The island Britain is 800 miles long, and 200 broad, and there are in
this island five nations, English, Britons or Welch, Scots, Picts, and
Romans. The Britons were the first inhabitants of the land; they came
from Armenia, and first settled in the south of Britain; afterwards
it fell out that the Picts came from the south of Scythia, with long
ships, but not many, and they first landed in the north of Ireland,
and they entreated the Scots that they might abide there, and they
would not permit them; but the Scots said to them, We may nevertheless
give you counsel; we know another island eastward of this, there you
may live if you will, and if any withstand you, we will aid you that
you may conquer it. Then the Picts departed, and came to the northern
part of this land, for southward the Britons possessed it, as we said
before. And the Picts took wives of the Scots, on condition that they
should always choose their Royal lineage on the woman’s side, and they
observed this custom long after. And it happened, in the course of
years, that a division of the Scots passed from Ireland into Britain,
and conquered some part of this land, and their leader was called
Reoda; from him they are named the Dælreodi. Sixty years before Christ
was born, Caius Julius, the Roman Emperor, came to Britain with 80
ships. He was at first overcome in a terrible battle, and lost great
part of his army, and he left the remainder of his forces to abide
with the Scots, and went into Gaul, and there he collected 600 ships,
with which he returned to Britain, and at the first onset Cæsar’s
lieutenant, named Labienus, was slain. Then the Britons took large and
sharp stakes, and drove them into the fording place of a certain river,
under the water; this river was called the Thames. When the Romans
discovered this, they would not go over the ford: then the Britons fled
to the wood fastnesses, and the Emperor conquered very many of their
chief towns by great battles, and he passed again into Gaul.
1.
Octavianus reigned 56 years, and in the 42d year of his reign Christ
was born: then astrologers came from the Eastern parts that they might
worship Christ, and the children of Bethlehem were slain in Herod’s
search after him.
3.
This year Herod died, having stabbed himself, and his son Archelaus
succeeded to the kingdom. And the child Christ was brought again out of
Egypt.
6.
From the beginning of the world until this year, five thousand two
hundred years were gone by.
11.
This year Herod, the son of Antipater, received the government of Judea.
12.
Philip and Herod divided Judea into Tetrarchies.
16.
This year Tiberius succeeded to the empire.
26.
This year Pilate received the procuratorship over the Jews.
30.
This year Christ was baptized, and Peter and Andrew were converted, and
James, and John, and Philip, and the twelve Apostles.
33.
This year Christ was crucified, being about 5226 years from the
beginning of the world.
34.
This year St. Paul was converted, and St. Stephen was stoned.
35.
This year the blessed Apostle Peter established a bishop’s see in the
city of Antioch.
37.
This year Pilate slew himself with his own hands.
39.
This year Caius[A] succeeded to the empire.
44.
This year the blessed Apostle Peter established a bishop’s see at Rome.
This year James, the brother of John, was slain by Herod.
45.
This year died Herod, he who slew James one year before his own death.
46.
This year Claudius, second of the Roman Emperors, came to the land of
Britain, and brought under his power the greater part of this island,
he also subjected the Orkney islands to the Roman Empire. This was
in the 4th year of his reign, and the same year was the great famine
in Syria, which is spoken of by Luke, in the book of the Acts of the
Apostles. Then Nero succeeded to the Empire after Claudius: he was near
losing Britain by his inactivity.
47.
The Evangelist Mark began to write his gospel in Egypt.
50.
This year Paul was sent bound to Rome.
62.
This year James, the brother of Christ, suffered martyrdom.
63.
This year the Evangelist Mark died.
69.
This year Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom.
70.
This year Vespasian received the Empire.
71.
This year Titus, the son of Vespasian, slew eleven hundred thousand
Jews in Jerusalem.
81.
This year Titus succeeded to the Empire after Vespasian: he it was who
said that he lost the day in which he did no good.
83.
This year Domitian, the brother of Titus, succeeded to the Empire.
84.
This year John the Evangelist wrote the book called the Apocalypse in
the island of Patmos.
90.
This year Simon Peter the kinsman of Christ was crucified, and John the
Evangelist rested in death at Ephesus.
92.
This year Pope Clemens died.
110.
This year the Bishop Ignatius suffered martyrdom.
114
“Alexander commanded that water should be consecrated.”
116.
This year the Emperor Adrian began to reign.
124.
“Pope Sixtus ordered that the hymn, _Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus_, should
be sung in the Mass service.”
134.
“Pope Telesphorus ordered that the angelic hymn, _Gloria in excelsis
Deo_, should be sung on holy days.”
145.
This year Marcus Antoninus, and Aurelius his brother, took to
themselves the Empire.
189.
This year Severus possessed himself of the Empire, and came into
Britain with an army, and conquered great part of the island by battle;
and then he built a rampart of turf, and a thick wall thereon, from sea
to sea, for a defence to the Britons. He reigned 17 years, and then
finished his days at York, and Bassianus[B] his son succeeded to the
Empire. His other son died. He was called Geza. This year Eleutherus
received the bishoprick of Rome, and held it with glory 15 years: to
him Lucius, King of the Britons, sent letters, and entreated that he
might be made a Christian, and he obtained that which he desired, and
the Britons afterwards remained in the true faith till the reign of
Diocletian.
