this Iland Where the Inhabitants none but Devils as som write or as others a lawless crew left heer by Albion without Head or Governour both entertain'd them and had issue by them a second breed of Giants who tyranniz'd the Ile till Brutus came The Eldest of these Dames in thir Legend they call Albina and from thence for which cause the whole scene was fram'd will have the name Albion deriv'd Incredible it may seem so sluggish a conceit should prove so ancient as to be authoriz'd by the Elder Ninnius reputed to have liv'd above a thousand years agoe This I find not in him but that Histion sprung of Japhet had four Sons Francus Romanus Alemannus and Britto of whom the Britans as true I beleeve as that those other Nations whose names are resembl'd came of the other three if these Dreams give not just occasion to call in doubt the Book it self which bears that title Hitherto the things themselves have giv'n us a warrantable dispatch to run them soon over But now of Brutus and his Line with the whole Progeny of Kings to the entrance of Julius Caesar we cannot so easily be discharg'd Descents of Ancestry long continu'd laws and exploits not plainly seeming to be borrow'd or devis'd which on the common beleif have wrought no small impression defended by many deny'd utterly by few For what though Brutus and the whole Trojan pretence were yeelded up seeing they who first devis'd to bring us from som noble Ancestor were content at first with Brutus the Consul till better invention although not willing to forgoe the name taught them to remove it higher into a more fabulous Age by the same remove lighting on the Trojan Tales in affectation to make the Britan of one Original with the Roman pitch'd there yet those old and inborn names of successive Kings never any to have bin real persons or don in thir lives at least som part of what so long hath bin remember'd cannot be thought without too strict an incredulity For these and those causes above mention'd that which hath receav'd approbation from so many I have chos'n not to omitt Certain or uncertain be that upon the credit of those whom I must follow so far as keeps alooff from impossible and absurd attested by ancient Writers from Books more ancient I refuse not as the due and proper subject of Story The principal Author is well know'n to be Geoffrey of Monmouth what he was and whence his authority who in his age or before him have deliver'd the same matter and such like general discourses will better stand in a Treatise by themselvs All of them agree in this that Brutus was the Son of Silvius he of Ascanius whose Father was Aeneas a Trojan Prince who at the burning of that City with his Son Ascanius and a collected number that escap'd after long wandring on the Sea arriv'd in Italy Where at length by the assistance of Latinus King of Latium who had giv'n him his Daughter Lavinia he obtain'd to succeed in that Kingdom and left it to Ascanius whose Son Silvius though Roman Histories deny Silvius to be Son of Ascanius had maried secretly a Neece of Lavinia She being with Child the matter became known to Ascanius Who commanding his Magicians to enquire by Art what sex the Maid had conceiv'd had answer that it was one who should be the death of both his Parents and banish'd for the fact should after all in a farr Country attain to highest honour The prediction fail'd not for intravel the Mother di'd And Brutus the Child was so call'd at fifteen years of Age attending his Father to the Chace with an arrow unfortunately kill'd him Banish'd therefore by his kindred he retires into Greece Where meeting with the race of Helenus King Priams Son held there in servile condition by Pandrasus then King with them he abides For Pirrhus in revenge of his Father slain at Troy had brought thither with him Helenus and many others into servitude There Brutus among his own stock so thrives in vertue and in Arms as renders him belov'd to Kings and great Captains above all the Youth of that Land Wherby the Trojans not only beginn to hope but secretly to move him that he would lead them the way to liberty They allege their numbers and the promis'd help of Assaracus a Noble Greekish Youth by the Mothers side a Trojan whom for that cause his Brother went about to dispossess of certain Castles bequeath'd him by his Father Brutus considering both the Forces offer'd him and the strength of those Holds not unwillingly consents First therfore having fortifi'd those Castles he with Assaracus and the whole multitude betake them to the Woods and Hills as the safest place from whence to expostulate and in the name of all sends to Pandrasus this Message That the Trojans holding it unworthy thir Ancestors to serv in a Foren Kingdom had retreated to the Woods choosing rather a Savage life then a slavish If that displeas'd him that then with his leave they might depart to some other soil As this may pass with good allowance that the Trojans might be many in these parts for Helenus was by Pirrhus made King of the Chaouians and the Sons of Pirrhus by Andromache Hectors Wise could not but be powerful through all Epirus so much the more it may be doubted how these Trojans could be thus in bondage where they had Freinds and Country-men so Potent But to examin these things with diligence were but to confute the Fables of Britan with the Fables of Greece or Italy for of this Age what we have to say as well concerning most other Countries as this Iland is equally under Question Bee 't how it will Pandrasus not expecting so bold a message from the Sons of Captives gathers an Army And marching toward the Woods Brutus who had notice of his approach nigh to a Town call'd Sparatinum I know not what Towne but certaine of no Greek name over night planting himself there with good part of his men suddenly sets upon him and with slaughter of the Greeks pursues him to the passage of a River which mine Author names Akalon meaning perhaps Achelous or Acheron where at the Ford he overlaies them afresh This victory obtain'd and a sufficient strength left in Sparatinum Brutus with Antigonus the Kings Brother and his Freind Anacletus whom he had tak'n in the fight returns to the residue of his freinds in the thick Woods While Pandrasus with all speed recollecting beseiges the Town Brutus to releive his men beseig'd who earnestly call'd him distrusting the sufficiency of his force bethinks himself of this Policy Calls to him Anacletus and threatning instant death else both to him and his freind Antigonus enjoyns him that he should goe at the second howr of night to the Greekish Leagre and tell the Guards he had brought Antigonus by stealth out of Prison to a certain woody Vale unable through the waight of
to recite a grand Fable though dignify'd by our best Poets while Brutus on a certain Festival day solemnly kept on that shoar where he first landed was with the people in great jollity and mirth a crew of these Savages breaking in upon them began on the suddain another sort of Game then at such a meeting was expected But at length by many hands overcome Goëmagog the hugest in higth twelv Cubits is reserv'd alive that with him Corineus who desir'd nothing more might try his strength Whom in a Wrestle the Giant catching aloft with a terrible hugg broke three of his Ribs nevertheless Corineus enrag'd heaving him up by main force and on his Shoulders bearing him to the next high Rock threw him headlong all shatter'd into the Sea and left his name on the Cliff call'd ever since Langoëmagog which is to say the Giants leap After this Brutus in a chosen place builds Troia nova chang'd in time to Trinovantum now London and began to enact Laws Heli beeing then high Preist in Judaea and having govern'd the whole Ile 24 Years dy'd and was buried in his new Troy His three Sons Locrine Albanact and Camber divide the Land by consent Locrine had the middle part Loëgria Camber possess'd Cambria or Wales Albanact Albania now Scotland But he in the end by Humber King of the Hunns who with a Fleet invaded that Land was slain in fight and his people driv'n back into Loëgria Locrine and his Brother goe out against Humber who now marching onward was by them defeated and in a River drown'd which to this day retains his name Among the spoils of his Camp and Navy were found certain young Maids and Estrildis above the rest passing fair the Daughter of a King in Germany from whence Humber as he went wasting the Sea-Coast had led her Captive whom Locrine though before contracted to the Daughter of Corineus resolvs to marry But beeing forc'd and threatn'd by Corineus whose Autority and power he fear'd Guendolen the Daughter he yeelds to marry but in secret loves the other and oft-times retiring as to som privat Sacrifice through Vaults and passages made under ground and seven years thus enjoying her had by her a Daughter equally fair whose name was Sabra But when once his fear was off by the Death of Corineus not content with secret enjoyment divorcing Guendolen he makes Estrildis now his Queen Guendolen all in rage departs into Cornwall where Madan the Son she had by Locrine was hitherto brought up by Corineus his Grandfather And gathering an Army of her Fathers Friends and Subjects gives Battail to her Husband by the River Sture wherein Locrine shot with an Arrow ends his life But not so ends the fury of Guendolen for Estrildis and her Daughter Sabra she throws into a River and to leave a Monument of revenge proclaims that the stream be thenceforth call'd after the Damsels name which by length of time is chang'd now to Sabrina or Severn Fifteen Years she governs in behalf of her Son then resigning to him at Age retires to her Fathers Dominion This saith my Author was in the daies of Samuel Madan hath the praise to have well and peacefully rul'd the space of 40 years leaving behind him two Sons Memprioius and Malim Mempricius had first to doe with the ambition of his Brother aspiring to share with him in the Kingdom whom therfore at a meeting to compose matters with a treachery which his cause needed not he slew Nor was he better in the sole possession wherof so ill he could endure a Partner killing his Nobles and those especially next to succeed him till lastly giv'n over to unnaturall lust in the twentith of his Reigne hunting in a Forest he was devowr'd by Wolves His Son Ebranc a man of mighty strength and stature Reign'd 40 Years He first after Brutus wasted Gaul and returning rich and prosperous builded Caerebranc now York in Albania Alclud Mount Agned or the Castle of Maydens now Edinburgh He had 20 Sons and 30 Daughters by 20 Wives His Daughters he sent to Silvius Alba into Italy who bestow'd them on his Peers of the Trojan Line His Sons under the leading of Assaracus thir Brother won them Lands and Signories in Germany thence call'd from these Brethren Germania a derivation too hastily suppos'd perhaps before the word Germannus or the Latin Tongue was in use Som who have describ'd Henault as Jacobus â—ergomas and Lessabeus are cited to affirm that Ebrâ—◠〈◊〉 his Warre there was by Brunchildis Lord of 〈◊〉 put to the worse Brutus therfore surnamed Greenshield succeeding to repair his Fathers losses as the sam Lessabeus reports fought a second Battail in Henault with Brunchild at the mouth of Scaldis and Encamp'd on the River Hania Of which our Spencer also thus Sings Let Scaldis tell and let tell Hania And let the Marsh of Esthambruges tell What colour were thir Waters that same day And all the Moar twixt Elversham and Dell With blood of Henalois which therin fell How oft that day did sad Brunchildis see The Greenshield dy'd in dolorous Vermeil c. But Henault and Brunchild and Greenesheild seeme newer names then for a Story pretended thus Antient. Him succeeded Leil a maintainer of Peace and Equity but slackn'd in his latter end whence arose som civil discord He built in the North Cairleil and in the daies of Solomon Rudhuddibras or Hudibras appeasing the commotions which his Father could not fownded Caerkeynt or Canturbury Caerguent or Winchester and Mount Paladur now Septonia or Shaftsbury but this by others is contradicted Bladud his Son built Caerbadus or Bathe and those medcinable Waters he dedicated to Minerva in whose Temple there he kept fire continually burning He was a man of great invention and taught Necromancie till having made him Wings to fly he fell down upon the Temple of Apollo in Trinovant and so dy'd after twenty years Reigne Hitherto from Father to Son the direct Line hath run on but Leir who next Reign'd had only three Daughters and no Male Issue govern'd laudably and built Caer-Leir now Leicestre on the Bank of Sora. But at last failing through Age he determines to bestow his Daughters and so among them to divide his Kingdom Yet first to try which of them lov'd him best a Trial that might have made him had he known as wisely how to try as he seem'd to know how much the trying behoov'd him he resolves a simple resolution to ask them solemly in order and which of them should profess largest her to beleev Gonorill th' Eldest apprehending too well her Fathers weakness makes answer invoking Heav'n That she lov'd him above her Soul Therfore quoth the old man overjoy'd since thou so honourst my declin'd Age to thee and the Husband whom thou shalt choose I give the third part of my Realm So fair a speeding for a few words soon utter'd was to Regan the second ample instruction what to say She on the same demand spares no protesting
