Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

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 of Æthelverth, 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 12 others 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 my predecessors, 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]

715.

This year Ina and Ceolred fought at Wodnesbeorh (Wodensborough, Wiltshire). King Dagobert (2nd) died this year.

716.

This year Osred King of Northumberland was slain on the southern border, he had reigned 11 years after Ealdferth. Then Cenred succeeded to the kingdom and reigned two years, and after him Osric 11 years. The same year also died Ceolred King of Mercia, his body lieth at Litchfield, and that of Æthelred the son of Penda at Bardney. And then Æthelbald succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia and reigned 41 years. This Æthelbald was the son of Alweo, Alweo of Eapa, Eapa of Wyb, whose lineage hath been written before. And Ecbyrht, that venerable man, converted the Monks of Iona to the true faith, so that they held Easter aright, and received the clerical tonsure.

718.

This year died Ingild the brother of Ina: their sisters were Cwenburh and Cuthburh, and this Cuthburh built the monastery at Winborn, and she was married to Ealdferth King of Northumberland, but they separated before his death.

721.

This year Bishop Daniel went to Rome. And the same year Ina slew the Prince Cynewulf. And this year the holy Bishop John died, he was Bishop 33 years, 8 months and 13 days, and his body resteth at Beverley.

722.

This year Queen Æthelburh destroyed Taunton which Ina had built. And Ealdbryht went as an exile into Surrey, and among the South Saxons: and Ina fought with the South Saxons.

725.

This year Wihtred King of Kent died on the 9th of the calends of May; he reigned 32 years, and his lineage is written above; and Eadberht succeeded him. And Ina fought with the South Saxons, and there he slew the Prince Ealbyrht, whom he had driven into exile.

727.

This year Tobias Bishop of Rochester died, and Archbishop Brihtwold consecrated Aldulf to that bishoprick.

728.

This year Ina went to Rome, and there he ended his life, and his kinsman Æthelheard succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and held it 14 years; and Æthelheard and the Prince Oswald fought the same year. Oswald was the son of Æthelbald, Æthelbald of Cynebald, Cynebald of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Ceawlin.

729.

A comet appeared this year; and St. Ecgberht died in Iona.

730.

This year Prince Oswald died.

731.

This year Osric was slain; he was King of Northumberland 11 years, and Ceolwulf succeeded him in the kingdom, and reigned eight years. This Ceolwulf was the son of Cutha, Cutha of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Leodwald, Leodwald of Ecgwald, Ecgwald of Ealdhelm, Ealdhelm of Ocga, Ocga of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. And Archbishop Beorhtwald died on the ides of January; he was Bishop 37 years, 6 months, and 14 days; and Tatwine was consecrated the same year; he before was a Priest of Breodune in Mercia (Bredon, Worcestershire): Daniel Bishop of Winchester, Ingwald Bishop of London, Aldwine Bishop of Litchfield, and Aldulf Bishop of Rochester, consecrated him on the 10th of the month of June; he held the Archbishoprick three years.

733.

This year Æthelbald took Somerton; and the sun was eclipsed, and Acca was driven from his bishoprick.

734.

This year the moon appeared as if it were tinged with blood. And Archbishop Tatwine died, and Bede also. And Ecgbriht was consecrated Bishop (of York).

735.

This year Ecgbriht received a pall from Rome.

736.

This year Archbishop Nothelm received a pall from the Bishop of Rome.

737.

This year Bishop Forthere and Queen Frythogith went to Rome. And King Ceolwulf received St. Peter’s tonsure, and gave up his kingdom to his uncle’s son Edberht, who reigned 31 years. And Bishop Æthelwold, and Acca, died, and Cynewulf was consecrated Bishop: and the same year Æthelwold plundered Northumberland.

738.

This year Eadbryht the son of Eata, the son of Leodwald, succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and held it 21 years. Archbishop Ecgbyrht the son of Eata was his brother, and they are both buried in the same aisle at York.

741.

This year King Æthelheard died, and his kinsman Cuthred succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and he fought with Æthelbald King of Mercia. And Nothelm died, and Cuthbryth was consecrated Archbishop, and Dun as Bishop of Rochester. York was burned this year.

742.

This year a great Synod was held at Cloveshou (Cliff, in Kent, or Abingdon), and Æthelbald King of Mercia was there, and Archbishop Cuthberht, and many other wise men.

743.

This year Æthelbald King of Mercia and Cuthred King of Wessex fought with the Welch.

744.

This year Daniel gave up the bishoprick of Winchester, and Hunferth received it. And there were many shooting stars. And Wilferth the younger, who was Bishop of York, died on the 3d of the calends of May. He was Bishop 30 years.

745.

This year Daniel died, 43 years being gone by from the time that he received his bishoprick.

746.

This year King Selred was slain.

748.

This year Cynric Prince of the West Saxons was slain; and Eadbryht King of Kent died, and Æthelbyrht son of King Wihtred succeeded him.

750.

This year Cuthred King of Wessex fought with Æthelhun, the high-minded Alderman.