199.
This year the holy cross was found.
202.
“This year Pope Victor decreed that the feast of Easter should be held
on the Sunday, even as his predecessor Eleutherus had determined.”
254.
“Pope Cornelius removed the bodies of the Apostles by night from the
catacombs, and buried that of Paul in the Via Ostensis where he had
been beheaded, and that of Peter near the place where he had been
crucified.”
283.
This year St. Alban suffered martyrdom.
311.
“St. Silvester, the 23d Pope: in his time, the Council of Nice was
held; also the first Council of Arles, at which Avitianus, Archbishop
of Rouen, was present.”
343.
This year St. Nicholas died.
379.
This year Gratian succeeded to the Empire.
“At this time a Council of 150 Fathers was held at Constantinople under
Damasus, against Macedonius and Eunomius.”
381.
This year the Emperor Maximus assumed the government: he was born in
Britain, and thence he went into Gaul, and there he slew the Emperor
Gratian, and he drove his brother named Valentinian out of the country,
and this Valentinian afterwards gathered together an army, and slew
Maximus, and possessed himself of the Empire. At this time the heresy
of Pelagius spread itself throughout the world.
403.
“This year Pope Innocent sent an epistle to Victricius, Archbishop of
Rouen, and decreed that men should fast on the seventh day, because on
that day the Lord lay in the sepulchre.”
418.
This year the Romans collected all the gold that was in Britain, and
hid some of it in the earth, so that none could afterwards find it, and
some they carried with them into Gaul.
423.
This year Theodosius the younger succeeded to the Empire.
425.
“At this time the series of French Kings began to reign: Pharamond was
the first.”
429.
This year the Bishop Palladius was sent by Pope Celestine to the
Scotch, that he might confirm their faith.
430.
This year Patrick was sent by Pope Celestine to preach baptism to the
Scotch.
431.
“At this time the devil appearing in the form of Moses to the Jews in
Crete, engaged to lead them dry-shod through the sea to the promised
land, and thus, when many had perished, the rest were converted to
Christianity.”
433.
“Pope Celestine--In his time was held the Ephesian Synod of 200
Bishops, against Nestorius Bishop of Constantinople, at which Synod
Cyril Bishop of Alexandria, presided.”
435.
This year the Goths took Rome, and never after did the Romans reign in
Britain. This was about 1110 years from the building of the city. The
Romans reigned in Britain 470 years in all from the first invasion of
Caius Julius.
439.
“Pope Leo sanctioned the proceedings of the synod of Calchedon.”
443.
This year the Britons sent over sea to Rome, and begged for aid against
the Picts, but they obtained none, because the Romans were going
against Ætla, King of the Huns; and then they sent to the Angles, and
asked the same of the Princes of the Angle race.
444.
This year St. Martin died.
448.
This year, at the place where Herod formerly resided, John the Baptist
discovered his head to two monks, who came from the east to pray at
Jerusalem.
449.
This year Martian and Valentinian[C] succeeded to the Empire, and
reigned seven years. In their days Hengest and Horsa, called by
Vortigern King of the Britons to his aid, landed in Britain at the
place which is called Ypwinesfleot (Ebsfleet): they at first assisted,
but afterwards made war upon the Britons. The King commanded them
to fight against the Picts, and they did so, and gained the victory
wherever they came; then they sent to the Angles, and desired them to
send more aid, and told them of the imbecility of the inhabitants,
and of the excellence of this land. Thereupon they sent more forces;
these came from three tribes in Germany; from the Old Saxons, from
the Angles, and from the Jutes. From the Jutes came the men of Kent
and of Wight; this is the people that now dwelleth in Wight, and the
tribe among the West Saxons which is yet called the race of Jutes.
From the Old Saxons came the East, the South, and the West Saxons.
From the Angles (whose country lying between the Jutes and the Saxons,
remained deserted from that time) came the East Angles, the Mid Angles,
the Mercians, and all the Northumbrians: their leaders were the two
brothers Hengest and Horsa, and they were the sons of Wihtgils;
Wihtgils was the son of Witta, Witta of Wecta, Wecta of Woden: from
this Woden the line of our Kings is descended, and that of the
Southumbrian Kings also.
“At this time a synod of 630 Bishops was held at Calchedon against the
Abbot Eutyches and Dioscorus.”
455.
This year Hengest and Horsa fought with King Vortigern, at the place
which is called Ægeles-ford (Aylesford) and Horsa, the brother of
Hengest was slain, and, after this, Hengest and his son Æsc assumed the
government.
457.
This year Hengest and Æsc fought with the Britons at the place called
Creccanford (Crayford) and there they slew four chieftains, and then
the Britons forsook Kent, and fled in great fear to London.
465.
This year Hengest and Æsc fought with the Welsh near Wyppedes-fleote
(Wippedfleet) and they slew twelve Aldermen, all Welsh; and one of
their own Thanes, whose name was Wipped, was killed there.
473.
This year Hengest & Æsc fought with the Welsh, and gained spoils
innumerable, and then the Welsh fled from the English, as they would
from fire.