thou expect from these poor Laity so he goes on these beasts all belly shall these amend thee who are themselves laborious in evil doings shalt thou see with their Eyes who see right forward nothing but gain Leave them rather as bids our Saviour lest ye fall both blind-fold into the same perdition Are all thus Perhaps not all or not so grosly But what avail'd it Eli to be himself blameless while he conniv'd at others that were abominable who of them hath bin envi'd for his better life who of them hath hated to consort with these or withstood thir entring the Ministry or endeavour'd zealously thir casting out Yet som of these perhaps by others are legended for great Saints This was the state of Goverment this of Religion among the Britans in that long calm of peace which the fight at Badon Hill had brought forth Wherby it came to pass that so fair a Victory came to nothing Towns and Citties were not reinhabited but lay ruin'd and wast nor was it long ere domestic War breaking out wasted them more For Britain as at other times had then also several Kings Five of whom Gildas living then in Armorica at a safe distance boldly reproves by name First Constantine fabl'd the Son of Cador Duke of Cornwall Arturs half Brother by the Mothers side who then reign'd in Cornwall and Devon a Tyrannical and bloody King polluted also with many Adulteries he got into his power two young Princes of the Blood Royal uncertain whether before him in right or otherwise suspected and after solemn Oath giv'n of thir safety the year that Gildas wrote slew them with thir two Governours in the Church and in thir Mothers Arms through the Abbots Coap which he had thrown over them thinking by the revernce of his vesture to have withheld the murderer These are commonly suppos'd to be the Sons of Mordred Arturs Nefew said to have revolted from his Uncle giv'n him in a Battel his Deaths wound and by him after to have bin slain Which things were they true would much diminish the blame of cruelty in Constantine revenging Artur on the Sons of so false a Mordred In another part but not express'd where Aurelius Conanus was King him he charges also with Adulteries and Parricide cruelties worse then the former to be a hater of his Countries Peace thirsting after civil War and Prey His condition it seems was not very prosperous for Gildas wishes him being now left alone like a Tree withering in the midst of a barren field to remember the vanity and arrogance of his Father and elder Brethren who came all to untimely Death in thir youth The third reigning in Demetia or South Wales was Vortipor the Son of a good Father he was when Gildas wrote grown old not in years only but in Adulteries and in governing full of falshood and cruel Actions In his latter dales putting away his Wife who dy'd in divorce he became if we mistake not Gildas incestuous with his Daughter The fourth was Cuneglas imbru'd in civil War he also had divorc'd his Wife and tak'n her Sister who had vow'd Widdowhood he was a great Enemy to the Clergy high-minded and trusting to his wealth The last but greatest of all in power was Maglocune and greatest also in wickedness he had driv'n out or slain many other Kings or Tyrants and was called the Island Dragon perhaps having his seat in Anglesey a profuse giver a great Warrior and of a goodly stature While he was yet young he over-threw his Uncle though in the head of a compleat Army and took from him the Kingdom then touch't with remorse of his doings not without deliberation took upon him the profession of a Monk but soon forsook his vow and his wife also which for that vow he had left making love to the wife of his Brothers Son then living Who not refusing the offer if she were not rather the first that entic'd found means both to dispatch her own Husband and the former wife of Maglocune to make her marriage with him the more unquestionable Neither did he this for want of better instructions having had the learnedest and wisest man reputed of all Britain the instituter of his youth Thus much the utmost that can be learnt by truer story of what past among the Britans from the time of their useless Victory at Badon to the time that Gildas wrote that is to say as may be guess't from 527 to 571 is here set down altogether not to be reduc't under any certainty of years But now the Saxons who for the most part all this while had bin still unless among themselves began afresh to assault them and ere long to drive them out of all which they yet maintain'd on this side Wales An. Dom. 571 For Cuthulf the Brother of Reaulin by a Victory obtain'd at Bedanford now Bedford took from them 4 good Towns Liganburgh Eglesburh Besington now Benson in Oxfordshire and Ignesham but outliv'd not many months his good success And after 6 years more Keaulin and Cuthwin his Son An. Dom. 577 gave them a great overthrow at Deorrham in Glostershire slew three of thir Kings Comail Condidan and Farinmaile and took three of thir Cheif Citties Glocester Cirencester and Badencester An. Dom. 584 The Britans notwithstanding after some space of time judging to have out-grown thir losses gather to a head and encounter Keaulin with Cutha his Son at Fethanleage whom valiantly fighting they slew among the thickest and as is said forc'd the Saxons to retire But Keaulin reinforcing the fight put them to a main rout and following his advantage took many Towns and return'd lad'n with rich booty The last of those Saxons who rais'd thir own acheivments to a Monarchy was Crida much about this time first founder of the Mercian Kingdom drawing also his Pedigree from Woden Of whom all to write the several Genealogies though it might be done without long search were in my opinion to encumber the story with a sort of barbarous names to little purpose This may suffice that of Wodens 3 Sons from the Eldest issu'd Hengist and his succession from the second the Kings of Mercia from the third all that reign'd in West-Saxon and most of the Northumbers of whom Alla was one the first King of Deira which after his death the race of Ida seis'd and made it one Kingdom with Bernicia usurping on the Childhood of Edwin Alla's Son Whom Ethelric the Son of Ida expel'd An. Dom. 559 Notwithstanding others write of him that from a poor life and beyond hope in his old Age coming to the Crown he could hardly by the access of a Kingdom have overcome his former obscurity had not the fame of his Son preserv'd him An. Dom. 588 Once more the Britans ere they quitted all on this side the Mountains forgot not to shew some manhood for meeting Keaulin at Wodens Beorth An. Dom. 592 that is to say Wodens
to divide the Kingdome this offer pleasing both Armies Edmund was not difficult to consent and the decision was that he as his hereditary Kingdome should rule the West-Saxons and all the South Canute the Mercians and the North. Huntingdon follow'd by Mat. West relates that the Peers on every side wearied out with continuall warfare and not refraining to affirm op'nly that they two who expected to reign singly had most reason to fight singly the Kings were content the Iland was thir lists the Combate Knightly till Knute finding himself too weak began to parle which ended as is said before After which the Londoners bought thir peace of the Danes and permitted them to winter in the City But King Edmund about the Feast of St. Andrew unexpectedly deceas'd at London and was buried neer to Edgar his Grandfather at Glaston The cause of his so sudden death is uncertain common fame saith Malmsbury laies the guilt therof upon Edric who to please Canute allur'd with promise of reward two of the Kings Privy Chamber though at first abhorring the fact to assassinate him at the stool by thrusting a sharp Iron into his hinder parts Huntingdon and Mat. West relate it done at Oxford by the Son of Edric and something vary in the manner not worth recital Edmund dead Canute meaning to reign sole King of England calls to him all the Dukes Barons and Bishops of the Land cunningly demanding of them who were witnesses what agreement was made between him and Edmund dividing the Kingdome whether the Sons and Brothers of Edmund were to govern the West-Saxons after him Canute living they who understood his meaning and fear'd to undergo his anger timorously answerd that Edmund they knew had left no part therof to his Sons or Brethren living or dying but that he intended Canute should be thir Guardian till they came to age of reigning Simeon affirms that for fear or hope of reward they attested what was not true notwithstanding which he put many of them to death not long after Canute or Knute CAnute having thus sounded the Nobility and An. Dom. 1017 by them understood receav'd thir Oath of fealty they the pledge of his bare hand and Oath from the Danish Nobles wherupon the House of Edmund was renounc't and Canute Crown'd Then they enacted that Edwi Brother of Edmund a Prince of great hope should be banish't the Realm But Canute not thinking himself secure while Edwi liv'd consulted with Edric how to make him away who told him of one Ethelward a decay'd Nobleman likeliest to do the work Ethelward sent for and tempted by the King in privat with largest rewards but abhorring in his mind the deed promisd to do it when he saw his opportunity and so still deferr'd it But Edwi afterwards receav'd into favour as a snare was by him or some other of his false freinds Canute contriving it the same year slain Edric also counsel'd him to dispatch Edward and Edmund the Sons of Ironside but the King doubting that the fact would seem too foul done in England sent them to the King of Sweden with like intent but he disdaining the Office sent them for better safety to Solomon King of Hungary where Edmund at length dy'd but Edward married Agatha Daughter to Henry the German Emperour A digression in the Laws of Edward Confessor under the Title of Lex Noricorum saith that this Edward for fear of Canute fled of his own accord to Malesclot King of the Rugians who receav'd him honourably and of that Country gave him a Wife Canute settl'd in his Throne divided the Government of his Kingdom into fowr parts the West-Saxons to himself the East-Angles to Earl Turkill the Mercians to Edric the Northumbrians to Eric then made peace with all Princes round about him and his former Wife being dead in July married Emma the Widow of King Ethelred The Christmas following was an ill Feast to Edric of whose Treason the King having now made use as much as serv'd his turn and fearing himself to be the next betray'd caus'd him to be slain at London in the Palace thrown over the City Wall and there to lie unburied the head of