and _cwch_ in Welsh. It is so light
that a man may carry one on his back.]
[Footnote 379: Richard has mistaken the sense of Solinus, who, in
describing the passage from Great Britain to Ireland, observes that from
its shortness they abstained from food. "Navigantes escis abstinent, pro
freti latitudine." C. 25.]
[Footnote 380: In all periods the Britons seem to have been divided into
numerous petty communities or states, headed by chiefs, who are here
dignified with the title of kings. From the jealousies and weakness
attending such a state of society, the island first became a prey to the
Romans, and afterwards to the Saxons; and when the Britons were confined
to the mountains of Wales, the same causes hastened the annexation of
their country to England.]
[Footnote 381: In the early ages chariots were universally used in war.
In the Scriptures they are frequently mentioned as forming the principal
strength of an army; and the mode of fighting in chariots among the
Greeks and Trojans, according to the description of Homer, was exactly
similar to that of the Britons. The steeds of his heroes were
"Practised alike to stop, to turn, to chase,
To dare the shock, or urge the rapid race."
His warriors sometimes drive through the ranks of the enemy, sometimes
fight from their chariots, and sometimes alight and maintain the combat
on foot, while their chariots retire to the rear.
"This counsel pleased, the godlike Hector sprung
Swift from his seat; his clanging armour rung.
The chief's example follow'd by his train,
Each quits his car and issues on the plain;
By orders strict the charioteers enjoin'd
Compel the coursers to their ranks behind."
The Britons, however, appear to have devised an improvement in this mode
of warfare, which was unknown to the Greeks. Their chariots seem to have
been of two kinds, the _covini_ or wains, heavy and armed with scythes,
to break the thickest order of the enemy; and the _essedae_, a lighter
kind, adapted probably to situations and circumstances in which the
_covini_ could not act, and occasionally performing the duties of
cavalry. The _essedae_, with the cavalry, were pushed forward to oppose
the first landing of Caesar; and Cassivellaunus afterwards left 4000
_essedae_ as a corps of observation to watch his movements.--_Caesar.
Comment. lib._ 5, sec. 15.]
[Footnote 382: The government of the ancient Britons may be denominated
patriarchal. Each community was governed by its elders; and every
individual who could not prove his kindred to some community, through
nine descents, and the same number of collateral affinities, was not
considered as a freeman. Beyond this degree of kindred, they were formed
into new communities. The elders of the different communities were
subordinate to the elders of the tribes. But in times of public danger,
as is recorded in the Triads, some chief of distinguished abilities was
entrusted with the supreme authority over the tribes or communities, who
united in common defence--Such were Caswallon (Cassivellaunus), Caradwg
(Caractacus), and Owain, son of Macsen.]
[Footnote 383: This _torques_, chain, or rather wreath, is frequently
alluded to by the early British bards.
"Yet in the battle of Arderydd I wore the _golden torques_"
_Merddin Avellanaw._
"Four and twenty sons I have had
Wearing the _golden wreath_, leaders of armies."
_Llywarch Hen._
"Of all who went to Cattraeth, wearing the _golden torc or wreath_."
_Aneurin._
The same bard states that in the battle of Cattraeth were three hundred
and sixty who wore the _golden torques_.
We give a description of one of these ornaments found near the castle of
Harlech, in Merionethshire, in 1692. "It is a wreathed bar of gold, or
perhaps three or four rods jointly twisted, about four feet long, but
naturally bending only one way, in the form of a hatband. It is hooked
at both ends. It is of a round form, about an inch in circumference, and
weighs eight ounces."--_Gibson's Camden_, p. 658.
Another mark of dignity was a string of amber beads worn round the head.
To this Aneurin alludes--
"With wreaths of _amber_ twined round his temples."
These beads have been frequently found in tumuli, particularly in those
on Salisbury Plain.--See _Turner's Vindication of the Welsh
Bards.--Owen's Elegies of Llywarch Hen_.]
[Footnote 384: This is Caesar's account of a Gallic custom; but it is
applied, not without reason, to the Britons, and indeed is equally
applicable to all uncivilized people.]
[Footnote 385: As the classic authors have left us no description of the
modes of interment among the Britons, Richard was induced, by the
conformity of their manners and customs to those of the Gauls, to adopt
the words used by Caesar in his account of the Gallic funerals.
Unfortunately the remains of the British bards afford little assistance
in supplying this deficiency. It appears, however, that the Britons
raised tumuli over their dead, and continued the practice till after the
introduction of Christianity; and that their other modes of interment
were the _carned_, or heap of stones; the _cistvaen_, or stone chest;
and perhaps the _cromlec_, or hanging stone. From a curious fragment
commemorating the graves of the British warriors, which is printed in
the first volume of the Welch Archaeology, we learn further, that they
buried their dead on the top of hills and lofty cliffs, on declivities,
in heaths and secluded valleys, on the banks and near the fords of
rivers, and on the sea-shore "where the ninth wave breaks." Allusions
are also made to corresponding stones raised on these graves; and it is
said, "the _long_ graves in Gwanas, no one knows to whom they belong nor
what is their history."
As the modes of interment among all early nations were in many respects
similar, there is perhaps no part of our national antiquities which has
given scope to so much conjecture as this. The reader who is desirous of
more particular information relative to this subject, may at least find
amusement in consulting the works of Stukeley, Douglas's _Nenia
Britannica_, the _Archaeologia_, and various accounts scattered in
different periodical publications.]
CHAP. IV.
1. All the Britons, like the Gauls, were much addicted to superstitious
ceremonies; and those who laboured under severe disorders, or were
exposed to the dangers of war, either offered human victims, or made a
vow to perform such a sacrifice.
2. The druids were employed in the performance of these cruel rites; and
they believed that the gods could not be appeased unless the life of a
man was ransomed with human blood. Hence arose the public institution of
such sacrifices; and those who had been surprised in theft, robbery, or
any other delinquency, were considered as the most acceptable victims.
But when criminals could not be obtained, even the innocent were put to
death, that the gods might be appeased.
3. The sacred ceremonies could not be performed except in the presence
of the druids; and on them devolved the office of providing for the
public as well as private rites. They were the guardians of religion and
the interpreters of mysteries; and being skilled in medicine, were
consulted for the preservation or restoration of health.
4. Among their gods, the principal object of their worship was
Mercury.[386] Next to him they adored justice (under the name of
Astarte), then Apollo, and Mars (who was called Vitucadrus), Jupiter,
Minerva, Hercules, Victory (called Andate), Diana, Cybele, and Pluto. Of
these deities they held the same opinions as other nations.
5. The Britons, like the Gauls, endeavoured to derive their origin from
Dis or Pluto, boasting of this ancient tradition of the druids. For this
reason they divided time, not by the number of days, but of nights, and
thus distinguished the commencement of the month, and the time of their
birth. This custom agrees with the ancient mode of computation adopted
in Genesis, chapter i.[387]
6. The druids, being held in high veneration, were greatly followed by
the young men for the sake of their instructions. They decided almost
all public and private controversies, and determined disputes relative
to inheritance or the boundaries of lands. They decreed rewards and
punishments, and enforced their decisions by an exclusion from the
sacrifices. This exclusion was deemed the severest punishment; because
the interdicted, being deemed impious and wicked, were shunned as if
contagious; justice was refused to their supplications, and they were
allowed no marks of honour.[388]
7. Over the druids presided a chief, vested with supreme authority. At
his death he was succeeded by the next in dignity; but if there were
several of equal rank, the contest was decided by the suffrages of their
body; and sometimes they even contended in arms for this honour.[389]
8. The druids went not to war, paid no tribute like the rest of the
people, were exempted from military duties, and enjoyed immunities in
all things. From these high privileges many either voluntarily entered
into their order, or were placed in it by friends or parents.
9. They learned a number of verses, which were the only kind of
memorials or annals in use among them.[390] Some persons accordingly
remained twenty years under their instruction, which they did not deem
it lawful to commit to writing, though on other subjects they employed
the Greek alphabet. "This custom," to use the words of Julius Caesar,
"seems to have been adopted for two reasons: first, not to expose their
doctrines to the common people; and, secondly, lest their scholars,
trusting to letters, should be less anxious to remember their precepts;
for such assistance commonly diminishes application, and weakens the
memory."
10. In the first place they circulated the doctrine that souls do not
die, but migrate into other bodies.[391] By this principle they hoped
men would be more powerfully actuated to virtue, and delivered from the
fear of death. They likewise instructed students in the knowledge of the
heavenly bodies, in geography, the nature of things, and the power of
the gods.[392]
11. Their admiration of the mistletoe must not be omitted. The druids
esteemed nothing more sacred than the mistletoe, and the tree on which
it grew, if an oak. They particularly delighted in groves of oaks,[393]
and performed no sacred rite without branches of that tree, and hence
seems to be derived their name of druids, [Greek: Druides]. Whatever
grew on an oak was considered as sent from heaven, and as a sign that
the tree was chosen by God himself. The mistletoe was difficult to be
found, and when discovered was gathered with religious ceremonies,
particularly at the sixth day of the moon (from which period they dated
their months and years, and their cycle of thirty years,) because the
moon was supposed to possess extraordinary powers when she had not
completed her second quarter. The mistletoe was called in their language
_all heal_.[394] The sacrifice and the feast being duly prepared under
the tree, they led thither two white bulls, whose horns were then bound
for the first time.[395] The priest, clothed in a white vestment,
ascending the tree, cut off the mistletoe with a golden bill, and
received it in a white cloth. They then slew the victims, invoking the
favour of the Deity on their offering. They conceived that the mistletoe
cured sterility in animals; and considered it as a specific against all
poisons. So great was the superstition generally prevailing among
nations with respect to frivolous objects.
13. At a certain time of the year the druids retired to a consecrated
grove in the island of Mona, whither all persons among whom
controversies had arisen, repaired for the decision of their disputes.
14. Besides the druids, there were among the Gauls and Britons poets,
called bards,[396] who sang in heroic measures the deeds of the gods and
heroes, accompanied with the sweet notes of the lyre.
15. Concerning the druids and bards, I shall conclude this chapter in
the words of Lucan:--
"You too, ye bards! whom sacred raptures fire.
To chant your heroes to your country's lyre;
Who consecrate, in your immortal strain,
Brave patriot souls, in righteous battle slain,
Securely now the tuneful task renew,
And noblest themes in deathless songs pursue.
The druids now, while arms are heard no more,
Old mysteries and barbarous rites restore,
A tribe who singular religion love,
And haunt the lonely coverts of the grove.
To these, and these of all mankind alone,
The gods are sure revealed or sure unknown.
If dying mortals' doom they sing aright,
No ghosts descend to dwell in dreadful night;
No parting souls to grisly Pluto go,
Nor seek the dreary silent shades below;
But forth they fly immortal in their kind,
And other bodies in new worlds they find;
Thus life for ever runs its endless race,
And like a line death but divides the space,
A stop which can but for a moment last,
A point between the future and the past.
Thrice happy they beneath their northern skies,
Who that worst fear--the fear of death--despise
Hence they no cares for this frail being feel,
But rush undaunted on the pointed steel;
Provoke approaching fate, and bravely scorn
To spare that life which must so soon return."
_Rowe's Lucan_, book i.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 386: This passage has puzzled the British antiquaries, because
it militates against the grand principle of the druidic theology, and
because, as they assert, no traces of the Greek or Roman deities are
found among the early Britons. Possibly some of the British tribes might
have brought this mode of worship from Gaul; but more probably the
assertion was derived from the misconception of the ancient authors
themselves, who gave the names of their own deities to the objects of
adoration distinguished by similar attributes in other countries. The
account is borrowed from Caesar's description of the Gauls, lib. vi. Sec.
