THESAXON CHRONICLE.
THESAXON CHRONICLE.
The island Britain is 800 miles long, and 200 broad, and there are in this island five nations, English, Britons or Welch, Scots, Picts, and Romans. The Britons were the first inhabitants of the land; they came from Armenia, and first settled in the south of Britain; afterwards it fell out that the Picts came from the south of Scythia, with long ships, but not many, and they first landed in the north of Ireland, and they entreated the Scots that they might abide there, and they would not permit them; but the Scots said to them, We may nevertheless give you counsel; we know another island eastward of this, there you may live if you will, and if any withstandyou, we will aid you that you may conquer it. Then the Picts departed, and came to the northern part of this land, for southward the Britons possessed it, as we said before. And the Picts took wives of the Scots, on condition that they should always choose their Royal lineage on the woman’s side, and they observed this custom long after. And it happened, in the course of years, that a division of the Scots passed from Ireland into Britain, and conquered some part of this land, and their leader was called Reoda; from him they are named the Dælreodi. Sixty years before Christ was born, Caius Julius, the Roman Emperor, came to Britain with 80 ships. He was at first overcome in a terrible battle, and lost great part of his army, and he left the remainder of his forces to abide with the Scots, and went into Gaul, and there he collected 600 ships, with which he returned to Britain, and at the first onset Cæsar’s lieutenant, named Labienus, was slain. Then the Britons took large and sharp stakes, and drove them into the fording place of a certain river, under the water; this river was called the Thames. When the Romans discovered this, they would not go over the ford: then the Britons fled to the wood fastnesses, and the Emperor conquered very many of their chieftowns by great battles, and he passed again into Gaul.
1.
Octavianus reigned 56 years, and in the 42d year of his reign Christ was born: then astrologers came from the Eastern parts that they might worship Christ, and the children of Bethlehem were slain in Herod’s search after him.
3.
This year Herod died, having stabbed himself, and his son Archelaus succeeded to the kingdom. And the child Christ was brought again out of Egypt.
6.
From the beginning of the world until this year, five thousand two hundred years were gone by.
11.
This year Herod, the son of Antipater, received the government of Judea.
12.
Philip and Herod divided Judea into Tetrarchies.
16.
This year Tiberius succeeded to the empire.
26.
This year Pilate received the procuratorship over the Jews.
30.
This year Christ was baptized, and Peter and Andrew were converted, and James, and John, and Philip, and the twelve Apostles.
33.
This year Christ was crucified, being about 5226 years from the beginning of the world.
34.
This year St. Paul was converted, and St. Stephen was stoned.
35.
This year the blessed Apostle Peter established a bishop’s see in the city of Antioch.
37.
This year Pilate slew himself with his own hands.
39.
This year Caius[A]succeeded to the empire.
44.
This year the blessed Apostle Peter established a bishop’s see at Rome. This year James, the brother of John, was slain by Herod.
45.
This year died Herod, he who slew James one year before his own death.
46.
This year Claudius, second of the Roman Emperors, came to the land of Britain, and brought under his power the greater part of this island, he also subjected the Orkney islands to the Roman Empire. This was in the 4th year of his reign, and the same year was the great famine in Syria, which is spoken of by Luke, in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. Then Nero succeeded to the Empire after Claudius: he was near losing Britain by his inactivity.
47.
The Evangelist Mark began to write his gospel in Egypt.
50.
This year Paul was sent bound to Rome.
62.
This year James, the brother of Christ, suffered martyrdom.
63.
This year the Evangelist Mark died.
69.
This year Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom.
70.
This year Vespasian received the Empire.
71.
This year Titus, the son of Vespasian, slew eleven hundred thousand Jews in Jerusalem.
81.
This year Titus succeeded to the Empire after Vespasian: he it was who said that he lost the day in which he did no good.
83.
This year Domitian, the brother of Titus, succeeded to the Empire.
84.
This year John the Evangelist wrote the book called the Apocalypse in the island of Patmos.
90.
This year Simon Peter the kinsman of Christ was crucified, and John the Evangelist rested in death at Ephesus.
92.
This year Pope Clemens died.
110.
This year the Bishop Ignatius suffered martyrdom.
114
“Alexander commanded that water should be consecrated.”
116.
This year the Emperor Adrian began to reign.
124.
“Pope Sixtus ordered that the hymn,Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, should be sung in the Mass service.”
134.
“Pope Telesphorus ordered that the angelic hymn,Gloria in excelsis Deo, should be sung on holy days.”
145.
This year Marcus Antoninus, and Aurelius his brother, took to themselves the Empire.
189.
This year Severus possessed himself of the Empire, and came into Britain with an army, and conquered great part of the island by battle; and then he built a rampart of turf, and a thick wall thereon, from sea to sea, for a defence to the Britons. He reigned 17 years, and then finished his days at York, and Bassianus[B]his son succeeded to the Empire. His other son died. He was called Geza. This year Eleutherus received the bishoprick of Rome, and held it with glory 15 years: to him Lucius, King of the Britons, sent letters, and entreated that he might be made a Christian, and he obtained that which he desired, and the Britons afterwards remained in the true faith till the reign of Diocletian.
199.
This year the holy cross was found.
202.
“This year Pope Victor decreed that the feast of Easter should be held on the Sunday, even as his predecessor Eleutherus had determined.”
254.
“Pope Cornelius removed the bodies of the Apostles by night from the catacombs, and buried that of Paul in the Via Ostensis where he had been beheaded, and that of Peter near the place where he had been crucified.”
283.
This year St. Alban suffered martyrdom.
311.
“St. Silvester, the 23d Pope: in his time, the Council of Nice was held; also the first Council of Arles, at which Avitianus, Archbishop of Rouen, was present.”
343.
This year St. Nicholas died.
379.
This year Gratian succeeded to the Empire.
“At this time a Council of 150 Fathers was held at Constantinople under Damasus, against Macedonius and Eunomius.”
381.
This year the Emperor Maximus assumed the government: he was born in Britain, and thencehe went into Gaul, and there he slew the Emperor Gratian, and he drove his brother named Valentinian out of the country, and this Valentinian afterwards gathered together an army, and slew Maximus, and possessed himself of the Empire. At this time the heresy of Pelagius spread itself throughout the world.
403.
“This year Pope Innocent sent an epistle to Victricius, Archbishop of Rouen, and decreed that men should fast on the seventh day, because on that day the Lord lay in the sepulchre.”
418.
This year the Romans collected all the gold that was in Britain, and hid some of it in the earth, so that none could afterwards find it, and some they carried with them into Gaul.
