A.D. 1015. This year was the great council
at Oxford; where Alderman Edric betrayed Sigferth and Morcar, the eldest
thanes belonging to the Seven Towns. He allured them into his bower,
where they were shamefully slain. Then the king took all their
possessions, and ordered the widow of Sigferth to be secured, and
brought within Malmsbury. After a little interval, Edmund Etheling went
and seized her, against the king's will, and had her to wife. Then,
before the Nativity of St. Mary, went the etheling west-north into the
Five Towns, and soon plundered all the property of Sigferth and Morcar;
and all the people submitted to him. At the same time came King Knute
to Sandwich, and went soon all about Kent into Wessex, until he came to
the mouth of the Frome; and then plundered in Dorset, and in Wiltshire,
and in Somerset. King Ethelred, meanwhile, lay sick at Corsham; and
Alderman Edric collected an army there, and Edmund the etheling in the
north. When they came together, the alderman designed to betray Edmund
the etheling, but he could not; whereupon they separated without an
engagement, and sheered off from their enemies. Alderman Edric then
seduced forty ships from the king, and submitted to Knute. The
West-Saxons also submitted, and gave hostages, and horsed the army. And
he continued there until midwinter.
A.D. 1016. This year came King Knute with a
marine force of one hundred and sixty ships, and Alderman Edric with
him, over the Thames into Mercia at Cricklade; whence they proceeded to
Warwickshire, during the middle of the winter, and plundered herein, and
burned, and slew all they met. Then began Edmund the etheling to gather
an army, which, when it was collected, could avail him nothing, unless
the king were there and they had the assistance of the citizens of
London. The expedition therefore was frustrated, and each man betook
himself home. After this. an army was again ordered, under full
penalties, that every person, however distant, should go forth; and they
sent to the king in London, and besought him to come to meet the army
with the aid that he could collect. When they were all assembled, it
succeeded nothing better than it often did before; and, when it was told
the king, that those persons would betray him who ought to assist him,
then forsook he the army, and returned again to London. Then rode
Edmund the etheling to Earl Utred in Northumbria; and every man supposed
that they would collect an army King Knute; but they went into
Stafforddhire, and to Shrewsbury, and to Chester; and they plundered on
their parts, and Knute on his. He went out through Buckinghamshire to
Bedfordshire; thence to Huntingdonshire, and so into Northamptonshire
along the fens to Stamford. Thence into Lincolnshire. Thence to
Nottinghamshire; and so into Northumbria toward York. When Utred
understood this, he ceased from plundering, and hastened northward, and
submitted for need, and all the Northumbrians with him; but, though he
gave hostages, he was nevertheless slain by the advice of Alderman
Edric, and Thurkytel, the son of Nafan, with him. After this, King
Knute appointed Eric earl over Northumbria, as Utred was; and then went
southward another way, all by west, till the whole army came, before
Easter, to the ships. Meantime Edmund Etheling went to London to his
father: and after Easter went King Knute with all his ships toward
London; but it happened that King Ethelred died ere the ships came. He
ended his days on St. George's day; having held his kingdom in much
tribulation and difficulty as long as his life continued. After his
decease, all the peers that were in London, and the citizens, chose
Edmund king; who bravely defended his kingdom while his time was. Then
came the ships to Greenwich, about the gang-days, and within a short
interval went to London; where they sunk a deep ditch on the south side,
and dragged their ships to the west side of the bridge. Afterwards they
trenched the city without, so that no man could go in or out, and often
fought against it: but the citizens bravely withstood them. King Edmund
had ere this gone out, and invaded the West-Saxons, who all submitted to
him; and soon afterward he fought with the enemy at Pen near Gillingham.
A second battle he fought, after midsummer, at Sherston; where much
slaughter was made on either side, and the leaders themselves came
together in the fight. Alderman Edric and Aylmer the darling were
assisting the army against King Edmund. Then collected he his force the
third time, and went to London, all by north of the Thames, and so out
through Clayhanger, and relieved the citizens, driving the enemy to
their ships. It was within two nights after that the king went over at
Brentford; where he fought with the enemy, and put them to flight: but
there many of the English were drowned, from their own carelessness; who
went before the main army with a design to plunder. After this the king
went into Wessex, and collected his army; but the enemy soon returned to
London, and beset the city without, and fought strongly against it both
by water and land. But the almighty God delivered them. The enemy went
afterward from London with their ships into the Orwell; where they went
up and proceeded into Mercia, slaying and burning whatsoever they
overtook, as their custom is; and, having provided themselves with meat,
they drove their ships and their herds into the Medway. Then assembled
King Edmund the fourth time all the English nation, and forded over the
Thames at Brentford; whence he proceeded into Kent. The enemy fled
before him with their horses into the Isle of Shepey; and the king slew
as many of them as he could overtake. Alderman Edric then went to meet
the king at Aylesford; than which no measure could be more ill-advised.
The enemy, meanwhile, returned into Essex, and advanced into Mercia,
destroying all that he overtook. When the king understood that the army
was up, then collected he the fifth time all the English nation, and
went behind them, and overtook them in Essex, on the down called
Assingdon; where they fiercely came together. Then did Alderman Edric
as he often did before -- he first began the flight with the
Maisevethians, and so betrayed his natural lord and all the people of
England. There had Knute the victory, though all England fought against
him! There was then slain Bishop Ednoth, and Abbot Wulsy, and Alderman
Elfric, and Alderman Godwin of Lindsey, and Ulfkytel of East-Anglia, and
Ethelward, the son of Alderman Ethelsy . And all the nobility of the
English nation was there undone! After this fight went King Knute up
with his army into Glocestershire, where he heard say that King Edmund
was. Then advised Alderman Edric, and the counsellors that were there
assembled, that the kings should make peace with each other, and produce
hostages. Then both the kings met together at Olney, south of
Deerhurst, and became allies and sworn brothers. There they confirmed
their friendship both with pledges and with oaths, and settled the pay
of the army. With this covenant they parted: King Edmund took to
Wessex, and Knute to Mercia and the northern district. The army then
went to their ships with the things they had taken; and the people of
London made peace with them, and purchased their security, whereupon
they brought their ships to London, and provided themselves
winter-quarters therein. On the feast of St. Andrew died King Edmund;
and he is buried with his grandfather Edgar at Gastonbury. In the same
year died Wulfgar, Abbot of Abingdon; and Ethelsy took to the abbacy.
A.D. 1017. This year King Knute took to the
whole government of England, and divided it into four parts: Wessex for
himself, East-Anglia for Thurkyll, Mercia for Edric, Northumbria for
Eric. This year also was Alderman Edric slain at London, and Norman, son
of Alderman Leofwin, and Ethelward, son of Ethelmar the Great, and
Britric, son of Elfege of Devonshire. King Knute also banished Edwy
etheling, whom he afterwards ordered to be slain, and Edwy, king of the
churls; and before the calends of August the king gave an order to fetch
him the widow of the other king, Ethelred, the daughter of Richard, to
wife.