477.
This year Ælla, with his three sons, Cymen, and Wlencing, and Cissa,
arrived in Britain with three ships, at the place which is called
Cymenesora (Cimen Shore, Sussex) and there they slew many of the Welsh,
and chased some into the wood which is named Andredes-leage.[D]
482.
This year the blessed Abbot Benedict shone in this world through the
glory of his miracles, even as the blessed Gregory relateth in the book
of dialogues.
485.
This year Ælla fought with the Welch near Mearcredes-burnan-stede.
488.
This year Æsc succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned over the Kentish
men 24 years.
490.
This year Ælla and Cissa besieged Andredes-cester,[E] and they slew all
the inhabitants, so that not one Briton was left there.
“At this time the blessed Mamercus, Bishop of Vienne, appointed the
solemn Rogation Litany.”
495.
This year two Aldermen, Cerdic and his son Cynric, arrived in Britain
with five ships at the place which is called Cerdices-ora (near
Yarmouth), and the same day they fought with the Welch. And Cerdic
was the son of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Giwis, Giwis of Wig, Wig
of Freawine, Freawine of Freothogar, Freothogar of Brand, Brand of
Baldæg, Baldæg of Woden; and in about six years from the time Cerdic
and Cynric landed, they conquered the country of the West Saxons,
and they were the first Kings who took the West Saxon land from the
Welsh. And Cerdic possessed that kingdom 16 years, then he died and
his son Cynric succeeded him, and held it 26 years. When he died his
son Ceawlin succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 17 years; when he
died Ceol succeeded and reigned five years; when he died his brother
Ceolwulf succeeded and reigned 17 years, and their line goeth back to
Cerdic; then Cynegils, the brother’s son of Ceolwulf, succeeded and
reigned 20 years, and he was the first of the West Saxon Kings who
received baptism; and then Cenwalh succeeded to the kingdom, and held
it 31 years; this Cenwalh was the son of Cynegils; and then his Queen
Sexburh reigned one year after him; then Æscwine, whose genealogy
goeth back to Cerdic, reigned two years; then Centwine, the son of
Cynegils, succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned nine years;
then Ceadwalla, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded to the
kingdom, and reigned three years; then Ina, whose line goeth back to
Cerdic, succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned 37 years; then
Æthelheard, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded and reigned
16 years; then Cuthred, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded
and reigned 17 years; then Sigebright, whose line goeth back to Cerdic,
succeeded and reigned one year; then Cynewulf, whose line goeth back
to Cerdic, succeeded and reigned 31 years; then Brihtric, whose line
goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 16 years;
then Ecgbriht succeeded and reigned 37 years and 7 months; then his
son Athelwulf succeeded and reigned 18 years and a half. Athelwulf was
the son of Ecgbriht, Ecgbriht of Ealhmund, Ealhmund of Eafa, Eafa of
Eoppa, Eoppa of Ingild, Ingild of Cenred; Ina and Cuthburh and Cwenburh
were also the children of Cenred; and Cenred was the son of Ceolwald,
Ceolwald of Cuthwulf, Cuthwulf of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Celm, Celm of
Cynric, Cynric of Creoda, Creoda of Cerdic. Then Æthelbald, the son of
Athelwulf succeeded to the kingdom, and held it five years; his brother
Æthelbriht succeeded him and reigned five years; then their brother
Ælfred succeeded to the kingdom and reigned 28 years and a half; then
Edward, the son of Ælfred, succeeded him, and reigned 24 years; when he
died his son Athelstan succeeded him, and reigned 14 years, 7 weeks,
and 3 days; then his brother Edmund succeeded, and reigned six years
and a half all but two days; then his brother Edred succeeded him, and
reigned nine years and six weeks; then Edwy, the son of King Edmund,
succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 3 years and 36 weeks all but two
days; when he died his brother Edgar succeeded him, and reigned 16
years, 8 weeks, and 2 days; when he died his son Edward succeeded to
the kingdom, and reigned----
501.
This year Port and his two sons, Bieda and Mægla, arrived in Britain
with two ships, at the place called Portes-muthe (Portsmouth) and they
landed forthwith, and there they slew a young Briton, a very noble man.
508.
This year Cerdic and Cynric slew a British King, whose name was
Natanleod, and 5000 men with him; from him the country, as for as
Cerdices-ford (Charford) was called Natanleag.
509.
This year the Abbot St. Benedict, the father of all monks, went to
heaven.
514.
This year the West Saxons, Stuf and Whitgar, arrived in Britain with
three ships at the place called Cerdices-ora, and they fought with the
Britons and put them to flight.
519.
This year Cerdic and Cynric possessed themselves of the kingdom of
Wessex, and the same year they fought with the Britons at the place
which is now called Cerdices-ford (Charford), and from that day forth
reigned the royal West Saxon line.
527.
This year Cerdic and Cynric fought with the Britons at the place called
Cerdices-leah.[F]
528.
“At this time Dionysius computed the cycle of Easter at Rome. Then
Priscian explored the depths of grammar.”
530.
This year Cerdic and Cynric conquered the Isle of Wight, and slew many
men at Wihtgarabyrig (Carisbrook).