423.
This year Theodosius the younger succeeded to the Empire.
425.
“At this time the series of French Kings began to reign: Pharamond was the first.”
429.
This year the Bishop Palladius was sent by Pope Celestine to the Scotch, that he might confirm their faith.
430.
This year Patrick was sent by Pope Celestine to preach baptism to the Scotch.
431.
“At this time the devil appearing in the form of Moses to the Jews in Crete, engaged to lead them dry-shod through the sea to the promised land, and thus, when many had perished, the rest were converted to Christianity.”
433.
“Pope Celestine—In his time was held the Ephesian Synod of 200 Bishops, against Nestorius Bishop of Constantinople, at which Synod Cyril Bishop of Alexandria, presided.”
435.
This year the Goths took Rome, and never after did the Romans reign in Britain. This was about 1110 years from the building of the city. The Romans reigned in Britain 470 years in all from the first invasion of Caius Julius.
439.
“Pope Leo sanctioned the proceedings of the synod of Calchedon.”
443.
This year the Britons sent over sea to Rome, and begged for aid against the Picts, but they obtained none, because the Romans were goingagainst Ætla, King of the Huns; and then they sent to the Angles, and asked the same of the Princes of the Angle race.
444.
This year St. Martin died.
448.
This year, at the place where Herod formerly resided, John the Baptist discovered his head to two monks, who came from the east to pray at Jerusalem.
449.
This year Martian and Valentinian[C]succeeded to the Empire, and reigned seven years. In their days Hengest and Horsa, called by Vortigern King of the Britons to his aid, landed in Britain at the place which is called Ypwinesfleot (Ebsfleet): they at first assisted, but afterwards made war upon the Britons. The King commanded them to fight against the Picts, and they did so, and gained the victory wherever they came; then they sent to the Angles, and desired them to send more aid, and told them of the imbecility of the inhabitants, and of the excellenceof this land. Thereupon they sent more forces; these came from three tribes in Germany; from the Old Saxons, from the Angles, and from the Jutes. From the Jutes came the men of Kent and of Wight; this is the people that now dwelleth in Wight, and the tribe among the West Saxons which is yet called the race of Jutes. From the Old Saxons came the East, the South, and the West Saxons. From the Angles (whose country lying between the Jutes and the Saxons, remained deserted from that time) came the East Angles, the Mid Angles, the Mercians, and all the Northumbrians: their leaders were the two brothers Hengest and Horsa, and they were the sons of Wihtgils; Wihtgils was the son of Witta, Witta of Wecta, Wecta of Woden: from this Woden the line of our Kings is descended, and that of the Southumbrian Kings also.
“At this time a synod of 630 Bishops was held at Calchedon against the Abbot Eutyches and Dioscorus.”
455.
This year Hengest and Horsa fought with King Vortigern, at the place which is called Ægeles-ford (Aylesford) and Horsa, the brother of Hengest was slain, and, after this, Hengest and his son Æsc assumed the government.
457.
This year Hengest and Æsc fought with the Britons at the place called Creccanford (Crayford) and there they slew four chieftains, and then the Britons forsook Kent, and fled in great fear to London.
465.
This year Hengest and Æsc fought with the Welsh near Wyppedes-fleote (Wippedfleet) and they slew twelve Aldermen, all Welsh; and one of their own Thanes, whose name was Wipped, was killed there.
473.
This year Hengest & Æsc fought with the Welsh, and gained spoils innumerable, and then the Welsh fled from the English, as they would from fire.
477.
This year Ælla, with his three sons, Cymen, and Wlencing, and Cissa, arrived in Britain with three ships, at the place which is called Cymenesora (Cimen Shore, Sussex) and there they slew many of the Welsh, and chased some into the wood which is named Andredes-leage.[D]
482.
This year the blessed Abbot Benedict shone inthis world through the glory of his miracles, even as the blessed Gregory relateth in the book of dialogues.
485.
This year Ælla fought with the Welch near Mearcredes-burnan-stede.
488.
This year Æsc succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned over the Kentish men 24 years.
490.
This year Ælla and Cissa besieged Andredes-cester,[E]and they slew all the inhabitants, so that not one Briton was left there.
“At this time the blessed Mamercus, Bishop of Vienne, appointed the solemn Rogation Litany.”
495.
This year two Aldermen, Cerdic and his son Cynric, arrived in Britain with five ships at the place which is called Cerdices-ora (near Yarmouth), and the same day they fought with the Welch. And Cerdic was the son of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Giwis, Giwis of Wig, Wig of Freawine, Freawine of Freothogar, Freothogar ofBrand, Brand of Baldæg, Baldæg of Woden; and in about six years from the time Cerdic and Cynric landed, they conquered the country of the West Saxons, and they were the first Kings who took the West Saxon land from the Welsh. And Cerdic possessed that kingdom 16 years, then he died and his son Cynric succeeded him, and held it 26 years. When he died his son Ceawlin succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 17 years; when he died Ceol succeeded and reigned five years; when he died his brother Ceolwulf succeeded and reigned 17 years, and their line goeth back to Cerdic; then Cynegils, the brother’s son of Ceolwulf, succeeded and reigned 20 years, and he was the first of the West Saxon Kings who received baptism; and then Cenwalh succeeded to the kingdom, and held it 31 years; this Cenwalh was the son of Cynegils; and then his Queen Sexburh reigned one year after him; then Æscwine, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, reigned two years; then Centwine, the son of Cynegils, succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned nine years; then Ceadwalla, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned three years; then Ina, whose line goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned 37 years;then Æthelheard, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded and reigned 16 years; then Cuthred, whose genealogy goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded and reigned 17 years; then Sigebright, whose line goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded and reigned one year; then Cynewulf, whose line goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded and reigned 31 years; then Brihtric, whose line goeth back to Cerdic, succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 16 years; then Ecgbriht succeeded and reigned 37 years and 7 months; then his son Athelwulf succeeded and reigned 18 years and a half. Athelwulf was the son of Ecgbriht, Ecgbriht of Ealhmund, Ealhmund of Eafa, Eafa of Eoppa, Eoppa of Ingild, Ingild of Cenred; Ina and Cuthburh and Cwenburh were also the children of Cenred; and Cenred was the son of Ceolwald, Ceolwald of Cuthwulf, Cuthwulf of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Celm, Celm of Cynric, Cynric of Creoda, Creoda of Cerdic. Then Æthelbald, the son of Athelwulf succeeded to the kingdom, and held it five years; his brother Æthelbriht succeeded him and reigned five years; then their brother Ælfred succeeded to the kingdom and reigned 28 years and a half; then Edward, the son of Ælfred, succeeded him, and reigned 24 years; when he died his son Athelstan succeeded him,and reigned 14 years, 7 weeks, and 3 days; then his brother Edmund succeeded, and reigned six years and a half all but two days; then his brother Edred succeeded him, and reigned nine years and six weeks; then Edwy, the son of King Edmund, succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 3 years and 36 weeks all but two days; when he died his brother Edgar succeeded him, and reigned 16 years, 8 weeks, and 2 days; when he died his son Edward succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned——
501.
