715.
This year Ina and Ceolred fought at Wodnesbeorh (Wodensborough,
Wiltshire). King Dagobert (2nd) died this year.
716.
This year Osred King of Northumberland was slain on the southern
border, he had reigned 11 years after Ealdferth. Then Cenred succeeded
to the kingdom and reigned two years, and after him Osric 11 years.
The same year also died Ceolred King of Mercia, his body lieth at
Litchfield, and that of Æthelred the son of Penda at Bardney. And then
Æthelbald succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia and reigned 41 years.
This Æthelbald was the son of Alweo, Alweo of Eapa, Eapa of Wyb, whose
lineage hath been written before. And Ecbyrht, that venerable man,
converted the Monks of Iona to the true faith, so that they held Easter
aright, and received the clerical tonsure.
718.
This year died Ingild the brother of Ina: their sisters were Cwenburh
and Cuthburh, and this Cuthburh built the monastery at Winborn, and she
was married to Ealdferth King of Northumberland, but they separated
before his death.
721.
This year Bishop Daniel went to Rome. And the same year Ina slew the
Prince Cynewulf. And this year the holy Bishop John died, he was Bishop
33 years, 8 months and 13 days, and his body resteth at Beverley.
722.
This year Queen Æthelburh destroyed Taunton which Ina had built. And
Ealdbryht went as an exile into Surrey, and among the South Saxons: and
Ina fought with the South Saxons.
725.
This year Wihtred King of Kent died on the 9th of the calends of May;
he reigned 32 years, and his lineage is written above; and Eadberht
succeeded him. And Ina fought with the South Saxons, and there he slew
the Prince Ealbyrht, whom he had driven into exile.
727.
This year Tobias Bishop of Rochester died, and Archbishop Brihtwold
consecrated Aldulf to that bishoprick.
728.
This year Ina went to Rome, and there he ended his life, and his
kinsman Æthelheard succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and held it 14
years; and Æthelheard and the Prince Oswald fought the same year.
Oswald was the son of Æthelbald, Æthelbald of Cynebald, Cynebald of
Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Ceawlin.
729.
A comet appeared this year; and St. Ecgberht died in Iona.
730.
This year Prince Oswald died.
731.
This year Osric was slain; he was King of Northumberland 11 years,
and Ceolwulf succeeded him in the kingdom, and reigned eight years.
This Ceolwulf was the son of Cutha, Cutha of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of
Leodwald, Leodwald of Ecgwald, Ecgwald of Ealdhelm, Ealdhelm of Ocga,
Ocga of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. And Archbishop Beorhtwald died on the ides
of January; he was Bishop 37 years, 6 months, and 14 days; and Tatwine
was consecrated the same year; he before was a Priest of Breodune in
Mercia (Bredon, Worcestershire): Daniel Bishop of Winchester, Ingwald
Bishop of London, Aldwine Bishop of Litchfield, and Aldulf Bishop of
Rochester, consecrated him on the 10th of the month of June; he held
the Archbishoprick three years.
733.
This year Æthelbald took Somerton; and the sun was eclipsed, and Acca
was driven from his bishoprick.
734.
This year the moon appeared as if it were tinged with blood. And
Archbishop Tatwine died, and Bede also. And Ecgbriht was consecrated
Bishop (of York).
735.
This year Ecgbriht received a pall from Rome.
736.
This year Archbishop Nothelm received a pall from the Bishop of Rome.
737.
This year Bishop Forthere and Queen Frythogith went to Rome. And King
Ceolwulf received St. Peter’s tonsure, and gave up his kingdom to his
uncle’s son Edberht, who reigned 31 years. And Bishop Æthelwold, and
Acca, died, and Cynewulf was consecrated Bishop: and the same year
Æthelwold plundered Northumberland.
738.
This year Eadbryht the son of Eata, the son of Leodwald, succeeded
to the kingdom of Northumberland, and held it 21 years. Archbishop
Ecgbyrht the son of Eata was his brother, and they are both buried in
the same aisle at York.
741.
This year King Æthelheard died, and his kinsman Cuthred succeeded to
the kingdom of Wessex, and he fought with Æthelbald King of Mercia.
And Nothelm died, and Cuthbryth was consecrated Archbishop, and Dun as
Bishop of Rochester. York was burned this year.
742.
This year a great Synod was held at Cloveshou (Cliff, in Kent, or
Abingdon), and Æthelbald King of Mercia was there, and Archbishop
Cuthberht, and many other wise men.
743.
This year Æthelbald King of Mercia and Cuthred King of Wessex fought
with the Welch.
744.
This year Daniel gave up the bishoprick of Winchester, and Hunferth
received it. And there were many shooting stars. And Wilferth the
younger, who was Bishop of York, died on the 3d of the calends of May.
He was Bishop 30 years.
745.
This year Daniel died, 43 years being gone by from the time that he
received his bishoprick.
746.
This year King Selred was slain.
748.
This year Cynric Prince of the West Saxons was slain; and Eadbryht King
of Kent died, and Æthelbyrht son of King Wihtred succeeded him.
750.
This year Cuthred King of Wessex fought with Æthelhun, the high-minded
Alderman.
752.
This year Cuthred King of Wessex, in the 12th year of his reign, fought
with Æthelbald King of Mercia at Beorg-ford (Burford), and put him to
flight.
753.
This year Cuthred King of Wessex fought with the Welch.
754.
This year Cuthred King of Wessex died.--And Cyneheard received the
bishoprick of Winchester after Hunferth. And Canterbury was burned
this year. And Cuthred’s kinsman Sigebriht succeeded to the kingdom of
Wessex, and reigned one year.
755.
This year Cynewulf and the witan of Wessex deprived his kinsman
Sigebryht for his unrighteous deeds of all his kingdom, excepting
Hampshire, and Sigebryht kept that, till he had slain the Alderman
who had adhered to him the longest, and then Cynewulf drove him into
Andred, and he remained there until a certain peasant stabbed him at
Pruutes-flod (Privet, Hampshire) and avenged the Alderman Cumbran. And
Cynewulf often fought great battles with the Britons. And about 31
years from his accession to the kingdom he sought to banish a Prince
called Cyneheard: this Cyneheard was the brother of Sigebryht, and he
found that the King was gone with a small train to visit a lady at
Meran-tun (Merton, Surrey), and there he beset him, and blocked up the
house before the men who were with the King discovered him; and when
the king perceived this, he went to the door, and defended himself
manfully until he beheld the Prince, and then he rushed out upon him,
and wounded him severely, upon which they all fought against the King
until they slew him. When the King’s Thanes who were in the house
heard the tumult, they ran thither, every one armed as he was. And
immediately the Prince offered money and their lives to each of them,
but none would compound with him, and they fought against him until
they all fell, save one, a British hostage, and he was sorely wounded.
In the morning when the King’s Thanes, who had remained behind, heard
that the King was slain, they rode thither, both his Alderman Osric
and his Thane Wiverth, and all those whom he had left; and they found
the Prince in the town wherein the King lay slain, and the gates shut
against them. And when they came up he promised them their liberty, and
riches, and lands, if they would give up the kingdom to him; and he
told them that their kinsmen were with him, and would not desert him.
Then they answered, that no kinsman was dearer to them than their Lord,
and that they would never follow his murderer, and they bade their
kinsmen abandon the Prince, and depart in safety. These replied, that
the same offer had been made to their adversaries the former companions
of the King, and that they were no more inclined to do this thing than
their own fellow soldiers who with the King had been slain. And then
they fought around the gates until the Prince’s party fled into the
town, and the Prince was killed, and all who were with him except one;
he was godson of the Alderman who saved his life, though he had many
wounds. Cynewulf reigned 31 years, and his body lieth at Winchester,
and that of the Prince at Acsanmynster (Axminster), and their father’s
race goeth in a right line to Cerdic. And the same year Æthelbald King
of Mercia was slain at Seccan-dune (Seckington, Warwickshire) and his
body lieth at Hreopan-dune (Repton, Derbyshire); he reigned 41 years.
Then Beornred assumed the government, and held it for a short time and
unhappily. And the same year King Offa put Beornred to flight, and took
possession of the kingdom, and held it 39 years, and his son Egverth
reigned 140 days. He was the son of Offa, the son of Thincferth,
Thincferth of Eanwulf, Eanwulf of Osmod, Osmod of Eawa, Eawa of Wybba,
Wybba of Creoda, Creoda of Cynewald, Cynewald of Cnebba, Cnebba of
Icel, Icel of Eomær, Eomær of Angeltheow, Angeltheow of Offa, Offa of
Wærmund, Wærmund of Wihtlæg, Wihtlæg of Woden.
757.
This year Eadberht King of Northumberland received the tonsure, and
his son Osulf succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned one year, and his
servants slew him on the 9th of the calends of August.
758.
This year Archbishop Cuthbryht died; he held the archbishoprick 18
years.