534.
This year Cerdic, the first King of Wessex, died, and his son Cynric
succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 26 years, and they had given all
the Isle of Wight to Cerdic’s two nephews, Stuf and Wihtgar.
538.
This year, 14 days before the March calends, the sun was eclipsed from
early in the morning till nine in the forenoon.
540.
This year the sun was eclipsed on the 12th of the calends of July, and
the stars were seen at nearly half-past nine in the forenoon.
544.
This year Wihtgar died, and was buried at Wihtgarabyrig (Carisbrook).
547.
This year Ida assumed the government; from him descended the
Northumbrian royal line.--Ida was the son of Eoppa, Eoppa of Esa, Esa
of Ingin, Ingin of Angenwit, Angenwit of Aloc, Aloe of Beonoc, Beonoc
of Brand, Brand of Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden, Woden of Freotholaf,
Freotholaf of Frithowulf, Frithowulf of Finn, Finn of Godwulf, Godwulf
of Geat: and Ida reigned 12 years, and built Bebbanburh (Bamborough),
which was at first surrounded by a hedge and afterwards by a wall.
552.
This year Cynric fought with the Britons at the place called Searobyrig
(Salisbury), and put them to flight. Cerdic was the father of Cynric,
and the son of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wig,
Wig of Freawine, Freawine of Frithogar, Frithogar of Brand, Brand of
Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden. Egelberht (Ethelberht), the son of Eormenric
was born, and in the -- year of his reign, he, first of the (Saxon)
Kings of Britain, received baptism.
556.
This year Cynric and Ceawlin fought with the Britons at Beranbyrig
(Banbury).
560.
This year Ceawlin succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex; and (Ida being
dead), Ælla to that of Northumberland,[G] and he held it 30 years.
Ælla was the son of Yffe, Yffe of Uscfrea, Uscfrea of Wilgis, Wilgis
of Westerfalcna, Westerfalcna of Sæfugl, Sæfugl of Sæbald, Sæbald of
Sigegeat, Sigegeat of Swæfdæg, Swæfdæg of Sigegear, Sigegear of Wægdæg,
Wægdæg of Woden, Woden of Frithowulf. This year Æthelbriht succeeded
to the kingdom of Kent, and reigned 53 years. In his days the holy
Pope Gregory sent us baptism, this was in the 32d year of his reign.
And the Priest Columba came to the Picts, and converted those who live
by the northern moors to the faith of Christ: and their King gave him
the island that is called Ii (Iona); it contains five hides of land,
and there, as men say, Columba built a monastery, and he lived there
as Abbot 32 years, and he died there when he was 77 years old. The
place is still in the possession of his heirs. The southern Picts were
baptized long before by Bishop Ninna, who was educated at Rome.--His
church and monastery consecrated in the name of St. Martin, are at
Hwiterne (Whitehorn), and there he resteth with many holy men. Now
there shall ever be an Abbot and not a Bishop in Iona, and all the
Scotch Bishops shall be subject to him, because Columba was an Abbot
and no Bishop.
568.
This year Ceawlin and his brother Cutha fought with Æthelbyrht and
drove him into Kent, and they slew two Aldermen, Oslac and Cnebba, at
Wibbandun (Wimbledon).
571.
This year Cuthwulf fought with the Britons at Bedican-ford (Bedford),
and took four towns, Lygean-burh (Leighton, Bedfordshire?) and
Ægeles-burh (Ailesbury), and Bennington (Benshington, Oxfordshire), and
Egones-ham (Ensham, Oxfordshire); and he died the same year.
577.
This year Cuthwin and Ceawlin fought with the Britons, and slew
three Kings, Conmail and Condidan and Farinmail, at the place called
Deorham (Durham or Dyrham, Gloucestershire) and they took three towns,
Gloucester and Cirencester and Bath.
583.
This year Mauricius succeeded to the Roman Empire.
584.
This year Ceawlin and Cutha fought with the Britons at the place called
Fethanleag (Frethorn, Gloucestershire?) and Cutha was slain there, and
Ceawlin took many towns, and spoils, and treasures innumerable, and he
returned thence to his own abode.
588.
This year King Ælla died, and Æthelric reigned after him five years.
591.
This year there was a great slaughter in Britain at Wodnes-beorg (in
Wiltshire?) and Ceawlin was driven out, and Ceolric reigned six years.
592.
This year Gregory succeeded to the Popedom of Rome.
“This Pope Gregory added to the mass service the words, _Diesque
nostros in tuâ pace disponas, &c._”
593.
This year Ceawlin and Cwichelm and Cryda, (King of Mercia) died, and
Æthelfrith succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland; he was the son
of Æthelric, and Æthelric of Ida.
596.
This year Pope Gregory sent Augustine, with many monks, into Britain,
to preach the word of God to the English people.
“At this time St. Benedict’s Monastery was destroyed by the Lombards.”
597.
This year Ceolwulf began to reign over the West Saxons, and he was
always at war, and fighting either with the English, the Welsh, the
Picts, or the Scots: he was the son of Cutha, Cutha of Cynric, Cynric
of Cerdic, Cerdic of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wig,
Wig of Freawine, Freawine of Frithugar, Frithugar of Brand, Brand of
Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden. This year Augustine and his companions came to
England.