15.]
[Footnote 387: "And the _evening_ and the morning were the first day,"
&c. ver. 5. We also still say a se'n_night_, a fortnight.]
[Footnote 388: Like the excommunication of the catholic church.]
[Footnote 389: Such a custom would contravene the principles of the
druidic or bardic system, which prohibited them from using arms. The
remark seems to have been extended to a general application by Richard,
from a single instance recorded by Caesar, of a druidic election in Gaul
thus decided.]
[Footnote 390: According to the opinion of the Welsh antiquaries, the
system of druidical knowledge forms the basis of the Triads. If this be
the case, it must be confessed that the bards possessed a profound
knowledge of human nature, uncommon critical sagacity, and a perfect
acquaintance with the harmony of language and the properties of metre.
For example, the subjects of the poetical Triads are,
The Welsh language.
Fancy and invention.
The design of poetry.
Nature of just thinking.
Rules of arrangement.
Rules of description.
Variety of matter and invention.
Rules of composition; comprising the laws of
verse, rhyme, stanzas, consonancy or alliteration,
and accent.
We quote a few of these Triads to show their nature and structure.
The three qualifications of poetry;--endowment of genius, judgment from
experience, and happiness of mind.
The three foundations of judgment;--bold design, frequent practice, and
frequent mistakes.
The three foundations of learning;--seeing much, suffering much, and
studying much.
The three foundations of happiness;--a suffering with contentment, a
hope that it will come, and a belief that it will be.
The three foundations of thought;--perspicuity, amplitude, and justness.
The three canons of perspicuity;--the word that is necessary, the
quantity that is necessary, and the manner that is necessary.
The three canons of amplitude;--appropriate thought, variety of thought,
and requisite thought.]
[Footnote 391: According to the Triads, the theology of the bards was
pure monotheism. They taught also the transmigration of souls; believing
that the soul passed by death through all the gradations of animal life,
from Anoom, the bottomless abyss, or lowest degree of animation, up to
the highest degree of spiritual existence next to the Supreme Being.
Human nature was considered as the middle point of this scale. As this
was a state of liberty, in which the soul could attach itself to either
good or evil; if evil predominated, it was after death obliged to
retrace its former transmigrations from a point in the animal creation
equal to its turpitude, and it again and again became man till it was
attached to good. Above humanity, though it might again animate the body
of man, it was incapable of relapse; but continued progressively rising
to a degree of goodness and happiness, inferior only to the Deity.
It is remarkable that many singular points of coincidence have been
discovered in comparing the religious system of the Hindoos with that of
the ancient Britons; and in the languages of these two people some
striking similarities occur in those proverbs and forms of expression
which are derived from national customs and religious ceremonies.]
[Footnote 392: This account of the druids, like some of the preceding
paragraphs, is borrowed from Caesar's description of the Gauls.]
[Footnote 393: Gen. xxi. 33.]
[Footnote 394: The worship and religious ceremonies of the druids have
formed the subject of many and voluminous dissertations; and the
mistletoe, from its connection with their sacred rites, is a plant that
has always been interesting to antiquaries. In a letter recently
received by the editor from the learned and scientific Professor of
Botany, Dr. Daubeny, of Magdalen College, Oxford, that gentleman
observes, that though the mistletoe is occasionally found on the oak in
Britain, yet this occurs so rarely that it is difficult to suppose the
druids could have got a supply for their purposes from such a source.
"There is a plant nearly allied to the mistletoe, the Loranthus
Europaeus, which grows freely on the oak, when it occurs; but
unfortunately the most western locality known is the garden of
Schoenbrunn near Vienna, but out of the limits, I believe, within which
the druidical worship existed: it is very uncommon in Hungary.
"This circumstance has given rise to an hypothesis, which I may repeat
without attaching to it any very great importance, namely, that the
Loranthus is the mistletoe of the druids, and that when the druidical
worship was exterminated, this plant, as being introduced into their
rites, was extirpated from all those parts of Europe, where the druids
were known."
The oak among the ancient Britons was peculiarly sacred as the place of
worship, and consequently branches of this tree were used to adorn the
altar, and garlands of its leaves to decorate the priest or druid; and
the mistletoe, being so seldom found on the oak, was considered so great
and desirable an appendage, that no solemn festival was held without it.
It has been observed by naturalists that the blossom of the mistletoe
falls within a few days of the summer solstice, and the berry within a
few days of the winter solstice. These incidents therefore marked the
return of two of the usual seasons for holding the bardic conventions
and festivals. When the sacrifice was over, the berries of this plant
were taken by the ovate, the physician of the tribe, and converted to
medical purposes. That these berries possessed medicinal virtues can
hardly be doubted. The following passage respecting this sacred plant
occurs in Bacon:--"Mistletoe groweth chiefly upon crab trees, apple
trees, sometimes upon hazels, and rarely upon oaks; the mistletoe
whereof is counted very medicinal. It is ever green, winter and summer,
and beareth a white glistening berry: and it is a plant utterly
differing from the plant on which it groweth."
Sir John Colbach published a Dissertation on the efficacy of the
mistletoe in 1720; but in medicine, as in fashion, what is deemed of
high value in one age is discontinued in the next, and thought nothing
of. Such is the fate of the mistletoe in the present day as to any
medicinal use that is made of it.]
[Footnote 395: As the plough was fastened to the horns of the beasts,
this expression signifies that the animal had never been employed in
labour.
The doctrine of the druids is said to have been first invented in
Britain, and from thence carried into Gaul; on which account Pliny says
(in his thirtieth book), "But why should I commemorate these things with
regard to an art which has passed over the sea, and reached the bounds
of nature? Britain even at this time celebrates it with so many
wonderful ceremonies, that she seems to have taught it to the Persians."
Julius Caesar affirms the same in his Commentaries: "And now those
persons who wish to acquire a more extensive knowledge of such things,
repair to Britain for information."
It is a singular coincidence of circumstances that bulls perfectly white
were sacrificed by the Egyptians to Apis. When such an animal was found
unblemished, and without a single black hair, the priest tied a fillet
about his horns, and sealed it with the signet of his ring; it being a
capital crime to sacrifice one of these animals except it was thus
marked.--_Herodotus._]
[Footnote 396: According to the Welsh antiquaries, these distinctions
are erroneous. The druidical, or rather bardic, system consisted of
three classes: the bard proper, whose province was philosophy and
poetry; the druid, or minister of religion; and the ovate, or mechanic
and artist. For a curious account of the bardic system and institutions
the reader is referred to the Introduction to Owen's Translations of the
Elegies of Llywarch Hen.]
CHAP. V.
1. This island is rich in corn and wood, is well adapted for the
maintenance of flocks and cattle, and in some places produces vines. It
also abounds with marine and land birds, and contains copious springs,
and numerous rivers, stored with fish, and plentifully supplied with
salmon and eels.
2. Sea-cows or seals,[397] and dolphins are caught, and whales, of which
mention is made by the satirist:
"Quanto delphinis balaena Britannica major."
3. There are besides several sorts of shell-fish, among which are
muscles, containing pearls often of the best kind, and of every colour:
that is, red, purple, violet, green (_prasini_), but principally white,
as we find in the venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History.
4. Shells[398] are still more abundant, from which is prepared a scarlet
dye of the most beautiful hue, which never fades from the effect of the
sun or rain, but becomes finer as it grows older.
5. In Britain are salt and warm springs, from which are formed hot
baths, suited to all ages, with distinct places for the two sexes.[399]
6. White lead is found in the midland regions, and iron in the maritime,
but in small quantities gold and silver are also produced, but brass is
imported. Jet of the purest quality abounds; it is of a shining black,
and highly inflammable.[400] When burned, it drives away serpents, and
when warmed by friction attracts bodies, like amber.
7. Britain being situated almost under the north pole, the nights are
so light in summer, that it is often doubtful whether the evening or
morning twilight prevails; because the sun, in returning to the east,
does not long remain below the horizon. Hence, also, according to
Cleomenes, the longest day in summer, and the longest night in winter,
when the sun declines towards the south, is eighteen hours; and the
shortest night in summer, and day in winter, is six hours. In the same
manner as in Armenia, Macedon, Italy, and the regions under the same
parallel, the longest day is fifteen, and the shortest nine hours.
8. But I have given a sufficient account of Britain and the Britons in
general. I shall now descend to particulars; and in the succeeding
pages, shall describe the state and revolutions of the different nations
who inhabited this island, the cities which ennobled it, with other
particulars, and their condition under the Roman dominion.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 397: We do not find that Pennant mentions, among the
amphibious animals, the _Vituli Marini_, by which Richard probably meant
seals.]
[Footnote 398: Richard calls these shells _Cochleae_, or snails, though
he probably alludes to the species styled by naturalists _Murea_, which
contained the famous Tyrian purple, so much valued by the ancients. Yet,
whatever our island may have formerly produced, we discern no traces in
later ages, of any testaceous animal yielding a purple or scarlet dye.]
[Footnote 399: Richard here doubtless principally alludes to Bath, the
Aquae Solis of the ancients.]
[Footnote 400: This substance appears to have been wrought into
ornaments for the person. In the barrows, jet beads of a long elliptical
form were found, together with others of amber, and a coarse blue
glass.]
CHAP. VI.
1. Britain, according to the most accurate and authentic accounts of the
ancients, was divided into seven parts, six of which were at different
times subjected to the Roman empire, and the seventh held by the
uncivilized Caledonians.
2. These divisions were called Britannia Prima, Secunda, Flavia, Maxima,
Valentia, and Vespasiana, which last did not long remain under the power
of the Romans. Britannia Prima is separated by the river Thamesis from
Flavia, and by the sea[401] from Britannia Secunda. Flavia begins from
the German Ocean, is bounded by the Thamesis,[402] by the Sabrina,[403]
on the side of the Silures and Ordovices, and trends towards the north
and the region of the Brigantes.[404] Maxima, beginning at the extreme
boundary of Flavia, reaches to the wall,[405] which traverses the whole
island, and faces the north. Valentia occupies the whole space between
this wall and that built by the emperor Antoninus Pius, from the
estuary of the Bdora[406] to that of the Clydda.[407] Vespasiana
stretches from the estuary of the Bdora to the city of Alcluith,[408]
from whence a line drawn to the mouth of the Varar[409] shows the
boundary. Britannia Secunda faces the Irish Sea to the north and west.
But sufficient notice has now been taken of the provinces.
3. Before we proceed to a more minute description, let us touch upon the
form of government. In remote times all Britain was divided among petty
princes and states, some of whom are said to have existed after the
country was occupied by the Romans; though, under the Roman domination,
they retained scarcely the shadow of regal authority. A legate being
appointed by the emperor over the conquered countries, Britain became a
proconsular province. This form of government continued several ages,
although in the meantime the island underwent many divisions, first into
the Upper and Lower districts, and then, as we have before shown, into
seven parts. It afterwards became the imperial residence of Carausius
and those whom he admitted to a share of his power. Constantine the
Great, the glory and defence of Christianity, is supposed to have raised
Maxima and Valentia to consular provinces, and Prima, Secunda, and
Flavia, to praesidials. But over the whole island was appointed a
deputy-governor, under the authority of the praetorian prefect of Gaul.