759.
This year at Michaelmas Bregowine was consecrated to the
archbishoprick, and held it four years. And Moll Æthelwold succeeded to
the kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned six years and then resigned
the throne.
760.
This year Æthelbryht King of Kent died, he was the son of King Wihtred.
Ceolwulf died also.
761.
This year, a hard winter. And Moll King of Northumberland slew Oswin at
Ædwines-clife[P] on the 8th of the ides of August.
762.
This year Archbishop Bregwine died.
763.
This year Anbryht was consecrated Archbishop on the 14th day after
Christmas. And Frithewald Bishop of Whitehorn died on the nones of May:
he was consecrated at York on the 18th of the calends of September,
in the 6th year of Ceolwulf’s reign, and he was Bishop 29 years. Then
Pyhtwine was consecrated Bishop of Whitehorn at Ælfet-ee,[Q] on the
16th of the calends of August.
764.
This year Archbishop Jeanbryht received a pall.
765.
This year Alhred succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and
reigned eight years.
766.
This year Archbishop Ecgbert died at York, on the 13th of the calends
of September: he was Bishop 36 years. And Fritheberht died at Hexham;
he was Bishop 34 years. And Æthelberht was consecrated to York, and
Ealhmund to Hexham.
768.
This year King Eadberht the son of Eata died, on the 14th of the
calends of September.
769.
“The beginning of the reign of King Charles.”
772.
This year Bishop Mildred died.
774.
This year, at Easter, the Northumbrians drove their King Alhred from
York, and took for their Lord Æthelred, the son of Moll, and he reigned
four years. And this year a red cross appeared in heaven after sun-set.
And this year the Mercians and Kentish men fought at Oxford. And
wonderful serpents were seen in the lands of the South Saxons.
775.
This year Cynewulf and Offa fought near Bynsintun (Benshington or
Benson, Oxfordshire), and Offa took the town. In the days of King Offa
there was an Abbot of Medeshamstede named Beonne, and this Beonne, by
the advice of all the monks of that monastery, let the lands of ten
bondsmen at Swineshead to the Alderman Cuthbriht, with the pastures and
meads, and all that lieth adjoining, on condition that Cuthbriht should
give the Abbot 50 pounds for the same, and every year one night’s
lodging or 30 shillings in pence, and also that the land should return
to the monastery after his death. King Offa, and King Egferth, and
Archbishop Hygeberht, and Bishop Ceolwulf, and Bishop Inwona, and the
Abbot Beonne, and many other Bishops, Abbots, and other great men were
witnesses to this transaction. In the days of King Offa there was an
Alderman named Brordan; he besought the King that for love of him he
would enfranchise his monastery of Wocingas (Wickins, Northamptonshire)
because he desired to give it to Medeshamstede, and to St. Peter, and
to the Abbot that then was; this was Pusa, the successor of Beonne, and
the King loved him much. And the King freed the monastery of Wickins
from service due to King, Bishop, Earl, or any other man, so that none
but St. Peter and the Abbot should have any claims thereon. This was
done in the King’s town called Freoric-burn.
776.
This year Bishop Pehtwine died, on the 13th of the calends of October;
he was Bishop 14 years. And Æthelberht was consecrated at York to the
bishoprick of Whitehorn, on the 17th of the calends of July.
778.
This year Æthebald and Hearberht slew three High Sheriffs, to wit,
Ealdulf the son of Bosa at Cininges-clife, and Cynewulf and Ecga at
Hela-thyrn,[R] on the 11th of the calends of April. Then Alfwold took
possession of the throne and drove Æthelred from the land, and he
reigned ten years. “Charles entered Spain. Charles came into Saxony.
Charles destroyed the cities of Pampeluna and Saragossa; he gathered
together his forces, and after receiving hostages, and subduing the
Saracens, he returned into France by Narbonne and Gascony.”
780.
This year the Old Saxons and the French fought. And the High
Sheriffs of Northumberland burnt the Alderman Beorn in Siltun
(Silton, Yorkshire), on the 9th of the calends of January. And
Archbishop Æthelberht died at York, and Eanbald was consecrated to
his archbishoprick, and Bishop Cynebald (Cynewulf) gave up the see of
Lindisfarne. This year Bishop Alchmund died at Hexham, on the 7th of
the ides of September, and Tilberht was consecrated in his place on the
6th of the nones of October. And Higbald was consecrated at Socca-byrig
(Sockburn, Durham), as Bishop of Lindisfarne.--And King Alwold sent to
Rome for a pall for Archbishop Eanbold.
782.
This year Ceolred’s Queen Wærburh died; Bishop Cynewulf also died at
Lindisfarne.--And there was a Synod at Aclea (Acley, Durham?)
784.
This year Cyneheard slew King Cynewulf, and was himself killed with
eighty-four men. Then Byrhtric succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and
reigned 16 years, and his body lieth at Wareham; his father’s line
goeth straight to Cerdic. At this time King Ealhmund reigned in Kent,
this King Ealhmund was the father of Egberht, and Egberht was the
father of Athulf.
785.
This year died Botwine Abbot of Rippon, and there was a discordant
Synod at Cealc-hythe.[S] And Archbishop Janbryht lost part of his
diocese. And Higebryht was chosen by King Offa. And Ecgverth was
consecrated King. And at this time Legates were sent from Rome to
England by Pope Adrian, to renew the faith and peace which St. Gregory
sent us by the Bishop Augustin: and they were received with honour.
787.
This year King Beorhtric took to wife Eadburhge the daughter of Offa.
And in his days the ships of the Northmen first came from Herethaland
(Denmark), they were three in number. And the Sheriff rode up to them
and would have driven their crews to the king’s town, for that he knew
not who they were, and there he was slain. These were the first Danish
ships that sought the land of the English people.
788.
This year a Synod was assembled at Pincanheale, in Northumberland
(Finkley, Durham), on the 4th of the nones of September. And the Abbot
Aldberht died.
“Charles came through Germany to the borders of Bavaria.”
789.
This year Alfwold King of Northumberland was killed by Siga, on the
9th of the calends of October, and a heavenly light was often seen in
the place where he was slain. And he was buried at Hexham, within the
church; and his nephew Osred the son of Alchred succeeded him. And a
Synod was assembled at Aclea (Acley).
790.
This year Janbryht died, and the same year the Abbot Æthelheard was
chosen Archbishop. And Osred King of Northumberland was betrayed and
driven from the kingdom, and Æthelred the son of Æthelwold regained it.
791.
This year Baldwulf was consecrated Bishop of Whitehorn, on the 16th of
the calends of August, by Archbishop Eanbald and Bishop Æthelberht.
792.
This year Offa King of Mercia commanded that King Æthelbyrht should be
beheaded: and Osred, who had been King of Northumberland, coming home
after his exile, was taken and slain on the 18th of the calends of
October, and his body lieth at Tinmouth. And King Æthelred took a new
wife named Ælfled on the 3d of the calends of October.
793.
This year terrible prodigies took place in Northumberland, and sorely
alarmed the people, these were dreadful lightnings and fiery dragons
which were seen flying in the air; a great famine soon followed these
portents, and shortly afterwards in the same year and on the 6th of the
ides of January a heathen invasion sorrowfully laid waste the church of
God at Lindisfarne by rapine and murder. And Sicga died on the 8th of
the calends of March.
794.
This year Pope Adrian died; also Offa King of Mercia on the 4th
of the ides of August, he reigned 40 years. And Æthelred King of
Northumberland was slain by his own people, on the 13th of the calends
of May, and the Bishops Ceolwulf and Eadbald departed from the land.
And Ecgferth succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia, and died the same
year. And Eadbryht whose other name was Præn obtained the kingdom of
Kent. And the Alderman Æthelheard died on the calends of August. And
the heathens plundered in Northumberland, and pillaged Ecgferth’s
monastery at the mouth of the river (Were); And one of their chiefs was
slain there; some of their ships also were wrecked by stormy weather,
and many of the men were drowned, and some came alive to the port, and
these were slain at the river’s mouth.
795.
This year the moon was eclipsed on the 5th of the calends of April,
between cock-crowing and day-break. And Eardwulf assumed the government
of Northumberland on the 2d of the ides of May, and he was consecrated
and placed on his throne by Archbishop Eanbald, and by the Bishops
Æthelberht, and Higbald, and Badwulf, at York, on the 7th of the
calends of June.
796.
This year Archbishop Eanbald died on the 4th of the ides of August,
and his body lieth at York, and Bishop Ceolwulf died the same year.