752.

This year Cuthred King of Wessex, in the 12th year of his reign, fought with Æthelbald King of Mercia at Beorg-ford (Burford), and put him to flight.

753.

This year Cuthred King of Wessex fought with the Welch.

754.

This year Cuthred King of Wessex died.--And Cyneheard received the bishoprick of Winchester after Hunferth. And Canterbury was burned this year. And Cuthred’s kinsman Sigebriht succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned one year.

755.

This year Cynewulf and the witan of Wessex deprived his kinsman Sigebryht for his unrighteous deeds of all his kingdom, excepting Hampshire, and Sigebryht kept that, till he had slain the Alderman who had adhered to him the longest, and then Cynewulf drove him into Andred, and he remained there until a certain peasant stabbed him at Pruutes-flod (Privet, Hampshire) and avenged the Alderman Cumbran. And Cynewulf often fought great battles with the Britons. And about 31 years from his accession to the kingdom he sought to banish a Prince called Cyneheard: this Cyneheard was the brother of Sigebryht, and he found that the King was gone with a small train to visit a lady at Meran-tun (Merton, Surrey), and there he beset him, and blocked up the house before the men who were with the King discovered him; and when the king perceived this, he went to the door, and defended himself manfully until he beheld the Prince, and then he rushed out upon him, and wounded him severely, upon which they all fought against the King until they slew him. When the King’s Thanes who were in the house heard the tumult, they ran thither, every one armed as he was. And immediately the Prince offered money and their lives to each of them, but none would compound with him, and they fought against him until they all fell, save one, a British hostage, and he was sorely wounded. In the morning when the King’s Thanes, who had remained behind, heard that the King was slain, they rode thither, both his Alderman Osric and his Thane Wiverth, and all those whom he had left; and they found the Prince in the town wherein the King lay slain, and the gates shut against them. And when they came up he promised them their liberty, and riches, and lands, if they would give up the kingdom to him; and he told them that their kinsmen were with him, and would not desert him. Then they answered, that no kinsman was dearer to them than their Lord, and that they would never follow his murderer, and they bade their kinsmen abandon the Prince, and depart in safety. These replied, that the same offer had been made to their adversaries the former companions of the King, and that they were no more inclined to do this thing than their own fellow soldiers who with the King had been slain. And then they fought around the gates until the Prince’s party fled into the town, and the Prince was killed, and all who were with him except one; he was godson of the Alderman who saved his life, though he had many wounds. Cynewulf reigned 31 years, and his body lieth at Winchester, and that of the Prince at Acsanmynster (Axminster), and their father’s race goeth in a right line to Cerdic. And the same year Æthelbald King of Mercia was slain at Seccan-dune (Seckington, Warwickshire) and his body lieth at Hreopan-dune (Repton, Derbyshire); he reigned 41 years. Then Beornred assumed the government, and held it for a short time and unhappily. And the same year King Offa put Beornred to flight, and took possession of the kingdom, and held it 39 years, and his son Egverth reigned 140 days. He was the son of Offa, the son of Thincferth, Thincferth of Eanwulf, Eanwulf of Osmod, Osmod of Eawa, Eawa of Wybba, Wybba of Creoda, Creoda of Cynewald, Cynewald of Cnebba, Cnebba of Icel, Icel of Eomær, Eomær of Angeltheow, Angeltheow of Offa, Offa of Wærmund, Wærmund of Wihtlæg, Wihtlæg of Woden.

757.

This year Eadberht King of Northumberland received the tonsure, and his son Osulf succeeded to the kingdom, and reigned one year, and his servants slew him on the 9th of the calends of August.

758.

This year Archbishop Cuthbryht died; he held the archbishoprick 18 years.

759.

This year at Michaelmas Bregowine was consecrated to the archbishoprick, and held it four years. And Moll Æthelwold succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned six years and then resigned the throne.

760.

This year Æthelbryht King of Kent died, he was the son of King Wihtred. Ceolwulf died also.

761.

This year, a hard winter. And Moll King of Northumberland slew Oswin at Ædwines-clife[P] on the 8th of the ides of August.

762.

This year Archbishop Bregwine died.

763.

This year Anbryht was consecrated Archbishop on the 14th day after Christmas. And Frithewald Bishop of Whitehorn died on the nones of May: he was consecrated at York on the 18th of the calends of September, in the 6th year of Ceolwulf’s reign, and he was Bishop 29 years. Then Pyhtwine was consecrated Bishop of Whitehorn at Ælfet-ee,[Q] on the 16th of the calends of August.

764.

This year Archbishop Jeanbryht received a pall.

765.

This year Alhred succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned eight years.

766.

This year Archbishop Ecgbert died at York, on the 13th of the calends of September: he was Bishop 36 years. And Fritheberht died at Hexham; he was Bishop 34 years. And Æthelberht was consecrated to York, and Ealhmund to Hexham.

768.

This year King Eadberht the son of Eata died, on the 14th of the calends of September.