Besides whom, an ancient volume, written about that period, mentions a
person of great dignity, by the title of _comes_, or count of the
Britons, another as count of the Saxon coast, and a third as leader or
duke of Britain; with many others, who, although possessed of great
offices, must be passed over in silence, for want of certain
information.[410]
4. I now commence my long journey, to examine minutely the whole island
and its particular parts, and shall follow the footsteps of the best
authors. I begin with the extreme part of the first province, whose
coasts are opposite Gaul. This province contains three celebrated and
powerful states, namely, Cantium, Belgium, and Damnonium, each of which
in particular I shall carefully examine.
First of Cantium.
5. Cantium,[411] situated at the extremity of Britannia Prima, was
inhabited by the Cantii, and contains the cities of Durobrobis[412] and
Cantiopolis,[413] which was the metropolis, and the burial-place of St.
Augustine, the apostle of the English; Dubrae,[414] Lemanus,[415] and
Regulbium[416] garrisoned by the Romans; also their primary station
Rhutupis,[417] which was colonized and became the metropolis, and where
a haven was formed capable of containing the Roman fleet which commanded
the North Sea. This city was of such celebrity that it gave the name of
Rhutupine to the neighbouring shores; which Lucan,
"Aut vaga quum Thetis Rhutupinaque littora fervent."
From hence oysters of a large size and superior flavour were sent to
Rome, as Juvenal observes,
"Circaeis nata forent, an
Lucrinum ad saxum, RHUTUPINOVE edita fundo
Ostrea, callebat primo deprendere morsu."
It was the station of the second Augustan legion, under the count of the
Saxon coast, a person of high distinction.
6. The kingdom of Cantium is watered by many rivers. The principal are
Madus[418], Sturius,[419] Dubris,[420] and Lemanus,[421] which last
separates the Cantii from the Bibroci.
7. Among the three principal promontories of Britain, that which derives
its name from Cantium[422] is most distinguished. There the ocean, being
confined in an angle, according to the tradition of the ancients,
gradually forced its way, and formed the strait which renders Britain an
island.
8. The vast forest called by some the Anderidan, and by others the
Caledonian, stretches from Cantium a hundred and fifty miles, through
the countries of the Bibroci and the Segontiaci, to the confines of the
Hedui. It is thus mentioned by the poet Lucan:--
"Unde Caledoniis fallit turbata Britannos."
9. The Bibroci[423] were situated next to the Cantii, and, as some
imagine, were subject to them. They were also called Rhemi, and are not
unknown in record. They inhabited Bibrocum,[424] Regentium,[425] and
Noviomagus,[426] which was their metropolis. The Romans held
Anderida.[427]
10. On their confines, and bordering on the Thames, dwelt the
Atrebates,[428] whose primary city was Calleba.[429]
11. Below them, nearer the river Kunetius,[430] lived the
Segontiaci,[431] whose chief city was Vindonum.[432]
12. Below, towards the ocean, and bordering on the Bibroci, lived the
Belgae,[433] whose chief cities were Clausentum,[434] now called
Southampton; Portus Magnus;[435] Venta,[436] a noble city situated upon
the river Antona. Sorbiodunum[437] was garrisoned by the Romans. All the
Belgae are Allobroges, or foreigners, and derived their origin from the
Belgae and Celts. The latter, not many ages before the arrival of Caesar,
quitted their native country, Gaul, which was conquered by the Romans
and Germans, and passed over to this island: the former, after crossing
the Rhine, and occupying the conquered country, likewise sent out
colonies, of which Caesar has spoken more at large.[438]
13. All the regions south of the Thamesis[439] were, according to
ancient records, occupied by the warlike nations of the Senones. These
people, under the guidance of their renowned king Brennus, penetrated
through Gaul, forced a passage over the Alps, hitherto deemed
impracticable, and would have razed proud Rome, had not the fates, which
seemed like to carry the republic in their bosom, till it reached its
destined height of glory, averted the threatened calamity. By the cackle
of a goose Manlius was warned of the danger, and hurled the barbarians
from the capitol, in their midnight attack. The same protecting
influence afterwards sent Camillus to his assistance, who, by assailing
them in the rear, quenched the conflagration which they had kindled, in
Senonic blood, and preserved the city from impending destruction. In
consequence of this vast expedition, the land of the Senones,[440] being
left without inhabitants, and full of spoils, was occupied by the
above-mentioned Belgae.
14. Near the Sabrina and below the Thamesis lived the Hedui,[441] whose
principal cities were Ischalis[442] and Avalonia.[443] The baths,[444]
which were also called Aquae Solis, were made the seat of a colony, and
became the perpetual residence of the Romans who possessed this part of
Britain. This was a celebrated city, situated upon the river Abona,
remarkable for its hot springs, which were formed into baths at a great
expense. Apollo and Minerva[445] were the tutelary deities, in whose
temples the perpetual fire never fell into ashes, but as it wasted away
turned into globes of stone.
15. Below the Hedui are situated the Durotriges, who are sometimes
called Morini. Their metropolis was Durinum,[446] and their territory
extended to the promontory Vindelia.[447] In their country the land is
gradually contracted, and seems to form an immense arm which repels the
waves of the ocean.
16. In this arm was the region of the Cimbri,[448] whose country was
divided from that of the Hedui by the river Uxella.[449] It is not
ascertained whether the Cimbri gave to Wales its modern name, or
whether their origin is more remote. Their chief cities were
Termolus[450] and Artavia.[451] From hence, according to the ancients,
are seen the pillars of Hercules, and the island Herculea[452] not far
distant. From the Uxella a chain of mountains called Ocrinum extends to
the promontory known by the same name.
17. Beyond the Cimbri the Carnabii inhabited the extreme angle of the
island,[453] from whom this district probably obtained its present name
of Carnubia (Cornwall). Their chief cities were Musidum[454] and
Halangium.[455] But as the Romans never frequented these almost desert
and uncultivated parts of Britain, their cities seem to have been of
little consequence, and were therefore neglected by historians; though
geographers mention the promontories Bolerium and Antivestaeum.[456]
18. Near the above-mentioned people on the sea-coast towards the south,
and bordering on the Belgae Allobroges, lived the Damnonii, the most
powerful people of those parts; on which account Ptolemy assigns to them
all the country extending into the sea like an arm.[457] Their cities
were Uxella,[458] Tamara,[459] Voluba,[460] Cenia,[461] and Isca,[462]
the mother of all, situated upon the Isca. Their chief rivers were the
Isca,[463] Durius,[464] Tamarus,[465] and Cenius.[466] Their coasts are
distinguished by three promontories, which will be hereafter mentioned.
This region was much frequented by the Phoenician, Grecian, and Gallic
merchants, for the metals with which it abounded, particularly for its
tin. Proofs of this may be drawn from the names of the above-mentioned
promontories, namely Hellenis,[467] Ocrinum,[468] and [Greek: Kriou
metopon][469] as well as the numerous appellations of cities, which show
a Grecian or Phoenician derivation.
19. Beyond this arm are the isles called Sygdiles,[470] which are also
denominated Oestromenides and Cassiterides.
20. It is affirmed that the emperor Vespasian fought thirty battles with
the united forces of the Damnonii and Belgae. The ten different tribes
who inhabited the south banks of the Thames and Severn being gradually
subdued, their country was formed into the province of Britannia Prima,
so called because it was the first fruit of victory obtained by the
Romans.
21. Next in order is Britannia Secunda, which is divided from Britannia
Prima by the countries already mentioned, and from the Flavian province
by the Sabrina[471] and the Deva;[472] and the remaining parts are
bounded by the internal sea. This was the renowned region of the
Silures,[473] inhabited by three powerful tribes. Among these were
particularly distinguished the Silures Proper, whom the turbid estuary
of the Severn divides from the country we have just described. These
people, according to Solinus, still retain their ancient manners, have
neither markets nor money, but barter their commodities, regarding
rather utility than price. They worship the gods, and both men and women
are supposed to foretell future events. 22. The chief cities of the
Silures were, Sariconium,[474] Magna,[475] Gobanium,[476] and Venta[477]
their capital. A Roman colony possessed the city built on the Isca,[478]
and called after that name, for many years the station of the second or
Augustan legion, until it was transferred to the Valentian province, and
Rhutupis.[479] This was the primary station of the Romans in Britannia
Secunda.
23. The country of the Silures was long powerful, particularly under
Caractacus, who during nine years withstood the Roman arms, and
frequently triumphed over them, until he was defeated by Ostorius, as he
was preparing to attack the Romans. Caractacus, however, escaped from
the battle, and in applying for assistance to the neighbouring
chieftains was delivered up to the Romans, by the artifices of a Roman
matron, Cartismandua, who had married Venutius, chief of Brigantia.
After this defeat the Silures bravely defended their country till it was
overrun by Veranius, and being finally conquered by Frontinus, it was
reduced into a Roman province under the name of Britannia Secunda.
24. Two other tribes were subject to the Silures. First the Ordovices,
who inhabited the north towards the isle of Mona;[480] and secondly the
Dimetiae, who occupied the west, where the promontory Octorupium[481] is
situated, and from whence is a passage of thirty miles[482] to Ireland.
The cities of the Dimetiae were Menapia[483] and Maridunum[484] the
metropolis. The Romans seized upon Lovantium[485] as their station.
Beyond these, and the borders of the Silures, were the Ordovices, whose
cities were Mediolanum[486] and Brannogenium.[487] The Sabrina, which
rises in their mountains, is justly reckoned one of the three largest
rivers of Britain, the Thamesis (Thames) and the Tavus (Tay) being the
other two. The name of the Ordovices is first distinguished in history
on account of the revenge which they took for the captivity of their
renowned chief. Hence they continually harassed the Roman army, and
would have succeeded in annihilating their power, had not Agricola
turned hither his victorious arms, subdued the whole nation, and put the
greater part to the sword.
25. The territory situated north of the Ordovices, and washed by the
ocean, was formerly under their dominion. These parts were certainly
inhabited by the Cangiani, whose chief city was Segontium,[488] near the
Cangian promontory,[489] on the Minevian shore, opposite Mona,[490] an
island long distinguished as the residence of the druids. This island
contained many towns, though it was scarcely sixty miles in circuit;
and, as Pliny asserts, is distant from the colony of Camalodunum two
hundred miles. The rivers of the Cangiani were Tosibus,[491] called also
Canovius, and the Deva,[492] which was their boundary. In this region is
the stupendous mountain Eriri.[493] Ordovicia, together with the regions
of the Cangiani and Carnabii, unless report deceives me, constituted a
province called Genania, under the reign of the emperors subsequent to
Trajan.
26. I now proceed to the Flavian province; but for want of authentic
documents, am unable to ascertain whether it derived its name from
Flavia Julia Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who was born in
these parts, or from the Flavian family.
27. Towards the river Deva were situated, in the first place, the
Carnabii.[494] Their principal places were Benonae,[495] Etocetum,[496]
and Banchorium,[497] the last the most celebrated monastery in the whole
island, which being overthrown in the dispute with Augustine was never
afterwards restored; and the mother of the rest, Uriconium,[498]
esteemed one of the largest cities in Britain. In the extreme angle of
this country, near the Deva, was the Roman colony Deva,[499] the work of
the twentieth legion, which was called Victrix, and was formerly the
defence of the region. This place is supposed to be what is now termed
West Chester.