Another Eanbald was consecrated to the bishoprick of the former, on
the 19th of the calends of September. This year Cenwulf King of Mercia
ravaged Kent as far as the marshes (near Romney), and took prisoner the
King Eadberht Præn, and led him bound into Mercia, and caused his eyes
to be put out, and his hands to be cut off. And Æthelard Archbishop
of Canterbury assembled a synod, and at the command of Pope Leo he
confirmed and ratified all things that were appointed concerning God’s
monasteries, in the days of King Wihtgar, and of other Kings; and he
spoke thus, “I Æthelard, the humble Archbishop of Canterbury, with
the unanimous consent of the whole synod, and of the monasteries to
which freedom was granted by faithful men in former days, and by the
command of Pope Leo, do require in the name of God, and under pain of
his fearful judgment, that henceforth no man daringly choose Lords over
the heritage of God from amongst laymen. And even as it is commanded in
the rescripts which the Pope had given, and as the holy men our fathers
and teachers have appointed touching the sacred monasteries, so let
it remain inviolate without gainsaying. If there be any man who will
not observe this decree of God, and of our Pope, and of ourselves, but
despiseth it and setteth it at nought, let such know that they shall
be called to account before the judgment seat of God. And I Archbishop
Athelard, with 12 Bishops and 23 Abbots, do confirm and ratify the same
with the sign of the cross of Christ.”
797.
This year the Romans cut off Pope Leo’s tongue and put out his eyes,
and drove him from his throne, but soon after, by the help of God, he
could see and speak, and was Pope again as before. And Eanbald received
a pall on the 6th of the ides of September. And Bishop Æthelberht died
on the 3d of the calends of November.
798.
This year during Lent there was a great battle at Hweallæge in
Northumberland (Whaley, Lancashire) on the 4th of the nones of April,
and Alric the son of Heardberht was slain there, and many others with
him.
799.
This year Archbishop Æthelard and Cynebryht Bishop of Wessex went to
Rome. Bishop Alfun died at Sudbury, and was buried at Domuc (Dunwich),
and Tidfrith was chosen after him. And Siric King of the East Saxons
went to Rome. The same year the body of Wihtburh was found at Dereham,
entire and unchanged, fifty-five years after she had departed this
life.
800.
This year, on the 17th of the calends of February, the moon was
eclipsed at the second hour of the night. And this year King Beorhtric
and the Alderman Worr died. And Egbryht succeeded to the kingdom of
Wessex. And the same day Æthelmund Alderman of the Hwiccas,[T] rode
through the river at Cynemæres-ford (Kempsford?); then the Alderman
Weoxtan, with the men of Wiltshire, met him, and there was a great
battle, and both the Aldermen were slain, and the Wiltshire men gained
the victory.
“Charles was made Emperor, and received the title of Augustus from the
Romans: he condemned to death those who had maltreated Pope Leo, but at
the request of the Pope, he afterwards granted them their lives, and
sent them into banishment. Pope Leo consecrated him Emperor.”
802.
This year the moon was eclipsed at day-break on the 13th of the calends
of January. And this year Beornmod was consecrated Bishop of Rochester.
803.
This year Higbald Bishop of Lindisfarne died on the 8th of the calends
of July; and Egberht was consecrated in his place on the 3d of the ides
of June. And this year Archbishop Æthelheard died in Kent, and Wulfred
was consecrated Archbishop in his place. And the Abbot Forthred died.
804.
This year Archbishop Wulfred received a pall.
805.
This year died Cuthred King of Kent. The Abbess Ceolburh and the
Alderman Heabyrhte died also.
806.
This year the moon was eclipsed on the calends of September; and
Eardwulf King of Northumberland was driven from his kingdom; and
Eanberht Bishop of Hexham died. The same year the sign of the cross
appeared in the moon on a Wednesday, the 2d of the nones of June,
before day-break. This year also a wonderful circle was seen around the
sun on the 3d of the calends of September.
807.
This year the sun was eclipsed on the 17th of the calends of August,
at the beginning of the 5th hour of the day.
810.
“Charles made peace with Nicephorus Emperor of Constantinople.”
812.
This year King Charles died, and he had reigned 45 years. And
Archbishop Wulfred, and Wigbryht Bishop of Wessex, both went to Rome.
“Cireneius sends Ambassadors to Charles with peace. The Emperor Charles
dies.”
813.
This year Archbishop Wulfred returned to his own bishoprick with the
blessing of Pope Leo. And this year King Egbryht ravaged West Wales
(Cornwall) from east to west.
814.
This year the noble and holy Pope Leo died, and Stephen succeeded him.
816.
This year Stephen died, and Paschal was consecrated Pope: and the same
year the school of the English nation was burned.
819.
This year Cenwulf King of Mercia died, and Ceolwulf assumed the
government. And the Alderman Eadbyrht died.
821.
This year Ceolwulf was deprived of his kingdom.
822.
This year two Aldermen, Burhelm and Muca, were slain. And there was a
synod at Clofeshoo (either Cliff or Abingdon).
823.
This year there was a battle between the Welch and the men of Devon,
at Gaful-ford (Camelford?). And the same year Egbryht King of Wessex
and Beornwulf King of Mercia fought at Ellendune (Wilton), and Egbryht
gained the victory, and there was great slaughter. From this expedition
Egbryht sent his son Æthelwulf, and his Bishop Ealhstan, and his
Alderman Wulfheard, with a large detachment into Kent, and they drove
the King Balred northward across the Thames. And the men of Kent and of
Surrey, and the South and East Saxons, came over to Egbryht, because
they had been unjustly wrested from the rule of his kinsmen. And
the same year the King of the East Angles and his people sought the
alliance and protection of King Egbryht, for dread of the Mercians; and
the same year the East Angles slew Beornwulf King of Mercia.
825.
This year Ludecan King of Mercia was slain, and his five Aldermen with
him, and Wiglaf succeeded him.
827.
This year the moon was eclipsed on Christmas night: and the same year
King Egbryht conquered the kingdom of Mercia, and all south of the
Humber: he was the eighth king who was sovereign of Britain; Ella King
of the South Saxons was the first who possessed this great dominion,
Ceawlin King of Wessex was the next, the third was Æthelbryht King
of Kent, the fourth Rædwald King of the East Angles, Edwin King of
Northumberland was the fifth, Oswald who reigned after him the sixth,
Oswio the brother of Oswald was the seventh, and the eighth was
Egbryht King of Wessex. And this Egbryht led an army to Dore against
the Northumbrians, and there they tendered him their submission and
allegiance, whereupon they separated.
828.
This year Wiglaf[U] again obtained the kingdom of Mercia: and Bishop
Æthelwald died: and the same year King Egbryht led an army against the
men of North Wales, and reduced them to subjection.
829.
This year Archbishop Wulfred died, and the Abbot Feologild was chosen
to the Archbishoprick on the 7th of the calends of May, and he was
consecrated on a Sunday, the 5th of the ides of June, and he died on
the 3d of the calends of September.
830.
This year Ceolnoth was chosen and consecrated Archbishop: and the Abbot
Feologild died.
831.
This year Archbishop Ceolnoth received a pall.
832.
This year heathen men plundered Sheppey.
833.
This year King Egbryht fought with 35 pirate ships at Carrum
(Charmouth), and the slaughter was great, and the Danes kept possession
of the place of battle. And two Bishops, Hereferth and Wigen were
killed, also two Aldermen, Dudda and Osmod.
835.
This year a large fleet of armed men came to the West Welch
(inhabitants of Cornwall) and they united and made war upon Egbryht
King of Wessex. When he heard this he marched against them with an
army, and fought with them at Hengest-dune (Hengston-hill) and there he
put to flight both the Welsh and the Danes.
836.
This year King Egbryht died. Before he was King, Offa King of Mercia
and Borhtric King of Wessex had driven him out of England into France
for three years, Beorhtric aiding Offa because he had his daughter for
his Queen; and Egbryht afterwards returned again, and reigned 37 years
and 7 months. And Æthelwulf the son of Egbryht succeeded to the kingdom
of Wessex, and he (Egbryht?[V]) gave his son Æthelstan the kingdoms of
Kent and Essex, and that of Surrey and Sussex.
837.
This year the Alderman Wulfheard fought with 33 pirate ships at
Southampton, and there he made great slaughter, and gained the victory.
And Wulfheard died this year. And the same year Duke Æthelhelm and the
Dorset men fought with the Danish army in Port (Portland), and had the
advantage for some time, but the Danes kept possession of the field of
battle, and slew the Alderman.
838.
This year the Alderman Herebryht and many others with him were slain by
the heathens, in the marshes (near Romne). And again, the same year,
many were slain by this army in Lindsey, East Anglia, and Kent.
839.
This year there was great slaughter at London, Canterbury, and
Rochester.
840.
This year King Æthelwulf fought at Carrum, (Charmouth) with the forces
of 35 pirate ships, and the Danes kept possession of the field of
battle. The Emperor Louis died.
845.
This year the Alderman Eanwulf with the men of Somerset, and Bishop
Ealchstan, and the Alderman Osric with the Dorset men gave battle to
the Danish army at the mouth of the Parret, and made great slaughter,
and gained the victory.