A.D. 1017. This year Canute was chosen
king.
A.D. 1018. This year was the payment of the
tribute over all England; that was, altogether, two and seventy thousand
pounds, besides that which the citizens of London paid; and that was ten
thousand five hundred pounds. The army then went partly to Denmark; and
forty ships were left with King Knute. The Danes and Angles were united
at Oxford under Edgar's law; and this year died Abbot Ethelsy at
Abingdon, to whom Ethelwine succeeded.
A.D. 1019. This year went King Knute with
nine ships to Denmark, where he abode all the winter; and Archbishop
Elfstan died this year, who was also named Lifing. He was a very
upright man both before God and before the world.
A.D. 1019. And this winter died Archbishop
Elfstan [of Canterbury]: he was named Living; and he was a very
provident man, both as to God and as to the world.
A.D. 1020. This year came King Knute back
to England; and there was at Easter a great council at Cirencester,
where Alderman Ethelward was outlawed, and Edwy, king of the churls.
This year went the king to Assingdon; with Earl Thurkyll, and Archbishop
Wulfstan, and other bishops, and also abbots, and many monks with them;
and he ordered to be built there a minster of stone and lime, for the
souls of the men who were there slain, and gave it to his own priest,
whose name was Stigand; and they consecrated the minster at Assingdon.
And Ethelnoth the monk, who had been dean at Christ's church, was the
same year on the ides of November consecrated Bishop of Christ's church
by Archbishop Wulfstan.
A.D. 1020. And caused to be built there
[Canterbury] a minster of stone and lime, for the souls of the men who
there were slain, and gave it to one of his priests, whose name was
Stigand.
A.D. 1021. This year King Knute, at
Martinmas, outlawed Earl Thurkyll; and Bishop Elfgar, the abundant giver
of alms, died in the morning of Christmas day.
A.D. 1022. This year went King Knute out
with his ships to the Isle of Wight. And Bishop Ethelnoth went to Rome;
where he was received with much honour by Benedict the magnificent pope,
who with his own hand placed the pall upon him, and with great pomp
consecrated him archbishop, and blessed him, on the nones of October.
The archbishop on the self-same day with the same pall performed mass,
as the pope directed him, after which he was magnificently entertained
by the pope himself; and afterwardswith a full blessing proceeded
homewards. Abbot Leofwine, who had been unjustly expelled from Ely, was
his companion; and he cleared himself of everything, which, as the pope
informed him, had been laid to his charge, on the testimony of the
archbishop and of all the company that were with him.
A.D. 1022. And afterwards with the pall he
there [at Rome] performed mass as the pope instructed him: and he
feasted after that with the pope; and afterwards went home with a full
blessing.
A.D. 1023. This year returned King Knute to
England; and Thurkyll and he were reconciled. He committed Denmark and
his son to the care of Thurkyll, whilst he took Thurkyll's son with him
to England. This year died Archbishop Wulfstan; and Elfric succeeded
him; and Archbishop Egelnoth blessed him in Canterbury. This year King
Knute in London, in St. Paul's minster, gave full leave to Archbishop
Ethelnoth, Bishop Britwine, and all God's servants that were with them,
that they might take up from the grave the archbishop, Saint Elphege.
And they did so, on the sixth day before the ides of June; and the
illustrious king, and the archbishop, and the diocesan bishops, and the
earls, and very many others, both clergy and laity, carried by ship his
holy corpse over the Thames to Southwark. And there they committed the
holy martyr to the archbishop and his companions; and they with worthy
pomp and sprightly joy carried him to Rochester. There on the third day
came the Lady Emma with her royal son Hardacnute; and they all with much
majesty, and bliss, and songs of praise, carried the holy archbishop
into Canterbury, and so brought him gloriously into the church, on the
third day before the ides of June. Afterwards, on the eighth day, the
seventeenth before the calends of July, Archbishop Ethelnoth, and Bishop
Elfsy, and Bishop Britwine, and all they that were with them, lodged the
holy corpse of Saint Elphege on the north side of the altar of Christ;
to the praise of God, and to the glory of the holy archbishop, and to
the everlasting salvation of all those who there his holy body daily
seek with earnest heart and all humility. May God Almighty have mercy
on all Christian men through the holy intercession of Elphege!
A.D. 1023. And he caused St. Elphege's
remains to be borne from London to Canterbury.
A.D. 1025. This year went King Knute to
Denmark with a fleet to the holm by the holy river; where against him
came Ulf and Eglaf, with a very large force both by land and sea, from
Sweden. There were very many men lost on the side of King Knute, both
of Danish and English; and the Swedes had possession of the field of
battle.
A.D. 1026. This year went Bishop Elfric to
Rome, and received the pall of Pope John on the second day before the
ides of November.
A.D. 1028. This year went King Knute from
England to Norway with fifty ships manned with English thanes, and drove
King Olave from the land, which he entirely secured to himself.
A.D. 1029. This year King Knute returned
home to England.
A.D. 1030. This year returned King Olave
into Norway; but the people gathered together against him, and fought
against him; and he was there slain, in Norway, by his own people, and
was afterwards canonised. Before this, in the same year, died Hacon the
doughty earl, at sea.
A.D. 1030. This year came King Olave again
into Norway, and the people gathered against him, and fought against
him; and he was there slain.
A.D. 1031. This year returned King Knute;
and as soon as he came to England he gave to Christ's church in
Canterbury the haven of Sandwich, and all the rights that arise
therefrom, on either side of the haven; so that when the tide is highest
and fullest, and there be a ship floating as near the land as possible,
and there be a man standing upon the ship with a taper-axe in his hand,
whithersoever the large taper-axe might be thrown out of the ship,
throughout all that land the ministers of Christ's church should enjoy
their rights. This year went King Knute to Rome; and the same year, as
soon as he returned home, he went to Scotland; and Malcolm, king of the
Scots, submitted to him, and became his man, with two other kings,
Macbeth and Jehmar; but he held his allegiance a little while only.
Robert, Earl of Normandy, went this year to Jerusalem, where he died;
and William, who was afterwards King of England, succeeded to the
earldom, though he was a child.
A.D. 1032. This year appeared that wild
fire, such as no man ever remembered before, which did great damage in
many places. The same year died Elfsy, Bishop of Winchester; and Elfwin,
the king's priest, succeeded him.
A.D. 1033. This year died Bishop Merewhite
in Somersetshire, who is buried at Glastonbury; and Bishop Leofsy, whose
body resteth at Worcester, and to whose see Brihteh was promoted.
A.D. 1034. This year died Bishop Etheric,
who lies at Ramsey.