28. Below these people stretched the kingdom, or rather the republic, of
the Cassii, called by Ptolemy Catieuchlani, which arose from the union
of two nations. Those nearest the Sabrina were called the Dobuni, or,
according to the annals of Dio, the Boduni.[500] In their country the
Thames rises, and, proceeding through the territories of the Hedui,
Atrebates, Cassii, Bibroci, Trinobantes, and Cantii, after a long
course flows into the German Ocean. The cities of the Dobuni were
Salinae,[501] Branogena,[502] on the left of the Sabrina [Severn],
Alauna,[503] and the most venerable of all, Corinium,[504] a famous city
supposed to have been built by Vespasian. But Glevum,[505] situated in
the extreme part of the kingdom, towards the territory of the Silures,
was occupied by a Roman colony, which, according to the writers of those
times, was introduced by Claudius Caesar. Adjoining to these were the
Cassii, whose chief cities were Forum Dianae[506] and Verulamium.[507]
But when the last was raised by the Romans to the municipal rank, it
obtained the pre-eminence over the other cities. St. Alban the martyr
was here born. This city was involved in the ruin of Camalodunum[508]
and Londinium,[509] in the insurrection of Bonduica, which is related by
Tacitus. The Cassii were conspicuous above the other nations of the
island; and Caesar in his second invasion had the severest conflicts with
their renowned chief Cassibellinus, to whom many people were tributary;
and was repulsed by the Cassii in league with the Silures; to which
Lucan alludes:--"_Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis._" But on
the coming of Claudius, they, with the neighbouring people, were
subdued, and their country reduced to a Roman province, first called
Caesariensis, and afterwards Flavia.
29. Near the Cassii, where the river Thamesis approaches the ocean, was
the region of the Trinobantes,[510] who not only entered into alliance
with the Romans, but resigned to them Londinium their metropolis, and
Camalodunum situated near the sea, for the purpose of establishing
colonies. In this city was supposed to be born Flavia Julia Helena, the
pious wife of Constantine Chlorus and mother of Constantine the Great,
who was descended from the blood of the British kings. It was the chief
colony of the Romans in Britain, and distinguished by a temple of
Claudius, an image of Victory, with many ornaments.[511] But Londinium
was and ever will be a city of great eminence. It was first named
Trinovantum, then Londinium, afterwards Augusta, and now again Londona.
According to the chronicles it is more ancient than Rome. It is situated
upon the banks of the Thamesis, and is the great emporium of many
nations trading by land or sea. This city was surrounded with a wall by
the empress Helena, the discoverer of the Holy Cross; and, if reliance
may be placed on tradition, which is not always erroneous, was called
Augusta, as Britain was distinguished by the name of the Roman Island.
30. The boundary of this people towards the north was the river
Surius,[512] beyond which lived the Iceni, a famous people divided into
two tribes. The first of these, the Cenomanni, dwelt to the north
towards the Trinobantes and Cassii, and bordered on the ocean towards
the east. Their cities were Durnomagus,[513] and their metropolis
Venta.[514] Camboricum[515] was a Roman colony. A tongue of land
stretching into the sea towards the east was called Flavia Extrema.[516]
Their most remarkable rivers are the Garion,[517] the Surius,[518] and
the Aufona[519] which falls into the bay of Metaris.[520] Beyond the
Aufona, bordering on the Carnabii, Brigantes, and the ocean, lived the
Coitani,[521] in a tract of country overspread with woods, which, like
all the woods of Britain, was called Caledonia.[522] This is mentioned
by the historian Florus.[523] The chief city of the Coitani was
Ragae.[524] Besides this was Lindum,[525] a Roman colony, on the eastern
extremity of the province. The river Trivona[526] divides the whole
country into two parts. The nation of the Iceni, being of a warlike
character, neglected husbandry as well as the civil arts; they
voluntarily joined the Romans; but, revolting, and exciting others to
follow their example, were first subdued by Ostorius. A few years
afterwards, Praesutagus their king, at his decease, made Caesar and his
descendants his heirs. But the Romans, abusing the friendship of these
people and giving themselves up to every species of debauchery, excited
their resentment, and the Iceni with their allies, under the warlike
Bonduica, widow of Praesutagus, destroyed their colonies, and massacred
eighty thousand Roman citizens. They were afterwards reduced by the
legate Suetonius, a man highly esteemed for prudence.
31. On the northern part of this region is the river Abus,[527] which
falls into the ocean, and was one of the boundaries of the province
Maxima, as Seteja[528] was the other. This province was also called the
kingdom of Brigantia, because it comprehended the region of that name
inhabited by three nations. At the eastern point,[529] where the
promontories of Oxellum[530] and of the Brigantes[531] stretch into the
sea, lived the Parisii, whose cities were Petuaria[532] and Portus
Felix.[533]
32. Above, but on the side of the Parisii, are the proper
Brigantes,[534] a numerous people who once gave law to the whole
province. Their towns were Epiacum,[535] Vinovium,[536] Cambodunum,[537]
Cataracton,[538] Galacum,[539] Olicana,[540] and the chief city
Isurium.[541] Eboracum,[542] on the Urus,[543] was the metropolis, first
a colony of the Romans, called Sexta, from being the station of the
sixth legion, termed the Victorious, and afterwards distinguished by the
presence of many emperors, and raised to the privileges of a municipal
city.
33. This province is divided into two equal parts by a chain of
mountains called the Pennine Alps, which rising on the confines of the
Iceni and Carnabii, near the river Trivona,[544] extend towards the
north in a continued series of fifty miles.
34. The people to the west of this chain[545] are the Voluntii and
Sistuntii, who are united in a close confederacy.[546] Their cities are
Rerigonium,[547] Coccium,[548] and Lugubalium.[549] The two last were
occupied by Roman garrisons.
35. The northern frontier of this province was protected by a wall[550]
of stupendous magnitude built by the Romans across the Isthmus, eighty
miles in length, twelve feet high and (_nine_) thick, strengthened with
towers.
36. We collect from history, that these people were first attacked by
the emperor Claudius, then overrun by the legate Ostorius, and finally
defeated by Cerealis. By their voluntary submission to Agricola they
obtained peace. The actions and unheard-of perfidy of their queen have
disgraced their name in history. These people were descended from those
powerful nations, who in search of new habitations quitted their
country, which was situated between the Danube, the Alps, and the
Rhone.[551] Some of them afterwards emigrated into Ireland, as appears
from authentic documents.
37. Further north were situated those powerful nations, who in former
times were known under the name of Maeatae, and from whom that fratricide
Bassianus,[552] after the death of his father, basely purchased peace.
They possessed Ottadinia towards the east, Gadenia, Selgovia, Novantia,
and further north Damnia.
38. Nearest the wall dwelt the Gadeni,[553] whose metropolis was
Curia.[554] The Ottadini[555] were situated nearer the sea. Their chief
city was Bremenium,[556] and their rivers Tueda,[557] Alauna,[558] and
the two Tinas,[559] which ran within the wall.
39. The Selgovae[560] inhabited the country to the west. Their cities
were Corbantorigum,[561] Uxellum,[562] and Trimontium,[563] which,
according to ancient documents, was a long time occupied by a Roman
garrison. The principal rivers of this region were Novius,[564]
Deva,[565] and partly the Ituna.[566]
40. The Novantes[567] dwell beyond the Deva, in the extreme part of the
island, near the sea, and opposite Ireland. In their country was the
famous Novantum Chersonesus,[568] distant twenty-eight miles from
Ireland, and esteemed by the ancients the most northern promontory of
Britain,[569] though without sufficient reason. Their metropolis was
Lucophibia, or Casae Candidae;[570] their rivers Abrasuanus,[571]
Jena,[572] and Deva,[573] which was the boundary towards the east.
41. The Damnii[574] dwelt to the north of the Novantes, the Selgovae, and
the Gadeni, and were separated from them by the chain of the Uxellan
mountains.[575] They were a very powerful people, but lost a
considerable portion of their territory when the wall was built, being
subdued and spoiled by the Caledonians. Besides which, a Roman garrison
occupied Vanduarium[576] to defend the wall.
42. In this part, Britain, as if again delighted with the embraces of
the sea, becomes narrower than elsewhere, in consequence of the rapid
influx of the two estuaries, Bodotria and Clotta.[577] Agricola first
secured this isthmus with fortifications, and the emperor Antoninus[578]
erected another wall celebrated in history, which extended nearly five
and thirty miles, in order to check the incursions of the barbarians. It
was repaired, and strengthened with eleven towers, by the general AEtius.
These regions probably constituted that province, which, being recovered
by the victorious arms of the Romans under Theodosius, was supposed to
have been named Valentia, in honour of the family from whom the reigning
emperor was descended.
43. Beyond the wall lay the province Vespasiana. This is the Caledonian
region so much coveted by the Romans, and so bravely defended by the
natives, facts which the Roman historians, generally too silent in
regard to such things, have amply detailed. In these districts may be
seen the river Tavus,[579] which appears to separate the country into
two parts. There are also found the steep and horrid Grampian hills,
which divide the province. In this region was fought that famous battle
between Agricola and Galgacus, which was so decisive in favour of the
Romans.[580] The magnitude of the works at this day displays the power
of the Romans, and the ancient mode of castrametation; for, in the place
where the battle was fought, certain persons of our order, who passed
that way, affirmed that they saw immense camps, and other proofs which
corroborated the relation of Tacitus.
44. The nations which were subject to the Romans shall now follow in
their order. Beyond the Isthmus, as far as the Tavus, lived the
Horestii.[581] Their cities, which before the building of the wall
belonged to the Damnii, were Alauna,[582] Lindum,[583] and
Victoria,[584] the last not less glorious in reality than in name. It
was built by Agricola on the Tavus, twenty miles above its mouth.
45. Above these, beyond the Tavus, which formed the boundary, lived the
Vecturones or Venricones,[585] whose chief city was Orrea,[586] and
their rivers AEsica[587] and Tina.[588]
46. The Taixali[589] inhabited the coast beyond the boundaries of the
Vecturones. Their principal city was Devana,[590] and their rivers the
Deva[591] and Ituna.[592] A part of the Grampian hills, which extends
like a promontory into the sea, as it were to meet Germany, borrows its
name from them.[593]
47. To the west of these, beyond the Grampian hills, lived the
Vacomagi,[594] who possessed an extensive tract of country. Their
cities were Tuessis,[595] Tamea,[596] and Banatia.[597] Ptoroton,[598]
situated at the mouth of the Varar,[599] on the coast, was at the same
time a Roman station, and the chief city of the province. The most
remarkable rivers of this region, after the Varar, which formed the
boundary, were the Tuessis[600] and Celnius.[601]
48. Within the Vacomagi, and the Tavus, lived the Damnii Albani,[602] a
people little known, being wholly secluded among lakes and mountains.
49. Lower down, to the banks of the Clotta, inhabited the
Attacotti,[603] a people once formidable to all Britain. In this part is
situated the great lake formerly called Lyncalidor,[604] at the mouth
of which the city of Alcluith[605] was built by the Romans, and not long
afterwards received its name from Theodosius, who recovered that
province from the barbarians. These people deserved high praise for
having sustained the attacks of the enemy after the subjugation of the
neighbouring provinces.
50. This province was named Vespasiana, in honour of the Flavian family,
to which the emperor Domitian owed his origin, and under whom it was
conquered. If I am not mistaken, it was called under the later emperors
Thule, which Claudian mentions in these lines:
"Incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule,
Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Hierne."
But this country was so short a time under the power of the Romans, that
posterity cannot ascertain its appellations or subjugation. We have now
examined in a cursory manner the state of Britain under the Romans; we
shall next as briefly treat of the country of the Caledonians.