851.
This year the Alderman Ceorl and the men of Devon fought with a
heathen army at Wicganbeorch (Wembury, near Plymouth), and there they
made great slaughter and won the victory. And the same year King
Æthelstan and Duke Ealchere fought in ships, and slew a great number
(of Danes), near Sandwich, in Kent, and they took nine ships, and
put the rest to flight. Then the heathens first remained through the
winter in Thanet. And the same year 350 ships came to the mouth of the
Thames, and the men landed and stormed Canterbury and London, and put
to flight Beorhtulf King of the Mercians and his army. And then they
went southward over the Thames into Surrey, and King Æthelwulf and his
son Æthelbald, with the West Saxon forces, fought with them at Aclea
(Okeley), and there they made the greatest slaughter of these heathens
that we have ever heard of unto this present day, and there they gained
the victory.
852.
This year Ceolred Abbot of Medeshamstede and the monks let the land of
Sempigaham (Sempringham) to Wulfred, on condition that it should return
to the monastery after his death, and that Wulfred should give the land
of Sliowaford (Sleaford) unto Medeshamstede, and that he should give
every year to the monastery 60 fother of wood, and 12 fother of coals,
and 6 fother of turf, and 2 tuns full of clear ale, and two slain oxen,
and 600 loaves, and 10 measures of Welch ale, also a horse every year,
and 30 shillings, and one night’s lodging. King Burhred, Archbishop
Ceolred, the Bishops Tunberht, Ceured, Alhhim, and Berhtred, the Abbots
Wihtred and Werhtherd, and the Aldermen Æthelheard and Hunberht, and
many others were witnesses thereof.
853.
This year Burhred King of Mercia and his Witan entreated King Æthelwulf
that he would assist them in bringing the North Welshmen into
subjection, and he did so, for he marched with an army through Mercia
into North Wales, and they all submitted to him. And the same year
King Æthelwulf sent his son Alfred to Rome. Leo was then Pope, and he
consecrated him as King, and took him for his Godson. The same year
Ealhere with the men of Kent, and Huda with those of Surrey, fought
with a heathen army in Thanet, and at first they were victorious,
and many were there slain and drowned on either side, and both the
Aldermen were killed. And Burhred King of Mercia married the daughter
of Æthelwulf King of Wessex.
854.
This year the heathens first remained through the winter in Sheppey.
And the same year King Æthelwulf made a grant of the tithe of his lands
throughout all his kingdom, for the love of God and for his own soul’s
eternal welfare. And this year he went to Rome with much pomp, and he
abode there 12 months; then he journeyed homeward, and Charles King of
France gave him his daughter named Leothete for his Queen; and after
this he came to his people, and they rejoiced thereat. And in about 2
years from the time he came into France, he died, and his body lieth
at Winchester; he reigned 18 years and a half. This Æthelwulf was the
son of Egbyrht, Egbyrht of Ealhmund, Ealhmund of Eafa, Eafa of Eoppa,
Eoppa of Ingild, Ingild was the brother of Ina King of Wessex, who
held his kingdom 37 years, and afterwards went to St. Peter and ended
his life at Rome: they were the sons of Cenred, Genred of Ceolwald,
Ceolwald of Cutha, Cutha of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Ceawlin, Ceawlin
of Cynric, Cynric of Creoda, Creoda of Cerdic, Cerdic was the son 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, Woden of Frithuwald, Frithuwald of Freawine, Freawine of
Frithuwulf, Frithuwulf of Finn, Finn of Godwulf, Godwulf of Geat, Geat
of Tætwa, Tætwa of Beaw, Beaw of Sceldwea, Sceldwea of Heremod, Heremod
of Itermon, Itermon of Hathra, Hathra of Hwala, Hwala of Bedwig, Bedwig
of Sceaf, the son of Noah, who was born in the ark; Lamech, Methusalem,
Enoch, Jared, Malalahed, Cainion, Enos, Seth, Adam _primus homo et
Pater noster, id est, Christus_, Amen.--Then the two sons of Æthelwulf
succeeded him, Æthelbald in the kingdom of Wessex, and Æthelbryht in
the kingdoms of Kent, of Essex, and of Surrey and Sussex. Æthelbald
reigned 5 years. Æthelwulf had sent his third son Alfred to Rome, and
when the Pope heard that he was dead, he consecrated Alfred as King,
and was godfather at his confirmation, even as his father Æthelwulf had
desired when he sent him thither.
860.
This year King Æthelbald died, and his body lieth at Sherborn, and his
brother Æthelbryht succeeded to all his kingdom, and he held it in
goodly concord and great peacefulness. And in his days a large army
landed and stormed Winchester, and the Alderman Osric with the men of
Hampshire, and the Alderman Æthelwulf with the Berkshire men, fought
with them and put them to flight, and kept possession of the field of
battle. And this Æthelbryht reigned 5 years, and his body lieth at
Sherborn.
861.
This year the Bishop St. Swithin died.
865.
This year the heathen army remained in Thanet, and made a treaty with
the Kentishmen, who promised them money for peace. And under this
treaty and promise of money, they stole out by night and plundered all
the eastern parts of Kent.
866.
This year Æthered the brother of Æthelbyrht succeeded to the kingdom
of Wessex. And the same year a great army of heathens came to England,
and took up their winter quarters among the East Angles, and there they
were supplied with horses, and the people made peace with them.
867.
This year the invading army went from East Anglia across the mouth
of the Humber to York in Northumberland; and there was much discord
amongst the people themselves there, for they had cast off their King
Osbryht, and had taken Ælla, an alien, for their King. But late in the
year the two parties joined, and both fought against the army; and they
gathered together a great force, and came upon the invaders at York,
and some of them broke into the town, and then there was a very great
slaughter of the Northumbrians, some being slain within the town and
some without, and both the Kings were killed, and those who survived
made peace with the army. The same year died Bishop Ealchstan, he held
the bishoprick of Sherborn 50 years, and his body lieth in that town.
868.
This year the same army came into Mercia as far as Nottingham, and took
up their winter quarters there, and Burhred King of Mercia and his
Witan begged Æthered King of Wessex and his brother Alfred to assist
them, that they might fight against this army. And then they came with
the West Saxon troops into Mercia and to Nottingham, and they found
them within the fortress, and besieged them, and there was no battle of
moment, and the Mercians made peace with the army.
869.
This year the army went again to York, and remained there one year.
870.
This year the heathen army rode over Mercia into East Anglia, and
took up their winter quarters at Thetford. And in the winter the King
St. Edmund fought with them, and the Danes gained the victory, and
slew the King, and they subjected all that land, and destroyed all
the monasteries to which they came. The names of their chiefs who
slew the King were Higwais and Ubba. At the same time they came to
Medeshamstede, which they burned and pulled down. They slew the Abbot
and the monks and all whom they found there; and that place which
before was very rich, they brought to possess nothing. And the same
year Archbishop Ceolnoth died, and Æthered Bishop of Wiltshire was
translated to the see of Canterbury.
871.
This year the army came to Reading, in Wessex, and in about three days,
two of their Earls rode forth, and the Alderman Æthelwulf met them at
Englefield, and fought with them and won the victory, and one of them
whose name was Sidrac was slain. Then in about four days King Æthered
and his brother Alfred led a great force to Reading, and fought with
the army, and there was much slaughter on both sides, and the Alderman
Æthelwulf was killed, and the Danes remained masters of the field. And
about four days from that time King Æthered and his brother Alfred
fought with all the army at Æcesdun,[W] and the Danes were overcome;
they had two heathen Kings Bagsæc and Healfden, and many Earls, and
they were in two divisions, the Kings Bagsæc and Healfden commanded
the one, and the Earls headed the other. King Æthered fought with the
division under the Kings and Bagsæc was slain, and his brother Alfred
with that of the Earls, and Earl Sidroc[X] the elder, and Earl Sidroc
the younger, and Earl Osbearn, and Earl Fræna, and Earl Hareld were
killed; and then both divisions fled, and many thousands were slain,
and they continued fighting until night. And in about a fortnight King
Æthered and his brother Alfred fought with the army at Basing, and
there the Danes gained the victory. And about two months afterwards
King Æthered and his brother Alfred fought at Mere-tun,[Y] with this
army which was in two divisions, and they had the advantage over both
during great part of the day, but there was much slaughter on either
side, and the Danes remained masters of the field, and Bishop Heahmund
and many good men were slain there. And after this fight a great
summer[Z] pestilence came upon Reading. And King Æthered died after
Easter; he reigned five years, and his body lieth at Winborn Minster.