A.D. 1035. This year died King Knute at
Shaftesbury, on the second day before the ides of November; and he is
buried at Winchester in the old minster. He was king over all England
very near twenty winters. Soon after his decease, there was a council
of all the nobles at Oxford; wherein Earl Leofric, and almost all the
thanes north of the Thames, and the naval men in London, chose Harold to
be governor of all England, for himself and his brother Hardacnute, who
was in Denmark. Earl Godwin, and all the eldest men in Wessex,
withstood it as long as they could; but they could do nothing against
it. It was then resolved that Elfgiva, the mother of Hardacnute, should
remain at Winchester with the household of the king her son. They held
all Wessex in hand, and Earl Godwin was their chief man. Some men said
of Harold, that he was the son of King Knute and of Elfgive the daughter
of Alderman Elfelm; but it was thought very incredible by many men. He
was, nevertheless, full king over all England. Harold himself said that
he was the son of Knute and of Elfgive the Hampshire lady; though it was
not true; but he sent and ordered to be taken from her all the best
treasure that she could not hold, which King Knute possessed; and she
nevertheless abode there continually within the city as long as she
could.
A.D. 1036. This year came hither Alfred the
innocent etheling, son of King Ethelred, and wished to visit his mother,
who abode at Winchester: but Earl Godwin, and other men who had much
power in this land, did not suffer it; because such conduct was very
agreeable to Harold, though it was unjust.
Him did Godwin let,
and in prison set.
His friends, who did not fly,
they slew promiscuously.
And those they did not sell,
like slaughter'd cattle fell!
Whilst some they spared to bind,
only to wander blind!
Some ham-strung, helpless stood,
whilst others they pursued.
A deed more dreary none
in this our land was done,
since Englishmen gave place
to hordes of Danish race.
But repose we must
in God our trust,
that blithe as day
with Christ live they,
who guiltless died --
their country's pride!
The prince with courage met
each cruel evil yet;
till 'twas decreed,
they should him lead,
all bound, as he was then,
to Ely-bury fen.
But soon their royal prize
bereft they of his eyes!
Then to the monks they brought
their captive; where he sought
a refuge from his foes
till life's sad evening close.
His body ordered then
these good and holy men,
according to his worth,
low in the sacred earth,
to the steeple full-nigh,
in the south aile to lie
of the transept west --
his soul with Christ doth rest.
A.D. 1036. This year died King Canute at
Shaftesbury, and he is buried at Winchester in the Old-minster: and he
was king over all England very nigh twenty years. And soon after his
decease there was a meeting of all the witan at Oxford; and Leofric, the
earl, and almost all the thanes north of the Thames, and the "lithsmen"
at London, chose Harold for chief of all England, him and his brother
Hardecanute who was in Denmark. And Godwin the earl and all the chief
men of Wessex withstood it as long as they could; but they were unable
to effect anything in opposition to it. And then it was decreed that
Elfgive, Hardecanute's mother, should dwell at Winchester with the
king's, her son's, house-hold, and hold all Wessex in his power; and
Godwin the earl was their man. Some men said of Harold that he was son
of King Canute and of Elfgive, daughter of Elfelm the ealdorman, but it
seemed quite incredible to many men; and he was nevertheless full king
over all England.
A.D. 1037. This year men chose Harold king
over all; and forsook Hardacnute, because he was too long in Denmark;
and then drove out his mother Elgiva, the relict of King Knute, without
any pity, against the raging winter! She, who was the mother of Edward
as well as of King Hardacnute, sought then the peace of Baldwin by the
south sea. Then came she to Bruges, beyond sea; and Earl Baldwin well
received her there; and he gave her a habitation at Bruges, and
protected her, and entertained her there as long as she had need. Ere
this in the same year died Eafy, the excellent Dean of Evesham.
A.D. 1037. This year was driven out
Elfgive, King Canute's relict; she was King Hardecanute's mother; and
she then sought the protection of Baldwin south of the sea, and he gave
her a dwelling in Bruges, and protected and kept her, the while that she
there was.
A.D. 1038. This year died Ethelnoth, the
good archbishop, on the calends of November; and, within a little of
this time, Bishop Ethelric in Sussex, who prayed to God that he would
not let him live any time after his dear father Ethelnoth; and within
seven nights of this he also departed. Then, before Christmas, died
Bishop Brihteh in Worcestershire; and soon after this, Bishop Elfric in
East Anglia. Then succeeded Bishop Edsy to the archbishopric, Grimkytel
to the see of Sussex, and Bishop Lifing to that of Worcester shire and
Gloucestershire.
A.D. 1038. This year died Ethelnoth, the
good archbishop, on the kalends of November, and a little after,
Ethelric, bishop in Sussex, and then before Christmas, Briteagus, Bishop
in Worcestershire, and soon after, Elfric, bishop in East-Anglia.
A.D. 1039. This year happened the terrible
wind; and Bishop Britmar died at Lichfield. The Welsh slew Edwin.
brother of Earl Leofric, and Thurkil, and Elfget, and many good men with
them. This year also came Hardacnute to Bruges, where his mother was.
A.D. 1039. This year King Harold died at
Oxford, on the sixteenth before the kalends of April, and he was buried
at Westminster. And he ruled England four years and sixteen weeks; and
in his days sixteen ships were retained in pay, at the rate of eight
marks for each rower, in like manner as had been before done in the days
of King Canute. And in this same year came King Hardecanute to
Sandwich, seven days before midsummer. And he was soon acknowledged as
well by English as by Danes; though his advisers afterwards grievously
requited it, when they decreed that seventy-two ships should be retained
in pay, at the rate of eight marks for each rower. And in this same
year the sester of wheat went up to fifty-five pence, and even further.
A.D. 1040. This year died King Harold at
Oxford, on the sixteenth before the calends of April; and he was buried
at Westminster. He governed England four years and sixteen weeks; and
in his days tribute was paid to sixteen ships, at the rate of eight
marks for each steersman, as was done before in King Knute's days. The
same year they sent after Hardacnute to Bruges, supposing they did well;
and he came hither to Sandwich with sixty ships, seven nights before
midsummer. He was soon received both by the Angles and Danes, though
his advisers afterwards severely paid for it. They ordered a tribute
for sixty-two ships, at the rate of eight marks for each steersman. Then
were alienated from him all that before desired him; for he framed
nothing royal during his whole reign. He ordered the dead Harold to be
dragged up and thrown into a ditch. This year rose the sester of wheat
to fifty-five pence, and even further. This year Archbishop Edsy went
to Rome.
A.D. 1040. This year was the tribute paid;
that twenty-one thousand pounds and ninety-nine pounds. And after that
they paid to thirty-two ships, eleven thousand and forty-eight pounds.
And, in this same year, came Edward, son of King Ethelred, hither to
land, from Weal-land; he was brother of King Hardecanute: they were both
sons of Elfgive; Emma, who was daughter of Earl Richard.
A.D. 1041. This year was the tribute paid
to the army; that was, 21,099 pounds; and afterwards to thirty-two
ships, 11,048 pounds. This year also ordered Hardacnute to lay waste all
Worcestershire, on account of the two servants of his household, who
exacted the heavy tribute. That people slew them in the town within the
minster. Early in this same year came Edward, the son of King Ethelred,
hither to land, from Weal-land to Madron. He was the brother of King
Hardacnute, and had been driven from this land for many years: but he
was nevertheless sworn as king, and abode in his brother's court while
he lived. They were both sons of Elfgive Emma, who was the daughter oś
Earl Richard. In this year also Hardacnute betrayed Eadulf, under the
mask of friendship. He was also allied to him by marriage. This year
was Egelric consecrated Bishop of York, on the third day before the ides
of January.