769.

“The beginning of the reign of King Charles.”

772.

This year Bishop Mildred died.

774.

This year, at Easter, the Northumbrians drove their King Alhred from York, and took for their Lord Æthelred, the son of Moll, and he reigned four years. And this year a red cross appeared in heaven after sun-set. And this year the Mercians and Kentish men fought at Oxford. And wonderful serpents were seen in the lands of the South Saxons.

775.

This year Cynewulf and Offa fought near Bynsintun (Benshington or Benson, Oxfordshire), and Offa took the town. In the days of King Offa there was an Abbot of Medeshamstede named Beonne, and this Beonne, by the advice of all the monks of that monastery, let the lands of ten bondsmen at Swineshead to the Alderman Cuthbriht, with the pastures and meads, and all that lieth adjoining, on condition that Cuthbriht should give the Abbot 50 pounds for the same, and every year one night’s lodging or 30 shillings in pence, and also that the land should return to the monastery after his death. King Offa, and King Egferth, and Archbishop Hygeberht, and Bishop Ceolwulf, and Bishop Inwona, and the Abbot Beonne, and many other Bishops, Abbots, and other great men were witnesses to this transaction. In the days of King Offa there was an Alderman named Brordan; he besought the King that for love of him he would enfranchise his monastery of Wocingas (Wickins, Northamptonshire) because he desired to give it to Medeshamstede, and to St. Peter, and to the Abbot that then was; this was Pusa, the successor of Beonne, and the King loved him much. And the King freed the monastery of Wickins from service due to King, Bishop, Earl, or any other man, so that none but St. Peter and the Abbot should have any claims thereon. This was done in the King’s town called Freoric-burn.

776.

This year Bishop Pehtwine died, on the 13th of the calends of October; he was Bishop 14 years. And Æthelberht was consecrated at York to the bishoprick of Whitehorn, on the 17th of the calends of July.

778.

This year Æthebald and Hearberht slew three High Sheriffs, to wit, Ealdulf the son of Bosa at Cininges-clife, and Cynewulf and Ecga at Hela-thyrn,[R] on the 11th of the calends of April. Then Alfwold took possession of the throne and drove Æthelred from the land, and he reigned ten years. “Charles entered Spain. Charles came into Saxony. Charles destroyed the cities of Pampeluna and Saragossa; he gathered together his forces, and after receiving hostages, and subduing the Saracens, he returned into France by Narbonne and Gascony.”

780.

This year the Old Saxons and the French fought. And the High Sheriffs of Northumberland burnt the Alderman Beorn in Siltun (Silton, Yorkshire), on the 9th of the calends of January. And Archbishop Æthelberht died at York, and Eanbald was consecrated to his archbishoprick, and Bishop Cynebald (Cynewulf) gave up the see of Lindisfarne. This year Bishop Alchmund died at Hexham, on the 7th of the ides of September, and Tilberht was consecrated in his place on the 6th of the nones of October. And Higbald was consecrated at Socca-byrig (Sockburn, Durham), as Bishop of Lindisfarne.--And King Alwold sent to Rome for a pall for Archbishop Eanbold.

782.

This year Ceolred’s Queen Wærburh died; Bishop Cynewulf also died at Lindisfarne.--And there was a Synod at Aclea (Acley, Durham?)

784.

This year Cyneheard slew King Cynewulf, and was himself killed with eighty-four men. Then Byrhtric succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned 16 years, and his body lieth at Wareham; his father’s line goeth straight to Cerdic. At this time King Ealhmund reigned in Kent, this King Ealhmund was the father of Egberht, and Egberht was the father of Athulf.

785.

This year died Botwine Abbot of Rippon, and there was a discordant Synod at Cealc-hythe.[S] And Archbishop Janbryht lost part of his diocese. And Higebryht was chosen by King Offa. And Ecgverth was consecrated King. And at this time Legates were sent from Rome to England by Pope Adrian, to renew the faith and peace which St. Gregory sent us by the Bishop Augustin: and they were received with honour.

787.

This year King Beorhtric took to wife Eadburhge the daughter of Offa. And in his days the ships of the Northmen first came from Herethaland (Denmark), they were three in number. And the Sheriff rode up to them and would have driven their crews to the king’s town, for that he knew not who they were, and there he was slain. These were the first Danish ships that sought the land of the English people.

788.

This year a Synod was assembled at Pincanheale, in Northumberland (Finkley, Durham), on the 4th of the nones of September. And the Abbot Aldberht died.

“Charles came through Germany to the borders of Bavaria.”

789.

This year Alfwold King of Northumberland was killed by Siga, on the 9th of the calends of October, and a heavenly light was often seen in the place where he was slain. And he was buried at Hexham, within the church; and his nephew Osred the son of Alchred succeeded him. And a Synod was assembled at Aclea (Acley).

790.

This year Janbryht died, and the same year the Abbot Æthelheard was chosen Archbishop. And Osred King of Northumberland was betrayed and driven from the kingdom, and Æthelred the son of Æthelwold regained it.