His brother Alfred the son of Æthelwulf succeeded to the kingdom of
Wessex, and in about a month, he and a small number of men fought with
all the army at Wilton, and had the advantage great part of the day,
but the Danes kept possession of the field of battle. And this year
nine battles were fought in that kingdom, south of the Thames; and,
besides these, the King’s brother Alfred, and the Aldermen and the
King’s Thanes rode forth separately against the Danes, times out of
number. And this year nine Earls and a King were slain: and the same
year the men of Wessex made peace with the army.
872.
This year the army went from Reading to London, and there took up their
winter quarters, and the Mercians made peace with them.
873.
This year the army went into Northumberland, and they took up their
winter quarters at Torksey, in Lindsey: then the Mercians again made
peace with them.
874.
This year the army proceeded from Lindsey to Repton, and there they
took up their winter quarters. And they drove King Burhred over sea,
about twenty-two years from the time that he had begun to reign. And
they conquered all that country. And King Burhred went to Rome and
abode there unto the end of his life, and his body lieth in St. Mary’s
Church, in the school of the English nation. The same year they gave
the kingdom of Mercia to Ceolwulf, an unwise Thane of the King, that he
should hold it; and he swore oaths to them and gave hostages that the
kingdom should be at their command, on whatsoever day they might wish
to have it again, and that he himself and all his subjects should be
ready to aid the army.
875.
This year the army departed from Repton; and Healfden went with part
of the troops into Northumberland, and wintered by the river Tyne; and
this division conquered that land, and made many inroads upon the Picts
and the Strathclyde Britons. And the three Kings, Godrun, Oscytel, and
Anwind, went from Repton to Cambridge with a large army, and abode
there one year. And this summer King Alfred went out to sea with a
fleet, and fought with seven pirate ships, and took one of them, and
put the rest to flight.
876.
This year Rodla (Rollo), with his forces, overran Normandy; he reigned
50 years. And this year the Danes marched secretly into Wareham in
Wessex, and afterwards the King made peace with that army, and they
gave the noblest amongst them as hostages, and swore oaths to him
on the holy bracelet[AA] (which they would never do for any nation
before), that they would forthwith depart from his kingdom. Yet under
these engagements their horse stole off by night to Exeter. And the
same year Healfden parcelled out Northumberland, and they ploughed and
tilled it.
877.
This year the army came from Wareham into Exeter, and the fleet sailed
round to the west, and a great storm met them at sea, and 120 ships
were wrecked at Swanwich. And King Alfred with his troops rode after
the Danish horse as far as Exeter, but they could not come up with them
before they were in the fortress where none might assail them. And
they gave him hostages, as many as he would, and swore solemn oaths,
and they kept this peace well. Then in the autumn the army went into
Mercia, and they parcelled out part of the land (amongst themselves),
and they gave part to Ceolwulf.
878.
This year at mid-winter the army marched secretly to Chippenham after
Twelfth night, and they overran Wessex, and they fixed themselves
there, and drove many of the inhabitants over sea, and they rode
forth against most of those who remained, until all had submitted to
them excepting King Alfred, and he with a small party hardly escaped
into the woods and the hill fastnesses. The same winter the brother of
Inwær and Healfden came with 23 ships to Devonshire in Wessex, and he
was slain there, and 840 men with him; and the sacred standard, which
they called the raven, was taken. And at Easter King Alfred, with his
small band, raised a fortress at Æthelinga-igge (Athelney) and thence
he made sallies upon the army, together with the men of Somerset who
were nearest to him.--Then in the seventh week after Easter he rode
to Ecgbyrhtes-stan (Brixton) east of Selwood, and there all the men
of Somerset and Wiltshire and Hampshire, all who were on this side
the sea, met him, and were rejoiced to see him. And after one night
he went from that village to Iglea (Leigh), and thence again after
another night to Æthan-dun (Edindon), and there he fought with the
whole army, and he put the Danes to flight, and pursued them as far as
their fortress, and he remained there a fortnight. And then the army
gave him hostages, with solemn oaths that they would depart from his
kingdom, and they promised that their King should receive baptism,
which also was performed. And in about three weeks King Godrun, with
some thirty men, the noblest in the army, came to him at Aire which is
near Athelney, and the King stood godfather at his baptism, and he put
off the Chrisom-cloth at Wetmor (Wedmor), and he was twelve days with
the King, who honoured him and his companions with great presents.
879.
This year the army went from Chippenham to Cirencester, and remained
there one year: and this year a body of pirates was gathered together
and settled at Fulham on the Thames. And the same year the sun was
eclipsed for one hour in the day. And the army went from Cirencester
into East Anglia, and fixed themselves in that land, and divided it.
And the same year the army which was before at Fulham went over sea to
Ghent in France, and abode there one year.
881.
This year the army went over to France, and the French fought with
these invaders, and the army horsed itself after that battle.
882.
This year the army went up along the Maese far into France, and
remained there one year. And the same year King Alfred went out to
sea, and fought with four Danish pirate ships, and he took two of them,
the men therein being slain, and two yielded to him, but many of the
men were cut down and wounded before they would surrender themselves.
883.
This year the army proceeded up the Scheldt to Condé, and abode there
one year. And the great Pope Marinus sent a piece of our Lord’s cross
to King Alfred. And this year Sighelm and Athelstan carried to Rome the
alms which King Alfred had vowed to send thither, and also into India,
to St. Thomas and to St. Bartholomew. Then troops were posted at London
to oppose the army, and, thanks to God, they were very successful after
these vows.
884.
This year the army went up the Somme to Amiens, and remained there one
year. This year died the good Bishop Athelwold.
885.
This year the aforesaid army divided itself into two parts, one
division went eastward,[AB] the other proceeded to Rochester, and
besieged that town: and they built another fortress over against it,
yet the inhabitants defended the place until King Alfred came out
with his troops. Then the army went to the ships and deserted the
fortress, and the king’s men were supplied with horses; and soon after,
in the course of the same summer, the Danes departed again over sea.
And the same year King Alfred sent a fleet from Kent to East Anglia.
As soon as they came to the mouth of the Stour, they met 16 pirate
ships, and they gave them battle immediately, and they took all the
ships and slew the men, but as they were returning homeward with the
booty, they met a large fleet of pirates, and they fought with them
also the same day, and the Danes gained the victory. Charles King of
France died this year, he was killed by a wild boar. And his brother
also who reigned over the Western Empire had died one year before;
and they were both sons of Louis who held the Western Empire, and who
died the year in which the sun was eclipsed; he was the son of that
Charles whose daughter Æthelwulf King of Wessex had to wife. And the
same year a large fleet was gathered together among the Old Saxons,[AC]
and there were two great fights, and the Saxons gained the victory,
and the Frisians were with them. This year Charles succeeded to the
Western Empire, comprehending all the lands, exclusive of Britanny,
from the Wendel sea (the Mediterranean) unto this sea, even as his
great grandfather had possessed them: this Charles was the son of
Louis, the brother of Charles the father of Judith whom Æthelwulf King
of Wessex had to wife; these were the sons of Louis, and he was the son
of Charles the elder, and Charles was the son of Pepin. And the same
year died the good Pope Marinus, who freed the school of the English
nation from tribute at the desire of King Alfred, and who sent him
great gifts, and holy relics, and a piece of the cross on which Christ
suffered. And this year the army in East Anglia broke the peace with
King Alfred.
886.
This year the army, which before had bent its course eastward, turned
again to the west; and they went up the Seine, and fixed their winter
quarters at the city of Paris. The same year King Alfred repaired
London, and all the English people who were free from the bondage of
the Danes came over to him, and he committed the city to the care of
the Alderman Æthered.
887.
This year the army went over the bridge at Paris, and thence along the
Seine unto the Marne, and then up the Marne to Caziei (Choisy?) and
they fixed themselves there, and in Yonne, spending two winters in
these two stations.--And the same year died Charles King of France; his
brother’s son Earnulf had deprived him of the kingdom six weeks before
his death. Then was that kingdom divided into five parts, and five
Kings were consecrated thereto; yet this was done with the consent of
Earnulf, and they said that they would hold their kingdoms at his hand,
because none of them were claimants on the father’s side, excepting
him alone. Then Earnulf dwelt in the country east of the Rhine; and
Hrothulf took the middle kingdom; and Oda the western parts; and
Beorngar and Witha took Lombardy, and the lands on that side of the
mountains, and they reigned there in much enmity, and they frequently
laid waste that land, and they fought two pitched battles, and many
times did each drive out the other. And the same year that the army
went forth over the bridge at Paris, the Alderman Æthelhelm carried to
Rome the alms of the West Saxons and of King Alfred.
888.
This year the Alderman Beocca carried the alms of the West Saxons and
of King Alfred to Rome. And Queen Æthelswith, who was the sister of
King Alfred, died on her way to Rome, and her body lieth at Pavia.
And the same year Æthered Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Alderman
Æthelwold died in one month.
889.
This year no one journeyed to Rome, excepting two couriers whom King
Alfred sent with letters.
890.