A.D. 1041. This year died King Hardecanute
at Lambeth, on the sixth before the ides of June: and he was king over
all England two years wanting ten days; and he is buried in the
Old-minster at Winchester with King Canute his father. And his mother,
for his soul, gave to the New-minster the head of St. Valentine the
martyr. And before he was buried, all people chose Edward for king at
London: may he hold it the while that God shall grant it to him! And
all that year was a very heavy time, in many things and divers, as well
in respect to ill seasons as to the fruits of the earth. And so much
cattle perished in the year as no man before remembered, as well through
various diseases as through tempests. And in this same time died
Elsinus, Abbot of Peterborough; and then Arnwius the monk was chosen
abbot, because he was a very good man, and of great simplicity.
A.D. 1042. This year died King Hardacnute
at Lambeth, as he stood drinking: he fell suddenly to the earth with a
tremendous struggle; but those who were nigh at hand took him up; and he
spoke not a word afterwards, but expired on the sixth day before the
ides of June. He was king over all England two years wanting ten
nights; and he is buried in the old minster at Winchester with King
Knute his father. And his mother for his soul gave to the new minster
the head of St. Valentine the Martyr: and ere he was buried all people
chose Edward for king in London. And they received him as their king,
as was natural; and he reigned as long as God granted him. All that
year was the season very severe in many and various respects: both from
the inclemency of the weather, and the loss of the fruits of the earth.
More cattle died this year than any man ever remembered, either from
various diseases, or from the severity of the weather. At this same
time died Elfsinus, Abbot of Peterborough; and they chose Arnwy, a monk,
for their abbot; because he was a very good and benevolent man.
A.D. 1043. This year was Edward consecrated
king at Winchester, early on Easter-day, with much pomp. Then was
Easter on the third day before the nones of April. Archbishop Edsy
consecrated him, and before all people well admonished him. And Stigand
the priest was consecrated bishop over the East Angles. And this year,
fourteen nights before the mass of St. Andrew, it was advised the king,
that he and Earl Leofric and Earl Godwin and Earl Siward with their
retinue, should ride from Gloucester to Winchester unawares upon the
lady; and they deprived her of all the treasures that she had; which
were immense; because she was formerly very hard upon the king her son,
and did less for him than he wished before he was king, and also since:
but they suffered her to remain there afterwards. And soon after this
the king determined to invest all the land that his mother had in her
hands, and took from her all that she had in gold and in silver and in
numberless things; because she formerly held it too fast against him.
Soon after this Stigand was deprived of his bishopric; and they
took all that he had into their hands for the king, because he was
nighest the counsel of his mother; and she acted as he advised, as men
supposed.
A.D. 1043. This year was Edward consecrated
king at Winchester on the first day of Easter. And this year, fourteen
days before Andrew's-mass, the king was advised to ride from Gloucester,
and Leofric the earl, and Godwin the earl, and Sigwarth [Siward] the
earl, with their followers, to Winchester, unawares upon the lady
[Emma]; and they bereaved her of all the treasures which she possessed,
they were not to be told, because before that she had been very hard
with the king her son; inasmuch as she had done less for him than he
would, before he was king, and also since: and they suffered her after
that to remain therein. This year King Edward took the daughter
[Edgitha] of Godwin the earl for his wife. And in this same year died
Bishop Brithwin, and he held the bishopric thirty-eight years, that was
the bishopric of Sherborne, and Herman the king's priest succeeded to
the bishopric. And in this year Wulfric was hallowed Abbot of St.
Augustine's at Christmas, on Stephen's mass-day, by leave of the king,
and, on account of his great infirmity, of Abbot Elfstun.
A.D. 1044. This year Archbishop Edsy
resigned his see from infirmity, and consecrated Siward, Abbot of
Abingdon, bishop thereto, with the permission and advice of the king and
Earl Godwin. It was known to few men else before it was done; because
the archbishop feared that some other man would either beg or buy it,
whom he might worse trust and oblige than him, if it were known to many
men. This year there was very great hunger over all England, and corn
so dear as no man remembered before; so that the sester of wheat rose to
sixty pence, and even further. And this same year the king went out to
Sandwich with thirty-five ships; and Athelstan, the churchwarden,
succeeded to the abbacy of Abingdon, and Stigand returned to his
bishopric. In the same year also King Edward took to wife Edgitha, the
daughter of Earl Godwin, ten nights before Candlemas. And in the same
year died Britwold, Bishop of Wiltshire, on the tenth day before the
calends of May; which bishopric he held thirty-eight winters; that was,
the bishopric of Sherborn. And Herman, the king's priest, succeeded to
the bishopric. This year Wulfric was consecrated Abbot of St.
Augustine's, at Christmas, on the mass-day of St. Stephen, by the king's
leave and that of Abbot Elfstan, by reason of his great infirmity.
A.D. 1044. This year died Living, Bishop in
Devonshire, and Leoftic succeeded thereto; he was the king's priest.
And in this same year died Elfstan, Abbot of St. Augustine's, on the
third before the nones of July. And in this same year was outlawed
Osgod Clapa.
A.D. 1045. This year died Elfward, Bishop
of London, on the eighth day before the calends of August. He was
formerly Abbot of Evesham, and well furthered that monastery the while
that he was there. He went then to Ramsey, and there resigned his life:
and Mannie was chosen abbot, being consecrated on the fourth day before
the ides of August. This year Gunnilda, a woman of rank, a relative of
King Knute, was driven out, and resided afterwards at Bruges a long
while, and then went to Denmark. King Edward during the year collected
a large fleet at Sandwich, through the threatening of Magnus of Norway;
but his contests with Sweyne in Denmark prevented him from coming
hither.
A.D. 1045. This year died Grimkytel, Bishop
in Sussex, and Heca, the king's priest, succeeded thereto. And in this
year died Alwyn, Bishop of Winchester, on the fourth before the kalends
of September; and Stigand, bishop to the north [Flanders], succeeded
thereto. And in the same year Sweyn the earl went out to Baldwin's land
[Of Elmham] to Bruges and abode there all the winter; and then in summer
he went out.
A.D. 1046. This year died Lifting, the
eloquent bishop, on the tenth day before the calends of April. He had
three bishoprics; one in Devonshire, one in Cornwall, and another in
Worcestershire. Then succeeded Leofric, who was the king's priest, to
Devonshire and to Cornwall, and Bishop Aldred to Worcestershire. This
year died Elfwine, Bishop of Winchester, on the fourth day before the
calends of September; and Stigand, Bishop of Norfolk, was raised to his
see. Ere this, in the same year, died Grimkytel, Bishop of Sussex; and
he lies at Christ-church, in Canterbury. And Heca, the' king's priest,
succeeded to the bishopric. Sweyne also sent hither, and requested the
aid of fifty ships against Magnus, king of the Norwegians; but it was
thought unwise by all the people, and it was prevented, because that
Magnus had a large navy: and he drove Sweyne out, and with much
slaughter won the land. The Danes then gave him much money, and
received him as king. The same year Magnus died. The same year also
Earl Sweyne went out to Baldwin's land, to Bruges; and remained there
all the winter. In the summer he departed.