791.

This year Baldwulf was consecrated Bishop of Whitehorn, on the 16th of the calends of August, by Archbishop Eanbald and Bishop Æthelberht.

792.

This year Offa King of Mercia commanded that King Æthelbyrht should be beheaded: and Osred, who had been King of Northumberland, coming home after his exile, was taken and slain on the 18th of the calends of October, and his body lieth at Tinmouth. And King Æthelred took a new wife named Ælfled on the 3d of the calends of October.

793.

This year terrible prodigies took place in Northumberland, and sorely alarmed the people, these were dreadful lightnings and fiery dragons which were seen flying in the air; a great famine soon followed these portents, and shortly afterwards in the same year and on the 6th of the ides of January a heathen invasion sorrowfully laid waste the church of God at Lindisfarne by rapine and murder. And Sicga died on the 8th of the calends of March.

794.

This year Pope Adrian died; also Offa King of Mercia on the 4th of the ides of August, he reigned 40 years. And Æthelred King of Northumberland was slain by his own people, on the 13th of the calends of May, and the Bishops Ceolwulf and Eadbald departed from the land. And Ecgferth succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia, and died the same year. And Eadbryht whose other name was Præn obtained the kingdom of Kent. And the Alderman Æthelheard died on the calends of August. And the heathens plundered in Northumberland, and pillaged Ecgferth’s monastery at the mouth of the river (Were); And one of their chiefs was slain there; some of their ships also were wrecked by stormy weather, and many of the men were drowned, and some came alive to the port, and these were slain at the river’s mouth.

795.

This year the moon was eclipsed on the 5th of the calends of April, between cock-crowing and day-break. And Eardwulf assumed the government of Northumberland on the 2d of the ides of May, and he was consecrated and placed on his throne by Archbishop Eanbald, and by the Bishops Æthelberht, and Higbald, and Badwulf, at York, on the 7th of the calends of June.

796.

This year Archbishop Eanbald died on the 4th of the ides of August, and his body lieth at York, and Bishop Ceolwulf died the same year. Another Eanbald was consecrated to the bishoprick of the former, on the 19th of the calends of September. This year Cenwulf King of Mercia ravaged Kent as far as the marshes (near Romney), and took prisoner the King Eadberht Præn, and led him bound into Mercia, and caused his eyes to be put out, and his hands to be cut off. And Æthelard Archbishop of Canterbury assembled a synod, and at the command of Pope Leo he confirmed and ratified all things that were appointed concerning God’s monasteries, in the days of King Wihtgar, and of other Kings; and he spoke thus, “I Æthelard, the humble Archbishop of Canterbury, with the unanimous consent of the whole synod, and of the monasteries to which freedom was granted by faithful men in former days, and by the command of Pope Leo, do require in the name of God, and under pain of his fearful judgment, that henceforth no man daringly choose Lords over the heritage of God from amongst laymen. And even as it is commanded in the rescripts which the Pope had given, and as the holy men our fathers and teachers have appointed touching the sacred monasteries, so let it remain inviolate without gainsaying. If there be any man who will not observe this decree of God, and of our Pope, and of ourselves, but despiseth it and setteth it at nought, let such know that they shall be called to account before the judgment seat of God. And I Archbishop Athelard, with 12 Bishops and 23 Abbots, do confirm and ratify the same with the sign of the cross of Christ.”

797.

This year the Romans cut off Pope Leo’s tongue and put out his eyes, and drove him from his throne, but soon after, by the help of God, he could see and speak, and was Pope again as before. And Eanbald received a pall on the 6th of the ides of September. And Bishop Æthelberht died on the 3d of the calends of November.

798.

This year during Lent there was a great battle at Hweallæge in Northumberland (Whaley, Lancashire) on the 4th of the nones of April, and Alric the son of Heardberht was slain there, and many others with him.

799.

This year Archbishop Æthelard and Cynebryht Bishop of Wessex went to Rome. Bishop Alfun died at Sudbury, and was buried at Domuc (Dunwich), and Tidfrith was chosen after him. And Siric King of the East Saxons went to Rome. The same year the body of Wihtburh was found at Dereham, entire and unchanged, fifty-five years after she had departed this life.

800.

This year, on the 17th of the calends of February, the moon was eclipsed at the second hour of the night. And this year King Beorhtric and the Alderman Worr died. And Egbryht succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex. And the same day Æthelmund Alderman of the Hwiccas,[T] rode through the river at Cynemæres-ford (Kempsford?); then the Alderman Weoxtan, with the men of Wiltshire, met him, and there was a great battle, and both the Aldermen were slain, and the Wiltshire men gained the victory.

“Charles was made Emperor, and received the title of Augustus from the Romans: he condemned to death those who had maltreated Pope Leo, but at the request of the Pope, he afterwards granted them their lives, and sent them into banishment. Pope Leo consecrated him Emperor.”

802.

This year the moon was eclipsed at day-break on the 13th of the calends of January. And this year Beornmod was consecrated Bishop of Rochester.