This year Port and his two sons, Bieda and Mægla, arrived in Britain with two ships, at the place called Portes-muthe (Portsmouth) and they landed forthwith, and there they slew a young Briton, a very noble man.
508.
This year Cerdic and Cynric slew a British King, whose name was Natanleod, and 5000 men with him; from him the country, as for as Cerdices-ford (Charford) was called Natanleag.
509.
This year the Abbot St. Benedict, the father of all monks, went to heaven.
514.
This year the West Saxons, Stuf and Whitgar,arrived in Britain with three ships at the place called Cerdices-ora, and they fought with the Britons and put them to flight.
519.
This year Cerdic and Cynric possessed themselves of the kingdom of Wessex, and the same year they fought with the Britons at the place which is now called Cerdices-ford (Charford), and from that day forth reigned the royal West Saxon line.
527.
This year Cerdic and Cynric fought with the Britons at the place called Cerdices-leah.[F]
528.
“At this time Dionysius computed the cycle of Easter at Rome. Then Priscian explored the depths of grammar.”
530.
This year Cerdic and Cynric conquered the Isle of Wight, and slew many men at Wihtgarabyrig (Carisbrook).
534.
This year Cerdic, the first King of Wessex,died, and his son Cynric succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned 26 years, and they had given all the Isle of Wight to Cerdic’s two nephews, Stuf and Wihtgar.
538.
This year, 14 days before the March calends, the sun was eclipsed from early in the morning till nine in the forenoon.
540.
This year the sun was eclipsed on the 12th of the calends of July, and the stars were seen at nearly half-past nine in the forenoon.
544.
This year Wihtgar died, and was buried at Wihtgarabyrig (Carisbrook).
547.
This year Ida assumed the government; from him descended the Northumbrian royal line.—Ida was the son of Eoppa, Eoppa of Esa, Esa of Ingin, Ingin of Angenwit, Angenwit of Aloc, Aloe of Beonoc, Beonoc of Brand, Brand of Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden, Woden of Freotholaf, Freotholaf of Frithowulf, Frithowulf of Finn, Finn of Godwulf, Godwulf of Geat: and Ida reigned 12 years, and built Bebbanburh (Bamborough), which was at first surrounded by a hedge and afterwards by a wall.
552.
This year Cynric fought with the Britons at the place called Searobyrig (Salisbury), and put them to flight. Cerdic was the father of Cynric, and the son of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wig, Wig of Freawine, Freawine of Frithogar, Frithogar of Brand, Brand of Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden. Egelberht (Ethelberht), the son of Eormenric was born, and in the — year of his reign, he, first of the (Saxon) Kings of Britain, received baptism.
556.
This year Cynric and Ceawlin fought with the Britons at Beranbyrig (Banbury).
560.
This year Ceawlin succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex; and (Ida being dead), Ælla to that of Northumberland,[G]and he held it 30 years. Ælla was the son of Yffe, Yffe of Uscfrea, Uscfrea of Wilgis, Wilgis of Westerfalcna, Westerfalcna of Sæfugl, Sæfugl of Sæbald, Sæbald of Sigegeat, Sigegeat of Swæfdæg, Swæfdæg of Sigegear, Sigegear of Wægdæg, Wægdæg of Woden, Woden of Frithowulf. This year Æthelbriht succeeded to the kingdom of Kent,and reigned 53 years. In his days the holy Pope Gregory sent us baptism, this was in the 32d year of his reign. And the Priest Columba came to the Picts, and converted those who live by the northern moors to the faith of Christ: and their King gave him the island that is called Ii (Iona); it contains five hides of land, and there, as men say, Columba built a monastery, and he lived there as Abbot 32 years, and he died there when he was 77 years old. The place is still in the possession of his heirs. The southern Picts were baptized long before by Bishop Ninna, who was educated at Rome.—His church and monastery consecrated in the name of St. Martin, are at Hwiterne (Whitehorn), and there he resteth with many holy men. Now there shall ever be an Abbot and not a Bishop in Iona, and all the Scotch Bishops shall be subject to him, because Columba was an Abbot and no Bishop.
568.
This year Ceawlin and his brother Cutha fought with Æthelbyrht and drove him into Kent, and they slew two Aldermen, Oslac and Cnebba, at Wibbandun (Wimbledon).
571.
This year Cuthwulf fought with the Britonsat Bedican-ford (Bedford), and took four towns, Lygean-burh (Leighton, Bedfordshire?) and Ægeles-burh (Ailesbury), and Bennington (Benshington, Oxfordshire), and Egones-ham (Ensham, Oxfordshire); and he died the same year.
577.
This year Cuthwin and Ceawlin fought with the Britons, and slew three Kings, Conmail and Condidan and Farinmail, at the place called Deorham (Durham or Dyrham, Gloucestershire) and they took three towns, Gloucester and Cirencester and Bath.
583.
This year Mauricius succeeded to the Roman Empire.
584.
This year Ceawlin and Cutha fought with the Britons at the place called Fethanleag (Frethorn, Gloucestershire?) and Cutha was slain there, and Ceawlin took many towns, and spoils, and treasures innumerable, and he returned thence to his own abode.
588.
This year King Ælla died, and Æthelric reigned after him five years.
591.
This year there was a great slaughter in Britainat Wodnes-beorg (in Wiltshire?) and Ceawlin was driven out, and Ceolric reigned six years.
592.
This year Gregory succeeded to the Popedom of Rome.
“This Pope Gregory added to the mass service the words,Diesque nostros in tuâ pace disponas, &c.”
593.
This year Ceawlin and Cwichelm and Cryda, (King of Mercia) died, and Æthelfrith succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland; he was the son of Æthelric, and Æthelric of Ida.
596.
This year Pope Gregory sent Augustine, with many monks, into Britain, to preach the word of God to the English people.
“At this time St. Benedict’s Monastery was destroyed by the Lombards.”
597.