A.D. 1046. This year went Earl Sweyne into
Wales; and Griffin, king of the northern men with him; and hostages were
delivered to him. As he returned homeward, he ordered the Abbess of
Leominster to be fetched him; and he had her as long as he list, after
which he let her go home. In this same year was outlawed Osgod Clapa,
the master of horse, before midwinter. And in the same year, after
Candlemas, came the strong winter, with frost and with snow, and with
all kinds of bad weather; so that there was no man then alive who could
remember so severe a winter as this was, both through loss of men and
through loss of cattle; yea, fowls and fishes through much cold and
hunger perished.
A.D. 1046. This year died Brithwin, bishop
in Wiltshire, and Herman was appointed to his see. In that year King
Edward gathered a large ship-force at Sandwich, on account of the
threatening of Magnus in Norway: but his and Sweyn's contention in
Denmark hindered his coming here. This year died Athelstan, Abbot of
Abingdon, and Sparhawk, monk of St. Edmund's-bury, succeeded him. And
in this same year died bishop Siward, and Archbishop Eadsine again
obtained the whole bishopric. And in this same year Lothen and Irling
came with twenty-five ships to Sandwich, and there took unspeakable
booty, in men, and in gold, and in silver, so that no man knew how much
it all was. And they then went about Thanet, and would there do the
like; but the land's-folk strenuously withstood them, and denied them as
well landing as water; and thence utterly put them to flight. And they
betook themselves then into Essex, and there they ravaged, and took men,
and property, and whatsoever they might find. And they betook
themselves then east to Baldwine's land, and there they sold what they
had plundered; and after that went their way east, whence they before
had come. In this year was the great synod at St. Remi's [Rheins].
Thereat was Leo the pope, and the Archbishop of Burgundy [Lyons], and
the Archbishop of Besancon, and the Archbishop of Treves, and the
Archbishop of Rheims; and many men besides, both clergy and laity. And
King Edward sent thither Bishop Dudoc [Of Wells], and Wulfric, Abbot of
St. Augustine's, and Abbot Elfwin [Of Ramsey], that they might make
known to the king what should be there resolved on for Christendom. And
in this same year King Edward went out to Sandwich with a great fleet.
And Sweyn the earl, son of Godwin the earl, came in to Bosham with seven
ships; and he obtained the king's protection, and he was promised that
he should be held worthy of everything which he before possessed. Then
Harold the earl, his brother, and Beorn the earl contended that he
should not be held worthy of any of the things which the king had
granted to them: but a protection of four days was appointed him to go
to his ships. Then befell it during this, that word came to the king
that hostile ships lay westward, and were ravaging. Then went Godwin the
earl west about with two of the king's ships; the one commanded Harold
the earl, and the other Tosty his brother; and forty-two of the people's
ships. Then Harold the earl was removed from the king's ship which
Harold the earl before had commanded. Then went they west to Pevensey,
and lay there weather-bound. Upon this, after two days, then came Sweyn
the earl thither, and spoke with his father, and with Beorn the earl,
and begged of Beorn that he would go with him to the king at Sandwich,
and help him to the king's friendship: and he granted it. Then went
they as if they would go to the king. Then whilst they were riding, then
begged Sweyn of him that he would go with him to his ships: saying that
his seamen would depart from him unless he should at the soonest come
thither. Then went they both where his ships lay. When they came
thither, then begged Sweyn the earl of him that he would go with him on
ship-board. He strenuously refused, so long as until his seamen seized
him, and threw him into the boat, and bound him, and rowed to the ship,
and put him there aboard. Then they hoisted up their sails and ran west
to Exmouth, and had him with them until they slew him: and they took the
body and buried it in a church. And then his friends and litsmen came
from London, and took him up, and bore him to Winchester to the
Old-minster, and he is there buried with King Canute his uncle. And
Sweyn went then east to Baldwin's land, and sat down there all the
winter at Bruges, with his full protection. And in the same year died
Eadnoth [II.] bishop [Of Dorchester] of the north and Ulf was made
bishop.
A.D. 1047. This year died Athelstan, Abbot
of Abingdon, on the fourth day before the calends of April; and
Sparhawk, monk of St. Edmundsbury, succeeded him. Easter day was then
on the third day before the nones of April; and there was over all
England very great loss of men this year also. The same year came to
Sandwich Lothen and Irling, with twenty-five ships, and plundered and
took incalculable spoil, in men, and in gold, and in silver, so that no
man wist what it all was; and went then about Thanet, and would there
have done the same; but the land-folk firmly withstood, and resisted
them both by land and sea, and thence put them to flight withal. They
betook themselves thence into Essex, where they plundered and took men,
and whatsoever they could find, whence they departed eastward to
Baldwin's land, and having deposited the booty they had gained, they
returned east to the place whence they had come before.
A.D. 1047. This year died Living the
eloquent bishop, on the tenth before the kalends of April, and he had
three bishoprics; one in Devonshire, and in Cornwall, and in Worcester.
Then Leofric succeeded to Devonshire and to Cornwall, and Bishop Aldred
to Worcester. And in this year Osgod, the master of the horse, was
outlawed: and Magnus [King of Norway] won Denmark. In this year there
was a great council in London at mid-Lent, and nine ships of lightermen
were discharged, and five remained behind. In this same year came Sweyn
the earl into England. And in this same year was the great synod at
Rome, and King Edward sent thither Bishop Heroman and Bishop Aldred; and
they came thither on Easter eve. And afterwards the pope held a synod
at Vercelli, and Bishop Ulf came thereto; and well nigh would they have
broken his staff, if he had not given very great gifts; because he knew
not how to do his duty so well as he should. And in this year died
Archbishop Eadsine, on the fourth before the kalends of November.
A.D. 1048. This year came Sweyne back to
Denmark; and Harold, the uncle of Magnus, went to Norway on the death of
Magnus, and the Northmen submitted to him. He sent an embassy of peace
to this land, as did also Sweyne from Denmark, requesting of King Edward
naval assistance to the amount at least of fifty ships; but all the
people resisted it. This year also there was an earthquake, on the
calends of May, in many places; at Worcester, at Wick, and at Derby, and
elsewhere wide throughout England; with very great loss by disease of
men and of cattle over all England; and the wild fire in Derbyshire and
elsewhere did much harm. In the same year the enemy plundered Sandwich,
and the Isle of Wight, and slew the best men that were there; and King
Edward and the earls went out after them with their ships. The same
year Bishop Siward resigned his bishopric from infirmity, and retired to
Abingdon; upon which Archbishop Edsy resumed the bishopric; and he died
within eight weeks of this, on the tenth day before the calends of
November.