Edric fixt on a pole he commanded to be set on the highest Tower of London as in a double sence he had promis'd him for the murder of King Edmund to exalt him above all the Peers of England Huntingdon Malmsbury and Mat. West write that suspecting the Kings intention to degrade him from his Mercian Dukedome and upbraiding him with his merits the King enrag'd caus'd him to be strangl'd in the room and out at a Window thrown into the Thames Another writes that Eric at the Kings command struck off his head Other great men though without fault as Duke Norman the Son of Leofwin Ethelward Son of Duke Agelmar he put to death at the same time jealous of thir power or familiarity with Edric and notwithstanding peace kept still his Army to maintain which the next An. Dom. 1018 year he squees'd out of the English though now his subjects not his Enemies 72 some say 82 thousand pound besides 15 thousand out of London Mean while great War arose at Carr between Vthred Son of Waldef Earl of Northumberland and Malcolm Son of Kened King of Scots with whom held Eugenius King of Lothian But heer Simeon the relater seems to have committed some mistake having slain Vthred by Canute two years before and set Eric in his place Eric therfore it must needs be not Vthred who manag'd this War against the Scots About which time in a Convention of Danes at Oxford it was agreed on both parties to keep the Laws of Edgar Mat. West saith of Edward the Elder The An. Dom. 1019 next year Canute sail'd into Denmarke and there abode all Winter Huntingdon and Mat. West say he went thether to repress the Swedes and that the night before a Battel to be fought with them Godwin stealing out of the Camp with his English assaulted the Swedes and had got the Victory ere Canute in the morning knew of any fight For which bold enterprise though against Discipline he had the English in more esteem ever after In the Spring An. Dom. 1020 at his return into England he held in the time of Easter a great assembly at Chirchester and the same year was with Turkill the Dane at the dedication of a Church by them built at Assendune in the place of that great Victory which won him the Crown But suspecting his greatness the year following banish'd An. Dom. 1021 An. Dom. 1028 him the Realm and found occasion to do the like by Eric the Northumbrian Earl upon the same jealousie Nor yet content with his Conquest of England though now above ten years enjoy'd he pass'd with 50 Ships into Norway dispossess'd Olave thir King and subdu'd the land first with great summes of money sent the year before to gain him a party then coming with an Army to compell
at a Feast wherin Osgod a great Danish Lord gave his Daughter in marriage at Lambeth to Prudon another potent Dane in the midst of his mirth sound and healthfull to sight while he was drinking fell down speechless and so dying was buried at Winchester beside his Father He was it seems a great lover of good chere sitting at Table fowr times a day with great variety of Dishes and superfluity to all Commers Wheras saith Huntingdon in our time Princes in thir houses made but one meal a day He gave his Sister Gunildis a Virgin of rare Beauty in marriage to Henry the Alman Emperour and to send her forth pompously all the Nobility contributed thir Jewels and richest Ornaments But it may seem a wonder that our Historians if they deserve that name should in a matter so remarkable and so neer thir own time so much differ Huntingdon relates against the credit of all other records that Hardecnute thus dead the English rejoycing at this unexpected riddance of the Danish yoke sent over to Elfred the Elder Son of Emma by King Ethelred of whom we heard but now that he dy'd Prisner at Eely sent thether by Harold six year before that he came now out of Normandy with a great number of men to receave the Crown that Earl Codwin aiming to have his Daughter Queen of England by marrying her to Edward a simple youth for he thought Elfred of a higher Spirit then to accept her persuaded the Nobles that Elfred had brought over too many Normans had promis'd them lands heer that it was not safe to suffer a Warlike and suttle Nation to take root in the Land that these were to be so handl'd as none of them might dare for the future to flock hither upon pretence of relation to the King therupon by common consent of the Nobles both Elfred and his Company were dealt with as was above related that they then sent for Edward out of Normandy with hostages to be left there of thir faithfull intentions to make him King and thir desires not to bring over with him many Normans that Edward at thir call came then first out of Normandy wheras all others agree that he came voluntarily over to visit Hardecnute as is before said and was remaining in the Court at the time of his Death For Hardecnute dead saith Malmsbury Edward doubting greatly his own safety determin'd to rely wholly on the advice and favour of Earl Godwin desiring therfore by messengers to have privat speech with him the Earl a while deliberated at last assenting Prince Edward came and would have fall'n at his feet but that not permitted told him the danger wherin he thought himself at present and in great perplexity besought her help to convey him some whether out of the Land Godwin soon apprehending the fair occasion that prompted him how to advance himself and his Family cherfully exhorted him to remember himself the Son of Ethelred the Grandchild of Edgar right Heir to the Crown at full Age not to think of flying but of reigning which might easily be brought about if he would follow his Counsel then setting forth the power and authority which he had in England promis'd it should be all his to set him on the Throne if he on his part would promise and swear to be for ever his friend to preserve the honour of his House and to marry his Daughter Edward as his necessity then was consented easily and swore to whatever Godwin requir'd An Assembly of States therupon met at Gillingham where Edward pleaded his right and by the powerfull influence of Godwin was accepted Others as Bromton with no probability write that Godwin at this time was fled into Denmarke for what he had done to Elfred return'd and submitted himself to Edward then King was by him charg'd op'nly with the Death of Elfred and not without much ado by the intercession of Leofric and other Peers receav'd at length into favour Edward the Confessor GLad were the English deliverd so unexpectedly from thir Danish Maisters and little thought how neer another Conquest was hanging over them Edward the Easter following Crown'd at Winchester An. Dom. 1043 the same year accompanied with Earl Godwin Leofric and Siward came again thether on a sudden and by thir Counsel seis'd on the treasure of his Mother Emma The cause alleg'd is that she was hard to him in the time of his banishment and indeed she is said not much to have lov'd Ethelred her former Husband and thereafter the Childern by him she was moreover noted to be very covetous hard to the poor and profuse to Monasteries About this time also King Edward according to promise took to Wife Edith or Egith Earl Godwins Daughter commended much for beauty modesty and beyond what is requisite in a woman learning Inguls a youth lodging in the Court with his Father saw her oft and coming from the School was sometimes met by her and pos'd not in Grammar only but in Logic. Edward the next year but one made An. Dom. 1045 ready a strong Navy at Sandwich against Magnus King of Norway who threat'nd an invasion had not Swane King of Denmarke diverted him by a War at home to defend his own land not out of good will to Edward as may be suppos'd who at the An. Dom. 1046 same time express'd none to the Danes banishing Gunildis the Neece of Canute with her two Sons and Osgod by sirname Clapa out of the Realm Swane An. Dom. 1047 over-powred by Magnus sent the next year to entreat aid of King Edward Godwin gave counsel to send him 50 Ships fraught with Souldiers but Leofric and the general voice gain-saying none were sent The next year Harold Harvager King of An. Dom. 1048 Norway sending Embassadors made peace with King Edward but an Earthquake at Worster and Darby Pestilence and Famin in many places much lesse'nd the enjoyment therof The next year Henry the An. Dom. 1049 Emperour displeas'd with Baldwin Earl of Flanders had streit'nd him with a great Army by land and sending to King Edward desir'd him with his Ships to hinder what he might his escape by sea The King therfore with a great Navy coming to Sandwich there staid till the Emperour came to an agreement with Earl Baldwin Mean while Swane Son of Earl Godwin who not permitted to marry Edgiva the Abbess of Chester by him deflour'd had left the land came out of Denmarke with 8 Ships feigning a desire to return into the Kings favour and Beorn his Cousin German who commanded part of the Kings Navy promis'd to intercede that his Earldome might be restor'd him Godwin therfore and Beorn with a few Ships the rest of the Fleet gone home coming to Pevensey but Godwin soon departing thence in persuit of 29 Danish Ships who had got much booty on the Coast of Essex and perish'd by tempest in thir return Swane with his Ships comes to Beorn at Pevensey guilefully
within five days depart the Land He who perceav'd now his numbers to diminish readily obey'd and with his Wife and three Sons Tosti Swane and Gyrtha with as much treasure as thir Ship could carry embarking at Thorney sail'd into Flanders to Earl Baldwin whose Daughter Judith Tosti had married for Wulnod his fourth Son was then hostage to the King in Normandy his other two Harold and Leoswin taking Ship at Bristow in a Vessel that lay ready there belonging to Swane pass'd into Ireland King Edward persueing his displeasure divorc'd his Wife Edith Earl Godwins Daughter sending her despoil'd of all her Ornaments to Warewel with one waiting Maid to be kept in custody by his Sister the Abbess there His reason of so doing was as harsh as his act that she only while her neerest relations were in banishment might not though innocent enjoy ease at home After this William Duke of Normandy with a great number of followers coming into England was by King Edward honorably entertain'd and led about the Cities and Castles as it were to shew him what ere long was to be his own though at that time saith Ingulf no mention thereof pass'd between them then after some time of his abode heer presented richly and dismiss'd he return'd home The next year Queen Emma dy'd and was buried at Winchester The Chronicle attributed An. Dom. 1052 to John Bromton a Yorkshire Abbot but rather of some nameless Author living under Edward the 3d. or later reports that the year before by Robert the Archbishop she was accus'd both of consenting to the Death of her Son Alfred and of prepareing poyson for Edward also lastly of too much familiarity with Alwin Bishop of Winchester that to approve her innocence praying over-night to St. Swithun she offerd to pass blindfold between certain Plow-shares red hot according to the Ordalian Law which without harm she perform'd that the King therupon receav'd her to honour and from her and the Bishop penance for his credulity that the Archbishop asham'd of his accusation fled out of England which besides the silence of antienter Authors for the Bishop fled not till a year after brings the whole story into suspition in this more probable if it can be proov'd that in memory of this deliverance from the nine burning Plow-shares Queen Emma gave to the Abbey of St. Swithune nine Mannors and Bishop Alwin other nine About this time Griffin Prince of South-Wales wasted Herefordshire to oppose whom the people of that Country with many Normans garrisond in the Castle of Hereford went out in Armes but were put to the worse many slain and much booty driv'n away by the Welch Soon after which Harold and Leofwin Sons of Godwin coming into Severn with many Ships in the Confines of Somerset and Dorset-shire spoil'd many Villages and resisted by those of Somerset