CONCERNING CALEDONIA.
51. Although all the parts of Britain lying beyond the Isthmus may be
termed Caledonia, yet the proper Caledonians dwelt beyond the Varar,
from which a line drawn accurately points out the boundary of the Roman
empire in Britain. The hithermost part of the island was at different
times in their possession, and the remainder, as we have related, was
occupied by barbarous Britons. The ancient documents of history afford
some information thus far; but beyond the Varar the light is extinct,
and we are enveloped in darkness.[606] Although we know that the Romans
erected altars there to mark the limits of their empire, and that
Ulysses, tossed by a violent tempest, here fulfilled his vows; yet the
thick woods and a continued chain of rugged mountains forbid all further
research. We must therefore be satisfied with the following information,
gleaned from the wandering merchants of the Britons, which we leave for
the use of posterity.
52. The Caledonians,[607] properly so called, inhabited the country to
the westward of the Varar, and part of their territory was covered by
the extensive forest called the Caledonian wood.
53. Less considerable people dwelt near the coast. Of these the
Cantae[608] were situated beyond the Varar, and the above-mentioned
altars, to the river Loxa,[609] and in their territory was the
promontory Penoxullum.[610]
54. Next in order is the river Abona,[611] and the inhabitants near it,
the Logi.[612] Then the river Ila,[613] near which lived the
Carnabii,[614] the most remote of the Britons. These people being
subdued by the propraetor Ostorius, and impatiently bearing the Roman
yoke, joined the Cantae, as tradition relates, and, crossing the sea,
here fixed their residence. Britain in these parts branches out into
many promontories, the chief of which, the extremity of Caledonia, was
called by the ancients Vinvedrum, and afterwards Verubium.[615]
55. After these people were placed the Catini,[616] and the Mertae[617]
further inland near the Logi. In these regions was the promontory of the
Orcades,[618] contiguous to which are the islands of that name. Beyond
this part flowed the Nabaeus,[619] which bounded the territory of the
Carnabii.
56. In the lower part of this region were situated the Carnonacae,[620]
in whose territories was the promontory Ebudum,[621] beyond which the
ocean forms a large bay, formerly called Volsas.[622] The lower coast of
this bay was inhabited by the Cerones;[623] and beyond the Itys,[624]
the territory of the Creones extended as far as the Longus.[625] The
promontory stretching from thence, and washed by the ocean and the bay
Lelanus,[626] is named after the inhabitants the Epidii.[627]
57. I cannot repass the Varar without expressing my wonder that the
Romans, in other respects so much distinguished for judgment and
investigation, should have entertained the absurd notion, that the
remainder of Britain exceeded in length and breadth the regions which
they had subdued and occupied. There is, however, sufficient evidence
that such was their opinion; for whoever attentively considers their
insatiable desire of rule, and reflects on the labour employed in the
erection of those stupendous works which excite the wonder of the world,
in order to exclude an enemy scarcely worthy of their notice or
resentment, must in this respect, as in all others, adore the
providence of the Divine Being, to whom all kingdoms are subject, and
perpetual glory is due, now and for ever. Amen!
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 401: Rather by the estuary of the Severn.]
[Footnote 402: Thames.]
[Footnote 403: Severn.]
[Footnote 404: Here some word is evidently omitted in the original. We
would supply it by comparing this description with that of Britannia
Secunda in the second section, and read "_Sabrina et Deva_," &c., by the
Severn and the Dee from the Silures and Ordovices.]
[Footnote 405: The wall or vallum erected by Severus between the Solway
Frith and the mouth of the Tyne.]
[Footnote 406: Bodora and Bodotria, Frith of Forth.]
[Footnote 407: Clotta. Clyde.]
[Footnote 408: Dumbarton.]
[Footnote 409: Murray Frith.]
[Footnote 410: These remarks seem to have been drawn from the _Notitia
Imperii_, and consequently refer to a late period of the empire.]
[Footnote 411: Cantium contained the present county of Kent, as far as
the Rother, except a small district in which Holwood Hill is situated,
and which belonged to the Rhemi.]
[Footnote 412: Rochester.]
[Footnote 413: Canterbury.]
[Footnote 414: Dover.]
[Footnote 415: Situated on the Lymne.]
[Footnote 416: Reculver.]
[Footnote 417: Richborough.]
[Footnote 418: The Medway.]
[Footnote 419: The Stour.]
[Footnote 420: A rivulet at Dover.]
[Footnote 421: The Rother.]
[Footnote 422: The North Foreland.]
[Footnote 423: The Bibroci, Rhemi, or Regni, inhabited part of Hants,
and of Berks, Sussex, Surrey, and a small portion of Kent.]
[Footnote 424: Uncertain. Stukeley calls it Bibrox, Bibrax, or the
Bibracte of the Itinerary.]
[Footnote 425: Chichester.]
[Footnote 426: Holwood Hill.]
[Footnote 427: Pevensey.]
[Footnote 428: Part of Hants, and Berks.]
[Footnote 429: Silchester. For the proofs that this place was the site
of Calleva see the Commentary on the Itinerary.]
[Footnote 430: Kennet.]
[Footnote 431: Part of Hants, and Berks.]
[Footnote 432: Probably Egbury Camp.]
[Footnote 433: The Belgae occupied those parts of Hants and Wilts not
held by the Segontiaci.]
[Footnote 434: This is an error: the ancient Clausentum was at Bittern,
on the Itchin, opposite Northam.]
[Footnote 435: Portchester.]
[Footnote 436: Winchester.]
[Footnote 437: Old Sarum.]
[Footnote 438: This passage as printed in the original is very obscure;
but the meaning is supplied by Caesar, from whom it is taken, and a
subsequent page where Richard mentions the same fact.--_Vide the
Chronology in_ b. ii. c. i. sect. 9.]
[Footnote 439: Thames.]
[Footnote 440: There was a tribe of Celts called Senones seated on the
banks of the Seine as late as the time of Caesar, and this was one of the
tribes who marched with Brennus against Rome. But we cannot discover
from whence Richard drew his information that these Senones originally
emigrated from Britain, leaving their country to be occupied by the
Belgae.]
[Footnote 441: Nearly all Somersetshire.]
[Footnote 442: Ilchester.]
[Footnote 443: Glastonbury.]
[Footnote 444: Bath.]
[Footnote 445: This is drawn from Solinus, who speaks of Britain in
general. We know not on what authority it was applied by Richard to
Bath.]
[Footnote 446: Maiden Castle, near Dorchester.]
[Footnote 447: Isle of Portland.]
[Footnote 448: Part of Somerset and Devon.]
[Footnote 449: The Parret.]
[Footnote 450: Uncertain,--probably in Devonshire.]
[Footnote 451: Ibid.]
[Footnote 452: Lundy Island.]
[Footnote 453: Part of Cornwall.]
[Footnote 454: Near Stratton.]
[Footnote 455: Carnbre.]
[Footnote 456: Land's End, and Lizard Point.]
[Footnote 457: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and part of Somerset.]
[Footnote 458: Probably near Bridgewater.]
[Footnote 459: On the Tamar.]
[Footnote 460: On the Fowey.]
[Footnote 461: On the Fal.]
[Footnote 462: Exeter.]
[Footnote 463: Ex.]
[Footnote 464: The Dart.]
[Footnote 465: Tamar.]
[Footnote 466: The Fal.]
[Footnote 467: Probably Berry Head.]
[Footnote 468: Lizard Point.]
[Footnote 469: Ram Head.]
[Footnote 470: Scilly Isles.]
[Footnote 471: Severn.]
[Footnote 472: Dee.]
[Footnote 473: The Silures, with their two dependent tribes, the Dimetiae
and the Ordovices, possessed all the country to the west of the Severn
and the Dee, together with the island of Anglesey.
"Of these territories the Dimetiae had the counties of Pembroke,
Cardigan, and Caermarthen; while the Silures possessed all the rest of
South Wales, as well as such parts of England as lay to the west of the
Severn and to the South of the Teme: while the Ordovices occupied all
North Wales, as well as all the country to the North of the Teme, and to
the West of the Severn and the Dee, except a small tract to the West of
Bangor and Penmorvay, which together with the isle of Anglesey belonged
to their subordinate clan the Cangani."]
[Footnote 474: Rose or Berry Hill, in Weston.]
[Footnote 475: Kentchester.]
[Footnote 476: Abergavenny.]
[Footnote 477: Caerwent.]
[Footnote 478: Caerleon on Usk.]
[Footnote 479: Richborough in Kent.]
[Footnote 480: Anglesey.]
[Footnote 481: St. David's Head.]
[Footnote 482: XXX milliarium.]
[Footnote 483: St. David's.]
[Footnote 484: Caermarthen.]
[Footnote 485: Llanio Issau on the Teivi.]
[Footnote 486: On the bank of the Tanat.]
[Footnote 487: Near Lentwardine.]
[Footnote 488: Caer Segont.]
[Footnote 489: Brach y Pwyl Point.]
[Footnote 490: Anglesey.]
[Footnote 491: The Conway.]
[Footnote 492: Dee.]
[Footnote 493: Snowdon.]
[Footnote 494: The territory of the Carnabii was bounded on the north by
the Mersey, west by the Severn, east by part of the Watling Street, and
to the south by Staffordshire.]
[Footnote 495: Benonis; High Cross.]
[Footnote 496: Wall.]
[Footnote 497: Banchor.]
[Footnote 498: Wroxeter.]
[Footnote 499: Chester.]
[Footnote 500: The _Dobuni_ were bounded on the west by the Severn, on
the south by the Thames, on the east by the Charwell, and on the north
by the Carnabii.
The _Cassii_, bounded on the south by the Thames, on the west by the
Dobuni, on the east by the Trent, and on the north by the Iceni.]
[Footnote 501: Droitwich.]
[Footnote 502: Near Lentwardine.]
[Footnote 503: Alcester.]
[Footnote 504: Cirencester in Gloucestershire.]
[Footnote 505: Gloucester.]
[Footnote 506: Dunstable.]
[Footnote 507: Old St. Albans.]
[Footnote 508: Colchester.]
[Footnote 509: London.]
[Footnote 510: It stretched from the Thames to the Stour on the north,
and on the west to the Brent and the Ouse.]
[Footnote 511: This temple with its ornaments is mentioned in Tacitus.]
[Footnote 512: Sturius, the Stour.]
[Footnote 513: Castor near Chesterton.]
[Footnote 514: Castor near Norwich.]
[Footnote 515: Cambridge.]
[Footnote 516: Part of the Suffolk Coast.]
[Footnote 517: The Yar.]
[Footnote 518: The Stour.]
[Footnote 519: The Nen.]
[Footnote 520: Boston Deep.]
[Footnote 521: In the map given by Bertram these people are called the
Coritani. They seem to have inhabited Lincoln, Leicester, and
Nottingham.]
[Footnote 522: Calyddon means coverts or thickets.]
[Footnote 523: B. iii. ch. 10, where, speaking of Caesar, he says,
"Caledonias sequutus in sylvas."]
[Footnote 524: Leicester.]
[Footnote 525: Lincoln.]
[Footnote 526: Trent.]
[Footnote 527: The Humber.]
[Footnote 528: The Mersey.]
[Footnote 529: Part of the East Riding of York.]
[Footnote 530: Spurn Head.]
[Footnote 531: Flamborough Head.]
[Footnote 532: Broughton on Humber.]
[Footnote 533: Near Bridlington Bay.]