803.

This year Higbald Bishop of Lindisfarne died on the 8th of the calends of July; and Egberht was consecrated in his place on the 3d of the ides of June. And this year Archbishop Æthelheard died in Kent, and Wulfred was consecrated Archbishop in his place. And the Abbot Forthred died.

804.

This year Archbishop Wulfred received a pall.

805.

This year died Cuthred King of Kent. The Abbess Ceolburh and the Alderman Heabyrhte died also.

806.

This year the moon was eclipsed on the calends of September; and Eardwulf King of Northumberland was driven from his kingdom; and Eanberht Bishop of Hexham died. The same year the sign of the cross appeared in the moon on a Wednesday, the 2d of the nones of June, before day-break. This year also a wonderful circle was seen around the sun on the 3d of the calends of September.

807.

This year the sun was eclipsed on the 17th of the calends of August, at the beginning of the 5th hour of the day.

810.

“Charles made peace with Nicephorus Emperor of Constantinople.”

812.

This year King Charles died, and he had reigned 45 years. And Archbishop Wulfred, and Wigbryht Bishop of Wessex, both went to Rome.

“Cireneius sends Ambassadors to Charles with peace. The Emperor Charles dies.”

813.

This year Archbishop Wulfred returned to his own bishoprick with the blessing of Pope Leo. And this year King Egbryht ravaged West Wales (Cornwall) from east to west.

814.

This year the noble and holy Pope Leo died, and Stephen succeeded him.

816.

This year Stephen died, and Paschal was consecrated Pope: and the same year the school of the English nation was burned.

819.

This year Cenwulf King of Mercia died, and Ceolwulf assumed the government. And the Alderman Eadbyrht died.

821.

This year Ceolwulf was deprived of his kingdom.

822.

This year two Aldermen, Burhelm and Muca, were slain. And there was a synod at Clofeshoo (either Cliff or Abingdon).

823.

This year there was a battle between the Welch and the men of Devon, at Gaful-ford (Camelford?). And the same year Egbryht King of Wessex and Beornwulf King of Mercia fought at Ellendune (Wilton), and Egbryht gained the victory, and there was great slaughter. From this expedition Egbryht sent his son Æthelwulf, and his Bishop Ealhstan, and his Alderman Wulfheard, with a large detachment into Kent, and they drove the King Balred northward across the Thames. And the men of Kent and of Surrey, and the South and East Saxons, came over to Egbryht, because they had been unjustly wrested from the rule of his kinsmen. And the same year the King of the East Angles and his people sought the alliance and protection of King Egbryht, for dread of the Mercians; and the same year the East Angles slew Beornwulf King of Mercia.

825.

This year Ludecan King of Mercia was slain, and his five Aldermen with him, and Wiglaf succeeded him.

827.

This year the moon was eclipsed on Christmas night: and the same year King Egbryht conquered the kingdom of Mercia, and all south of the Humber: he was the eighth king who was sovereign of Britain; Ella King of the South Saxons was the first who possessed this great dominion, Ceawlin King of Wessex was the next, the third was Æthelbryht King of Kent, the fourth Rædwald King of the East Angles, Edwin King of Northumberland was the fifth, Oswald who reigned after him the sixth, Oswio the brother of Oswald was the seventh, and the eighth was Egbryht King of Wessex. And this Egbryht led an army to Dore against the Northumbrians, and there they tendered him their submission and allegiance, whereupon they separated.

828.

This year Wiglaf[U] again obtained the kingdom of Mercia: and Bishop Æthelwald died: and the same year King Egbryht led an army against the men of North Wales, and reduced them to subjection.

829.

This year Archbishop Wulfred died, and the Abbot Feologild was chosen to the Archbishoprick on the 7th of the calends of May, and he was consecrated on a Sunday, the 5th of the ides of June, and he died on the 3d of the calends of September.

830.

This year Ceolnoth was chosen and consecrated Archbishop: and the Abbot Feologild died.

831.

This year Archbishop Ceolnoth received a pall.

832.

This year heathen men plundered Sheppey.

833.

This year King Egbryht fought with 35 pirate ships at Carrum (Charmouth), and the slaughter was great, and the Danes kept possession of the place of battle. And two Bishops, Hereferth and Wigen were killed, also two Aldermen, Dudda and Osmod.

835.

This year a large fleet of armed men came to the West Welch (inhabitants of Cornwall) and they united and made war upon Egbryht King of Wessex. When he heard this he marched against them with an army, and fought with them at Hengest-dune (Hengston-hill) and there he put to flight both the Welsh and the Danes.

836.

This year King Egbryht died. Before he was King, Offa King of Mercia and Borhtric King of Wessex had driven him out of England into France for three years, Beorhtric aiding Offa because he had his daughter for his Queen; and Egbryht afterwards returned again, and reigned 37 years and 7 months. And Æthelwulf the son of Egbryht succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and he (Egbryht?[V]) gave his son Æthelstan the kingdoms of Kent and Essex, and that of Surrey and Sussex.