and Devonshire slew in fight more then 30 of thir principal men many of the common sort and return'd with much booty to thir Fleet. King Edward on the other side made ready above 60 Ships at Sandwich well stor'd with men and provision under the conduct of Odo and Radulf two of his Norman Kindred enjoyning them to find out Godwin whom he heard to be at Sea To quick'n them he himself lay on ship-broad oft-times watch'd and sail'd up and down in search of those Pirats But Godwin whether in a mist or by other accident passing by them arriv'd in another part of Kent and dispersing secret messengers abroad by fair words allur'd the cheif men of Kent Sussex Surrey and Essex to his party which news coming to the Kings fleet at Sandwich they hasted to find him out but missing of him again came up without effect to London Godwin advertisd of this forthwith sail'd to the I le of Wight where at length his two sons Harold and Leofwin finding him with thir united Navy lay on the coast forbearing other hostility then to furnish themselves with fresh victual from Land as they needed Thence as one fleet they set forward to Sandwich using all fair means by the way to encrease thir numbers both of Mariners and Souldiers The King then at London startl'd at these tydings gave speedy order to raise Forces in all parts which had not revolted from him but now too late for Godwin within a few days after with his Ships or Gallies came up the River Thames to Southwark and till the tide return'd had conference with the Londoners whom by fair speeches for he was held a good Speaker in those times he brought to his bent The tide returning and none upon the Bridge hindring he row'd up in his Gallies along the South bank where his Land-army now come to him in array of battel stood on the shore then turning toward the North side of the River where the Kings Gallies lay in some readiness and Land-forces also not far off he made shew as offring to fight but they understood one another and the souldiers on either side soon declar'd thir resolution not to fight English against English Thence coming to treaty the King and the Earl reconcil'd both armies were dissolv'd Godwin and his sons restor'd to their former dignities except Swane who touch't in conscience for the slaughter of Beorn his kinsman was gone bare-foot to Jerusalem and returning home dy'd by sickness or Saracens in Lycia his wife Edith Godwins daughter King Edward took to him again dignify'd as before Then were the Normans who had done many unjust things under the Kings authority and giv'n him ill counsel against his people banish't the Realm some of them not blameable permitted to stay Robert Archbishop of Canterbury William of London Vlf of Lincoln all Normans hardly escaping with thir followers got to Sea The Archbishop went with his complaint to Rome but returning dy'd in Normandy at the same Monastery from whence he came Osbern and Hugh surrender'd thir Castles and by permission of Leofric pass'd through his Counties with thir Normans to Macbeth King of Scotland The year following Rhese An. Dom. 1053 brother to Griffin Prince of South Wales who by inrodes had done much damage to the English tak'n at Bulendun was put to death by the Kings appointment and his head brought to him at Gloster The same year at Winchester on the second holy-day of Easter Earl Godwin sitting with the King at table sunk down suddenly in his seat as dead his three sons Harold Tosti and Gyrtha forthwith carried him into the Kings Chamber hoping he might revive but the malady had so seis'd him that the fifth day after he expir'd The Normans who hated Godwin give out saith Malmsbury that mention happ'ning to be made of Elfred and the King thereat looking sowerly upon Godwin he to vindicate himself utter'd these words Thou O King at every mention made of thy brother Elsred look'st frowningly upon me but let God not suffer me to swallow this morsel if I be guilty of ought done against his life or
thy advantage that after these words choak't with the morsel tak'n he sunk down and recover'd not His first wife was the sister of Cannute a woman of much infamy for the trade she drove of buying up English Youths and Maids to sell in Denmarke whereof she made great gain but ere long was struck with thunder and dy'd The year ensuing Siward Earl of An. Dom. 1054 Northumberland with a great number of horse and foot attended also by a strong fleet at the Kings appointment made an expedition into Scotland vanquish't the Tyrant Macbeth slaying many thousands of Scots with those Normans that went thether and plac'd Malcolm Son of the Cumbrian King in his stead yet not without loss of his own Son and many other both English and Danes Told of his Sons Death he ask'd whether he receav'd his Deaths wound before or behind when it was answerd before I am glad saith hee and should not else have thought him though my Son worthy of Burial In the mean while King Edward being without Issue to succeed him sent Aldred Bishop of Winchester with great presents to the Emperour entreating him to prevail with the King of Hungary that Edward the remaining Son of his Brother Edmund Ironside might be sent into England Siward but one year surviving An. Dom. 1055 his great Victory dy'd at Yorke reported by Huntingdon a man of Giant-like stature by his own demeanour at point of Death manifested of a rough and meer souldierly mind For much disdaining to die in bed by a disease not in the field fighting with his enemies he caus'd himself compleatly arm'd and weapon'd with battel-ax and shield to be set in a chair whether to fight with death if he could be so vain or to meet him when far other weapons and preparations were needful in a Martial bravery but true fortitude glories not in the feats of War as they are such but as they serve to end War soonest by a victorious Peace His Earldom the King bestow'd on Tosti the Son of Earl Godwin and soon after in a Convention held at London banish't without visible cause Huntigdon saith for treason Algar the Son of Leofric who passing into Ireland soon return'd with eighteen ships to Griffin Prince of South Wales requesting his aid against King Edward He assembling his Powers enter'd with him into Hereford-shire whom Radulf a timorous Captain Son to the Kings Sister not by Eustace but a former husband met two miles distant from Hereford and having hors'd the English who knew better to fight on foot without stroke he with his French and Normans beginning to flie taught the English by his example Griffin and Algar following the chase slew many wounded more enter'd Hereford slew seven Canons defending the Minster burnt the Monasterie and Reliques then the City killing some leading captive others of the Citizens return'd with great spoils whereof King Edward having notice gather'd a great Army at Gloster under the conduct of Harold now Earl of Kent who strenuously pursuing Griffin enter'd Wales and encamp'd beyond Straddale But the enemy flying before him farther into the Country leaving there the greater part of his Army with such as had charge to fight if occasion were offer'd with the rest he return'd and fortifi'd Hereford with a wall and gates Mean while Griffin and Algar dreading the diligence of Harold after many messages to and fro concluded a Peace with him Algar discharging his fleet with pay at West Chester came to the King and was restor'd to his Earldom But Griffin with breach of faith the next year set upon An. Dom. 1056 Leofgar the Bishop of Hereford and his Clerks then at a place call'd Glastbrig with Agelnoth Vicount of the shire and slew them but Leofric Harold and King Edward by force as is likeliest though it be not said how reduc'd him to Peace The next year An. Dom. 1057 Edward Son of Edmund Ironside for whom his Uncle King Edward had sent to the Emperour came out of Hungary design'd Successor to the Crown but within a few days after his coming dy'd at London leaving behind him Edgar Atheling his Son Margaret and Christina his Daughters About the same time also dy'd Earl Leofric in a good old age a man of no less vertue then power in his time religious prudent and faithful to his Country happily wedded to Godiva a woman of great praise His Son Algar found less favour with King Edward again banish't the year after An. Dom. 1058 his Fathers death but he again by the aid of Griffin and a fleet from Norway maugre the King soon recover'd his Earldom The next year Malcolm An. Dom. 1059 King of Scots coming to visit King Edward was brought on his way by Tosti the Northumbrian Earl to whom he swore brotherhood yet the next year An. Dom. 1061 but one while Tosti was gone to Rome with Aldred Archbishop of York for his Pall this sworn brother taking advantage of his absence roughly harrass'd Northumberland The year passing to an end without other matter of moment save the frequent inrodes and robberies of Griffin whom no bonds of faith could restrain King Edward sent against him after Christmas Harold now Duke of West-Saxons An. Dom. 1062 with no great body of Horse from Gloster where he then kept his Court whose coming heard of Griffin not daring to abide nor in any part of his Land holding himself secure escap't hardly by Sea ere Harold coming to Rudeland burnt his Palace and Ships there returning to Gloster the same day But by the middle An. Dom. 1063 of May setting out with a fleet from Bristow he sail'd about the most part of Wales and met by his brother Tosti with many Troops of Horse as the King had appointed began to waste the Country but the Welch giving pledges yeilded themselves promis'd to become tributary and banish Griffin thir Prince who lurking somewhere was the next year tak'n and An. Dom. 1064 slain by Griffin Prince of North Wales his head with the head and tackle of his Ship sent to Harold by him to the King who of his gentleness made Blechgent and Rithwallon or Rivallon his two Brothers Princes in his stead they to Harold in behalf of the King swore fealty and tribute Yet the next year An. Dom. 1065 Harold having built a fair house at a place call'd Portascith in Monmouth-shire and stor'd it with provision that the King might lodge there in time of hunting Caradoc the Son of Griffin slain the year before came with a number of men slew all he found there and took away the provision Soon after which the Northumbrians in a tumult at York beset the Palace of Tosti their Earl slew more then 200 of his Souldiers and Servants pillag'd his Treasure and put him to flie for his life The cause of this insurrection they alledg'd to be for that the Queen Edith had commanded in her Brother Tosti's behalf