[Footnote 534: Their territory stretched from the bounds of the Parisii
northward to the Tine, and from the Humber and Don to the mountains of
Lancashire, Westmoreland and Cumberland.]
[Footnote 535: Lanchester.]
[Footnote 536: Binchester.]
[Footnote 537: Slack.]
[Footnote 538: Catteric.]
[Footnote 539: Galgacum, uncertain.]
[Footnote 540: Ilkley.]
[Footnote 541: Aldborough.]
[Footnote 542: York.]
[Footnote 543: Probably from the Ure, which receives the name of Ouse
above York, on its junction with the Nid.]
[Footnote 544: Trent.]
[Footnote 545: To the Voluntii belonged the western part of Lancashire;
and to the Sistuntii, the west of Westmoreland and Cumberland as far as
the wall.]
[Footnote 546: Hence, in Sec. 31, they are called one people.]
[Footnote 547: Ribchester.]
[Footnote 548: Blackrode.]
[Footnote 549: Carlisle.]
[Footnote 550: The wall of Severus. The exact site of the barrier
erected by Severus against the northern tribes, has furnished matter of
dispute to many of our antiquaries. The researches of others,
particularly Horsley, have, however, set this question at rest. From
their information, joined to the scanty evidence of history, it has been
proved that three walls or ramparts were erected by the Romans at
different times, to secure the northern frontier of their dominions in
Britain.
The first was a rampart of earth, from the Solway Frith to the Tine,
raised by Hadrian about the year 120; but its form and construction have
not been satisfactorily ascertained. It was, however, evidently nothing
more than a line intended to obstruct the passage of an enemy between
the stations which constituted the real defences of the frontier.
The second was raised by Lollius Urbicus under the reign of Antoninus
Pius, about 140, between the Friths of Forth and Clyde. This was
likewise of earth, though perhaps faced with stone, and, like that of
Hadrian, seems to have been intended as a line connecting the chain of
stations, which formed a new barrier on the advance of the Roman arms.
In the course of both these was a military road communicating from
station to station.
The last and most important is that begun by Severus, after his
expedition against the Caledonians, about 208. It runs nearly over the
same ground as that of Hadrian; but is a complete and well combined
system of fortification. From an examination of its remains it appears
to have been built of stone, fifteen feet high and nine thick. It had
parapet and ditch, a military road, and was defended by eighteen greater
stations placed at intervals of three to six miles; eighty-three castles
at intervals of six to eight furlongs, and, as it is imagined, a
considerable number of turrets placed at shorter distances.
Either from superior sagacity or superior information, Richard clearly
distinguishes these three walls, which so much puzzled later writers,
though it must be confessed that in other places he has suffered himself
to be led into some errors in regard to their situation, and the persons
by whom they were erected.--See b. ii. ch. 1, sect. 22, 27, 36, 37; ch.
2, sect. 17, 23. For a detailed account of these works the reader is
referred to _Horsley's Britannia Romana_; _Warburton's Account of the
Roman Wall_; _Hutchinson's Northumberland_; _Roy's Military
Antiquities_; _Hutton's Account of the Roman Wall_.]
[Footnote 551: These were the Helvetii, whose emigration is mentioned in
_Caes. Comm. de Bell. Gal. lib._ i. We have not discovered from what
authority Richard draws his account of their emigration to Ireland.]
[Footnote 552: Caracalla.]
[Footnote 553: The Gadeni appear to have occupied the midland parts from
the wall probably as far as the Forth.]
[Footnote 554: Uncertain.]
[Footnote 555: The Ottadini stretched along the eastern coast, from the
wall as far as the Frith of Forth, and were bounded on the west by the
Gadeni.]
[Footnote 556: Ribchester.]
[Footnote 557: Tweed.]
[Footnote 558: The Coquet.]
[Footnote 559: The North and South Tine.]
[Footnote 560: The Selgovae appear to have occupied all the shire of
Dumfries, and part of Kirkudbright.]
[Footnote 561: Drumlanrig, or Kirkudbright.]
[Footnote 562: Uncertain.]
[Footnote 563: Birrenswork Hill.]
[Footnote 564: Nith.]
[Footnote 565: The Dee.]
[Footnote 566: The Eden.]
[Footnote 567: The Novantes held the south-western district of Scotland,
from the Dee to the Mull of Galloway; that is, the west of Kirkudbright
and Wigtown, and part of the Carrick division of Ayr.]
[Footnote 568: Rens of Galloway. It is not, however, more than eighteen
miles from the nearest part of Ireland.]
[Footnote 569: By an error in the geographical or astronomical
observations preserved by Ptolemy, the latitudes north of this point
appear to have been mistaken for the longitudes, and consequently this
part of Britain is thrown to the east.]
[Footnote 570: Wigtown, _Horsley_. Whithern, _Stukeley_, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 571: The Luce.]
[Footnote 572: Cree, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 573: Dee.]
[Footnote 574: The Lothers.]
[Footnote 575: Paisley, or Renfrew, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 576: Friths of Forth and Clyde.]
[Footnote 577: These people inhabited the principal part of what are
called the Lowlands. Their territories beyond the Isthmus evidently
stretched as far as the Grampians, consisting of great part of Ayr, all
Renfrew and Lanark, a considerable part of Stirling, and perhaps
Linlithgow.]
[Footnote 578: See page 448.]
[Footnote 579: Tay.]
[Footnote 580: It may perhaps appear superfluous to refer the antiquary
to Roy's masterly Commentary on the campaigns of Agricola in this part
of Britain; but it will scarcely be deemed so to observe, that we see
few instances in which military and local knowledge are so well applied
to the elucidation of antiquities.]
[Footnote 581: The Horestii occupied Clackmannan and Kinross, and part
of Perth as far as the Tay. To them belonged likewise all the country
stretching from the Grampians to Loch Lomond.]
[Footnote 582: Uncertain.]
[Footnote 583: Ardoch.]
[Footnote 584: Dealgin Ross.]
[Footnote 585: The Vecturones occupied the eastern part of Perth,
Forfar, Kincardin, and part of Aberdeen.]
[Footnote 586: Bertha, or Old Perth.]
[Footnote 587: South Esk.]
[Footnote 588: Tine.]
[Footnote 589: The Taixali held the eastern coast of Aberdeen,
apparently as far as Kinnaird Head.]
[Footnote 590: Probably Old Aberdeen.]
[Footnote 591: Dee.]
[Footnote 592: Ithan.]
[Footnote 593: Kinnaird Head.]
[Footnote 594: The Vacomagi were spread over an extensive region west of
the Taixali and north of the Grampians, comprising a considerable part
of Aberdeen, all Banff, Murray, Elgin, and Nairn, with the north-east of
Inverness.]
[Footnote 595: On the Spey.]
[Footnote 596: Brae Mar Castle.]
[Footnote 597: Uncertain, but near the Ness; perhaps Inverness or
Bonness.]
[Footnote 598: Burgh Head.]
[Footnote 599: Murray Frith.]
[Footnote 600: Spey.]
[Footnote 601: Dovern.]
[Footnote 602: The Damnii Albani may have been a remnant of the Damnii,
who, after the erection of the wall, being cut off from the rest of
their tribe, were gradually circumscribed by the neighbouring people, to
Braidalbane, and a small part of the west of Perth and east of Argyle.]
[Footnote 603: The Attacotti occupied a considerable part of Argyle, as
far as Lochfyn.]
[Footnote 604: Loch Lomond.]
[Footnote 605: Dumbarton. It was afterwards called Theodosia.]
[Footnote 606: It must be confessed that the information preserved by
Richard, in regard to this remote part of our island, is extremely
obscure, and that his descriptions will only assist us in guessing at
the situation of the different tribes. Perhaps this can scarcely be
deemed extraordinary, when we consider how imperfectly the interior of
this country is known even at present.]
[Footnote 607: The country of the proper Caledonians was the central
part of Inverness and Ross.]
[Footnote 608: The Cantae seem to have held Cromarty and East Ross.]
[Footnote 609: Frith of Cromartie, _Stukeley_. Loth R. _Roy._]
[Footnote 610: Tarbet Ness, _Stukeley_. Ord Head, Caithness, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 611: Frith of Dornoch, _Stukeley_.]
[Footnote 612: The Logi seem to have held the south-east of
Strathnavern, and north-east of Sutherland.]
[Footnote 613: All, _Stukeley_. Shiel, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 614: The Carnabii inhabited part of Caithness, the north of
Ross, and central part of Sutherland.]
[Footnote 615: Ness or Noss Head, _Stukeley_.]
[Footnote 616: The Catini held part of Caithness and the east of
Sutherland.]
[Footnote 617: The Mertae held the country comprised between the Catini
and Carnabii.]
[Footnote 618: Dunnet Head, _Stukeley_. Duncansby Head, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 619: Navern.]
[Footnote 620: The Carnonacae seem to have held the detached portion of
Cromarty, situated near Loch Broom, and a small part on the border of
Sutherland.]
[Footnote 621: Cape Wrath.]
[Footnote 622: Loch Broom.]
[Footnote 623: The Cerones held the north-west part of Ross;--the
Creones south-west of Ross and Inverness, and a part of Argyle.]
[Footnote 624: Shiel, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 625: Loch Loch, _Stukeley_. Linnhe Loch, _Roy_.]
[Footnote 626: Lochfyn.]
[Footnote 627: The Epidii probably occupied the Western part of Argyle,
as far as the Mull of Cantyr, and were bounded on one side by the sea
and on the other by Lochfyn.]
CHAP. VII.
The different parts of Britain having been cursorily examined according
to my original design, it seems necessary, before I proceed to a
description of the islands, to attend to a doubt suggested by a certain
person.[628] "Where," asks he, "are the vestiges of those cities and
names which you commemorate? There are none." This question may be
answered by another: Where are now the Assyrians, Parthians, Sarmatians,
Celtiberians? None will be bold enough to deny the existence of those
nations. Are there not also at this time many countries and cities
bearing the same names as they did two or three thousand years ago?
Judea, Italy, Gaul, Britain, are as clearly known now as in former
times; Londinium is still styled in the common language, with a slight
change of sound, London. The negligence and inattention of our ancestors
in omitting to collect and preserve such documents as might have been
serviceable in this particular, are not deserving of heavy censure, for
scarcely any but those in holy orders employed themselves in writing
books, and such even esteemed it inconsistent with their sacred office
to engage in such profane labours. I rather think I may without danger,
and without offence, transmit to posterity that information which I have
drawn from a careful examination and accurate scrutiny of ancient
records concerning the state of this kingdom in former periods. The good
abbat, indeed, had nearly inspired me with other sentiments, by thus
seeming to address me: Are you ignorant how short a time is allotted us
in this world; that the greatest exertions cannot exempt us from the
appellation of unprofitable servants; and that all our studies should be
directed to the purpose of being useful to others? Of what service are
these things, but to delude the world with unmeaning trifles? To these
remarks I answer with propriety. Is then every honest gratification
forbidden? Do not such narratives exhibit proofs of Divine Providence?
Does it not hence appear, that an evangelical sermon concerning the
death and merits of Christ enlightened and subdued a world overrun with
Gentile superstitions? To the reply, that such things are properly
treated of in systems of chronology, I rejoin: Nor is it too much to
know that our ancestors were not, as some assert, Autochthones, sprung
from the earth; but that God opened the book of nature to display his
omnipotence, such as it is described in the writings of Moses. When the
abbat answered, that works which were intended merely to acquire
reputation for their authors from posterity, should be committed to the
flames, I confess with gratitude that I repented of this undertaking.