A.D. 1048. This year was the severe winter:
and this year died Alwyn, Bishop of Winchester, and Bishop Stigand was
raised to his see. And before that, in the same year, died Grinketel,
Bishop in Sussex, and Heca the priest succeeded to the bishopric. And
Sweyn also sent hither, begging assistance against Magnus, King of
Norway; that fifty ships should be sent to his aid. But it seemed
unadvisable to all people: and it was then hindered by reason that
Magnus had a great ship-force. And he then drove out Sweyn, and with
much man-slaying won the land: and the Danes paid him much money and
acknowledged him as king. And that same year Magnus died. In this year
King Edward appointed Robert, of London, Archbishop of Canterbury,
during Lent. And in the same Lent he went to Rome after his pall: and
the king gave the bishopric of London to Sparhafoc, Abbot of Abingdon;
and the king gave the abbacy of Abingdon to Bishop Rodulf, his kinsman.
Then came the archbishop from Rome one day before St. Peter's mass-eve,
and entered on his archiepiscopal see at Christ's Church on St. Peter's
mass-day; and soon after went to the king. Then came Abbot Sparhafoc to
him with the king's writ and seal, in order that he should consecrate
him Bishop of London. Then the archbishop refused, and said that the
pope had forbidden it him. Then went the abbot to the archbishop again
for that purpose, and there desired episcopal ordination; and the
archbishop constantly refused him, and said that the pope had forbidden
it him. Then went the abbot to London, and occupied the bishopric which
the king before had granted him, with his full leave, all the summer and
the harvest. And then came Eustace [Earl of Boulogne] from beyond sea
soon after the bishop, and went to the king, and spoke with him that
which he then would, and went then homeward. When he came to
Canterbury, east, then took he refreshment there, and his men, and went
to Dover. When he was some mile or more, on this side of Dover, then he
put on his breast-plate, and so did all his companions, and went to
Dover. When they came thither, then would they lodge themselves where
they chose. Then came one of his men, and would abide in the house of a
householder against his will, and wounded the householder; and the
householder slew the other. Then Eustace got upon his horse, and his
companions upon theirs; and they went to the householder, and slew him
within his own dwelling; and they went up towards the town, and slew, as
well within as without, more than twenty men. And the townsmen slew
nineteen men on the other side, and wounded they knew not how many. And
Eustace escaped with a few men, and went again to the king, and made
known to him, in part, how they had fared. And the king became very
wroth with the townsmen. And the king sent off Godwin the earl, and
bade him go into Kent in a hostile manner to Dover: for Eustace had made
it appear to the king, that it had been more the fault of the townsmen
than his: but it was not so. And the earl would not consent to the
inroad, because he was loth to injure his own people. Then the king
sent after all his council, and bade them come to Gloucester, nigh the
aftermass of St. Mary. Then had the Welshmen erected a castle in
Herefordshire among the people of Sweyn the earl, and wrought every kind
of harm and disgrace to the king's men there about which they could.
Then came Godwin the earl, and Sweyn the earl, and Harold the earl,
together at Beverstone, and many men with them, in order that they might
go to their royal lord, and to all the peers who were assembled with
him, in order that they might have the advice of the king and his aid,
and of all this council, how they might avenge the king's disgrace, and
the whole nation's. Then were the Welshmen with the king beforehand,
and accused the earls, so that they might not come within his eyes'
sight; because they said that they were coming thither in order to
betray the king. Thither had come Siward the earl [Of Northumbria] and
Leofric the earl [Of Mercia], and much people with them, from the north,
to the king; and it was made known to the Earl Godwin and his sons, that
the king and the men who were with him, were taking counsel concerning
them: and they arrayed themselves on the other hand resolutely, though
it were loathful to them that they should stand against their royal
lord. Then the peers on either side decreed that every kind of evil
should cease: and the king gave the peace of God and his full friendship
to either side. Then the king and his peers decreed that a council of
all the nobles should be held for the second time in London at the
harvest equinox; and the king directed the army to be called out, as
well south of the Thames as north, all that was in any way most
eminent. Then declared they Sweyn the earl an outlaw, and summoned
Godwin the earl and Harold the earl, to the council, as quickly as they
could effect it. When they had come thither, then were they summoned
into the council. Then required he safe conduct and hostages, so that
he might come, unbetrayed, into the council and out of the council.
Then the king demanded all the thanes whom the earls before had: and
they granted them all into his hands. Then the king sent again to them,
and commanded them that they should come with twelve men to the king's
council. Then the earl again required safe conduct and hostages, that
he might defend himself against each of those things which were laid to
him. Then were the hostages refused him; and he was allowed a safe
conduct for five nights to go out of the land. And then Godwin the earl
and Sweyn the earl went to Bosham, and shoved out their ships, and
betook themselves beyond sea, and sought Baldwin's protection, and abode
there all the winter. And Harold the earl went west to Ireland, and was
there all the winter within the king's protection. And soon after this
happened, then put away the king the lady who had been consecrated his
queen [Editha], and caused to be taken from her all which she possessed,
in land, and in gold, and in silver, and in all things, and delivered
her to his sister at Wherwell. And Abbot Sparhafoc was then driven out
of the bishopric of London, and William the king's priest was ordained
thereto. And then Odda was appointed earl over Devonshire, and over
Somerset, and over Dorset, and over the Welsh. And Algar, the son of
Leofric the earl, was appointed to the earldom which Harold before held.
A.D. 1049. This year the emperor gathered
an innumerable army against Baldwin of Bruges, because he had destroyed
the palace of Nimeguen, and because of many other ungracious acts that
he did against him. The army was immense that he had collected
together. There was Leo, the Pope of Rome, and the patriarch, and many
other great men of several provinces. He sent also to King Edward, and
requested of him naval aid, that he might not permit him to escape from
him by water. Whereupon he went to Sandwich, and lay there with a large
naval armament, until the emperor had all that he wished of Baldwin.
Thither also came back again Earl Sweyne, who had gone from this land to
Denmark, and there ruined his cause with the Danes. He came hither with
a pretence, saying that he would again submit to the king, and be his
man; and he requested Earl Beorn to be of assistance to him, and give
him land to feed him on. But Harold, his brother, and Earl Beorn
resisted, and would give him nothing of that which the king had given
them. The king also refused him everything. Whereupon Swevne retired
to his ships at Bosham. Then, after the settlement between the emperor
and Baldwin, many ships went home, and the king remained behind Sandwich
with a few ships. Earl Godwin also sailed forty-two ships from Sandwich
to Pevensey, and Earl Beorn went with him. Then the king gave leave to
all the Mercians to return home, and they did so. Then it was told the
king that Osgod lay at Ulps with thirty-nine ships; whereupon the king
sent after the ships that he might dispatch, which before had gone
homewards, but still lay at the Nore. Then Osgod fetched his wife from
Bruges; and they went back again with six ships; but the rest went
towards Essex, to Eadulf's-ness, and there plundered, and then returned
to their ships. But there came upon them a strong wind, so that they
were all lost but four persons, who were afterwards slain beyond sea.