Plautius p. 53. heads the Silures against the Romans p. 56. 57. is betray'd by Cartismandua to whom he fled for refuge p. 57. is sent to Rome ibid. his Speech to the Emperour p. 58. by the braveness of his carriage he obtains pardon for himself and all his Company ibid. Carausius grown rich with Piracy possesses himself of this Island p. 86. he fortifies the Wall of Severus ibid. in the midst of the great preparations of Constantius Chlorus against him he is slain by his friend Alectus p. 87. Carinus sent by his Father Carus the Emperour to govern this Isle of Britain is overcome and slain by Dioclesian p. 85. Cartismandua Queen of the Brigantes delivers Caractacus bound to the Romans p. 57. deserts her Husband Venutius and gives both her self and Kingdom to Vellocatus one of his Squires p. 60. Carvilius a petty King in Britain assaults the Roman Camp with three others p. 46. Cassibelaun one of the Sons of Heli gains the Kingdom by common consent p. 29. his generosity to his Brothers Sons ibid. he heads the Britans against Julius Caesar and the Romans p. 45. he is deserted by the Trinobantes and why p. 46. he yields to Caesar p. 47. is reported to have had War with Androgeus dies and is buried at York ibid. Cataracta an ancient City in Yorkshire burnt by Arnred a Tyrant Catellus an ancient Brittish King p. 28. Cerdic a Saxon Prince lands at Cerdic shore and overthrows the Britans p. 120. defeats their King Natanleod in a memorable Battel ibid. founds the Kingdom of West-Saxons p. 121. see Kerdic Cherin an ancient Brittish King p. 28. Christian Faith receiv'd in Britain by King Lucius p. 79. said to have been preach't by Faganus and Deruvianus p. 79. others say long before by Simon Zelotes or Joseph of Arimathaea p. 80. upon what occasion preach't to the Saxons p. 137. 138. Chrysanthus the Son of Marcianus a Bishop made Deputy of Britain by Theodosius p. 93. Cingetorix a petty King in Britain assaults the Roman Camp p. 46. is taken Prisoner by Caesar p. 47. Claudius the Emperour is perswaded by Bericus though a Britan to invade this Island p. 51. he sends Aulus Plautius hither with an Army p. 52. he comes over himself and joins with Plautius p. 53. defeats the Britans in a set Battel and takes Camalodunum p. 54. he returns to Rome leaving Plautius behind ibid. he hath excessive honours decreed him by the Senate ibid. Cliguellius an ancient Brittish King p. 28. Clodius Albinus succeeds Pertinax in the Government of Britain for the Romans p. 81. he is vanquish't and slain in a Battel against Septimius Severus p. 81. Coilus the Son of Marius leaves the Kingdom to Lucius p. 79. Coillus an ancient British King p. 28. Comail and two other British Kings slain by Keaulin and his Son Cuthwin p. 133. Comius of Arras sent by Caesar to make a party among the Britans p. 35. Constans of a Monk made a Caesars reduce all Spain to his Father Constantius's Obedience p. 95. displacing Gerontius is oppos'd by him and at last slain ibid. Constantine the Son of Constantius Chlorus saluted Emperour after his Fathers Death p. 88. 89. his Mother said to be Helena the Daughter of Coilus a British Prince p. 89. his eldest Son of the same name enjoys among other Provinces of the Empire this Island also ibid. a common Souldier of the same name saluted Emperour p. 95. by the valour of Oedebecus and Gerontius he gains in France as far as Arles ibid. by the conduct of his Son Constans and of Gerontius he reduces all Spain ibid. Gerontius displac't by him calls in the Vandals against him ibid. beseig'd by Constantius Comes he turns Priest is afterwards carried into Italy and put to Death p. 96. Constantine the Son of Cador sharply inveigh'd against by Gildas p. 131. he is said to have murder'd two young Princes of the blood Royal. ibid. Constantine King of Scotland joining with the Danes and Irish under Anlaf is overthrown by Athelstan p. 225. 226. Constantius Chlorus sent against Carausius p. 86. defeats Alectus who is slain in the Battel p. 87. is acknowledg'd by the Britans as their deliverer p. 88. divides the Empire with Galerius ibid. dies at York ibid. Constantius the Son of Constantine overcomes Magnentius who contested with him for the sole Empire p. 89. Cordeilla's sincere answer to her Father begets his displeasure p. 18. she is married to Aganippus a King in Gaul ibid. she receives her Father rejected by his other Daughters with most dutiful affection p. 19. restores him to his Crown and Reigns after him p. 20. is vanquisht depos'd and imprison'd by her two Sister's Sons ibid. Corineus a Trojan Commander joins Forces with Brutus p. 12. slaies Imbertus ibid. arrives with Brutus in this Island p. 13. Cornwal from him denominated falls to his Lot p. 14. he overcomes the Giant Goemagog p. 14. Crida the first of the Mercian Kingdom p. 133. Cuichelm the West-Saxon sends Eumerus a Sword-man to assassin King Edwin p. 148. is baptis'd in Dorchester but dies the same year p. 155. Cunedagius the Son of Regan deposeth his Aunt Cordelia p. 20. shares the Kingdom with his Cosin Marganus is invaded by him meets him and overcomes him p. 20. Cuneglas a British King Reigns one of five a little before the Saxons were setled p. 131. Cunobeline see Kymbeline Cutha helps his Father Keaulin against Ethelbert p. 128. Cuthred King of West-Saxons joyns with Ethelbald the Mercian and gains a great victory over the Welsh p. 174. he hath a fierce battel with Ethelbald the Mercian which he not long survives p. 175. a King of Kent of the same name p. 185. Cuthulf the Brother of Keaulin vanquisheth the Britains at Bedanford and takes several Towns p. 132. Cuthwin see Keaulin D. DAnes first appear in the West p. 179. they stay the Kings Gatherers of Custom ibid. landing at Lindisfarne in York-shire they pillage that Monastery slay and captivate several both Fryars and others p. 181. attempting to spoil another Monastery they are cut off by the English p. 182. they make very great waste and havock in Northumberland p. 188. they waste Shepey in Kent and engage with Ecbert near the River Carr p. 191. they are overthrown and put to flight by Ecbert p. 192. their various success in the reign of Ethelwolf p. 192 193 c. many great battels between them and the English in the reign of Ethelred with various fortune p. 201 202 c. their whole Army being defeated they are brought to terms by King Alfred p. 207. in the same Kings reign several vast Fleets of Danes arrive with fresh supplies p. 208. a vast Army of them over-thrown by King Athelstan p. 225. a massicre committed upon them by the English in all parts of the Land in the reign of King Ethelred p. 249. Danius reckon'd among the Ancient British Kings p. 25. Deruvianus see Faganus Dinothus Abbot of Bangor his
Speech to Bishop Austin p. 143. Dioclesian supposed a King of Syria and his 50 Daughters having all but one murder'd their Husbands to have been driven upon this Iland p. 5. Dis the first peopler of this Iland as some fabulously affirm p. 9. the same with Samothes ibid. Donaldus said to have headed the Caledonians against Septimius Severus p. 84. Donaldus King of Scotland brought to hard conditions by Osbert and Ella Kings of Northumberland p. 196. Druids falsly alledg'd out of Caesar to have forbidden the Britans to write their memorable deeds p. 2. Druis the third from Samothes fabulously written the ancientest King of this Iland p. 4. Dunstane sent the Nobles to reprove King Edw. for his luxury p. 233. banisht by the King and his Monastery rifled p. 234. recall'd by King Edgar ibid. his miraculous escape when the rest of the company were kill'd by the fall of a house p. 242. Dunwallo Mulmutius Son of Cloten King of Cornwall reduces the whole Iland into a Monarchy p. 21. establisheth the Molmutin Laws p. 22. Durslus King of the Picts said to be slain by the joynt Forces of the Britans and Romans p. 102. E. EAdbald after the death of his Father Ethelbert falls back to Heathenism p. 145. he runs distracted but afterwards returns to his right mind and faith p. 146. by what means it happen'd ibid. he gives his Sister Edelburga in marriage to Edwin ibid. he dies and leaves his Son Ercombert to succeed p. 156. Eadbert shares with his two Brothers in the Kingdom of Kent after Victred p. 170. his death p. 174. Eadbert King of Northumberland after Kelwulf wars against the Picts p. 174. joyns with Unust King of the Picts against the Britans in Cumberland p. 175 176. forsakes his Crown for a Monks hood p. 176. Eatbright otherwise call'd Ethelbert usurping the Kingdom of Kent and contending with Kenulph the Mercian is taken prisoner p. 182. Eadburga by chance poysons her Husband Birthric with a cup which she had prepar'd for another p. 184. the choice propos'd to her by Charles the Great to whom she fled ibid. he assigns her a rich Monastery to dwell in as Abbess ibid. detected of unchastity she is expelled and dies in beggery at Pavia p. 185. Eandred Son of Eardulf reigns 30 years King of Northumberland after Alfwold the Vsurper p. 185. becomes tributary to Ecbert p. 188. Eanfrid the Son of Ethelfrid succeeds in the Kingdom of Bernicia p. 154. Eardulf supposed to have been slain by Ethelred is made King of the Northumbrians in York after Osbald p. 182. in a War rais'd against him by his people he gets the victory p. 183. is driven out of his Kingdom by Alswold p. 185. East-Angle Kingdom by whom erected p. 121. East-Saxon Kingdom by whom hegun p. 121. the people converted by Mellitus p. 142. they expel their Bishop and renounce their faith p. 146. are reconverted by means of Edwi p. 159. Ebranc succeeds his Father Mempricius in the Kingdom of Britain p. 15. builds Caer-Ebranc now York and other places ibid. Ecbert succeeds his Father Ercombert in the Kingdom of Kent p. 163. dying leaves a suspition of having slain his Vncle's Sons Elbert and Egelbright p. 163. Ecbert of the West-Saxon linage flies from Birthric's suspition to Offa and thence into France p. 183. after Birthric's decease is recall'd and with general applause made King ibid. he subdues the Britans of Cornwall and beyond Severn p. 186. overthrows Bernulf the Vsurper of Mercia at Ellandune or Wilton ibid. the East-Angles having slain Bernulf yield to his Soveraignty ibid. drives Baldred King of Kent out of his Kingdom and causeth both Kent and other Provinces to submit to his Scepter p. 187. Withlaf of Mercia becomes tributary to him ibid. he gives the Danes battel by the River Carr p. 191. in another battel he puts to flight a great Army of them together with the Cornish men joyning with them p. 192. he dies and is buried at Winchester ibid. Ecferth the Son of Offa the Mercian within four months ends his Reign p. 181 182. Ecfrid Oswi's eldest Son succeeds him in the Kingdom of Northumberland p. 163. wins Lindsey from Wulfer the Mercian ibid. he wars against Ethelred the Brother of Wulfer p. 166. he sends Bertus with an Army to subdue Ireland p. 167. marching against the Picts is cut off with most of his Army ib. his death reveng'd by Bertfrid a Northumbrian Captain p. 170. Edan a King of the Scots in Britain put to flight by Ethelfrid p. 141. Edelard King of the West-Saxons after Ina molested with the Rebellion of his Kinsman Oswald p. 174. overcoming those troubles dies in peace ibid. Edgar the Brother and Successor of Edwi in the English Monarchy calls home Dunstan from Banishment p. 234. his peaceable and prosperous Reign and his favour towards the Monks ibid. his strict observance of justice and his care to secure the Nation with a strong Fleet p. 235. he is homag'd and row'd down the River Dee by eight Kings p. 236. his expostulation with Kened King of Scotland p. 237. he is cheated by the treacherous Duke Athelwold of Elflida whom avenging himself upon the said Duke he marries p. 237 238. attempting on the chastity of a young Lady at Andover he is pleasantly deceiv'd by the mother p. 239. dying in the height of his glory he is buried at Glaston-Abby p. 236. Edgar sirnamed Atheling his right and title to the Crown of England from his Grandfather Edmund Ironside p. 292. excluded by Harold Son of Earl Godwin p. 299. Edilhere the Brother and Successor of Anna in the Kingdom of the East-Angles slain in a battel against Oswi p. 161. Edilwalk the South-Saxon perswaded to Christianity by Wulfer p. 164. Edmund crown'd King of the East-Angles at Burie p. 196. his whole Army put to flight by the Danes he is taken bound to a stake and shot with arrows p. 201. Edmund the Brother and Successor of Athelstane in the English Monarchy frees Mercia and takes several Towns from the Danes p. 230. he drives Anlaf and Suthfrid out of Northumberland and Dummail out of Cumberland p. 231. the strange manner of his death p. 231 232. Edmund sirnamed Ironside the Son of Ethelred set up by divers of the Nobles against Canute p. 262. in several Battels against the Danes he comes off for the most part victorious p. 263 264. at length consents to divide the Kingdom with him p. 265. his death thought to have been violent and not without Canute's consent p. 266. Edred the third Brother and Successor of Athelstane with much ado reduceth the Northumbrians and puts an end to that Kingdom p. 232. dies in the flower of his age and is buried at Winchester p. 233. Edric the Son of Edelwalk King of South-Saxons slain by Kedwalla the West-Saxon p. 165. Edric sirnamed Streon advanc't by King Ethelred marries his Daughter Elgiva p. 254. he secretly murthers two Noblemen whom he had invited to his Lodging p.