The remainder of the work is therefore only a chronological abridgment,
which I present to the reader, whom I commend to the goodness and
protection of God; and at the same time request, that he will pray for
me to our holy Father, who is merciful and inclined to forgiveness.
The following Itinerary is collected from certain fragments left by a
Roman general. The order is changed in some instances, according to
Ptolemy and others, and it is hoped, with improvement.
* * * * *
Among the Britons were formerly ninety-two cities, of which thirty-three
were more celebrated and conspicuous. Two municipal,[629]
Verolamium;[630] and Eboracum.[631] Nine colonial;[632] namely,
Londinium[633] _Augusta_, Camalodunum[634] _Geminae Martiae_,
Rhutupis,[635] ***** Thermae[636] _Aquae Solis_, Isca[637] _Secunda_,
Deva[638] Getica, Glevum[639] _Claudia_, Lindum,[640] ****
Camboricum[641]. **** Ten cities under the Latian law:[642] namely,
Durnomagus,[643] Cataracton,[644] Cambodunum,[645] Coccium,[646]
Lugubalia,[647] Ptoroton,[648] Victoria,[649] Theodosia,[650]
Corinum,[651] Sorbiodunum.[652] Twelve stipendiary[653] and of lesser
consequence; Venta Silurum,[654] Venta Belgarum,[655] Venta
Icenorum,[656] Segontium,[657] Maridunum,[658] Ragae,[659]
Cantiopolis,[660] Durinum,[661] Isca,[662] Bremenium,[663]
Vindonum,[664] and Durobrivae.[665] But let no one lightly imagine that
the Romans had not many others besides those above-mentioned. I have
only commemorated the more celebrated. For who can doubt that they who,
as conquerors of the world, were at liberty to choose, did not select
places fitted for their purposes? They for the most part took up their
abode in fortresses which they constructed for themselves.
(The Itinerary, which follows here in the original Latin, being a dry
list of names, is omitted. See the Appendix, No. I.)
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 628: These remarks prove how much Richard rose superior to the
prejudices of his age and his profession. From the tone which he
assumes, it is however, evident that he found it advisable to yield to
the remonstrances of his superior.]
[Footnote 629: Municipia were towns whose inhabitants possessed in
general all the rights of Roman citizens, except those which could not
be enjoyed without an actual residence at Rome. They followed their own
laws and customs, and had the option of adopting or rejecting those of
Rome.--_Rosini Antiq. Rom._ b. x. c. 23.]
[Footnote 630: St. Alban's.]
[Footnote 631: York.]
[Footnote 632: There were different kinds of colonies, each entitled to
different rights and privileges; but we have no criterion to ascertain
the rank occupied by those in Britain.]
[Footnote 633: London.]
[Footnote 634: Colchester.]
[Footnote 635: Richborough in Kent.]
[Footnote 636: Bath.]
[Footnote 637: Caerleon.]
[Footnote 638: Chester.]
[Footnote 639: Gloucester.]
[Footnote 640: Lincoln.]
[Footnote 641: Cambridge.]
[Footnote 642: The Latian law consisted of the privileges granted to the
ancient inhabitants of Latium. These are not distinctly known; but
appear principally to have been the right of following their own laws,
an exemption from the edicts of the Roman praetor, and the option of
adopting the laws and customs of Rome.--_Rosini._]
[Footnote 643: Castor on Nen.]
[Footnote 644: Catteric.]
[Footnote 645: Slack.]
[Footnote 646: Blackrode.]
[Footnote 647: Carlisle.]
[Footnote 648: Burgh Head, Elgin, Scotland.]
[Footnote 649: Dealgin Ross.]
[Footnote 650: Dumbarton.]
[Footnote 651: Cirencester, Gloc.]
[Footnote 652: Old Sarum.]
[Footnote 653: The stipendiary were those who paid their taxes in money,
in contradistinction from those who gave a certain portion of the
produce of the soil, and were called Vectigales.--_Rosini._]
[Footnote 654: Caerwent, Monmouth.]
[Footnote 655: Winchester.]
[Footnote 656: Castor, near Norwich.]
[Footnote 657: Caer Segont.]
[Footnote 658: Caermarthen.]
[Footnote 659: Leicester.]
[Footnote 660: Canterbury.]
[Footnote 661: Dorchester.]
[Footnote 662: Exeter.]
[Footnote 663: Riechester, Northumberland.]
[Footnote 664: Possibly Egbury camp, Hants.]
[Footnote 665: Rochester.]
CHAP. VIII.
1. Having now finished our survey of Albion, we shall describe the
neighbouring country, Hibernia or Ireland, with the same brevity.
2. Hibernia is situated more westerly than any other country except
England; but as it does not extend so far north, so it stretches
further than England towards the south, and the Spanish province of
Tarraconensis, from which it is separated by the ocean.[666]
3. The sea which flows between Britain and Hibernia is subject to
storms, and according to Solinus, is navigable only during a few days in
summer. Midway between the two countries is the island called
Monoeda,[667] but now Manavia.
4. According to Bede, Hibernia is preferable to Britain, on account of
its situation, salubrity, and serene air, insomuch that snow seldom
remains more than three days, nor is it usual to make hay for the
winter, or build stalls for cattle.
5. No reptile is found there, nor does it maintain a viper or serpent;
for serpents frequently carried from England have died on approaching
the shore. Indeed almost all things in the island are antidotes to
poison. We have seen an infusion of scraped pieces of bark brought from
Hibernia, given to persons bitten by serpents, which immediately
deprived the poison of its force, and abated the swelling.
6. This island, according to the venerable Bede, is rich in milk and
honey; nor is it without vines. It abounds with fish and birds, and
affords deer and goats for the chase.
7. The inhabitants, says Mela, are more than other nations uncivilized
and without virtue, and those who have a little knowledge are wholly
destitute of piety. Solinus calls them an inhospitable and warlike
people. The conquerors, after drinking the blood of the slain, daub
their faces with the remainder. They know no distinction between right
and wrong. When a woman brings forth a son, she places its first food on
the point of her husband's sword, and, introducing it into the mouth of
the infant, wishes according to the custom of the country, that he may
die amidst arms and in battle. Those who are fond of ornaments adorn the
hilts of their swords with the teeth of marine animals, which they
polish to a degree of whiteness equal to ivory; for the principal glory
of a man consists in the splendour of his arms.
8. Agrippa states the length of Hibernia to be six hundred miles, and
the breadth three hundred. It was formerly inhabited by twenty tribes,
of whom (_fourteen_[668]) lived on the coast.
9. This is the true country of the Scots, who emigrating from hence
added a third nation to the Britons and Picts in Albion. But I cannot
agree with Bede, who affirms that the Scots were foreigners. For,
according to the testimony of other authors, I conceive they derived
their origin from Britain, situated at no considerable distance, passed
over from thence, and obtained a settlement in this island. It is
certain that the Damnii, Voluntii, Brigantes, Cangi, and other nations,
were descended from the Britons, and passed over thither after
Divitiacus, or Claudius, or Ostorius, or other victorious generals had
invaded their original countries. Lastly, the ancient language which
resembles the old British and Gallic tongues, affords another argument,
as is well known to persons skilled in both languages.[669]
10. The Deucaledonian Ocean washes the northern side of Hibernia; the
Vergivian and Internal the eastern, the Cantabric the south, as the
great British or Atlantic Ocean does the western. According to this
order, we shall give a description of the island and the most remarkable
places.
11. The Rhobogdii occupied the coast of the island next to the
Deucaledonian Sea. Their metropolis was Rhobogdium. In the eastern part
of their territories was situated the promontory of the same name; in
the Western the Promontorium Boreum, or Northern Promontory. Their
rivers were the Banna, Darabouna, Argitta, and Vidua; and towards the
south, mountains separated them from the Scotti.
12. On the coast between the northern and Venicnian Promontory, and as
far as the mouth of the Rhebeus, dwelt the Venicnii. To them the
contiguous islands owe their name. Their capital was Rheba. The Nagnatae
dwelt below the Rhebeus as far as the Libnius, and their celebrated
metropolis was called after them. The Auterii lived in a recess of the
bay of Ausoba, towards the south, and their chief city was named after
them. The Concangii occupied the lower part of the same region, near the
southern confines of which flowed the river Senus, a noble river, on
which was situated their chief city Macobicum. Hibernia in this part
being contracted, terminates in a narrow point. The Velatorii inhabited
the country near the southern promontory by the river Senus; their
metropolis was Regia, and their river Durius. The Lucani were situated
where the river Ibernus flows into the ocean.
13. The southern side of the island stretched from the Promontorium
Austriacum, or Southern Promontory, to the Sacred Promontory. Here lived
the Ibernii, whose metropolis was Rhufina. Next was the river Dobona,
and the people called Vodiae, whose promontory of the same name lies
opposite to the Promontorium Antivestaeum in England, at about the
distance of one hundred and forty-five miles. Not far from thence is the
river Dabrona, the boundary of the Brigantes, who have also the river
Briga for their limit, and whose chief city is called Brigantia.
14. The part of this island which reaches from the Sacred Promontory as
far as Rhobogdium is called the Eastern. The Menapii, inhabiting the
Sacred Promontory, had their chief city upon the river Modona called by
the same name. From this part to Menapia[670] in Dimetia, the distance,
according to Pliny, is thirty miles. One of these countries, but which
is uncertain, gave birth to Carausius. Beyond these people the Cauci had
their metropolis Dunum [Down]; and the river Oboca washed their
boundaries. Both these nations were undoubtedly of Teutonic origin; but
it is not known at what precise time their ancestors first passed over,
though most probably a little while before Caesar's arrival in Britain.
15. Beyond these were the Eblanae, whose chief city was Mediolanum, upon
the river Loebius. More to the north was Lebarum, the city of the
Voluntii, whose rivers were Vinderus and Buvinda. The Damnii occupied
the part of the island lying above these people, and contiguous to the
Rhobogdii. Their chief city was Dunum [Down], where St. Patrick, St.
Columba, and St. Bridget are supposed to be buried in one tomb.
16. It remains now to give some account of those people who lived in the
interior parts. The Coriondii bordered upon the Cauci and Menapii, above
the Brigantes; the Scotti possessed the remaining part of the island,
which from them took the name of Scotia. Among many of their cities, the
remembrance of two only has reached our times: the one Rheba, on the
lake and river Rhebeus; the other Ibernia, situated at the east side of
the river Senus.
17. I cannot omit mentioning in this place that the Damnii, Voluntii,
Brigantes, and Cangiani were all nations of British origin, who being
either molested by neighbouring enemies, or unable to pay the heavy
tribute exacted of them, gradually passed over into this country in
search of new settlements. With respect to the Menapii, Cauci, and some
other people, it has been before remarked that many things occur which
cannot safely be relied upon. Tacitus relates that Hibernia was more
frequented by foreigners than Albion. But in that case, the ancients
would undoubtedly have left us a more ample and credible account of this
island. While I am writing a description of Hibernia, it seems right to
add, that it was reduced under the Roman power, not by arms, but by
fear: and moreover, that Ptolemy, in his second map of Europe, and other
celebrated geographers, have erred in placing it at too great a distance
from Britain, and from the northern part of the province Secunda, as
appears from their books and maps.