This year the Abbot Beornhelm carried the alms of King Alfred and
the West Saxons to Rome. And Godrun King of the Northmen died; his
baptismal name was Æthelstan, and he was King Alfred’s godson: he
dwelt in East Anglia, and first colonized that land.[AD] And the same
year the army from the Seine went to St. Lo, which is between Britanny
and France, and the Bretons fought with them, and gained the victory,
and drove them into a river and drowned many. This year Plegemund
was chosen of God and of all his saints to the Archbishoprick of
Canterbury.
891.
This year the army went eastward, and King Earnulf with the East
French, and the Saxons, and the Bavarians, fought with their horse
before the ships arrived, and put them to flight. And three Scots came
to King Alfred from Ireland, in a boat without any rowers, and they had
stolen away from that country because they would go on a pilgrimage
for the love of God, they cared not whither. The boat was made of
three hides and a half, and they took with them food for a week, and
in about seven days they came to land in Cornwall, and proceeded
forthwith to King Alfred: they were thus named, Dubslane, and Macbeth,
and Maelinmun. And Swifneh the most learned teacher of the Scots died.
And after Easter the same year, about Rogation week or before, a star
appeared which is called Cometa in Latin, and some men say that this in
English signifies a hairy star, for long rays stream from it, sometimes
on one side, sometimes on the other.
893.
This year the great army, of which we have before spoken, returned
from the Eastern kingdom westward to Boulogne, and there they took
shipping; so that they came over at one passage, horses and all. And
they arrived at Limene mutha (New Romney?) with 250 ships. This harbour
is on the eastern side of Kent, and at the eastern end of the great
wood called Andred; this wood is from east to west 112 miles long or
more, and 30 miles broad, and the river of which we have spoken floweth
out of the weald. They towed their ships up this river as far as the
wood, four miles from the outward mouth. They stormed a fortress in
the fens; a few countrymen were in it, and it was half finished. Soon
afterwards, Hastings came into the mouth of the Thames with 80 ships,
and there he built a fortress at Middel-tun (Milton), and the other
army one at Appledore.
“This year died Wulfhere Archbishop of the Northumbrians.”
894.
This year, it being about 12 months, after they had built the fortress
in the eastern kingdom, the Northumbrians and the East Angles, who
had taken oaths to King Alfred, the East Angles having also given him
six hostages, yet broke their faith, and whenever the other armies
went out to plunder, these went forth also, either with them or in
a separate division. Then King Alfred gathered together his troops,
and came and encamped between the two armies in the nearest place
defended by wood and by water, so that he could fall upon either, if
they sought any field for forage; whilst they still going about the
weald in parties of foot and troops of horse, to plunder the country
wherever it was unprotected, continually encountered other parties
from the King’s army or from the towns day and night. The King had
also divided his forces into two parts, so that half his troops were
always at home, and half out, exclusive of those who were employed in
guarding the towns. Neither were all the heathen forces out of their
quarters at the same time oftener than twice, once when they first came
to land before the King’s army was assembled, and again when they would
depart from this station. Then when they had collected much plunder,
and would have carried it northward across the Thames into Essex, and
towards the ships, the King’s army hastened before them, and fought
with them at Farnham, and put them to flight, and got possession of
the spoil; and they fled across the Thames, where there was no ford,
and thence down the Colne to a certain island (Mersey or Bricklesey).
The King’s troops[AE] remained encamped round about them as long as
they had provisions, for their time of service was limited, and their
meat proportioned thereto. And the King being on his march thither
with the shire that served under him, the other troops departed home,
and the Danes remained in the same place, because their King had been
wounded in the battle, and they could not remove him. Then the Danes
who were settled in Northumberland and East Anglia gathered together
about an hundred ships, with which they sailed round by the south;
and some forty ships besides which sailed round by the north, and
besieged a fortress on the northern coast of Devonshire. And those
who had sailed by the south besieged Exeter. When the King heard
this, he turned westward with all his forces, excepting a detachment
of troops who were to watch the enemy in the east. These troops went
forward until they came to London, and then, with the citizens and
the aids which joined them from the west, they marched eastward to
Benfleet: Hastings had come thither with his army, which was before
at Milton, and the great army was come thither also which was before
at Appledore, near Limine Mutha. Hastings had built the fortress at
Benfleet, and he was then gone out to plunder, and the great army was
at home. Then they came, and put that army to flight, and stormed the
fortress, and they took all that was therein, treasure, women, and
children, and they carried all to London, and they broke up or burned
all the ships, or brought them to London or Rochester. And the wife
of Hastings and his two sons were brought to the King, and the King
gave them to him again, because the one was his own Godson, the other
the Alderman Æthered’s. They had been before taken, ere Hastings came
to Benfleet, and he had given hostages and oaths, and the King had
also given him much money, and then also he had restored his wife and
children. But as soon as he came to Benfleet, and the fortress was
finished, he ravaged the very district of Alfred’s kingdom which was
under his son’s Godfather Æthered, and again a second time he was gone
out to plunder the same province, when his fortress was destroyed. The
King, as was said before, had marched with his army towards Exeter, and
when he came thither, the army which had besieged the town made for
the ships. Whilst he was engaged with his enemies in the west, both
the other ravaging armies joined at Shobury, in Essex, and they raised
a fortress there: then they went up together along the Thames, and a
reinforcement came to them from East Anglia and Northumberland, and
they proceeded by the side of the Thames, until they crossed over to
the Severn; and then they marched along the Severn. Then the Aldermen
Æthered, and Æthelm, and Æthelnoth, and the King’s Thanes who were at
home in their fortresses, gathered together an army from every town
east of the Parret, and west of Selwood, also east and north of the
Thames, and west of the Severn, and they raised moreover some part of
the Welsh nation. When they were all assembled they came up with the
army at Butdiging-tun (Bultington?) on the banks of the Severn, and
there they besieged them on every side in a fortress. When they had
been encamped on the two sides of the river for many weeks, the King
being still detained by the fleet in the west, in Devonshire, the Danes
were pressed by hunger, and they had eaten great part of their horses,
and some perished through famine. Then they rushed out upon the men who
were posted on the eastern side of the river, and fought with them,
and the Christians gained the victory, but the King’s Thane Ordhelm was
slain there, and many others of the King’s Thanes; and those (of the
heathens) who escaped were saved by flight. When they came to their
fortress and ships in Essex, the remnant again collected a large army
from amongst the East Angles and Northumbrians before winter, and they
secured their wives, and their ships, and their treasures, in East
Anglia, and marched straight forward day and night until they came to a
western town in Wirehall which is called Lega-ceaster (Chester).--And
the King’s troops could not overtake them until they were within the
fortifications; nevertheless they encamped around the place for about
two days, and they took all the cattle that were in the neighbourhood,
and they slew the men whom they met without the fortress, and they
burned the corn, or, together with their horses, consumed it. And this
was about twelve months from the time that they came hither from beyond
sea.
895.
This year, soon afterwards, the army went from Wirehall into North
Wales, for they could not remain without corn or cattle to subsist
on.--Then they departed again from North Wales with their plunder,
and they passed through Northumberland and East Anglia, and the King’s
army could not overtake them before they had reached the eastern
part of Essex, and had come to an island in the sea which is called
Mersey.--And the division which had besieged Exeter, on their return
homewards invaded the South Saxons near Chichester, but the townsmen
put them to flight, and slew many hundreds of them, and took some of
their ships. The same year, before winter, the Danes who were quartered
in Mersey towed their ships up the Thames, and thence up the Lea. This
was about two years from the time that they came hither from beyond the
sea.
896.
This year the aforesaid army built a fortress on the Lea, 20 miles
above London. Then in the summer, many of the citizens with others went
forth and attacked this fortress of the Danes, but they were driven
back, and some four of the King’s Thanes were slain there. During the
following harvest, the King encamped in the neighbourhood of the city
while the people reaped their corn, that the Danes might not annoy
them. One day the King was riding by the river’s side, and he observed
a place where it might be blocked up so that the Danes could not bring
out their ships: and this was done, and two forts were built, one
on each side of the river; but while the King was employed on these
works, and was encamped by them, the Danes perceiving that they could
not remove their ships, deserted them, and marched across the country
until they came to Cwat-bridge (Bridgenorth?), on the Severn, and they
built a fortress there. Then the King’s troops rode westward after
them, and the citizens of London went for the ships and broke up all
that they could not remove, and all that were serviceable they brought
into London. The Danes had placed their wives in safety in East Anglia
before they left their fortress. They remained at Cwat-bridge that
winter. This was about three years from the time when they came over
the sea into Limine-Mutha.
897.