This year Ceolwulf began to reign over the West Saxons, and he was always at war, and fighting either with the English, the Welsh, the Picts, or the Scots: he was the son of Cutha, Cutha of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic, Cerdic of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wig, Wig of Freawine, Freawine of Frithugar,Frithugar of Brand, Brand of Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden. This year Augustine and his companions came to England.
601.
This year Pope Gregory sent a pall into Britain for Archbishop Augustine; he also sent many divines to his assistance, and the Bishop Paulinus brought Edwin King of Northumberland to be baptized.
603.
This year Ægthan, King of the Scots, fought with the Dælreodi, and with Æthelferth, King of Northumberland, at Dægstane,[H]and almost the whole of his army was destroyed. Theodbald, the brother of Æthelferth, was slain there with all his troop. Never after durst any Scotch King lead an army against this people.
604.
This year Augustin consecrated two bishops, Mellitus and Justus: he sent Mellitus to preach baptism to the East Saxons, where there was a King named Sæbyrht, the son of Ricola the sister of Æthelbyrht, whom Æthelbyrht had establishedthere as King; and Æthelbyrht gave Mellitus a Bishop’s see at London, and to Justus he gave one at Rochester which is 24 miles from Dorwitceaster (Canterbury).
606.
This year Gregory died, about ten years from the time that he sent us baptism; his father was named Gordian, and his mother Silvia.
607.
This year Ceolwulf fought with the South Saxons. And this year Æthelfrith led his army to Leger-ciestre (Leicester) and there he slew Welshmen without number, and thus was fulfilled the prophecy of Augustin which he spoke, saying, If the Welsh will not be at peace with us, they shall perish at the hands of the Saxons. Two hundred priests were slain, who came thither that they might pray for the Welch army; their Alderman was named Brocmail, and he escaped thence with some fifty men.
611.
This year Cynegils succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and held it 31 years. Cynegils was the son of Ceol, Ceol of Cutha, Cutha of Cynric.
614.
This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought atBeamdune (Bampton, Devon?) and slew two thousand and forty-six Welshmen.
616.
This year died Æthelbyrht, King of Kent, the first English King who received baptism, and he was the son of Eormenric; he had reigned 56 years, and his son Eadbald succeeded him. And the same year 5,818 winters had passed away since the beginning of this world. Eadbald renounced his faith, and lived after the heathen manner, insomuch that he had to wife his father’s widow. Whereupon Laurentius, who was then Archbishop of Kent, resolved to go southward over sea, and to abandon all here. And the Apostle Peter came to him by night, and beat him sorely, because he would thus have forsaken the flock of God; and he commanded him to go to the King, and to preach the true faith to him; and he did so, and the King was converted unto the true faith again. In this King’s days the same Laurentius, who was Archbishop of Kent after Augustin, died on the 4th of the Nones of February, and he was buried near Augustin. The holy Augustin, when in perfect health, consecrated him Bishop, to the end that the Church of Christ, which was yet new in England, might have no interval without an Archbishop after hisdeath. After Laurentius, Mellitus, who was before Bishop of London, succeeded to the Archbishoprick; then the inhabitants of London, where Mellitus had been, became heathens, and within five years, Eadbald still reigning, Mellitus died. Justus succeeded to the Archbishoprick; he had been Bishop of Rochester, and he consecrated Romanus to that bishoprick.
617.
This year Æthelfrith King of the Northumbrians, was slain by Redwald King of the East Angles, and Edwin the son of Ælla obtained possession of the kingdom, and conquered all Britain, excepting Kent alone, and he drove out the Princes the sons of Æthelfrith; these were, first Eanfrid, then Oswald and Oswin, Oslac, Oswudu, Oslaf and Offa.
624.
This year Archbishop Mellitus died.
625.
This year Paulinus was consecrated Bishop of Northumberland by Archbishop Justus, on the 12th of the calends of August.
“This is the Cycle of Dionysius. It consists of five series of nineteen years, that is of 95 years, and it takes its beginning from the 30th year of our Lord’s incarnation, and finishes in the 626thyear. This series of nineteen years, which the Greeks call Enneakaidekaeteris, and Pope John calls Kaideris, was established by the holy Fathers in the Council of Nice, and agreeably to such mode of calculating the 14th day of the (March) moon marked Easter every year without any uncertainty.”
626.
This year came Eomer from Cwichelm, King of Wessex, and thought to murder King Edwin, but he stabbed his thane Lilla, and Forthher, and wounded the King. And the same night a daughter was born to Edwin; she was named Eanfled: then the King promised Paulinus that he would dedicate his daughter to God, if he would obtain of God that he might destroy his enemy who had sent the assassin. And he then marched with an army against the West Saxons, and there he overcame five Kings and slew much people. This year Eanfled, King Edwin’s daughter, was baptized on the holy eve of Pentecost, and within twelve months the King was baptized at Easter with all his nobility. Easter then fell on the 2d of the Ides of April. This took place at York, where he had before ordered a church of wood to be built, which was consecrated in the name of St. Peter. There the Kinggave Paulinus a Bishop’s See, and there he afterwards ordered a larger church to be built of stone. This year Penda succeeded to the kingdom (of Mercia) and reigned 30 years, and he was 50 years old when he began to reign. Penda was the son of Wybba, Wybba of Cryda, Cryda of Cynewold, Cynewold of Cnebba, Cnebba of Icel, Icel of Eomær, Eomær of Angeltheow, Angeltheow of Offa, Offa of Wærmund, Wærmund of Wihtlæg, Wihtlæg of Woden.
627.
This year King Edwin was baptized with his people by Paulinus, at Easter. This Paulinus also preached Christianity in Lindisse (Lindsey), where a certain rich man named Blecca believed first, with all his adherents. And at this time Honorius succeeded to the Popedom after Boniface; he sent a pall hither to Paulinus. And Archbishop Justus died, and Honorius was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Paulinus at Lincoln, and the Pope also sent a pall to him, and he sent letters to the Scotch that they should turn to the observance of the true Easter.
628.
This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought with Penda at Cirencester, and they made a treaty there.
632.
This year Eorpwald was baptized.
633.
This year King Edwin was slain by Cadwalla and Penda at Heth-felda (Hatfield, near Doncaster?) on the 2d of the Ides of October, and he had reigned 17 years, and his son Osfrith also was slain with him. And after this Ceadwalla and Penda went and laid waste all Northumberland. When Paulinus saw this, he took Æthelburga, the widow of Edwin, and went in a ship to Kent, and Eadbald and Honorius received him very honorably, and gave him the Bishoprick of Rochester, and he abode there till his death.
634.