601.
This year Pope Gregory sent a pall into Britain for Archbishop
Augustine; he also sent many divines to his assistance, and the Bishop
Paulinus brought Edwin King of Northumberland to be baptized.
603.
This year Ægthan, King of the Scots, fought with the Dælreodi, and with
Æthelferth, King of Northumberland, at Dægstane,[H] and almost the
whole of his army was destroyed. Theodbald, the brother of Æthelferth,
was slain there with all his troop. Never after durst any Scotch King
lead an army against this people.
604.
This year Augustin consecrated two bishops, Mellitus and Justus: he
sent Mellitus to preach baptism to the East Saxons, where there was a
King named Sæbyrht, the son of Ricola the sister of Æthelbyrht, whom
Æthelbyrht had established there as King; and Æthelbyrht gave Mellitus
a Bishop’s see at London, and to Justus he gave one at Rochester which
is 24 miles from Dorwitceaster (Canterbury).
606.
This year Gregory died, about ten years from the time that he sent us
baptism; his father was named Gordian, and his mother Silvia.
607.
This year Ceolwulf fought with the South Saxons. And this year
Æthelfrith led his army to Leger-ciestre (Leicester) and there he
slew Welshmen without number, and thus was fulfilled the prophecy of
Augustin which he spoke, saying, If the Welsh will not be at peace with
us, they shall perish at the hands of the Saxons. Two hundred priests
were slain, who came thither that they might pray for the Welch army;
their Alderman was named Brocmail, and he escaped thence with some
fifty men.
611.
This year Cynegils succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and held it 31
years. Cynegils was the son of Ceol, Ceol of Cutha, Cutha of Cynric.
614.
This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought at Beamdune (Bampton, Devon?)
and slew two thousand and forty-six Welshmen.
616.
This year died Æthelbyrht, King of Kent, the first English King who
received baptism, and he was the son of Eormenric; he had reigned 56
years, and his son Eadbald succeeded him. And the same year 5,818
winters had passed away since the beginning of this world. Eadbald
renounced his faith, and lived after the heathen manner, insomuch that
he had to wife his father’s widow. Whereupon Laurentius, who was then
Archbishop of Kent, resolved to go southward over sea, and to abandon
all here. And the Apostle Peter came to him by night, and beat him
sorely, because he would thus have forsaken the flock of God; and he
commanded him to go to the King, and to preach the true faith to him;
and he did so, and the King was converted unto the true faith again. In
this King’s days the same Laurentius, who was Archbishop of Kent after
Augustin, died on the 4th of the Nones of February, and he was buried
near Augustin. The holy Augustin, when in perfect health, consecrated
him Bishop, to the end that the Church of Christ, which was yet new in
England, might have no interval without an Archbishop after his death.
After Laurentius, Mellitus, who was before Bishop of London, succeeded
to the Archbishoprick; then the inhabitants of London, where Mellitus
had been, became heathens, and within five years, Eadbald still
reigning, Mellitus died. Justus succeeded to the Archbishoprick; he had
been Bishop of Rochester, and he consecrated Romanus to that bishoprick.
617.
This year Æthelfrith King of the Northumbrians, was slain by Redwald
King of the East Angles, and Edwin the son of Ælla obtained possession
of the kingdom, and conquered all Britain, excepting Kent alone, and
he drove out the Princes the sons of Æthelfrith; these were, first
Eanfrid, then Oswald and Oswin, Oslac, Oswudu, Oslaf and Offa.
624.
This year Archbishop Mellitus died.
625.
This year Paulinus was consecrated Bishop of Northumberland by
Archbishop Justus, on the 12th of the calends of August.
“This is the Cycle of Dionysius. It consists of five series of nineteen
years, that is of 95 years, and it takes its beginning from the 30th
year of our Lord’s incarnation, and finishes in the 626th year. This
series of nineteen years, which the Greeks call Enneakaidekaeteris, and
Pope John calls Kaideris, was established by the holy Fathers in the
Council of Nice, and agreeably to such mode of calculating the 14th day
of the (March) moon marked Easter every year without any uncertainty.”
626.
This year came Eomer from Cwichelm, King of Wessex, and thought to
murder King Edwin, but he stabbed his thane Lilla, and Forthher, and
wounded the King. And the same night a daughter was born to Edwin;
she was named Eanfled: then the King promised Paulinus that he would
dedicate his daughter to God, if he would obtain of God that he might
destroy his enemy who had sent the assassin. And he then marched with
an army against the West Saxons, and there he overcame five Kings
and slew much people. This year Eanfled, King Edwin’s daughter, was
baptized on the holy eve of Pentecost, and within twelve months the
King was baptized at Easter with all his nobility. Easter then fell
on the 2d of the Ides of April. This took place at York, where he had
before ordered a church of wood to be built, which was consecrated in
the name of St. Peter. There the King gave Paulinus a Bishop’s See,
and there he afterwards ordered a larger church to be built of stone.