837.

This year the Alderman Wulfheard fought with 33 pirate ships at Southampton, and there he made great slaughter, and gained the victory. And Wulfheard died this year. And the same year Duke Æthelhelm and the Dorset men fought with the Danish army in Port (Portland), and had the advantage for some time, but the Danes kept possession of the field of battle, and slew the Alderman.

838.

This year the Alderman Herebryht and many others with him were slain by the heathens, in the marshes (near Romne). And again, the same year, many were slain by this army in Lindsey, East Anglia, and Kent.

839.

This year there was great slaughter at London, Canterbury, and Rochester.

840.

This year King Æthelwulf fought at Carrum, (Charmouth) with the forces of 35 pirate ships, and the Danes kept possession of the field of battle. The Emperor Louis died.

845.

This year the Alderman Eanwulf with the men of Somerset, and Bishop Ealchstan, and the Alderman Osric with the Dorset men gave battle to the Danish army at the mouth of the Parret, and made great slaughter, and gained the victory.

851.

This year the Alderman Ceorl and the men of Devon fought with a heathen army at Wicganbeorch (Wembury, near Plymouth), and there they made great slaughter and won the victory. And the same year King Æthelstan and Duke Ealchere fought in ships, and slew a great number (of Danes), near Sandwich, in Kent, and they took nine ships, and put the rest to flight. Then the heathens first remained through the winter in Thanet. And the same year 350 ships came to the mouth of the Thames, and the men landed and stormed Canterbury and London, and put to flight Beorhtulf King of the Mercians and his army. And then they went southward over the Thames into Surrey, and King Æthelwulf and his son Æthelbald, with the West Saxon forces, fought with them at Aclea (Okeley), and there they made the greatest slaughter of these heathens that we have ever heard of unto this present day, and there they gained the victory.

852.

This year Ceolred Abbot of Medeshamstede and the monks let the land of Sempigaham (Sempringham) to Wulfred, on condition that it should return to the monastery after his death, and that Wulfred should give the land of Sliowaford (Sleaford) unto Medeshamstede, and that he should give every year to the monastery 60 fother of wood, and 12 fother of coals, and 6 fother of turf, and 2 tuns full of clear ale, and two slain oxen, and 600 loaves, and 10 measures of Welch ale, also a horse every year, and 30 shillings, and one night’s lodging. King Burhred, Archbishop Ceolred, the Bishops Tunberht, Ceured, Alhhim, and Berhtred, the Abbots Wihtred and Werhtherd, and the Aldermen Æthelheard and Hunberht, and many others were witnesses thereof.

853.

This year Burhred King of Mercia and his Witan entreated King Æthelwulf that he would assist them in bringing the North Welshmen into subjection, and he did so, for he marched with an army through Mercia into North Wales, and they all submitted to him. And the same year King Æthelwulf sent his son Alfred to Rome. Leo was then Pope, and he consecrated him as King, and took him for his Godson. The same year Ealhere with the men of Kent, and Huda with those of Surrey, fought with a heathen army in Thanet, and at first they were victorious, and many were there slain and drowned on either side, and both the Aldermen were killed. And Burhred King of Mercia married the daughter of Æthelwulf King of Wessex.

854.

This year the heathens first remained through the winter in Sheppey. And the same year King Æthelwulf made a grant of the tithe of his lands throughout all his kingdom, for the love of God and for his own soul’s eternal welfare. And this year he went to Rome with much pomp, and he abode there 12 months; then he journeyed homeward, and Charles King of France gave him his daughter named Leothete for his Queen; and after this he came to his people, and they rejoiced thereat. And in about 2 years from the time he came into France, he died, and his body lieth at Winchester; he reigned 18 years and a half. This Æthelwulf was the son of Egbyrht, Egbyrht of Ealhmund, Ealhmund of Eafa, Eafa of Eoppa, Eoppa of Ingild, Ingild was the brother of Ina King of Wessex, who held his kingdom 37 years, and afterwards went to St. Peter and ended his life at Rome: they were the sons of Cenred, Genred of Ceolwald, Ceolwald of Cutha, Cutha of Cuthwine, Cuthwine of Ceawlin, Ceawlin of Cynric, Cynric of Creoda, Creoda of Cerdic, Cerdic was the son of Elesa, Elesa of Esla, Esla of Gewis, Gewis of Wig, Wig of Freawine, Freawine of Frithugar, Frithugar of Brand, Brand of Bældæg, Bældæg of Woden, Woden of Frithuwald, Frithuwald of Freawine, Freawine of Frithuwulf, Frithuwulf of Finn, Finn of Godwulf, Godwulf of Geat, Geat of Tætwa, Tætwa of Beaw, Beaw of Sceldwea, Sceldwea of Heremod, Heremod of Itermon, Itermon of Hathra, Hathra of Hwala, Hwala of Bedwig, Bedwig of Sceaf, the son of Noah, who was born in the ark; Lamech, Methusalem, Enoch, Jared, Malalahed, Cainion, Enos, Seth, Adam _primus homo et Pater noster, id est, Christus_, Amen.--Then the two sons of Æthelwulf succeeded him, Æthelbald in the kingdom of Wessex, and Æthelbryht in the kingdoms of Kent, of Essex, and of Surrey and Sussex. Æthelbald reigned 5 years. Æthelwulf had sent his third son Alfred to Rome, and when the Pope heard that he was dead, he consecrated Alfred as King, and was godfather at his confirmation, even as his father Æthelwulf had desired when he sent him thither.