This year Osric, whom Paulinus had baptized, succeeded to the kingdom of Deira; he was the son of Ælfric, the uncle of Edwin; and Eanfrith, the son of Æthelfrith, succeeded to the kingdom of Bernicia. And this year Bishop Byrinus first preached baptism to the West Saxons under King Cynegils: this Byrinus came thither by the command of Pope Honorius, and was Bishop there till the end of his life. And this year also Oswald succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and he reigned nine years, the ninth year being numbered to him because of the heathenism ofthose who reigned the one year between him and Edwin.
635.
This year King Cynegils was baptized by Bishop Byrinus at Dorchester (Oxfordshire) and Oswald, King of Northumberland, was his godfather.
636.
This year King Cwichelm was baptized at Dorchester (Oxfordshire), and he died the same year; and Bishop Felix preached the Christian faith to the East Angles.
639.
This year Byrinus baptized King Cuthred at Dorchester, and took him for his godson.
640.
This year Eadbald, King of Kent, died; he reigned 25 years. He had two sons, Ermenred and Ercenberht, and Ercenberht reigned after his father. He threw down all the idols in his kingdom, and he was the first of English Kings who appointed the fast before Easter. His daughter was named Ercongota, an holy woman, as he was a glorious man, and her mother was Sexburh, the daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles: and Ermenred had two sons, who were martyred by Thunor.
642.
This year Oswald King of Northumberland was slain by Penda the Southumbrian, at Maserfeld (Oswestry) on the Nones of August, and his body was buried at Bearthan-ege (Bardney, on the Witham, Lincolnshire). His sanctity and his miracles were afterwards greatly renowned throughout the island, and his hands are preserved incorrupted at Bamborough. And the same year that Oswald was slain, his brother Oswiu succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned 28 years.
643.
This year Cenwalh succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned 31 years. He caused the old church of Winchester to be built, and consecrated in the name of St. Peter. This Cenwalh was the son of Cynegils.
644.
This year Paulinus, who had been Archbishop of York, (and afterwards Bishop of Rochester) died at Rochester on the 6th of the ides of October; he was a Bishop 19 years, two months, and twenty-one days; and this year Oswin the son of Osric, the cousin of Edwin, succeeded to the kingdom of Deira, and reigned seven years.
645.
This year King Cenwalh was driven from his kingdom by King Penda.
646.
This year King Cenwalh was baptized.
648.
This year Cenwalh gave his kinsman Cuthred 3000 hides of land, near Æsces-dun (Aston, Berkshire?). This Cuthred was the son of Cwichelm, Cwichelm of Cynegils.
650.
This year Ægelbyrht of Gaul received the Bishoprick of Wessex, after the Roman Bishop Byrinus.
651.
This year King Oswin was slain on the 13th of the calends of September; and about twelve days afterwards Bishop Aidan died on the 2d of the calends of September.
652.
This year Cenwalh fought at Bradford on the Avon.
653.
This year the Mid Angles, under the Alderman Peada, received the true faith.
654.
This year King Anna was slain. And Botulfbegan to build the monastery at Icanhoe (Boston?) And Archbishop Honorius died this year on the 2d of the calends of October.
655.
This year Penda was killed at Winwid-feld, (on the river Winwed, now the Aire, near Leeds) and with him 30 others of Royal lineage, some of whom were Kings; amongst these was Æthelhere, the brother of Anna King of the East Angles: and the Mercians became Christians. Then had 5,850 years passed away since the beginning of the world. And Peada, the son of Penda, succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia: he and Oswin (Oswy?) the brother of King Oswald, came together, and agreed that they would build a monastery for the love of Christ, and to the honour of St. Peter. And they did so, and they gave it the name of Medeshamstede,[I]because there is at this place a whirlpool (in the river Nen) called Medeswæl. And they began the foundations, and wrought thereon, and they committed the care of the work to a monk named Saxulf; he was the friend of God, and all the people loved him, and he was very nobly born in the world, and rich, but he is now much richerwith Christ. And king Peada reigned not long, for he was betrayed by his own wife at Easter. This year Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, consecrated Deusdedit to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury, on the 7th of the calends of April.
656.
This year Peada was slain, and (after three years) Wulfhere, the son of Penda, took possession of the kingdom of Mercia. In his time Medeshamstede, which his brother had founded, became very rich: the King favoured it much for love of his brother Peada, and for love of Oswy his brother in baptism, and for love of the Abbot Saxulf. Then he said he would make it renowned and glorious, and this with the advice of his brothers Æthelred and Merwala, of his sisters Kyneburg and Kyneswith, with the advice also of the Archbishop who was named Deusdedit, and with that of all his wise men (gewitan) both clergy and laity in the kingdom; and he did so. Then the King sent to the Abbot that he should come to him with all diligence, and he came: then said the King to the Abbot, “I have sent for thee, beloved Saxulf, for the good of my soul, and I will clearly tell thee wherefore. My brother Peada and my beloved friend Oswy began a monastery for the love of Christ and ofSt. Peter, and my brother is departed from this life even as Christ willed, and I would pray thee, O beloved friend, that they labour diligently at this work, and I will find thee gold and silver and land, and all and every thing that behooveth thereto.” Then the Abbot went home and began to work, and he sped as Christ enabled him, so that in a few years the monastery was finished. When the King heard that, he was very glad, and he gave commandment to send throughout the land to all his Thanes, to the Archbishops and Bishops, and to his Earls, and to all who loved God, that they should come to him, and he appointed the day on which the monastery should be consecrated. King Wulfere was present when the monastery was consecrated, together with his brother Æthelred and his sisters Kyneburg and Kyneswith: and Deusdedit Archbishop of Canterbury, and Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, and the Bishop of London named Wina, and Jeruman Bishop of Mercia, and Bishop Tuda consecrated the monastery, and the priest Wilfred who was afterwards a Bishop was there, and all the Thanes who were in the kingdom. Then the monastery was consecrated in the names of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Andrew. Then the King stood up before all his Thanes, and saidwith a loud voice, “Thanked be the high and Almighty God, for the good deed that is here done, and I will this day render honour to Christ, and to St. Peter, and I will, that you all confirm my words. I, Wulfere, do this day freely give to St. Peter, and to the Abbot Saxulf, and to the monks of this monastery, these lands and waters, and meres, and fens, and wears, all that lie around and are of my domain, so that none but the abbot and the monks shall have any claim upon them. This is the grant—from Medeshamstede unto North-burh (Narborough) and thence to the place which is called Folies, and all the fen straight to