This year Penda succeeded to the kingdom (of Mercia) and reigned 30
years, and he was 50 years old when he began to reign. Penda was the
son of Wybba, Wybba of Cryda, Cryda of Cynewold, Cynewold of Cnebba,
Cnebba of Icel, Icel of Eomær, Eomær of Angeltheow, Angeltheow of Offa,
Offa of Wærmund, Wærmund of Wihtlæg, Wihtlæg of Woden.
627.
This year King Edwin was baptized with his people by Paulinus, at
Easter. This Paulinus also preached Christianity in Lindisse (Lindsey),
where a certain rich man named Blecca believed first, with all his
adherents. And at this time Honorius succeeded to the Popedom after
Boniface; he sent a pall hither to Paulinus. And Archbishop Justus
died, and Honorius was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Paulinus
at Lincoln, and the Pope also sent a pall to him, and he sent letters
to the Scotch that they should turn to the observance of the true
Easter.
628.
This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought with Penda at Cirencester, and
they made a treaty there.
632.
This year Eorpwald was baptized.
633.
This year King Edwin was slain by Cadwalla and Penda at Heth-felda
(Hatfield, near Doncaster?) on the 2d of the Ides of October, and he
had reigned 17 years, and his son Osfrith also was slain with him. And
after this Ceadwalla and Penda went and laid waste all Northumberland.
When Paulinus saw this, he took Æthelburga, the widow of Edwin, and
went in a ship to Kent, and Eadbald and Honorius received him very
honorably, and gave him the Bishoprick of Rochester, and he abode there
till his death.
634.
This year Osric, whom Paulinus had baptized, succeeded to the kingdom
of Deira; he was the son of Ælfric, the uncle of Edwin; and Eanfrith,
the son of Æthelfrith, succeeded to the kingdom of Bernicia. And
this year Bishop Byrinus first preached baptism to the West Saxons
under King Cynegils: this Byrinus came thither by the command of Pope
Honorius, and was Bishop there till the end of his life. And this
year also Oswald succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and he
reigned nine years, the ninth year being numbered to him because of the
heathenism of those who reigned the one year between him and Edwin.
635.
This year King Cynegils was baptized by Bishop Byrinus at Dorchester
(Oxfordshire) and Oswald, King of Northumberland, was his godfather.
636.
This year King Cwichelm was baptized at Dorchester (Oxfordshire), and
he died the same year; and Bishop Felix preached the Christian faith to
the East Angles.
639.
This year Byrinus baptized King Cuthred at Dorchester, and took him for
his godson.
640.
This year Eadbald, King of Kent, died; he reigned 25 years. He had two
sons, Ermenred and Ercenberht, and Ercenberht reigned after his father.
He threw down all the idols in his kingdom, and he was the first of
English Kings who appointed the fast before Easter. His daughter was
named Ercongota, an holy woman, as he was a glorious man, and her
mother was Sexburh, the daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles: and
Ermenred had two sons, who were martyred by Thunor.
642.
This year Oswald King of Northumberland was slain by Penda the
Southumbrian, at Maserfeld (Oswestry) on the Nones of August, and his
body was buried at Bearthan-ege (Bardney, on the Witham, Lincolnshire).
His sanctity and his miracles were afterwards greatly renowned
throughout the island, and his hands are preserved incorrupted at
Bamborough. And the same year that Oswald was slain, his brother Oswiu
succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned 28 years.
643.
This year Cenwalh succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned
31 years. He caused the old church of Winchester to be built, and
consecrated in the name of St. Peter. This Cenwalh was the son of
Cynegils.
644.
This year Paulinus, who had been Archbishop of York, (and afterwards
Bishop of Rochester) died at Rochester on the 6th of the ides of
October; he was a Bishop 19 years, two months, and twenty-one days; and
this year Oswin the son of Osric, the cousin of Edwin, succeeded to the
kingdom of Deira, and reigned seven years.
645.
This year King Cenwalh was driven from his kingdom by King Penda.
646.
This year King Cenwalh was baptized.
648.
This year Cenwalh gave his kinsman Cuthred 3000 hides of land, near
Æsces-dun (Aston, Berkshire?). This Cuthred was the son of Cwichelm,
Cwichelm of Cynegils.
650.
This year Ægelbyrht of Gaul received the Bishoprick of Wessex, after
the Roman Bishop Byrinus.
651.
This year King Oswin was slain on the 13th of the calends of September;
and about twelve days afterwards Bishop Aidan died on the 2d of the
calends of September.
652.
This year Cenwalh fought at Bradford on the Avon.
653.
This year the Mid Angles, under the Alderman Peada, received the true
faith.
654.
This year King Anna was slain. And Botulf began to build the monastery
at Icanhoe (Boston?) And Archbishop Honorius died this year on the 2d
of the calends of October.
655.
This year Penda was killed at Winwid-feld, (on the river Winwed, now
the Aire, near Leeds) and with him 30 others of Royal lineage, some of
whom were Kings; amongst these was Æthelhere, the brother of Anna King
of the East Angles: and the Mercians became Christians. Then had 5,850
years passed away since the beginning of the world. And Peada, the son
of Penda, succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia: he and Oswin (Oswy?) the
brother of King Oswald, came together, and agreed that they would build
a monastery for the love of Christ, and to the honour of St. Peter. And
they did so, and they gave it the name of Medeshamstede,[I] because
there is at this place a whirlpool (in the river Nen) called Medeswæl.