860.

This year King Æthelbald died, and his body lieth at Sherborn, and his brother Æthelbryht succeeded to all his kingdom, and he held it in goodly concord and great peacefulness. And in his days a large army landed and stormed Winchester, and the Alderman Osric with the men of Hampshire, and the Alderman Æthelwulf with the Berkshire men, fought with them and put them to flight, and kept possession of the field of battle. And this Æthelbryht reigned 5 years, and his body lieth at Sherborn.

861.

This year the Bishop St. Swithin died.

865.

This year the heathen army remained in Thanet, and made a treaty with the Kentishmen, who promised them money for peace. And under this treaty and promise of money, they stole out by night and plundered all the eastern parts of Kent.

866.

This year Æthered the brother of Æthelbyrht succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex. And the same year a great army of heathens came to England, and took up their winter quarters among the East Angles, and there they were supplied with horses, and the people made peace with them.

867.

This year the invading army went from East Anglia across the mouth of the Humber to York in Northumberland; and there was much discord amongst the people themselves there, for they had cast off their King Osbryht, and had taken Ælla, an alien, for their King. But late in the year the two parties joined, and both fought against the army; and they gathered together a great force, and came upon the invaders at York, and some of them broke into the town, and then there was a very great slaughter of the Northumbrians, some being slain within the town and some without, and both the Kings were killed, and those who survived made peace with the army. The same year died Bishop Ealchstan, he held the bishoprick of Sherborn 50 years, and his body lieth in that town.

868.

This year the same army came into Mercia as far as Nottingham, and took up their winter quarters there, and Burhred King of Mercia and his Witan begged Æthered King of Wessex and his brother Alfred to assist them, that they might fight against this army. And then they came with the West Saxon troops into Mercia and to Nottingham, and they found them within the fortress, and besieged them, and there was no battle of moment, and the Mercians made peace with the army.

869.

This year the army went again to York, and remained there one year.

870.

This year the heathen army rode over Mercia into East Anglia, and took up their winter quarters at Thetford. And in the winter the King St. Edmund fought with them, and the Danes gained the victory, and slew the King, and they subjected all that land, and destroyed all the monasteries to which they came. The names of their chiefs who slew the King were Higwais and Ubba. At the same time they came to Medeshamstede, which they burned and pulled down. They slew the Abbot and the monks and all whom they found there; and that place which before was very rich, they brought to possess nothing. And the same year Archbishop Ceolnoth died, and Æthered Bishop of Wiltshire was translated to the see of Canterbury.

871.

This year the army came to Reading, in Wessex, and in about three days, two of their Earls rode forth, and the Alderman Æthelwulf met them at Englefield, and fought with them and won the victory, and one of them whose name was Sidrac was slain. Then in about four days King Æthered and his brother Alfred led a great force to Reading, and fought with the army, and there was much slaughter on both sides, and the Alderman Æthelwulf was killed, and the Danes remained masters of the field. And about four days from that time King Æthered and his brother Alfred fought with all the army at Æcesdun,[W] and the Danes were overcome; they had two heathen Kings Bagsæc and Healfden, and many Earls, and they were in two divisions, the Kings Bagsæc and Healfden commanded the one, and the Earls headed the other. King Æthered fought with the division under the Kings and Bagsæc was slain, and his brother Alfred with that of the Earls, and Earl Sidroc[X] the elder, and Earl Sidroc the younger, and Earl Osbearn, and Earl Fræna, and Earl Hareld were killed; and then both divisions fled, and many thousands were slain, and they continued fighting until night. And in about a fortnight King Æthered and his brother Alfred fought with the army at Basing, and there the Danes gained the victory. And about two months afterwards King Æthered and his brother Alfred fought at Mere-tun,[Y] with this army which was in two divisions, and they had the advantage over both during great part of the day, but there was much slaughter on either side, and the Danes remained masters of the field, and Bishop Heahmund and many good men were slain there. And after this fight a great summer[Z] pestilence came upon Reading. And King Æthered died after Easter; he reigned five years, and his body lieth at Winborn Minster. His brother Alfred the son of Æthelwulf succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and in about a month, he and a small number of men fought with all the army at Wilton, and had the advantage great part of the day, but the Danes kept possession of the field of battle. And this year nine battles were fought in that kingdom, south of the Thames; and, besides these, the King’s brother Alfred, and the Aldermen and the King’s Thanes rode forth separately against the Danes, times out of number. And this year nine Earls and a King were slain: and the same year the men of Wessex made peace with the army.