Esendic,[J]and from Esendic to the place which is called Fethermuth, and thence 10 miles in a right line to Cuggedic, and so to Raggewilh, from Raggewilh five miles to the river which leadeth to Ælm (Elme) and Wisbeach, and so about three miles to Throkonholt (Trokenhole), and from Throkonholt direct through all the fen which is 20 miles long to Derevord (Denver?) and so to Grætecross, and from Grætecross through the clear water called Bradan-æ,and thence six miles to Paccelade, and so on through all the meres and fens that lie towards the town of Huntingdon, and the meres and the lakes Scælfremere and Witlesmere, and all the others thereabout, with the lands and houses that are on the eastern side of Scælfremere, and all the fens thence to Medeshamstede and to Welmes-ford (Welmsford) and from Welmes-ford to Clive (Cliff) and thence to Æstun (Easton) and from Æstun to Stan-ford (Stamford) and from Stan-ford even as the water runneth to the abovesaid North-burh (Narborough). These are the lands and the fens which the King gave to St. Peter’s monastery. Then said the King, for this gift, it is little, but I will that they hold it so royally and so freely, that neither tribute nor tax be taken therefrom, excepting for the monks only. Thus will I make this monastery free, that it be subject to Rome alone: and I will that all amongst us who may not be able to journey to Rome should repair hither to St. Peter.” Whilst he was thus speaking, the Abbot entreated that he would grant that which he should ask of him, and the King promised that he would: “I have some monks here who fear God, and would spend their lives as Anchorites if they knew where; but thereis an island here called Ancarig (Thorney), and this would I ask, that we might there build a monastery for the love of St. Mary, and that those who would lead their lives in peace and rest may dwell there.” Then the King answered and spoke thus, “Not this only, beloved Saxulf, but all things which I know that thou desirest on our Lord’s behalf, even thus I approve and grant. And I entreat thee, brother Æthelred, and my sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith, for our soul’s redemption, that ye be witnesses, and that ye write this with your fingers. And I desire of all who succeed me, be they my sons or my brethren, or whosoever shall reign after me, that our gift may stand, even as they would be partakers of eternal life, and as they would escape everlasting torment. Whosoever diminisheth our gift, or the gift of other good men, let the heavenly porter diminish his part in the kingdom of heaven, and whosoever increaseth it, let the heavenly porter increase his portion in the kingdom of heaven.” These were the witnesses who were there, and who subscribed with their fingers the cross of Christ, and who confirmed the grant with their tongues. King Wulfere was the first who confirmed it by word, and afterwards subscribedto it with his fingers the cross of Christ, and he spoke thus, “I King Wulfere having these Kings, Earls, Generals, and Thanes as witnesses of my gift, and before the Archbishop Deusdedit, do confirm it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I Oswy King of Northumberland, the friend of this monastery and of the Abbot Saxulf, do sanction it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I King Sighere do confirm the same with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I King Sibbi do subscribe to it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I Æthelred the King’s brother do confirm it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And we the King’s sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith do sanction the same.” “And I Deusdedit, Archbishop of Canterbury, do confirm the same.” Then all the others who were there confirmed this grant with the cross of Christ; these were by name Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, and Wine Bishop of London, and Jeruman Bishop of the Mercians, and Bishop Tuda, and the Priest Wilfrid, who was afterwards a Bishop, and the Priest Eoppa whom King Wulfere sent to preach Christianity in Wight, and the Abbot Saxulf, and the Aldermen Immine, Eadberht, Herefield, Wilberht, and Abon, and Æthelbold, Brordan, Wilberht, Ælhmund, and Frethegis.These and many others, the King’s chief men, all confirmed the grant. This writing was made in the year 664 after the birth of our Lord, in the 7th year of King Wulfere, and the 9th of the Archbishop Deusdedit. Then they laid the curse of God, and that of all the Saints, and of all Christian people upon him who should undo any thing that was now done: “So be it,” said all, “Amen.” When this transaction was finished the King sent to Rome, to Vitalianus the Pope that then was, and entreated that he would confirm all the aforesaid proceeding with his rescript and with his blessing. And the Pope sent his rescript, saying thus, “I Vitalianus the Pope do grant unto thee King Wulfere, and unto the Archbishop Deusdedit, and unto the Abbot Saxulf, all things that ye desire; and I forbid the King or any man whatsoever to have any claim thereon, excepting the Abbot only, neither let him be subject to any excepting the Pope of Rome, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. If any man break this ordinance in any thing, let St. Peter with his sword destroy him: whosoever observeth it, let St. Peter with his key open unto him the kingdom of heaven.” Thus was founded the monastery of Medeshamstede, which was afterwards called Burh (Peterborough). Afterwards,another Archbishop came to Canterbury; he was named Theodore, a very wise and a good man, and he held his synod with his Bishops and the Clergy. Then Winfrid Bishop of Mercia was deprived of his See, and the Abbot Saxulf was chosen thereto, and Cuthbald, a monk of the same monastery, was made Abbot. This synod was held 673 years after the birth of Christ.
658.
This year Cenwalh fought with the Welsh at Pen, and drove them to the Parret. This battle was fought after he came from East Anglia: He was there three years, for Penda had driven him into exile because he had divorced his sister.
660.
This year Bishop Æthelbryht departed from Cenwalh, and Wine held the Bishoprick three years. And Æthelbryht received the see of Paris on the Seine in Gaul.
661.
This year at Easter Cenwalh fought at Possenbyrig (Pontesbury, Shropshire), and Wulfere the son of Penda laid waste the country as far as Æsces-dune (Aston, Berkshire?). And Cuthred the son of Cwichelm and King Cenbyrht died in the same year. And Wulfere the son of Penda ravaged Wight and gave the island to ÆthelwaldKing of the South Saxons, because he (Wulfere) was his godfather: and the priest Eoppa by the desire of Wilverd and of King Wulfere first brought baptism to the inhabitants of Wight.
664.
This year the Sun was eclipsed. And Arcenbryht King of Kent died, and his son Ecbyrht succeeded him. And Colman[K]with his companions went to his own country. And this year there was a great pestilence in Britain, whereof Bishop Tuda died and he was buried at Wagele.[L]And Ceadda and Wilverth were consecrated. And the same year the Archbishop Deusdedit died.
667.
This year Oswiu and Ecbriht sent the priest Wigheard to Rome that he might be consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury, but he died as soon as he arrived there.
668.
This year Theodore was consecrated Archbishop and sent to England.
669.
This year King Ecbyrht gave Raculf (Reculver)to the priest Basse that he might there build a monastery.
670.