Whilst Earl Godwin and Earl Beorn lay at Pevensey with their ships, came
Earl Sweyne, and with a pretence requested of Earl Beorn, who was his
uncle's son, that he would be his companion to the king at Sandwich, and
better his condition with him; adding, that he would swear oaths to him,
and be faithful to him. Whereupon Beorn concluded, that he would not
for their relationship betray him. He therefore took three companions
with him, and they rode to Bosham, where his ships lay, as though they
should proceed to Sandwich; but they suddenly bound him, and led him to
the ships, and went thence with him to Dartmouth, where they ordered him
to be slain and buried deep. He was afterwards found, and Harold his
cousin fetched him thence, and led him to Winchester, to the old
minster, where he buried him with King Knute, his uncle. Then the king
and all the army proclaimed Sweyne an outlaw. A little before this the
men of Hastings and thereabout fought his two ships with their ships,
and slew all the men, and brought the ships to Sandwich to the king.
Eight ships had he, ere he betrayed Beorn; afterwards they all forsook
him except two; whereupon he went eastward to the land of Baldwin, and
sat there all the winter at Bruges, in full security. In the same year
came up from Ireland thirty-six ships on the Welsh coast, and thereabout
committed outrages, with the aid of Griffin, the Welsh king. The people
were soon gathered against them, and there was also with them Bishop
Eldred, but they had too little assistance, and the enemy came unawares
on them very early in the morning, and slew on the spot many good men;
but the others burst forth with the bishop. This was done on the fourth
day before the calends of August. This year died the good Bishop Ednoth
in Oxfordshire; and Oswy, Abbot of Thomey; and Wulfnoth, Abbot of
Westminster; and King Edward gave the bishopric which Ednoth had to Ulf
his priest, but it ill betided him; and he was driven from it, because
he did nought like a bishop therein, so that it shameth us now to say
more. Bishop Siward also died who lies at Abingdon. In this same year
King Edward put nine ships out of pay; and the crews departed, and went
away with the ships withal, leaving five ships only behind, for whom the
king ordered twelve months pay. The same year went Bishops Hereman and
Aldred to the pope at Rome on the king's errand. This year was also
consecrated the great minster at Rheims, in the presence of Pope Leo and
the emperor. There was also a great synod at St. Remy; at which was
present Pope Leo, with the Archbishops of Burgundy, of Besancon, of
Treves, and of Rheims; and many wise men besides, both clergy and laity.
A great synod there held they respecting the service of God, at the
instance of St. Leo the pope. It is difficult to recognise all the
bishops that came thither, and also abbots. King Edward sent thither
Bishop Dudoc, and Abbot Wulfric, of St. Augustine's, and Elfwin, Abbot
of Ramsey, with the intent that they should report to the king what was
determined there concerning Christendom. This same year came Earl
Sweyne into England.
A.D. 1049. This year Sweyn came again to
Denmark, and Harold. uncle of Magnus, went to Norway after Magnus was
dead; and the Normans acknowledged him: and he sent hither to land
concerning peace. And Sweyn also sent from Denmark, and begged of King
Edward the aid of his ships. They were to be at least fifty ships: but
all people opposed it. And this year also there was an earthquake, on
the kalends of May, in many places in Worcester, and in Wick, and in
Derby, and elsewhere; and also there was a great mortality among men,
and murrain among cattle: and moreover, the wild-fire did much evil in
Derbyshire and elsewhere.
A.D. 1050. This year returned the bishops
home from Rome; and Earl Sweyne had his sentence of outlawry reversed.
The same year died Edsy, Archbishop of Canterbury, on the fourth day
before the calends of November; and also in the same year Elfric,
Archbishop of York, on the eleventh before the calends of February, a
very venerable man and wise, and his body lies at Peterborough. Then
had King Edward a meeting of the great council in London, in mid-lent,
at which he appointed Robert the Frank, who was before Bishop of London,
Archbishop of Canterbury; and he, during the same Lent, went to Rome
after his pall. The king meanwhile gave the see of London to Sparhawk,
Abbot of Abingdon, but it was taken from him again before he was
consecrated. The king also gave the abbacy of Abingdon to Bishop
Rodulph his cousin. The same year he put all the lightermen out of
pay. The pope held a council again, at Vercelli; and Bishop Ulf came
thither, where he nearly had his staff broken, had he not paid more
money, because he could not perform his duties so well as he should do.
The same year King Edward abolished the Danegeld which King Ethelred
imposed. That was in the thirty-ninth year after it had begun. That
tribute harassed all the people of England so long as is above written;
and it was always paid before other imposts, which were levied
indiscriminately, and vexed men variously.
A.D. 1050. Thither also came Sweyn the
earl, who before had gone from this land to Denmark, and who there had
ruined himself with the Danes. He came thither with false pretences;
saying that he would again be obedient to the king. And Beorn the earl
promised him that he would be of assistance to him. Then, after the
reconciliation of the emperor and of Baldwin, many of the ships went
home, and the king remained behind at Sandwich with a few ships; and
Godwin the earl also went with forty-two ships from Sandwich to
Pevensey, and Beorn the earl went with him. Then was it made known to
the king that Osgood lay at Ulps with thirty-nine ships; and the king
then sent after the ships which before had gone home, that he might send
after him. And Osgod fetched his wife from Bruges, and they went back
again with six ships. And the others landed in Sussex [Essex] at
Eadulf-ness, and there did harm, and went again to their ships: and then
a strong wind came against them, so that they were all destroyed, except
four, whose crews were slain beyond sea. While Godwin the earl and
Beorn the earl lay at Pevensey, then came Sweyn the earl, and begged
Beorn the earl, with fraud, who was his uncle's son, that he would be
his companion to the king at Sandwich, and better his affairs with him.
He went then, on account of the relationship, with three companions,
with him; and he led him then towards Bosham, where his ships lay: and
then they bound him, and led him on ship-board. Then went he thence
with him to Dartmouth, and there ordered him to be slain, and deeply
buried. Afterwards he was found, and borne to Winchester, and buried
with king Canute his uncle. A little before that, the men of Hastings
and thereabout, fought two of his ships with their ships; and slew all
the men, and brought the ships to Sandwich to the king. Eight ships he
had before he betrayed Beorn; after that all forsook him except two. In
the same year arrived in the Welsh Axa, from Ireland, thirty-six ships,
and thereabout did harm, with the help of Griffin the Welsh king. The
people were gathered together against them; Bishop Aldred [Of
Worchester] was also there with them; but they had too little power.