872.

This year the army went from Reading to London, and there took up their winter quarters, and the Mercians made peace with them.

873.

This year the army went into Northumberland, and they took up their winter quarters at Torksey, in Lindsey: then the Mercians again made peace with them.

874.

This year the army proceeded from Lindsey to Repton, and there they took up their winter quarters. And they drove King Burhred over sea, about twenty-two years from the time that he had begun to reign. And they conquered all that country. And King Burhred went to Rome and abode there unto the end of his life, and his body lieth in St. Mary’s Church, in the school of the English nation. The same year they gave the kingdom of Mercia to Ceolwulf, an unwise Thane of the King, that he should hold it; and he swore oaths to them and gave hostages that the kingdom should be at their command, on whatsoever day they might wish to have it again, and that he himself and all his subjects should be ready to aid the army.

875.

This year the army departed from Repton; and Healfden went with part of the troops into Northumberland, and wintered by the river Tyne; and this division conquered that land, and made many inroads upon the Picts and the Strathclyde Britons. And the three Kings, Godrun, Oscytel, and Anwind, went from Repton to Cambridge with a large army, and abode there one year. And this summer King Alfred went out to sea with a fleet, and fought with seven pirate ships, and took one of them, and put the rest to flight.

876.

This year Rodla (Rollo), with his forces, overran Normandy; he reigned 50 years. And this year the Danes marched secretly into Wareham in Wessex, and afterwards the King made peace with that army, and they gave the noblest amongst them as hostages, and swore oaths to him on the holy bracelet[AA] (which they would never do for any nation before), that they would forthwith depart from his kingdom. Yet under these engagements their horse stole off by night to Exeter. And the same year Healfden parcelled out Northumberland, and they ploughed and tilled it.

877.

This year the army came from Wareham into Exeter, and the fleet sailed round to the west, and a great storm met them at sea, and 120 ships were wrecked at Swanwich. And King Alfred with his troops rode after the Danish horse as far as Exeter, but they could not come up with them before they were in the fortress where none might assail them. And they gave him hostages, as many as he would, and swore solemn oaths, and they kept this peace well. Then in the autumn the army went into Mercia, and they parcelled out part of the land (amongst themselves), and they gave part to Ceolwulf.

878.

This year at mid-winter the army marched secretly to Chippenham after Twelfth night, and they overran Wessex, and they fixed themselves there, and drove many of the inhabitants over sea, and they rode forth against most of those who remained, until all had submitted to them excepting King Alfred, and he with a small party hardly escaped into the woods and the hill fastnesses. The same winter the brother of Inwær and Healfden came with 23 ships to Devonshire in Wessex, and he was slain there, and 840 men with him; and the sacred standard, which they called the raven, was taken. And at Easter King Alfred, with his small band, raised a fortress at Æthelinga-igge (Athelney) and thence he made sallies upon the army, together with the men of Somerset who were nearest to him.--Then in the seventh week after Easter he rode to Ecgbyrhtes-stan (Brixton) east of Selwood, and there all the men of Somerset and Wiltshire and Hampshire, all who were on this side the sea, met him, and were rejoiced to see him. And after one night he went from that village to Iglea (Leigh), and thence again after another night to Æthan-dun (Edindon), and there he fought with the whole army, and he put the Danes to flight, and pursued them as far as their fortress, and he remained there a fortnight. And then the army gave him hostages, with solemn oaths that they would depart from his kingdom, and they promised that their King should receive baptism, which also was performed. And in about three weeks King Godrun, with some thirty men, the noblest in the army, came to him at Aire which is near Athelney, and the King stood godfather at his baptism, and he put off the Chrisom-cloth at Wetmor (Wedmor), and he was twelve days with the King, who honoured him and his companions with great presents.

879.

This year the army went from Chippenham to Cirencester, and remained there one year: and this year a body of pirates was gathered together and settled at Fulham on the Thames. And the same year the sun was eclipsed for one hour in the day. And the army went from Cirencester into East Anglia, and fixed themselves in that land, and divided it. And the same year the army which was before at Fulham went over sea to Ghent in France, and abode there one year.

881.

This year the army went over to France, and the French fought with these invaders, and the army horsed itself after that battle.

882.

This year the army went up along the Maese far into France, and remained there one year. And the same year King Alfred went out to sea, and fought with four Danish pirate ships, and he took two of them, the men therein being slain, and two yielded to him, but many of the men were cut down and wounded before they would surrender themselves.

883.

This year the army proceeded up the Scheldt to Condé, and abode there one year. And the great Pope Marinus sent a piece of our Lord’s cross to King Alfred. And this year Sighelm and Athelstan carried to Rome the alms which King Alfred had vowed to send thither, and also into India, to St. Thomas and to St. Bartholomew. Then troops were posted at London to oppose the army, and, thanks to God, they were very successful after these vows.

884.

This year the army went up the Somme to Amiens, and remained there one year. This year died the good Bishop Athelwold.

885.