This year Osweo King of the Northumbrians died on the 15th of the calends of March, and his son Ecverth reigned after him. And Hlothere the nephew of Bishop Æthelbyrht received the Bishoprick of Wessex, and held it 7 years; Bishop Theodore consecrated him. And Osweo was the son of Æthelverth, Æthelverth of Æthelric, Æthelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa.
671.
This year there was a great slaughter of birds.[M]
672.
This year King Cenwalh died, and his Queen Seaxburh held the kingdom one year after him.
673.
This year Ecbryht King of Kent died, and the same year there was a synod at Hertford.—And St. Ætheldryth began the monastery at Ely.
674.
This year Æscwine succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, he was the son of Cenfus, Cenfus of Cenferth, Cenferth of Cuthgils, Cuthgils of Ceolwulf, Ceolwulf of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic.
675.
This year Wulfere the son of Penda, and Æscwine the son of Cenfus, fought at Bedanheafd (Bedwin, Wiltshire?) And the same year Wulfere died, and Æthelred succeeded to the kingdom. He sent Bishop Wilfrid to Rome, to the Pope that then was, named Agatho, and informed him by letter and by a message, how his brethren Peada and Wulfere had builded a monastery, which was called Medeshamstede, and that they had freed the same from all subjection to King or Bishop, and he desired that the Pope would confirm this with his rescript and with his blessing. Then the Pope sent a letter to England, saying thus, “I Agatho, Pope of Rome, greet well the worshipful Æthelred King of Mercia, and Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury, and Saxulf Bishop of Mercia, who before was Abbot, and all the Abbots in England, with the salutation of God, and my blessing. I have heard the desire of King Æthelred, and of the Archbishop Theodore, and of the bishop Saxulf, and of the Abbot Cuthbald, and I will that it be in all wise, even as ye have spoken. And I command, on behalf of God and of St. Peter, and of all the Saints, and of all consecrated persons, that neither King, Bishop, Earl, nor any man, receiveany duty, tax, tribute, or farthing, and that none claim any service of any kind from the abbacy of Medeshamstede. I command also that the Bishop of the Shire presume not to perform either ordination or consecration within this abbacy, unless the Abbot desire it of him; neither may he claim any bishop’s or synod’s fine, nor receive therefrom any returns of any kind. I will also that the Abbot be held as the Legate of Rome over all the island, and that whosoever may be chosen by the monks be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I will and enact, if any man have made a vow to go to Rome, which he may not be able to perform, either from sickness, from his Lord’s need of him, from poverty, or from any other cause, that he, be he of England or of any other island, repair to the monastery of Medeshamstede, and he shall receive the same absolution from Christ and St. Peter, from the Abbot and from the Monks, that he would have if he went to Rome. Now I desire thee, brother Theodore, that thou cause it to be proclaimed throughout England, that a synod be assembled, and that this letter be read and observed. I say also to thee, Bishop Saxulf, that as thou desirest that this monastery should be free, so I forbid thee, and all Bishops sent ofChrist and of his Saints, who come after thee, to receive any gain from the monastery, excepting that which pleaseth the Abbot. Now will I say this in words, that whosoever observeth this rescript and this commandment, he shall dwell for ever with Almighty God in the kingdom of heaven, and whosoever breaketh it, he shall be excommunicated and condemned to punishment with Judas and with all the devils in hell, unless he come to repentance. Amen.” Pope Agatho and 120 Bishops sent this letter to England by Wilfrid Archbishop of York. This was done 680 years after the birth of our Lord, in the 6th year of King Æthelred. Then the King commanded Archbishop Theodore that he should appoint a meeting of all the Witan at the place which is called Heatfeld (Hatfield). When they were there assembled, then he caused the letter, which the Pope had sent thither, to be read, and they all confirmed the same, and fully ratified it. Then said the King, “All things that my brother Peada, and my brother Wulfere, and my sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith, gave and secured to St. Peter and to the Abbot, I will that these stand; and I will in my day increase the gift for the sake of their souls and of mine own. Now give I this day to St. Peter and tohis monastery of Medeshamstede these lands, and all thereunto belonging: to wit, Bredune, Hrepingas, Cedenac, Swines-hæfed (Swineshead), Heanbyrig, Lodeshac, Scuffanhalch, Costesford,[N]Stretford, Wætelle-burne, Lufgeard, Æthelhuniglond, Barthan-ig (Bardney), These lands I give to St. Peter all as freely as I myself possessed them, and so that none of my successors may take any thing therefrom. If any do this let him have the curse of the Pope of Rome, and the curse of all Bishops, and of all who are here as witnesses; and I confirm this with the sign of Christ.” ♰ “And I Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury am witness to this charter of Medeshamstede, and I confirm it with my own hand-writing, and I excommunicate all those who may break any part thereof, and I bless all who shall observe it.” ♰ “I Wilfrid Archbishop of York am witness to this writing, and I confirm the said curse.” ♰ “I Saxulf, who was first Abbot and am now Bishop, do lay my curse and that of all my successors upon those who may break it.” “I Ostrithe Queen of Æthelred do sanction the grant.” “I Adrian the Legate assentto the same.” “I Putta Bishop of Rochester subscribe to it.” “I Waldhere Bishop of London confirm it.” “I the Abbot Cuthbald do establish the same, so that whosoever breaketh it let him take the curse of all Bishops, and of all Christian people.” Amen.
676.
This year Æscwine died and Hedda succeeded to the bishoprick (of Winchester) and Centwine to the kingdom of Wessex. Centwine was the son of Cynegils, Cynegils of Ceolwulf. And Æthelred King of Mercia overran Kent.
678.
This year a comet appeared in August, and shone like a sun-beam every morning for three months. And Bishop Wilfrith was driven from his see by King Ecgverth, and two Bishops were consecrated for his bishoprick, Bosa for the Deiri, and Eata for the Bernicians. And Eadhed was appointed to the see of Lindsey, of which he was the first Bishop.
679.
This year Ælfwine was slain near the Trent, where Ecgferth and Æthelred fought. And this year St. Ætheldrith died. And Coludes-burh (Coldingham, Berwickshire) was burned with fire from God.
680.
This year Theodore convoked an Archiepiscopal Synod at Hatfield, that he might set forth aright the Christian faith. And the same year died Hilda Abbess of Streones-heale (Whitby).
681.
This year Trumbriht was consecrated Bishop of Hagulstades-ea (Hexham), and Trumwine as Bishop of the Picts, who were then subject to this country. This year also Centwine drove the Britons to the sea.
684.
This year Ecgferth sent an army against the Scots, and Briht his Alderman therewith, and they lamentably plundered and burned the Churches of God.