259. he practises against the life of Prince Edmund and revolts to the Danes p. 260. his cunning devices to hinder Edmund in the prosecution of his Victories against Canute p. 263 264. is thought by some to have been the Contriver of King Edmunds murther p. 266. the Government of the Mercians conferr'd upon him p. 268. he is put to death by Canutus and his head stuck upon a pole and set upon the highest Tower in London p. 268. Edward the Elder Son and Successor of King Alfred hath War with Ethelwald his Kinsman who aspiring to the Crown stirs up the Danes against him p. 115 116. he proves successful and potent divers Princes and great Commanders of the Danes submitting to him p. 216 217 c. the King and whole Nation of Scotland with divers other Frinces and people do him homage as their Soveraign p. 221. he dies at Farendon and is buried at Winchester p. 222. Edward sirnamed the Younger Edgar's Son by his first Wife Egelfleda is advanc't to the Throne p. 241. the contest in his Reign between the Monks and secular Priests each abetted by their several parties p. 242. great mischief done by the falling of a house where a general Council for deciding the controversie was held ibid. Edward inhumanely murder'd by the treachery of his step-mother Elfrida p. 243. Edward Son of Edmund Ironside Heir apparent to the Crown dies at London p. 292. Edward sirnamed the Confessor the Son of King Ethelred by Emma after Hardecnute's death is crown'd at Winchester p. 280. he seizeth on the Treasures of his mother Queen Emma p. 281. he marries Edith Earl Godwin's Daughter ibid. he makes preparation against Magnus King of Norway but next year makes peace with Harold Harvager ibid. he advances the Normans in England which proves of ill consequence p. 283. he is oppos'd by Earl Godwin in the Cause of Eustace of Boloign banishes the Earl and divorces his Daughter whom he had married p. 285 286. entertains Duke William of Normandy p. 287. he sends Odo and Radulf with a Fleet against Godwin and his Sons exercising Piracy p. 288. reconciliation at length made he restores the Earl his Sons and Daughter all to their former dignities p. 289. he is said to have design'd Duke William of Normandy his Successor to the Crown p. 296. dies and is buried at Westminster p. 297. his Character p. 297 298. Edwi the Son and Successor of Edmund is crown'd at Kingston p. 233. he banisheth Bishop Dunstan for reproving his wantonness with Algiva and proves an enemy to all Monks p. 233 234. the Mercians and Northumbrians revolt from him and set up his Brother Edgar p. 234. with grief thereof he ends his days and is buried at Winchester ibid. Edwin thrown out of the Kingdom of Deira by Ethelfrid p. 133. 146. flying to Redwall the East-Angle for refuge he is defended against Ethelfrid p. 147. he exceeds in power and extent of Dominion all before him p. 148. marries Edelburga the Sister of Eadbald ibid. he is wounded by an Assassin from Cuichelm ibid. the strange relation of his Conversion to Christianity p. 149. 150. he perswades Eorpald the Son of Redwald to embrace the Christian Faith p. 153. he is slain in a Battel against Kedwalla ibid. Edwin Duke of the Mercians see Morcar Elanius reckon'd in the number of ancient British Kings p. 25. Eldadus p. 28. Eldol ibid. Eledancus ibid. Elfled the Sister of King Edward the Elder takes Derby from the Danes p. 218. her Army of Mercians victorious against the Welsh ibid. after several Martial Acts she dies at Tamworth p. 221. Elfred the Son of King Ethelred by Emma betray'd by Earl Godwin and cruelly made away by Harold p. 274 276. Elfwald the Son of Oswulf succeeding Ethelred in Northumberland is rebell'd against by two of his Noblemen Osbald and Ethelheard p. 177. he is slain by the conspiracy of Siggan one of his Nobles p. 179. Elfwin slain in a Battel between his Brother Ecfrid and Ethelred p. 166. Elidure's noble demeanor towards his deposed Brother p. 26. after Archigallo's death he resumes the Government but is driven out again and imprison'd by his two other Brethren p. 27. Elind reckon'd in the number of ancient British Kings p. 28. Ella the Saxon lands with his three Sons and beats the Britans in two Battels p. 119. he and his Son Cissa take Andredschester in Kent by force ibid. begins his Kingdom of the South-Saxons ibid. Elwold Nephew of Ethelwald reigns King of the East-Angles after Aldulf p. 187. Emeric succeeds Otha in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. Emma the Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy married first to K. p. 249. afterwards to Canute p. 268. banisht by her Son-in-Law Harold she retires to Flanders and is entertained by Earl Baldwin p. 274. her Treasures seized on by her Son King Edward p. 281. she dies and is buried at Winchester p. 287. a Tradition concerning her question'd ib. Eorpwald the Son of Redwald King of the East-Angles perswaded to Christianity by Edwin p. 113. he is slain in fight by Ricbert a Pagan ibid. Erchenwin said by Huntingdon to be the Erector of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons p. 121. Ercombert succeeds Eadbald in the Kingdom of Kent p. 156. Eric see Iric Ermenred thought to have had more right to the Kingdom than Ercombert p. 156. Escwin and Kenswin the Nephew and Son of Kinegil said to have succeeded Kenwalk in the Government of the West-Saxons p. 164. Escwin joyns Battel with Wulfer at Bedanhafer and not long after deceaseth ibid. Estrildis belov'd by Locrine p. 14. is with her Daughter Sabra thrown into a River p. 15. Ethelbald King of Mercia after Ina commands all the Provinces on this side Humber p. 171. he takes the Town of Somerton p. 173. fraudulently assaults part of Northumberland in Eadberts absence p. 174. his encounter at Beorford with Cuthred the West-Saxon p. 175. in another bloody fight at Secandune he is slain p. 176. Ethelbald and Ethelbert share the English-Saxon Kingdom between them after their Father Ethelwolf Ethelbald marries Judith his Father's Widow p. 198. is buried at Shirburn ibid. Ethelbert succeeds Emeric in the Kingdom of Kent p. 127. he is defeated at Wibbandun by Keaulin and his Son Cutha p. 128. inlarges his Dominions from Kent to Humber p. 137. civilly receives Austin and his Fellow-preachers of the Gospel p. 139. is himself baptiz'd p. 140. mov'd by Austin he builds S. Peters Church in Canterbury and endows it p. 141. he builds and endows S. Paul's Church in London and the Cathedral at Rochester p. 142. his death p. 145. Ethelbert Eadbert and Alric succeed their Father Victred in the Kingdom of Kent p. 170. see Eadbright Ethelbert the Son of Ethelwolf after the death of his Brother Ethelbald enjoys the whole Kingdom to himself p. 198. during his Reign the Danes waste Kent p. 199. he is buried with his Brother at Shirburn ibid. Ethelfrid succeeds Ethelric in the Kingdom of
his Fetters to move furder entreating them to come speedily and fetch him in Anacletus to save both himself and his freind Antigonus swears this and at fit howr setts on alone toward the Camp is mett examin'd and at last unquestionably known To whom great profession of fidelity first made he frames his Tale as had bin taught him and they now fully assur'd with a credulous rashness leaving thir Stations far'd accordingly by the ambush that there awaited them Forthwith Brutus dividing his men into three parts leads on in silence to the Camp commanding first each part at a several place to enter and forbear Execution till he with his Squadron posses'd of the Kings Tent gave Signal to them by Trumpet The sound whereof no sooner heard but huge havock begins upon the sleeping and unguarded Enemy whom the beseiged also now sallying forth on the other side assaile Brutus the while had special care to seise and secure the Kings Person whose life still within his Custody he knew was the surest pledge to obtain what he should demand Day appearing he enters the Town there distributes the Kings Treasury and leaving the place better fortify'd returns with the King his Prisner to the Woods Strait the ancient and grave men he summons to Counsell what they should now demand of the King After long debate Mempricius one of the gravest utterly dissuading them from thought of longer stay in Greece unlesse they meant to be deluded with a suttle peace and the awaited revenge of those whose freinds they had slain advises them to demand first the Kings Eldest Daughter Innogen in mariage to thir Leader Brutus with a rich dowry next shipping mony and fitt provision for them all to depart the Land This resolution pleasing best the King now brought in and plac'd in a high Seat is breifly told that on these conditions granted he might be free not granted he must prepare to die Prest with fear of death the King readily yeelds especially to bestow his Daughter on whom he confess'd so Noble and so Valiant offers them also the third part of his Kingdom if they like to stay if not to be thir Hostage himself till he had made good his word The Mariage therfore solemniz'd and shipping from all parts got together the Trojans in a Fleet no less writt'n then three hunderd fowr and twenty Sail betake them to the wide Sea where with a prosperous course two daies and a night bring them on a certain Iland long before dispeopl'd and left wast by Sea-Roavers the name wherof was then Leogecia now unknow'n They who were sent out to discover came at length to a ruin'd City where was a Temple and Image of Diana that gave Oracles but not meeting first or last save wild Beasts they return with this notice to thir Ships Wishing thir General would enquire of that Oracle what voiage to pursue Consultation had Brutus taking with him Geriou his Diviner and twely of the ancientest with wonted Ceremonies before the inward shrine of the Goddess in Verse as it seems the manner was utters his request Diva potens nemorum c. Goddess of Shades and Huntress who at will Walk'st on the rowling Sphear and through the deep On thy third Reigne the Earth look now and tell What Land what Seat of rest thou bidst me seek What certain Seat where I may worship thee For aye with Temples vow'd and Virgin quires To whom sleeping before the Altar Diana in a Vision that night thus answer'd Brute sub occasum Solis c. Brutus far to the West in th' Ocean wide Beyond the Realm of Gaul a Land there lies Sea-girt it lies where Giants dwelt of old Now void it fits thy people thether bend Thy course there shalt thou find a lasting seat There to thy Sons another Troy shall rise And Kings be born of thee whose dredded might Shall aw the World and Conquer Nations bold These Verses Originally Greek were put in Latin saith Virunnius by Gildas a British Poet and him to have liv'd under Claudius Which granted true adds much to the Antiquitie of this Fable and indeed the Latin Verses are much better then for the Age of Geoffrey ap Arthur unless perhaps Joseph of Exeter the only smooth Poet of those times befreinded him in this Diana overshot her Oracle thus ending Ipsis totiusterrae subditus orbis erit That to the race of Brute Kings of this Iland the whole Earth shall be subject But Brutus guided now as he thought by divine conduct speeds him towards the West and after som encounters on the Afric side arrives at a place on the Tyrrhen Sea where he happ'ns to find the Race of those Trojans who with Antenor came into Italy and Corineus a man much fam'd was thir Cheif though by surer Authors it be reported that those Trojans with Antenor were seated on the other side of Italie on the Adriatic not the Tyrrhen shoar But these joyning Company and past the Herculean Pillars at the mouth of Ligeris in Aquitania cast Anchor Where after som discovery made of the place Corineus Hunting nigh the shoar with his Men is by Messengers of the King Goffarius Pictus mett and question'd about his Errand there Who not answering to thir mind Imbertus one of them le ts fly an Arrow at Corineus which he avoiding slaies him and the Pictavian himself heerupon levying his whole Force is over-thrown by Brutus and Corineus who with the Battell Ax which he was wont to manage against the Tyrrhen Giants is said to have done marvells But Goffarius having draw'n to his aid the whole Country of Gaul at that time govern'd by twelv Kings puts his Fortune to a second Trial Wherin the Trojans over-born by multitude are driv'n back and beseigd in thir own Camp which by good foresight was strongly situate Whence Brutus unexpectedly issuing out and Corineus in the mean while whose device it was assaulting them behind from a Wood where he had convayd his men the night before The Trojans are again Victors but with the loss of Turon a Valiant Nefew of Brutus whose Ashes left in that place gave name to the City of Tours built there by the Trojans Brutus finding now his powers much lessn'd and this yet not the place foretold him leavs Aquitain and with an easie course arriving at Totness in Dev'nshire quickly perceivs heer to be the promis'd end of his labours The Iland not yet Britain but Albion was in a manner desert and inhospitable kept only by a remnant of Giants whose excessive Force and Tyranie had consum'd the rest Them Brutus destroies and to his people divides the Land which with som reference to his own name he thenceforth calls Britain To Corineus Cornwal as now we call it fell by Lot the rather by him lik't for that the hugest Giants in Rocks and Caves were said to lurk still there which kind of Monsters to deal with was his old exercise And heer with leave be-spok'n