It was in the summer of this year that the army went away, part to East
Anglia and part to Northumberland: and there, those who were without
money, got themselves ships, and sailed southward to the Seine. Thanks
to God, this army had not entirely ruined the English nation, but in
these three years it was much afflicted by a mortality amongst the
cattle, and more than all by that amongst men, and many of the most
noble of the King’s Thanes died during these three years. Among these
were Swithulf Bishop of Rochester, Ceolmund Alderman of Kent, Beorhtulf
Alderman of Essex, Wulfred Alderman of Hampshire, Ealheard Bishop of
Dorchester, Eadulf the King’s Thane in Sussex, Beornwulf the Town
Sheriff of Winchester, Ecgulf the King’s Horse Thane and many others,
though I have named these as being the most eminent. The same year
the ravagers from East Anglia and Northumberland harassed the country
of the West Saxons, particularly on the southern coast, by sudden
descents, using the vessels which they had built many years before.
Then Alfred caused long ships to be built as a defence against these
vessels, and his were twice as long as the others; some had sixty oars
and some more; they were both swifter and more steady, and also higher
than those of the Danes, and were shaped neither after the Frisian
nor the Danish manner, but even as he himself thought they would best
befit the service. At one time this year six ships came to Wight, and
did much damage there, and in Devon, and all along the coast. The King
ordered his people to take nine of the new ships and to blockade them
in a certain harbour.[AF]--Then the pirates sailed out against them
with three ships, for three lay aground at the head of the bay, and
their crews were gone ashore.--The King’s men took two of the three
ships at the entrance of the bay, and slew the men in them, and the
third escaped, and in this also all but five of the men were killed.
But in making towards the other ships, which were set fast, the English
also were left aground to their great discomfort, three on that part
of the shore where the Danish ships lay, and all the rest on the other
side, so that they could not get near each other, and the water had
now ebbed many furlongs from the ships. Then the Danes belonging to
the three ships came and attacked the three which were left by the
tide on their side of the bay, and they fought there, and Lucumon the
King’s Sheriff, and Wulfheard and Æbba and Æthelere, Frisians, and
Æthelferth the King’s herdsman, were slain, and sixty two men in all,
Frisians and English, and 120 Danes. Now the tide came to the Danish
ships before the Christians could get theirs off, and they therefore
rowed them away; but they were so much damaged, that they were unable
to get beyond Sussex before two of them had been driven on shore, and
the men were brought to the King at Winchester and he ordered them to
be hanged. The rest much wounded, with the remaining ship, reached East
Anglia. This year, not less than twenty ships with their whole crews,
perished on the southern coast. The same year died the King’s Horse
Thane Wulfric, who was also Sheriff of Wales.
898.
This year Æthhelm Alderman of Wiltshire died nine nights before
Midsummer. And Heahstan Bishop of London died this year.
901.
This year Alfred the son of Athulf died six nights before the feast of
All Saints: He was King over all England, excepting that part of it
which was under the dominion of the Danes.--He reigned 28 years and
a half, and his son Edward succeeded to the kingdom. Then Edward’s
uncle’s son Prince Æthelwald rode to the towns of Winborn and Tweonea
(Christ Church) without leave of the King and his Witan, upon which
the King went forth with his troops and encamped at Badbury, near
Winborn, and Æthelwald with his party was within the town. He had
blocked up the gates on the inside, and said that there he would live
or die, but yet he stole away by night, and hastened towards the army
in Northumberland; the King ordered his troops to pursue him, but they
could not outride him, and the others received him as their king, and
submitted to him: his wife was seized; he had married her without
the King’s leave, and against the Bishop’s command, for she had been
professed a nun. Æthered Alderman of Devonshire died the same year,
four weeks before King Alfred.
902.
In this year the battle of Holme (near Pevensey) was fought between the
men of Kent and the Danes.
903.
This year died the Alderman Athulf the brother of Ealhswitha the mother
of King Edward. Virgilius Abbot of the Scots died also; and on the
8th of the ides of July the Priest Grimbald. The same year the new
monastery of Winchester was consecrated on the Advent of St. Judoc.
904.
This year Æthelwald came hither from beyond the sea with all the ships
he could muster, and the East Saxons submitted to him. This year the
moon was eclipsed.
905.
This year Æthelwald induced the army in East Anglia to break the peace,
and they ravaged Mercia as far as Crecca-gelade (Cricklade), and they
crossed the Thames there, and took all they could meet with in Brædune
(Breden forest, Wiltshire), and in the neighbourhood, and then they
returned homeward. Then King Edward pursued after them as soon as he
could assemble his army, and he laid waste their land between the
Dyke (the Devil’s Ditch) and the Ouse, as far northward as the fens.
And when he was about to depart thence, he caused it to be proclaimed
throughout his army, that all the troops should keep together, but the
Kentish men remained behind against his command, though he had sent
them seven messages. Then the Danes surrounded them, and they fought,
and the Aldermen Siwulf and Sigelm, and the King’s Thane Eadwold, and
the Abbot Cenwulf, and Sigebryht the son of Siwulf, and Eadwald the son
of Acca, were slain there, and many others; though I have named the
most noted. And there fell on the side of the Danes, their King Eohric,
and Prince Æthelwald who had persuaded them to the war, and Byrhtsige
the son of Prince Beornoth, and the Holds[AG] Ysopa and Oscytel, and a
great many others whom we cannot now name. There was much slaughter on
either side, but most on that of the Danes, though they kept possession
of the field of battle. Ealhswyth died the same year, and a comet
appeared.
907.
This year Alfred who was Sheriff of Bath died: and the same year peace
was ratified at Yttingaford[AH] with the East Angles and Northumbrians,
on the terms which King Edward dictated. This year Lig-ceaster
(Chester) was repaired.
909.
This year Denulf Bishop of Winchester died, and the body of St. Oswald
was brought from Bardney into Mercia.
910.
This year Frithestan received the Bishoprick of Winchester, and after
this Asser Bishop of Sherborn died. And the same year King Edward sent
forth an army of West Saxons and Mercians, who greatly harassed the
army in the north, and seized many prisoners, and took much plunder of
all kinds, and slew many Danes, and they remained five weeks in those
parts.
911.
This year the army in Northumberland broke the peace, and set at nought
all the conditions which King Edward and his son had prescribed; and
they ravaged Mercia. And the King had assembled about an hundred ships,
and he was in Kent, and the ships sailed to the south-east along the
coast to join him. The heathens believed that the greater part of his
forces was in these ships, and that they might therefore go where
they would unmolested. When the King heard that they were gone out to
plunder, he sent his West Saxon and Mercian troops, and they followed
the Danes, and came up with them as they returned homeward, and they
attacked them and put them to flight, and killed many thousands. And
King Eowils and King Healfden were slain, and the Earl Ohter, and the
Earl Scurfa, and the Hold Othulf, and the Hold Benesing, and Anlaf the
black, and the Hold Thurferth, and Osferth the collector of tribute,
and the Hold Guthferth, and the Hold Agmund, and Guthferth.
912.
This year Æthered Alderman of Mercia died, and King Edward took into
his own government the towns of London and Oxford, and all the lands
belonging thereto; and this year on the holy eve of the discovery of
the sacred cross, Æthelflæd the Lady of Mercia came to Scergeate and
built a fortified town there, and in the same year that of Bricge
(Bridgenorth).
913.
This year, about Martinmas, King Edward caused the northern town of
Hertford to be built, between the Mermera, the Benefica (the Bean),
and the Lea. And afterwards, between Rogation week and Midsummer,
King Edward went with some of his forces to Malden, and remained
there while they built and fortified the town of Witham. And a great
part of this country, which had been under the Danish Government,
submitted to him. During this time some of his forces built that part
of the town of Hertford which is on the south side of the Lea. This
year, God permitting, Æthelflæd the Lady of Mercia, went with all the
Mercians to Tamworth, and built a fenced town there in the early
part of the summer, and before Lammas she built the town of Stafford.
And the next year she built Eadesbyrig[AI] in the beginning of the
summer, and Warwick towards the end of autumn, and after Christmas the
year following she built the fortified town of Cyric-byrig,[AJ] and
afterwards that of Weard-byrig,[AK] and again before Christmas that
year, that of Rumcofan, (Runkhorn, Cheshire).
916.
This year the guiltless Abbot Ecgbriht was slain before Midsummer,
on the 16th of the calends of July, the anniversary of the martyrdom
of St. Cyricius and his companions. And about three days afterwards
Æthelflæd sent an army into Wales, and took Brecenanmere (Brecknock)
and the King’s wife, with some four and thirty others, were made
prisoners.
917.
This year, after Easter, the army rode forth from Northampton and
Leicester, and they broke the peace and slew many men at Hocneratun
(Hognorton) and in the neighbourhood. And as soon as these returned
home, another troop was immediately assembled, which rode forth towards
Ligtun (Leighton, Bedfordshire), but the inhabitants of that country
knew of their coming, and fought with them, and completely routed them,
and seized all the plunder which they had amassed, and a great part of
their horses and arms.
918.