685.
This year King Ecgferth commanded that Cuthberht should be made a Bishop, and Archbishop Theodore consecrated him at York, on the first day of Easter, as Bishop of Hexham, for Trumbriht had been deprived of that see. And the same year on the 13th of the calends of June King Ecgferth was slain by the north sea, and a great army with him. He reigned 15 years, and his brother Aldfrith succeeded him: this Ecgferth was the son of Osweo, Osweo ofÆthelverth, Æthelverth of Æthelric, Æthelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. This year Ceadwalla began to contend for the kingdom, he was the son of Cenbyrht, Cenbyrht of Cada, Cada of Cutha, Cutha of Ceawlin, Ceawlin of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic, and Mul was the brother of Ceadwalla, and he was afterwards burned in Kent. And Hlothere King of Kent died the same year. And John was consecrated to the bishoprick of Hexham, and he kept possession of it till Wilfrith returned, and afterwards, on the death of Bishop Bosa, John received the bishoprick of York, and his priest Wilferth was afterwards consecrated to the bishoprick of York, and he retired to his monastery in Derawuda (Beverley). This year it rained blood in Britain, and milk and butter were turned into blood.
686.
This year Ceadwalla and his brother Mul laid waste Kent and Wight; this Ceadwalla gave to St. Peter’s monastery of Medeshamstede a valley in a certain island called Heabureahg, the name of the Abbot of the monastery at this time was Egbalth, he was the third after Saxulf, Theodore being then Archbishop of Kent.
687.
This year Mul was burned in Kent, and 12others with him; and this year Ceadwalla again ravaged Kent.
688.
This year King Ceadwalla went to Rome and received baptism from Pope Sergius, who gave him the name of Peter, and he died while he was yet in his baptismal garments, about seven days afterwards, on the 12th of the calends of May, and he was buried in St. Peter’s Church. And Ina succeeded him in the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned 37 years, and he built the monastery of Glastonbury, and he afterwards went to Rome, and abode there unto the end of his days. Ina was the son of Cenred, Cenred of Ceolwald, Ceolwald was the brother of Cynigils, and they were both the sons of Cuthred the son of Ceawlin, Ceawlin was the son of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic.
690.
This year Archbishop Theodore died, he was a Bishop 12 years, and he was buried at Canterbury, and Beorhtwald succeeded to the Archbishoprick on the calends of July; he was before Abbot of Reculver. Before this time the Bishops had been Romans, and afterwards they were English. There were then two Kings in Kent, Wihtred and Wæbheard.
693.
This year Brihtwald was consecrated Archbishop by the Gallican Bishop Godwin, on the 5th of the nones of July. At this time died Gifemund Bishop of Rochester, and Archbishop Brihtwald consecrated Tobias to his bishoprick. About this time Brihtelm also died.
694.
This year the men of Kent made a treaty with Ina, and gave thirty thousand pounds for his friendship, because they had burned his brother Mul. And Wihtred succeeded to the kingdom of Kent and held it 33 years; this Wihtred was the son of Ecgbyrht, Ecgbyrht of Arcenbyrht, Arcenbyrht of Eadbald, Eadbald of Æthelbyrht. And as soon as he was King he caused a great council to be convened at the place called Baccancelde (Beckenham, Kent?); and there Wihtred King of Kent, and Brihtwald Archbishop of Canterbury and Tobias Bishop of Rochester, with Abbots and Abbesses, and many wise men were gathered together, all to consult upon the restoration of the churches of God in Kent. Now the King began to speak, and he said, “I will that all the monasteries and churches that were given and bequeathed to the glory of God in the days of faithful Kings mypredecessors, and in the days of my kinsman King Æthelberht and of those who followed after him, do so remain dedicated to the glory of God, and that they continue thus evermore to eternity. Forasmuch as I Wihtred an earthly King, incited by the King of Heaven, and burning with zeal for righteousness, have learned this of our forefathers, that no layman has the right to obtrude himself into any church or into any thing that belongeth to the church, this therefore we strictly and unreservedly establish and ordain, and in the name of Almighty God, and of all the Saints, we forbid all Kings our successors, and Aldermen, and all laymen, to hold any lordship whatever over the churches, or over any of the possessions which I or my predecessors in former days have given them, as an everlasting inheritance to the glory of Christ, and of our Lady St. Mary, and of the holy Apostles. And observe that when it shall happen that a Bishop or an Abbot or an Abbess departeth this life, it shall be told to the Archbishop, and with his counsel and advice let him that is worthy be elected, and let the Archbishop inquire into the life and virtues of him who is chosen to so high an office, and in no wise let any one be chosen or consecrated thereto without the Archbishop’s sanction. Kings shall create Earls and Aldermen,Sheriffs and Judges, and the Archbishop shall govern and direct the church of God, and shall choose and appoint Bishops, Abbots, Abbesses, Priests, and Deacons, and shall consecrate them and confirm them by good precepts and example, lest any of God’s flock stray and be lost.”
695.
This year the Southumbrians slew Æthelred’s Queen Ostrythe, the sister of Ecgfrith.
699.
This year the Picts slew the Alderman Berht.
702.
This year Kenred succeeded to the kingdom of Southumbria.
703.
This year Bishop Hedda died; he held the Bishoprick of Winchester 27 years.
704.
This year Æthelred King of the Mercians, the son of Penda, became a Monk, having reigned 29 years, and Cenred succeeded him.
705.
This year Ealdferth King of Northumberland died, at Driffield, (Yorkshire) on the 19th of the calends of January. And Bishop Saxulf died also. Then Ealdferth’s son Osred succeeded to the kingdom.
709.
This year died Bishop Aldhelm, whose diocese lay around Westan-wuda (Westwood, Wiltshire). In the early days of Bishop Daniel the land of the West Saxons was divided into two bishopricks, for before it had formed only one. Daniel held the one, and Bishop Aldhelm the other. Forthhere succeeded Aldhelm. And Ceolred received the kingdom of Mercia, and Cenred went to Rome, and Offa with him, and Cenred remained there to the end of his life. And the same year Bishop Wilferth died at Oundle, and they carried his body to Rippon; he was the Bishop whom King Ecgferth had banished to Rome.
710.
This year Acca Wilferth’s Priest received the Bishopric that Wilferth had held before, and this year the Alderman Beorhtfrith fought with the Picts between Hæfe and Cære (Heefield and Carehouse, Northumberland); and Ina and his kinsman Nun fought with Gerent King of the Welsh; and the same year Hygbald was slain.
714.
This year died St. Guthlac and King Pepin.[O]