the Squadron where those two Kings had plac'd themselvs in fight from that part which they thought securest assaults and dispatches them Then displaying his own Ensignes which before he had conceal'd and sending notice to the other part of his Army what was don adds to them new courage and gains a final Victory This Dunwallo was the first in Britain that wore a Crown of Gold and therfore by som reputed the first King He established the Molmutine Laws famous among the English to this day writt'n long after in Latine by Gildas and in Saxon by King Alfred so saith Geofrey but Gildas denies to have known aught of the Britans before Caesar much less knew Alfred These Laws whoever made them bestow'd on Temples the privilege of Sanctuary to Cities also and the waies thether leading yea to Plows granted a kind of like refuge and made such riddance of Theeves and Robbers that all passages were safe Forty Years he Govern'd alone and was buried nigh to the Temple of Concord which he to the memory of peace restor'd had built in Trinovant His two Sons Belinus and Brennus contending about the Crown by decision of Freinds came at length to an accord Brennus to have the North of Humber Belinus the Sovrantie of all But the younger not long so contented that he as they whisper'd to him whose valour had so oft repell'd the invasions of Ceulphus the Morine Duke should now be subject to his Brother upon new Designe fails into Norway enters League and Affinitie with Elsing that King which Belinus perceaving in his absence disposseses him of all the North. Brennus with a Fleet of Norwegians makes toward Britain but encounter'd by Guithlac the Danish King who laying claim to his Bride pursu'd him on the Sea his hast was retarded and he berest of his Spouse who from the fight by a sudden Tempest was by the Danish King driv'n on Northumberland and brought to Belinus Brennus nevertheless recollecting his Navy lands in Albania and gives Battell to his Brother in the Wood Calaterium but loosing the day escapes with one single Ship into Gaul Mean while the Dane upon his own offer to become tributary sent home with his new prise Belinus returns his thoughts to the administring of Justice and the perfeting of his Fathers Laws and to explain what High-waies might enjoy the foresaid privileges he caus'd to be drawn out and pav'd fowr main Roades to the utmost length and bredth of the Iland and two others athwart which are since attributed to the Romans Bren-Brennus on the other side solliciting to his aid the Kings of Gaul happ'ns at last on Seginus Duke of the Allobreges where his worth and comliness of person wan him the Dukes Daughter and Heir In whose right he shortly succeeding and by obtain'd leave passing with a great Host through the length of Gaul gets footing once again in Britain Nor was Belinus unprepar'd and now the Battell ready to joyn Conuvenna the Mother of them both all in a fright throws her self between and calling earnestly to Brennus her Son whose absence had so long depriv'd her of his sight after imbracements and teares assails him with such a motherly power and the mention of things so dear and reverend as irresistibly wrung from him all his enmity against Belinus Then are hands joyn'd reconciliation made firm and Counsel held to turn thir united preparations on Foren parts Thence that by these two all Gallia was overrun the story tells and what they did in Italy and at Rome if these be they and not Gauls who took that City the Roman Authors can best relate So far from home I undertake not for the Monmouth Chronicle which heer against the stream of History carries up and down these Brethren now into Germany then again to Rome pursuing Gabius and Porsena two unheard of Consuls Thus much is more generally beleev'd that both this Brennus and another famous Captain Britomarus whom the Epitomist Florus and others mention were not Gauls but Britans the name of the first in that Tongue signifying a King and of the other a Great Britan. However Belinus after a while returning home the rest of his daies rul'd in Peace Wealth and Honour above all his Predecessors building som Cities of which one was Caerose upon Osca since Caerlegion beautifying others as Trinovant with a Gate a Hav'n and a Towr on the Thames retaining yet his name on the top wherof his Ashes are said to have bin laid up in a Golden Urne After him Gurguntius Barbirus was King mild and just but yet inheriting his Fathers Courage he subdu'd the Dacian or Dane who refus'd to pay the Tribute Covnanted to Belinus for his enlargement In his return finding about the Orkneies 30 Ships of Spain or Biscay fraught with Men and Women for a Plantation whose Captain also Bartholinus wrongfully banish't as he pleaded besaught him that som part of his Territory might be assign'd them to dwell in he sent with them certain of his own men to Ireland which then lay unpeopl'd and gave them that Iland to hold of him as in Homage He was buried in Caerlegion a City which he had wall'd about Guitheline his Son is also remember'd as a just and good Prince and his Wife Martia to have excell'd so much in wisdom as to venture upon a new Institution of Laws Which King Alfred translating call'd Marchen Leage but more truly therby is meant the Mertian Law not translated by Alfred but digested or incorporated with the West-Saxon In the minority of her Son she had the rule and then as may be suppos'd brought forth these Laws not her self for Laws are Masculin Births but by the advice of her sagest Counselors and therin she might doe vertuously since it befell her to supply the nonage of her Son else nothing more awry from the Law of God and Nature then that a Woman should give Laws to Men. Hir Son Sisilius comming to Yeares receav'd the Rule then in order Kimarus then Danius or Elanius his Brother Then Morindus his Son by Tanguestela a Concubine who is recorded a man of excessive Strength Valiant Liberal and fair of Aspect but immanely Cruell not sparing in his Anger Enemy or Freind if any Weapon were in his hand A certain King of the Morines or Picards invaded Northumberland whose Army this King though not wanting sufficient numbers cheifly by his own prowess overcame But dishonour'd his Victory by the cruel usage of his Prisners whom his own hands or others in his presence put all to several Deaths well fitted to such a bestiall Cruelty was his end for hearing of a huge Monster that from the Irish Sea infested the Coast and in the Pride of his Strength foolishly attempting to set manly valour against a Brute vastness when his Weapons were all in vain by that horrible mouth he was catch't up and devour'd Gorbonian the Eldest of his five Sons then whom a Juster man liv'd not in his Age was a great
impar'd they as readily hearkning to his request send Aidan a Scotch Monk and Bishop but of singular zeal and meekness with others to assist him whom at thir own desire he seated in Lindisfarne as the Episcopal Seat now Holy Iland and being the Son of Ethelfrid by the Sister of Edwin as right Heir others failing easily reduc'd both Kingdoms of Northumberland as before into one nor of Edwins Dominion lost any part but enlarg'd it rather over all the fowr British Nations Angles Britans Picts and Scots exerciseing regall Authority Of his Devotion Humility and Almes-deeds much is spok'n that he disdain'd not to be the interpreter of Aidan preaching in Scotch or bad English to his Nobles and Houshold Servants and had the poor continually serv'd at his Gate after the promiscuous manner of those times his meaning might be upright but the manner more antient of privat or of Church contribution is doubtless more Evangelical About this time the West-Saxons An. Dom. 635 antiently call'd Gevissi by the preaching of Berinus a Bishop whom Pope Honorius had sent were converted to the Faith with Kinegils thir King him Oswald receav'd out of the Font An. Dom. 636 and his Daughter in mariage The next year Cuichelm was baptiz'd in Dorchester but liv'd not to the years end The East-Angles also this year were reclaim'd to the Faith of Christ which for som years past they had thrown off But Sigbert the Brother of Eorpwald now succeeded in that Kingdom prais'd for a most Christian and Learned Man who while his Brother yet reign'd living in France an exile for some displeasure conceav'd against him by Redwald his Father lern'd there the Christian Faith and reigning soon after in the same instructed his people by the preaching of Felix a Burgundian Bishop An. Dom. 640 In the year 640. Eadbald deceasing left to Ercombert his Son by Emma the French Kings Daughter the Kingdom of Kent recorded the first of English Kings who commanded through his limits the destroying of Idols laudably if all Idols without exception and the first to have establisht Lent among us under strict penalty not worth remembring but only to inform us that no Lent was observ'd heer till his time by compulsion especially being noted by some to have fraudulently usurp'd upon his Elder Brother Ermenred whose right was precedent to the Crown An. Dom. 642 Oswald having reign'd 8 years worthy also as might seem of longer life fell into the same fate with Edwin and from the same hand in a great Battel overcom and slain by Penda at a place call'd Maserfeild now Oswestre in Shropshire miraculous as saith Beda after his Death His Brother Oswi succeeded him reigning though in much trouble 28 years oppos'd either by Penda or his own Son Alfred or his Brothers Son Ethilwald An. Dom. 643 Next year Kinegils the West-Saxon dying left his Son Kenwalk in his stead though as yet unconverted About this time Sigebert King of East-Angles having lernt in France ere his coming to Reign the manner of thir Schools with the assistance of some Teachers out of Kent instituted a School heer after the same Discipline thought to be the University of Cambridge then first founded and at length weary of his Kingly Office betook him to a Monastical life commending the care of Government to his Kinsman Egric who had sustain'd with him part of that burden before It happen'd some years after that Penda made War on the East-Angles they expecting a sharp encounter besought Sigebert whom they esteem'd an expert Leader with his presence to confirm the Souldiery and him refuseing carried by force out of the Monastery into the Camp where acting the Monk rather then the Captain with a single wand in his hand he was slain with Egric and his whole Army put to flight Anna of the Royal Stock as next in right succeeded and hath the praise of a vertuous and most Christian Prince An. Dom. 645 But Kenwalk the West-Saxon having maried the Daughter of Penda and divorc't her was by him with more appearance of a just cause vanquisht in fight and depriv'd of his Crown whence retiring to Anna King of the East-Angles after three years abode in his Court he there became Christian An. Dom. 648 and afterwards regain'd his Kingdom Oswi in the former years of his Reign had sharer with him Oswin Nephew of Edwin who rul'd in Deira 7 years commended much for his zeal in Religion and for comliness of person with other princely qualities belov'd of all Notwithstanding which dissentions growing between them it came to Armes Oswin seeing himself much exceeded in numbers thought it more prudence dismissing his Army to reserve himself for some better occasion But committing his person with one faithfull attendant to the Loyalty of Hunwald an Earl his imagin'd friend he was by him treacherously discoverd and by command of Oswi slain An. Dom. 651 After whom within 12 days and for greif of him whose death he foretold dy'd Bishop Aidan famous for his Charity meekness and labour in the Gospel The fact of Oswi was detestable to all which therfore to expiate a Monastery was built in the place where it was don and Prayers there daily offerd up for the Souls of both Kings the slain and the slayer Kenwalk by this time reinstall'd in his Kingdom kept it long but with various Fortune for Beda relates him oft-times afflicted by his Enemies with great losses An. Dom. 652 and in 652. by the Annals fought a Battel Civil War Ethelwerd calls it at Bradanford by the River Afene against whom and for what cause or who had the Victory they write not Camden names the place Bradford in Wiltshire by the River Avon and Cuthred his neer Kinsman against whom he fought but cites no Autority certain it is that Kenwalk fowr years before had giv'n large possessions to his Nephew Cuthred the more unlikely therefore now to have rebell'd An. Dom. 653 The next year Peada whom his Father Penda though a Heathen had for his Princely Vertues made Prince of Middle-Angles belonging to the Mercians was with that people converted to the Faith For coming to Oswi with request to have in mariage Alfâ—eda his Daughter he was deni'd her but on condition that he with all his people should receave Christianity Heering therefore not unwillingly what was preach't to him of Resurrection and Eternal life much persuaded also by Alfrid the Kings Son who had his Sister Kyniburg to Wife he easily assented for the truths sake only as he profess'd whether he obtain'd the Virgin or no and was baptiz'd with all his followers Returning he took with him fowr Presbyters to teach the people of his Province who by thir daily preaching won many Neither did Penda though himself no Beleever prohibit any in his Kingdome to heer to beleeve the Gospel but rather hated and despis'd those who professing to beleeve atested not thir Faith by good works condemning them for