This year a pirate fleet came over from the south from the land of the
Lidwiccas (Britanny), with two Earls Ohtor and Hroald, and they sailed
westward and entered the Severn’s mouth, and they plundered the coasts
of North Wales wherever they could; and they took Bishop Cameleac, at
Ircinga-feld (Archenfield), and led him away to their ships, and King
Edward afterwards ransomed him for forty pounds. Then afterwards all
the army landed, and would have marched yet again towards Archenfield
to plunder, but then the men of Hereford and of Gloucester, and of the
nearest towns met them, and fought with them, and put them to flight;
and they slew the Earl Hroald, and a brother of the other Earl Ohtor,
and they drove the rest into a wood and besieged them there until they
gave hostages that they would depart from the dominions of King Edward.
The King had taken care to post troops so as to guard the southern
coast of the channel from Wales in the west (Cornwall), to the mouth
of the Avon eastward, that they might not dare to invade the country
on that side. Nevertheless they landed by night at two several times,
once east of Weced (Watchet), and again at Portloca (Porlock). And the
King’s men repulsed them each time, and few escaped but those alone,
who swam to the ships; and these remained in the isle of Bradanrelic
(Steepholm?) until they were in great want of of provisions, and many
died of hunger because they could not procure any food; then they went
to Deomod (South Wales), and thence away to Ireland. And afterwards,
the same year, King Edward went to Buckingham with his army, and he
remained there four weeks, and built fortifications on each side of
the river before he departed thence. And Earl Thurcytel acknowledged
him as his Lord, as did all the Holds and chief men of Bedford, and
most of those of Northampton. Before Lammas, this year, Æthelflæd the
Lady of Mercia, by the help of God won the town of Derby, with all its
appurtenances, but four of her most valued Thanes were slain within
the gates.
919.
This year, before Martinmas, King Edward went with an army to Bedford,
and he gained possession of that town, and almost all the inhabitants
who had before been subject to him returned to their obedience; and
he remained there four weeks, and he caused the fortifications on the
south side of the river to be built before he departed thence.
920.
This year King Edward went to Malden, and repaired and fortified the
town before he departed thence. And this year Earl Thurcytel and
his adherents went over sea into France, with the permission and
aid of King Edward. Early in this year Æthelflæd got possession of
Leicester without fighting, and the greater part of the troops of
that town became subject to her. Those at York had also engaged to
be under her command, some having given pledges to her, and others
having taken oaths. And immediately after she had effected this, she
died at Tamworth, twelve days before Midsummer, in the eighth year of
her governing Mercia with rightful dominion; and her body lieth at
Gloucester, in the eastern aisle of St. Peter’s Church. This year
also the daughter of Æthered Lord of Mercia was wholly deprived of
the government of Mercia, and carried into Wessex, three weeks before
Christmas; her name was Hælfwin.
921.
This year, before Easter, King Edward ordered his people to go to
Tofeceaster (Towcester), and to build a fortress there. And again this
year, in Rogation week, he caused a fortress to be built at Wigingamere
(Wigmore). And between Lammas and Midsummer, the troops of Northampton,
and of Leicester, and of the country north of these places, broke the
peace, and marched to Towcester, and fought all day against the town,
and they thought that they should have taken it by storm, but the men
who were within defended it until more aid arrived; and then these gave
up the attack and departed. Again, very soon afterwards, they went
forth by night on a secret expedition, and came unawares, and seized
many prisoners and much cattle between Burnewuda (Bernwood forest) and
Ægles-byrig (Ailesbury). And at the same time the army of Huntingdon
and of East Anglia came, and built the fortress at Temesford
(Tempsford), where they fixed themselves, and strengthened the place,
deserting their other post of Huntingdon; and they intended to make
their excursions from this station, and thought that thus they should
again get the greater part of this land into their power. And they
went forth until they came to Bedford, but the garrison marched out
against them, and fought with them, and put them to flight, and slew a
great part of them. Yet after this a great army again assembled from
East Anglia and Mercia and proceeded to Wigmore, and they surrounded
the place, and fought against it till late in the day, and they seized
the cattle in the neighbourhood; nevertheless the garrison defended
the town and they gave up the assault and departed. After this, the
same summer, a large body of King Edward’s subjects was collected
from the towns[AL] nearest Tempsford, and they marched thither and
besieged that town, and they fought against it until they took it. And
they slew the King and Earl Toglos, and his son Earl Manna, and his
brother and all those who would have resisted, and they took captive
the remainder, and the town they plundered. And immediately after this,
in harvest, a great force was collected out of Kent, out of Surrey,
and out of Essex, and out of the towns around on all sides, and they
marched to Colchester, and they besieged the town and fought against it
until they subdued it, and they seized all that was therein, and they
slew all the inhabitants excepting those who escaped over the wall.
And during the same autumn a great army was gathered together out of
East Anglia, consisting of the land forces, and also of such Vikingar
as the others had persuaded to join them; and they thought to satisfy
their desire of vengeance. They went to Malden and besieged that town,
and they fought there until aid came to the Burghers from without,
and then the army left the town and departed. And the townsmen, and
those who had arrived to succour them, sallied forth after them, and
put them to flight, and slew many hundreds both pirates and others.
Immediately after this, during the same autumn, King Edward went to
Passenham with the troops of Wessex, and he abode there while his men
inclosed Towcester with a stone wall. And Earl Thurferth and the Holds,
and all the army at Northampton, and those, of the country northward as
far as Weolud (the Welland), came over to him, and acknowledged him as
their Lord and protector. And when at the regular time the troops he
had with him returned to their homes, others took the field, and these
proceeded to Huntingdon, and they repaired the town by King Edward’s
orders, and rebuilt that part of it which had been pulled down. And
all who remained of the inhabitants of that country gave themselves
up to King Edward, and sought his favour and protection. And again
the same year, before Martinmas, King Edward went to Colchester with
the Wessex troops, and he repaired the town and restored that which
had been demolished. And a large body of people in East Anglia and in
Essex, who had before been under the Danish dominion, came over to him.
And all the army of East Anglia swore to be as one with him; that they
would will all that he should will, and that they would keep peace
both by sea and land with all whom he should befriend. And the army at
Grantanbrycge (Cambridge) separately acknowledged him for their Lord
and patron, and confirmed this with oaths even as he had desired. This
year King Sihtric slew his brother Niel.
922.
This year, between Rogation week and Midsummer, King Edward went
with an army to Stamford, and caused fortifications to be made on
the southern side of the river, and the inhabitants of the town on
the northern bank submitted to him, and acknowledged him as their
Lord.--And whilst he remained at this place, his sister Æthelflæd died
at Tamworth, twelve days before Midsummer. And then he rode to the town
of Tamworth, and all the people, who had been under the government of
Æthelflæd became his subjects: and the Kings of North Wales, Howel and
Cledauc and Jeothwel, and all that nation, acknowledged him as their
Lord. Thence he went to Nottingham, and he took that town, and caused
it to be repaired, and he peopled it with English and Danes. And all
the inhabitants of Mercia, both Danes and English, came over to him.
923.
This year, after harvest, King Edward went with an army to Thælwæl
(Thelwall), and caused that town to be built and fortified and
garrisoned. And whilst he abode there, he commanded another army,
raised in Mercia, to go to Manchester, in Northumberland, to repair
and garrison that town. This year Archbishop Plegemund died; and King
Regnold conquered York.
924.
This year, before Midsummer, King Edward went with an army to
Nottingham, and caused a town to be built on the south side of the
river, over against the other, with a bridge across the Trent between
the two. And thence he went to Badecanwylla (Bakewell), in Peakland,
and caused a town to be built and garrisoned in the neighbourhood. And
the King of the Scots and all the Scottish nation chose him for their
Father and Lord, and thus did Regwnald and the sons of Eadulf, and all
the inhabitants of Northumberland, both English and Danes, Northmen and
others; also the King of the Strathclyde Britons and all that people.
925.
This year King Edward died at Fearndun (Ferringdon), in Mercia, and
very soon afterwards his son Ælfweard died at Oxford, and their bodies
rest in Winchester. And Æthestan was chosen King by the Mercians,
and he was consecrated at Cingestun (Kingston upon Thames). And
St. Duntstan was born, and Wulfhelm received the Archbishoprick of
Canterbury.
927.
This year King Æthelstan expelled King Guthfrith, and this year
Archbishop Wulfhelm went to Rome.
928.
William succeeded in Normandy, and held the government 15 years.
932.
This year Byrnstan was consecrated Bishop of Winchester, on the 4th of
the calends of June, and he held the Bishoprick two years and a half.
933.
This year Bishop Frithestan died; and Prince Ædwine was drowned in the
sea.
934.
This year King Athelstan invaded Scotland with an army and a fleet, and
he ravaged a great part of the country. And Bishop Byrnstan died at
Winchester on All Saint’s day.
935.
This year Bishop Ælfheah received the Bishoprick of Winchester.