And they began the foundations, and wrought thereon, and they committed
the care of the work to a monk named Saxulf; he was the friend of
God, and all the people loved him, and he was very nobly born in the
world, and rich, but he is now much richer with Christ. And king
Peada reigned not long, for he was betrayed by his own wife at Easter.
This year Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, consecrated Deusdedit to the
Archbishoprick of Canterbury, on the 7th of the calends of April.
656.
This year Peada was slain, and (after three years) Wulfhere, the
son of Penda, took possession of the kingdom of Mercia. In his time
Medeshamstede, which his brother had founded, became very rich: the
King favoured it much for love of his brother Peada, and for love of
Oswy his brother in baptism, and for love of the Abbot Saxulf. Then
he said he would make it renowned and glorious, and this with the
advice of his brothers Æthelred and Merwala, of his sisters Kyneburg
and Kyneswith, with the advice also of the Archbishop who was named
Deusdedit, and with that of all his wise men (gewitan) both clergy
and laity in the kingdom; and he did so. Then the King sent to the
Abbot that he should come to him with all diligence, and he came: then
said the King to the Abbot, “I have sent for thee, beloved Saxulf,
for the good of my soul, and I will clearly tell thee wherefore. My
brother Peada and my beloved friend Oswy began a monastery for the
love of Christ and of St. Peter, and my brother is departed from
this life even as Christ willed, and I would pray thee, O beloved
friend, that they labour diligently at this work, and I will find
thee gold and silver and land, and all and every thing that behooveth
thereto.” Then the Abbot went home and began to work, and he sped as
Christ enabled him, so that in a few years the monastery was finished.
When the King heard that, he was very glad, and he gave commandment
to send throughout the land to all his Thanes, to the Archbishops
and Bishops, and to his Earls, and to all who loved God, that they
should come to him, and he appointed the day on which the monastery
should be consecrated. King Wulfere was present when the monastery
was consecrated, together with his brother Æthelred and his sisters
Kyneburg and Kyneswith: and Deusdedit Archbishop of Canterbury, and
Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, and the Bishop of London named Wina, and
Jeruman Bishop of Mercia, and Bishop Tuda consecrated the monastery,
and the priest Wilfred who was afterwards a Bishop was there, and all
the Thanes who were in the kingdom. Then the monastery was consecrated
in the names of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Andrew. Then the King
stood up before all his Thanes, and said with a loud voice, “Thanked
be the high and Almighty God, for the good deed that is here done, and
I will this day render honour to Christ, and to St. Peter, and I will,
that you all confirm my words. I, Wulfere, do this day freely give to
St. Peter, and to the Abbot Saxulf, and to the monks of this monastery,
these lands and waters, and meres, and fens, and wears, all that lie
around and are of my domain, so that none but the abbot and the monks
shall have any claim upon them. This is the grant--from Medeshamstede
unto North-burh (Narborough) and thence to the place which is called
Folies, and all the fen straight to Esendic,[J] and from Esendic to
the place which is called Fethermuth, and thence 10 miles in a right
line to Cuggedic, and so to Raggewilh, from Raggewilh five miles to
the river which leadeth to Ælm (Elme) and Wisbeach, and so about
three miles to Throkonholt (Trokenhole), and from Throkonholt direct
through all the fen which is 20 miles long to Derevord (Denver?) and
so to Grætecross, and from Grætecross through the clear water called
Bradan-æ, and thence six miles to Paccelade, and so on through all
the meres and fens that lie towards the town of Huntingdon, and the
meres and the lakes Scælfremere and Witlesmere, and all the others
thereabout, with the lands and houses that are on the eastern side
of Scælfremere, and all the fens thence to Medeshamstede and to
Welmes-ford (Welmsford) and from Welmes-ford to Clive (Cliff) and
thence to Æstun (Easton) and from Æstun to Stan-ford (Stamford) and
from Stan-ford even as the water runneth to the abovesaid North-burh
(Narborough). These are the lands and the fens which the King gave
to St. Peter’s monastery. Then said the King, for this gift, it is
little, but I will that they hold it so royally and so freely, that
neither tribute nor tax be taken therefrom, excepting for the monks
only. Thus will I make this monastery free, that it be subject to
Rome alone: and I will that all amongst us who may not be able to
journey to Rome should repair hither to St. Peter.” Whilst he was thus
speaking, the Abbot entreated that he would grant that which he should
ask of him, and the King promised that he would: “I have some monks
here who fear God, and would spend their lives as Anchorites if they
knew where; but there is an island here called Ancarig (Thorney),
and this would I ask, that we might there build a monastery for the
love of St. Mary, and that those who would lead their lives in peace
and rest may dwell there.” Then the King answered and spoke thus,
“Not this only, beloved Saxulf, but all things which I know that thou
desirest on our Lord’s behalf, even thus I approve and grant. And I
entreat thee, brother Æthelred, and my sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith,
for our soul’s redemption, that ye be witnesses, and that ye write
this with your fingers. And I desire of all who succeed me, be they
my sons or my brethren, or whosoever shall reign after me, that our
gift may stand, even as they would be partakers of eternal life,
and as they would escape everlasting torment. Whosoever diminisheth
our gift, or the gift of other good men, let the heavenly porter
diminish his part in the kingdom of heaven, and whosoever increaseth
it, let the heavenly porter increase his portion in the kingdom of
heaven.” These were the witnesses who were there, and who subscribed
with their fingers the cross of Christ, and who confirmed the grant
with their tongues. King Wulfere was the first who confirmed it by
word, and afterwards subscribed to it with his fingers the cross
of Christ, and he spoke thus, “I King Wulfere having these Kings,
Earls, Generals, and Thanes as witnesses of my gift, and before the
Archbishop Deusdedit, do confirm it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And
I Oswy King of Northumberland, the friend of this monastery and of the
Abbot Saxulf, do sanction it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I King
Sighere do confirm the same with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I King
Sibbi do subscribe to it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I Æthelred
the King’s brother do confirm it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And
we the King’s sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith do sanction the same.”