and built another at Temsford judging that place more opportune from whence to make thir excursions and soon after went forth with design to assail Bedford but the Garrison issuing out slew a great part of them the rest fled After this a greater Army of them gatherd out of Mercia and the East-Angles came and beseig'd the City call'd Wigingmere a whole Day but finding it defended stoutly by them within thence also departed driving away much of thir Cattel wherupon the English from Towns and Citties round about joining Forces laid Seige to the Town and Castle of Temsford and by assault took both slew thir King with Toglea a Duke and Mannan his Son an Earl with all the rest there found who chose to die rather then yeild Encourag'd by this the men of Kent Surrey and part of Essex enterprise the Seige of Colnhester nor gave over till they won it sacking the Town and putting to Sword all the Danes therein except some who escap'd over the Wall To the succour of these a great number of Danes inhabiting Ports and other Towns in the East-Angles united thir Force but coming too late as in revenge beleaguerd Maldon but that Town also timely releiv'd they departed not only frustrate of thir design but so hotly persu'd that many thousands of them lost thir lives in the flight Forthwith King Edward with his West-Saxons went to Passham upon Ouse there to guard the passage while others were building a stone Wall about Torchester to him there Earl Thurfert and other Lord Danes with thir Army thereabout as far as Weolud came and submitted Wherat the Kings Souldiers joyfully cry'd out to be dismiss't home therfore with another part of them he enterd Huntingdon and repair'd it where breaches had bin made all the people thereabout returning to obedience The like was done at Colnchester by the next remove of his Army after which both East and West-Angles and the Danish Forces among them yeilded to the King swearing Allegiance to him both by Sea and Land the Army also of Danes at Grantbrig surrendring themselves took the same Oath The Summer following he came with his Army to Stamford An. Dom. 922 built a Castle there on the South-side of the River where all the people of those quarters acknowledg'd him supream Dureing his abode there Elfled his Sister a martial Woman who after her Husbands Death would no more marry but gave her self to public affairs repairing and fortifying many Towns warring sometimes dy'd at Tamworth the Cheif Seat of Mercia wherof by guift of Alfred her Father she was Lady or Queen wherby that whole Nation became obedient to King Edward as did also North-Wales with Howel Cledaucus and Jeothwell thir Kings Thence passing to Nottingham he enterd and repair'd the Town plac'd there part English part Danes and receav'd fealty from all in Mercia of either Nation The next Autumn coming An. Dom. 923 with his Army into Cheshire he built and fortifi'd Thelwel and while he staid there call'd another Army out of Mercia which he sent to repair and fortifie Manchester About Midsummer following An. Dom. 924 he march'd again to Nottingham built a Town over against it on the South-side of that River and with a Bridg joyn'd them both thence journied to a place call'd Bedecanwillan in Pictland there also built and fenc'd a City on the Borders where the King of Scots did him honour as to his Sovran together with the whole Scotish Nation the like did Reginald and the Son of Eadulf Danish Princes with all the Northumbrians both English and Danes The King also of a people thereabout call'd Streatgledwalli the North Welch as Camden thinks of Strat-Cluid in Denbigh-shire perhaps rather the British of Cumberland did him homage and not undeserv'd For Buchanan himself confesses that this King Edward with a small number of men compar'd to his Enemies overthrew in a great Battel the whole united power both of Scots and Daâ—es slew most of the Scotish Nobility and forc'd Malcolmb whom Constantine the Scotch King had made General and design'd Heir of his Crown to save himself by flight sore wounded Of the English he makes Athelstan the Son of Edward Chief Leader and so far seems to confound times and actions as to make this Battel the same with that fought by Athelstan about 24 years after at Bruneford against Anlaf and Constantine wherof hereafter But here Buchanan takes occasion to inveigh against the English Writers upbraiding them with ignorance who affirm Athelstan to have bin supream King of Britain Constantine the Scotish King with others to have held of him and denies that in the Annals of Marianus Scotus any mention is to be found therof which I shall not stand much to contradict for in Marianus whether by Surname or by Nation Scotus will be found as little mention of any other Scotish affairs till the time of King Dunchad slain by Machetad or Mackbeth in the year 1040. which gives cause of suspition that the affairs of Scotland before that time were so obscure as to be unknown to thir own Countryman who liv'd and wrote his Chronicle not long after But King Edward thus nobly doing and thus honour'd the year following dy'd at Farendon An. Dom. 925 a builder and restorer eev'n in War not a destroyer of his Land He had by several Wives many Childern his eldest Daughter Edgith he gave in marriage to Charles King of France Grand-Child of Charles the Bald above-mention'd of the rest in place convenient His Laws are yet to be seen He was buried at Winchester in the Monastery by Alfred his Father And a few days after him dy'd Ethelwerd his Eldest Son the Heir of his Crown He had the whole Iland in subjection yet so as petty Kings reign'd under him In Northumberland after Ecbert whom the Danes had set up and the Northumbrians yet unruly under thir yoke at the end of 6 years had expell'd one Ricsig was set up King and bore the name 3 years then another Ecbert and Guthred the latter if we beleeve Legends of a Servant made King by command of St. Cudbert in a Vision and enjoyn'd by another Vision of the same Saint to pay well for his Royalty many Lands and privileges to his Church and Monastery But now to the story Athelstan AThelstan next in Age to Ethelward his Brother who deceas'd untimely few days before though born of a Concubine yet for the great appearance of many vertues in him and his Brethren being yet under Age was exalted to the Throne at Kingstone An. Dom. 926 upon Thames and by his Fathers last Will saith Malmsbury yet not without some opposition of one Alfred and his Accomplices who not likeing he should reign had conspir'd to seise on him after his Fathers Death and to put out his Eyes But the Conspiratours discoverd and Alfred denying the Plot was sent to Rome to assert his innocence before the Pope where taking his Oath on
them promis'd peace and defence yet permitted his men the while to burn and make prey Coming to London with all his Army he was on Christmass day sollemly Crown'd in the great Church at Westminster by Aldred Archbishop of York having first giv'n his Oath at the Altar in presence of all the people to defend the Church well govern the people maintain right Law prohibit rapine and unjust judgment Thus the English while they agreed not about the choice of thir native King were constrein'd to take the Yoke of an out-landish Conquerer With what minds and by what course of life they had fitted themselves for this servitude William of Malmsbury spares not to lay op'n Not a few years before the Normans came the Clergy though in Edward the Confessors daies had lost all good literature and Religion scarse able to read and understand thir Latin Service he was a miracle to others who knew his Grammar The Monks went clad in fine stuffs and made no difference what they eat which though in it self no fault yet to their Consciences was irreligious The great men giv'n to gluttony and dissolute life made a prey of the common people abuseing thir Daughters whom they had in service then turning them off to the Stews the meaner sort tipling together night and day spent all they had in Drunk'ness attended with other Vices which effeminate mens minds Whence it came to pass that carried on with fury and rashness more then any true fortitude or skill of War they gave to William thir Conquerour so easie a Conquest Not but that some few of all sorts were much better among them but such was the generality And as the long suffering of God permits bad men to enjoy prosperous daies with the good so his severity oft times exempts not good men from thir share in evil times with the bad If these were the Causes of such misery and thraldom to those our Ancestors with what better close can be concluded then here in fit season to remember this Age in the midst of her security to fear from like Vices without amendment the Revolutions of like Calamities FINIS AN INDEX Of all the Chief Persons and material passages contained in the foregoing HISTORY A. ADda succeeds his Father Ida in the Kingdom of Bernicia p. 127. Adminius the Son of Cunobeline banish't his Country flies to the Emperour Caligula and stirs him up against it p. 51. Aganippus a Gaulish King marries Cordelia the Daughter of King Leir p. 20. Agricola Son of Severianus spreads the Pelagian Doctrine in Britain p. 104. Aidan a Scotch Bishop sent for by Oswald to settle Religion p. 155. he hath his Episcopal Seat at Lindisfarne ibid. he dies for grief of the Murder of Oswin p. 157. Alaric takes Rome from the Emperour Honorius p. 97. Alban of Verulam with others suffers Martyrdom under Dioclesian p. 88. Albanact one of the three Sons of Brutus hath Albania now Scotland for his share in the Kingdom p. 14. Albion the ancient name of this Island p. 4 5. whence derived ibid. Albina said to be the Eldest of Dioclesians 50 Daughters p. 5. from her the name Albion derived ibid. Alcled slaying Ethelwald usurps the Kingdom of the Northumbrians p. 177. Aldfrid recall'd from Ireland succeeds his Brother Ecfrid in the Northumbrian Kingdom p. 168. he leaves Osred a Child to succeed him p. 169. Aldulf the Nephew of Ethelwald succeeds King of the East-Angles p. 187. Alectus treacherously slays his friend Carausius to get the Dominion p. 87. is overthrown by Asclepiodotus and slain ibid. Alemannus reported one of the four Sons of Histion descended from Japhet and of whom the Alemanni or Germans p. 5. Alfage Archbishop of Canterbury inhumanly us'd by the Danes p. 256. kill'd outright by Thrum a Dane in commiseration of his misery ibid. Alfred the fourth Son of Ethelwolf and successour of his Brother Ethelred encounters the Danes at Wilton p. 204. he gives Battel to the whole Danish power at Edinton and totally routing them brings them to terms p. 206. 207. he is said to have bestow'd the East-Angles upon Gytro a Danish King who had been lately baptis'd p. 207. a long tedious War afterwards maintain'd between him and the Danes p. 209. 210. c. he dies in the 30th year of his Reign and is buried at Winchester p. 212. his noble Character p. 213. 214. Alfwold driving out Eardulf usurps the Kingdom of Northumberland p. 185. Algar Earl of Howland now Holland Morcard Lord of Brunne and Osgot Governour of Lincoln slaughter a great multitude of the Danes in Battail with three of their Kings p. 201. overpowr'd with numbers and drawn into a snare Algar dies valiantly fighting ibid. Algar the Son of Leofric banisht by King Edward joins with Griffin Prince of South-Wales p. 291. 292. unable to withstand Harold Earl of Kent he submits to the King and is restor'd p. 292. banisht again he recovers his Earldom by force p. 293. Alipius made Deputy of the British Province in the room of Martinus p. 90. Alla begins the Kingdom of Deira in the South-part of Northumberland p. 127. 133. Alric King of Kent after Ethelbert the II. p. 177. with him dying ends the race of Hengist p. 181. Ambrosius Aurelianus dreaded by Vortimer p. 117. defeats the Saxons in a memorable Battel p. 118. uncertain whether the Son of Constantine the Vsurper or the same with Merlin and Son of a Roman Consul p. 118. he succeeds Vortigern as Chief Monarch of the I le ibid. Anacletus the friend of King Pandrasus is taken in fight by Brutus p. 9. he is forc't by Brutus to betray his own Countrymen ibid. Andragius one in the Catalogue of ancient British Kings p. 28. Androgeus one of Lud's Sons hath London assign'd him and Kent p. 29. forsakes his claim to the Kingdom and follows Caesars fortune p. 51. Anlaf the Dane with his Army of Irish and Constantine King of Scotland utterly discomfited by King Athelstan p. 225. 226. c. Anna succeeds Sigebert in the Kingdom of the East-Angles p. 157. he is slain in War by Penda the Mercian p. 159. Antigonus the Brother of King Pandrasus taken in fight by Brutus p. 9. Antoninus sent against the Caledonians by his Father Severus p. 84. after whose Death he takes hostages and departs to Rome ibid. Archigallo depos'd for his Tyranny p. 26. being restor'd by his Brother he becomes a new man and reigns worthily p. 27. Archimailus one in the number of ancient British Kings p. 28. Armorica in France peopled by Britans that fled from the Saxons p. 114. Arthur the Victory at Badon-hill by some ascrib'd to him which by others is attributed to Ambrose p. 122. who he was and whether the Authour of such famous Acts as are related of him p. 122. 123. c. Arviragus ingaging against Claudius keeps up the Battail to a Victory by personating his slain Brother Guiderius p. 54. Athelstan the Son of King Edward the Elder by