18. North of Hibernia are the Hebudes, five[671] in number, the
inhabitants of which know not the use of corn, but live on fish and
milk. They are all, according to Solinus, subject to one chief, for they
are only divided from each other by narrow straits. The chief possessed
no peculiar property but was maintained by general contribution: he was
bound by certain laws; and lest avarice should seduce him from equity,
he learned justice from poverty, having no house nor property, and being
maintained at the public expense. He had no wife; but took by turns any
woman for whom he felt an inclination, and hence had neither a wish nor
hope for children. Some persons have written concerning these Hebudes,
that during winter darkness continues for the space of thirty days? but
Caesar upon diligent inquiry found this assertion untrue, and only
discovered by certain water-measures of time that the nights were
shorter here than in Gaul.
19. The Orcades, according to some accounts, are distant from the
Hebudes seven days and nights' sail; but this is erroneous. They are
thirty in number, and contiguous to each other. They were uninhabited,
without wood, and abounded with reeds: several were formed only of sand
and rocks, as may be collected from Solinus and others.
20. Thule, the last of the British isles, is placed by Mela opposite
to[672] the coast of the Belgae. It has been celebrated in Greek and
Roman verse. Thus the Mantuan Homer says,--
"Et tibi serviat ultima Thule."
Here are no nights during the solstice when the sun passes the sign of
Cancer; and on the other hand, in the winter there are no days, as Pliny
asserts. These circumstances are supposed to happen for six whole
months. The inhabitants, as Solinus affirms, in the beginning of the
spring live among their cattle upon herbs, then upon milk, and lay up
fruits against the winter. They have their women in common without
marriages. Thule, according to the same author, abounds in fruits. At
the distance of a day's sail from Thule the sea is difficult to pass
through, and frozen; it is by some called Cronium. From Thule to
Caledonia is two days' sail.
21. The isle of Thanatos[673] is bounded by a narrow channel, and
separated from the continent of Britain by a small estuary called the
Wantsum.[674] It is rich in pasture and corn. According to Isiodorus,
its soil is not only salubrious to itself, but to others, for no snakes
live in it, and the earth being carried to a distance destroys them. It
is not far distant from Rhutupis.[675]
22. The isle of Vecta,[676] conquered by Vespasian, is thirty miles in
length, on the side next to the Belgae, from east to west, and twelve
from north to south. In the eastern part it is six miles, in the western
three, from the above-mentioned southern shore of Britain.
23. Besides the isles just specified, there were VII Acmodae,[677]
Ricnea,[677A] Silimnus,[677B] Andros,[677C] Sigdiles,[677D] XL
Vindilios,[677E] Sarna,[678] Caesarea,[679] and Cassiterides.[680]
24. The island Sena, opposite the Ossismican[681] coast, is according to
Mela famous for the oracle of the Gallic deity, of whom the priestesses,
sanctified by perpetual virginity, are said to have been nine in number.
The Gauls call them Senae, and suppose them gifted with singular powers;
that they raise the winds and the seas with incantations, change
themselves into what animals they please, and cure disorders which in
other places yield to no remedy; that they have the knowledge of future
events, and prophesy. They are not favourable except to mariners, and
only to such as go thither for the purpose of consulting them.
25. The rest of the isles of smaller size and consequence which lie
round Albion will be better perceived and known by the inspection of the
annexed map[682] than from any description. Here, therefore, we stop,
and anxiously commend our labours to the favour and judgment of the
benevolent reader.
The first book of the geographical Commentary on the situation of
Britain, and those stations which the Romans erected in that island, is
happily finished, through the assistance of God, by the hand of Richard,
servant of Christ and monk of Westminster. Thanks be to God!
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 666: As we have neither the assistance of an Itinerary to
guide us in our researches, nor a local knowledge of Ireland, we have
not attempted to specify the situation of the ancient states and cities
in that island.]
[Footnote 667: Man.]
[Footnote 668: In the original is an error in the numerals, the number
afterwards specified is fourteen.]
[Footnote 669: Nearly one-third of the words in the Irish tongue are the
same as the modern Welsh, and many idioms and modes of speech are common
to both languages.]
[Footnote 670: St. David's.]
[Footnote 671: The Hebudes amount to more than five. From hence it may
perhaps be inferred that the Roman fleet in their voyage of discovery
did not reach these seas, though they coasted the northern part of
Scotland, for the Orcades are rightly numbered.]
[Footnote 672: Littori apposita, Richard. From the sense in which this
phrase is generally used in geography, it might be rendered _under the
same meridian_.]
[Footnote 673: Thanet.]
[Footnote 674: See Bede's Eccles. Hist. p. 37, note.]
[Footnote 675: Richborough.]
[Footnote 676: Wight.]
[Footnotes 677-677E: No geographer has hitherto attempted to ascertain
the modern names of these islands.]
[Footnote 678: Guernsey.]
[Footnote 679: Jersey.]
[Footnote 680: Scilly Isles.]
[Footnote 681: From a tribe of the Veneti called Ossismii, who inhabited
part of Bretagne.]
[Footnote 682: The map being no longer of any use, has been omitted in
this edition.]
BOOK II.
PREFACE.
We have thought proper to add as a supplement to the description of
ancient Britain in the same summary manner--I. An epitome of chronology
from the creation to the sack of Rome by the Goths: II. A short account
of the Roman emperors, and governors, who presided over this country:
III. Some persons will perhaps say that this kind of work is not
absolutely necessary either for divine worship or greater things. But
let them know that leisure hours may be dedicated to the study of the
antiquities of our country without any derogation from the sacred
character. Yet if censorious people envy us such pleasures at leisure
hours, hastening to the end and almost arrived at the goal, we here
check our steps.
CHAP. I.
IV. In the beginning, the Almighty Creator made this world, inhabited by
us and other creatures, out of nothing, in the space of six days.
V. In the year of the world 1656, the Creator, to punish the increasing
wickedness of mankind, sent a flood upon the earth, which, overwhelming
the whole world, destroyed every living creature except those which had
entered the ark, and whose progeny replenished the new world with
colonies of living beings.
VI. 3000. About this time some persons affirm that Britain was
cultivated and first inhabited, when it was visited by the Greek and
Phoenician merchants. Nor are those wanting who believe that London
was shortly after built by a king called Bryto.
VII. 3228. The brothers Romulus and Remus laid the foundation of Rome,
which in time became the common terror of all nations.
VIII. 3600. The Senones, having emigrated from Britain, passed through
Gaul, with the intent to invade Italy and attack Rome.
IX. 3650. The Belgae entered this country, and the Celta occupied the
region deserted by the Senones. Divitiacus king of the AEdui soon
afterwards passed over with an army and subdued great part of this
kingdom. About this time the Britons who were expelled by the Belgae
emigrated to Ireland, formed a settlement, and were thenceforward called
Scoti.
X. 3943. Cassibelinus waged war with the maritime states.[683]
XI. 3946. Caesar overcame the Germans, Gauls, and also the Britons, to
whom, before this time, even the name of the Romans was unknown. The
conqueror, having received hostages, rendered the people tributary.
XII. 3947. At length coming a second time into this country, upon the
invitation, as he pretended, of the Trinobantes, he waged war with
Cassibelinus king of the Cassii. Suetonius, however, asserts, with
greater probability, that he was allured by the costly pearls of
Britain.
XIII. 4044. The emperor Claudius passed over to Britain, and in the
space of six months, almost without effusion of blood, reduced a great
part of the island, which he ordered to be called Caesariensis.
XIV. 4045. Vespasian, at that time in a private station, being sent by
the emperor Claudius with the second legion into this country, attacked
the Belgae and Damnonii, and having fought thirty-two battles and taken
twenty cities, reduced them under the Roman power, together with the
Isle of Wight.
XV. 4047. The Romans occupied Thermae and Glebon.
XVI. 4050. Ostorius the Roman general, after a war of nine years,
overcame Caractacus king of the Silures, great part of Britain was
reduced into a province, and the colony of Camalodunum founded.
XVII. 4052. Certain cities of the Belgae were yielded by the Romans to
Cogibundus, that he might form a kingdom. About this time the Cangi and
Brigantes went over and settled in Ireland.
XVIII. 4061. The emperor Nero, having no courage for military
enterprises, nearly lost Britain; for under him its two greatest cities
were taken and destroyed. Bonduica, in order to revenge the injury
offered to her by the Romans, rose in arms, burned the Roman colonies of
London, Camalodunum, and the municipal town Verulamium, and slew more
than eighty thousand Roman citizens. She was at length overcome by
Suetonius, who amply avenged the loss, by slaughtering an equal number
of her subjects.
XIX. 4073. Cerealis conquered the Brigantes.
XX. 4076. Frontinus punished the Ordovices.
XXI. 4080. Agricola after a severe engagement subdued Galgacus king of
the Caledonians. He ordered all the island to be examined by a fleet,
and having sailed round its coasts, added the Orcades to the Roman
empire.
XXII. 4120. The emperor Hadrian himself came into the island, and
separated one part of it from the other by an immense wall.
XXIII. 4140. Urbicus being sent hither by Antoninus Pius, distinguished
himself by his victories.
XXIV. 4150. Aurelius Antoninus also obtained victories over some of the
Britons.
XXV. 4160. Britain was enlightened by the introduction of Christianity,
during the reign of Lucius, who first submitted himself to the cross of
Christ.
XXVI. 4170. The Romans were driven from the Vespasian province. About
this time it is supposed that king Reuda came with his people, the
Picts, from the islands into Britain.
XXVII. 4207. The emperor Severus, passing over into Britain, repaired
the wall built by the Romans, which had been ruined, and died not long
after, by the visitation of God, at York.
XXVIII. 4211. Bassianus (Caracalla) obtained a venal peace from the
Maeatae.
XXIX. 4220. During these times the Roman armies confined themselves
within the wall, and all the island enjoyed a profound peace.
XXX. 4290. Carausius, having assumed the purple, seized upon Britain;
but ten years afterwards it was recovered by Asclepiodotus.
XXXI. 4304. A cruel and inveterate persecution, in which within the
space of a month seventeen thousand martyrs suffered in the cause of
Christ. This persecution spread over the sea, and the Britons, Alban,
Aaron, and Julius, with great numbers of men and women, were condemned
to a happy death.
XXXII. 4306. Constantius, a man of the greatest humanity, having
conquered Allectus, died at Eboracum in the sixteenth year of his
reign.
XXXIII. 4307. Constantine, afterwards called the Great, son of
Constantius by Helena, a British woman, was created emperor in Britain;
and Ireland voluntarily became tributary to him.
XXXIV. 4320. The Scoti entered Britain under the conduct of the king
Fergusius, and here fixed their residence.
XXXV. Theodosius slew Maximus the tyrant three miles from Aquileia.
Maximus having nearly drained Britain of all its warlike youth, who
followed the footsteps of his tyranny over Gaul, the fierce transmarine
nations of the Scots from the south, and the Picts from the north,
perceiving the island without soldiers and defenceless, oppressed it and
laid it waste during a long series of years.
XXXVI. 4396. The Britons indignantly submitting to the attacks of the
Scots and Picts, sent to Rome, made an offer of submission, and
requested assistance against their enemies. A legion being accordingly
despatched to their assistance, slew a great multitude of the
barbarians, and drove the remainder beyond the confines of Britain. The
legion, upon its departure homewards, advised its allies to construct a
wall between the two estuaries, to restrain the enemy. A wall was
accordingly made in an unskilful manner, with a greater proportion of
turf than stone, which was of no advantage; for on the departure of the
Romans the former enemies returned in ships, slew, trampled on, and
devoured all things before them like a ripened harvest.