“And I Deusdedit, Archbishop of Canterbury, do confirm the same.” Then
all the others who were there confirmed this grant with the cross of
Christ; these were by name Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, and Wine Bishop
of London, and Jeruman Bishop of the Mercians, and Bishop Tuda, and
the Priest Wilfrid, who was afterwards a Bishop, and the Priest Eoppa
whom King Wulfere sent to preach Christianity in Wight, and the Abbot
Saxulf, and the Aldermen Immine, Eadberht, Herefield, Wilberht, and
Abon, and Æthelbold, Brordan, Wilberht, Ælhmund, and Frethegis. These
and many others, the King’s chief men, all confirmed the grant. This
writing was made in the year 664 after the birth of our Lord, in the
7th year of King Wulfere, and the 9th of the Archbishop Deusdedit.
Then they laid the curse of God, and that of all the Saints, and of
all Christian people upon him who should undo any thing that was now
done: “So be it,” said all, “Amen.” When this transaction was finished
the King sent to Rome, to Vitalianus the Pope that then was, and
entreated that he would confirm all the aforesaid proceeding with his
rescript and with his blessing. And the Pope sent his rescript, saying
thus, “I Vitalianus the Pope do grant unto thee King Wulfere, and unto
the Archbishop Deusdedit, and unto the Abbot Saxulf, all things that
ye desire; and I forbid the King or any man whatsoever to have any
claim thereon, excepting the Abbot only, neither let him be subject
to any excepting the Pope of Rome, and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
If any man break this ordinance in any thing, let St. Peter with his
sword destroy him: whosoever observeth it, let St. Peter with his key
open unto him the kingdom of heaven.” Thus was founded the monastery
of Medeshamstede, which was afterwards called Burh (Peterborough).
Afterwards, another Archbishop came to Canterbury; he was named
Theodore, a very wise and a good man, and he held his synod with his
Bishops and the Clergy. Then Winfrid Bishop of Mercia was deprived of
his See, and the Abbot Saxulf was chosen thereto, and Cuthbald, a monk
of the same monastery, was made Abbot. This synod was held 673 years
after the birth of Christ.
658.
This year Cenwalh fought with the Welsh at Pen, and drove them to the
Parret. This battle was fought after he came from East Anglia: He was
there three years, for Penda had driven him into exile because he had
divorced his sister.
660.
This year Bishop Æthelbryht departed from Cenwalh, and Wine held the
Bishoprick three years. And Æthelbryht received the see of Paris on the
Seine in Gaul.
661.
This year at Easter Cenwalh fought at Possenbyrig (Pontesbury,
Shropshire), and Wulfere the son of Penda laid waste the country as
far as Æsces-dune (Aston, Berkshire?). And Cuthred the son of Cwichelm
and King Cenbyrht died in the same year. And Wulfere the son of Penda
ravaged Wight and gave the island to Æthelwald King of the South
Saxons, because he (Wulfere) was his godfather: and the priest Eoppa by
the desire of Wilverd and of King Wulfere first brought baptism to the
inhabitants of Wight.
664.
This year the Sun was eclipsed. And Arcenbryht King of Kent died, and
his son Ecbyrht succeeded him. And Colman[K] with his companions went
to his own country. And this year there was a great pestilence in
Britain, whereof Bishop Tuda died and he was buried at Wagele.[L] And
Ceadda and Wilverth were consecrated. And the same year the Archbishop
Deusdedit died.
667.
This year Oswiu and Ecbriht sent the priest Wigheard to Rome that he
might be consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury, but he died as soon
as he arrived there.
668.
This year Theodore was consecrated Archbishop and sent to England.
669.
This year King Ecbyrht gave Raculf (Reculver) to the priest Basse that
he might there build a monastery.
670.
This year Osweo King of the Northumbrians died on the 15th of the
calends of March, and his son Ecverth reigned after him. And Hlothere
the nephew of Bishop Æthelbyrht received the Bishoprick of Wessex, and
held it 7 years; Bishop Theodore consecrated him. And Osweo was the son
of Æthelverth, Æthelverth of Æthelric, Æthelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa.
671.