And they came unawares upon them at very early morn; and there they slew
many good men, and the others escaped with the bishop: this was done on
the fourth before the kalends of August. This year died, in
Oxfordshire, Oswy, Abbot of Thorney, and Wulfnoth, Abbot of Westminster;
and Ulf the priest was appointed as pastor to the bishopric which
Eadnoth had held; but he was after that driven away; because he did
nothing bishop-like therein: so that it shameth us now to tell more
about it. And Bishop Siward died: he lieth at Abingdon. And this year
was consecrated the great minster at Rheims: there was Pope Leo [IX.]
and the emperor [Henry III]; and there they held a great synod
concerning God's service. St. Leo the pope presided at the synod: it is
difficult to have a knowledge of the bishops who came there, and how
many abbots: and hence, from this land were sent two -- from St.
Augustine's and from Ramsey.
A.D. 1051. This year came Archbishop Robert
hither over sea with his pall from Rome, one day before St. Peter's eve:
and he took his archiepiscopal seat at Christ-church on St. Peter's day,
and soon after this went to the king. Then came Abbot Sparhawk to him
with the king's writ and seal, to the intent that he should consecrate
him Bishop oś London; but the archbishop refused, saying that the pope
had forbidden him. Then went the abbot to the archbishop again for the
same purpose, and there demanded episcopal consecration; but the
archbishop obstinately refused, repeating that the pope had forbidden
him. Then went the abbot to London, and sat at the bishopric which the
king had before given him, with his full leave, all the summer and the
autumn. Then during the same year came Eustace, who had the sister of
King Edward to wife, from beyond sea, soon after the bishop, and went to
the king; and having spoken with him whatever he chose, he then went
homeward. When he came to Canterbury eastward, there took he a repast,
and his men; whence he proceeded to Dover. When he was about a mile or
more on this side Dover, he put on his breast-plate; and so did all his
companions: and they proceeded to Dover. When they came thither, they
resolved to quarter themselves wherever they lived. Then came one of
his men, and would lodge at the house of a master of a family against
his will; but having wounded the master of the house, he was slain by
the other. Then was Eustace quickly upon his horse, and his companions
upon theirs; and having gone to the master of the family, they slew him
on his own hearth; then going up to the boroughward, they slew both
within and without more than twenty men. The townsmen slew nineteen men
on the other side, and wounded more, but they knew not how many.
Eustace escaped with a few men, and went again to the king, telling him
partially how they had fared. The king was very wroth with the
townsmen, and sent off Earl Godwin, bidding him go into Kent with
hostility to Dover. For Eustace had told the king that the guilt of the
townsmen was greater than his. But it was not so: and the earl would
not consent to the expedition, because he was loth to destroy his own
people. Then sent the king after all his council, and bade them come to
Gloucester nigh the after-mass of St. Mary. Meanwhile Godwin took it
much to heart, that in his earldom such a thing should happen.
Whereupon be began to gather forces over all his earldom, and Earl
Sweyne, his son, over his; and Harold, his other son, over his earldom:
and they assembled all in Gloucestershire, at Langtree, a large and
innumerable army, all ready for battle against the king; unless Eustace
and his men were delivered to them handcuffed, and also the Frenchmen
that were in the castle. This was done seven nights before the latter
mass of St. Mary, when King Edward was sitting at Gloucester. Whereupon
he sent after Earl Leofric, and north after Earl Siward, and summoned
their retinues. At first they came to him with moderate aid; but when
they found how it was in the south, then sent they north over all their
earldom, and ordered a large force to the help of their lord. So did
Ralph also over his earldom. Then came they all to Gloucester to the
aid of the king, though it was late. So unanimous were they all in
defence of the king, that they would seek Godwin's army if the king
desired it. But some prevented that; because it was very unwise that
they should come together; for in the two armies was there almost all
that was noblest in England. They therefore prevented this, that they
might not leave the land at the mercy of our foes, whilst engaged in a
destructive conflict betwixt ourselves. Then it was advised that they
should exchange hostages between them. And they issued proclamations
throughout to London, whither all the people were summoned over all this
north end in Siward's earldom, and in Leofric's, and also elsewhere; and
Earl Godwin was to come thither with his sons to a conference; They came
as far as Southwark, and very many with them from Wessex; but his army
continually diminished more and more; for they bound over to the king
all the thanes that belonged to Earl Harold his son, and outlawed Earl
Sweyne his other son. When therefore it could not serve his purpose to
come to a conference against the king and against the army that was with
him, he went in the night away. In the morning the king held a council,
and proclaimed him an outlaw, with his whole army; himself and his wife,
and all his three sons -- Sweyne and Tosty and Grith. And he went south
to Thorney, with his wife, and Sweyne his son, and Tosty and his wife,
a cousin of Baldwin of Bruges, and his son Grith. Earl Harold with
Leofwine went to Bristol in the ship that Earl Sweyne had before
prepared and provisioned for himself; and the king sent Bishop Aldred
from London with his retinue, with orders to overtake him ere he came to
ship. But they either could not or would not: and he then went out from
the mouth of the Avon; but he encountered such adverse weather, that he
got off with difficulty, and suffered great loss. He then went forth to
Ireland, as soon as the weather permitted. In the meantime the Welshmen
had wrought a castle in Herefordshire, in the territory of Earl Sweyne,
and brought as much injury and disgrace on the king's men thereabout as
they could. Then came Earl Godwin, and Earl Sweyne, and Earl Harold,
together at Beverstone, and many men with them; to the intent that they
might go to their natural lord, and to all the peers that were assembled
with him; to have the king's counsel and assistance, and that of all the
peers, how they might avenge the insult offered to the king, and to all
the nation. But the Welshmen were before with the king, and bewrayed
the earls, so that they were not permitted to come within the sight of
his eyes; for they declared that they intended to come thither to betray
the king. There was now assembled before the king Earl Siward, and Earl
Leofric, and much people with them from the north: and it was told Earl
Godwin and his sons, that the king and the men who were with him would
take counsel against them; but they prepared themselves firmly to
resist, though they were loth to proceed against their natural lord.
Then advised the peers on either side, that they should abstain from all
hostility: and the king gave God's peace and his full friendship to each
party. Then advised the king and his council, that there should be a
second time a general assembly of all the nobles in London, at the
autumnal equinox: and the king ordered out an army both south and north
of the Thames, the best that ever was. Then was Earl Sweyne proclaimed
an outlaw; and Earl Godwin and Earl Harold were summoned to the council
as early as they could come. When they came thither and were cited to
the council, then required they security and hostages, that they might
come into the council and go out without treachery. The king then
demanded all the thanes that the earls had; and they put them all into
his hands. Then sent the king again to them, and commanded them to come
with twelve men to the king's council. Then desired the earl again
security and hostages, that he might answer singly to each of the things
that were laid to his charge. But the hostages were refused; and a
truce of five nights was allowed him to depart from the land. Then went
Earl Godwin and Earl Sweyne to Bosham, and drew out their ships, and went
beyond sea, seeking the protection of Baldwin; and there they
abode all the winter. Earl Harold went westward to Ireland, and was
there all the winter on the king's security. It was from
Thorney that Godwin and those that were with him went to
Bruges, to Baldwin's land, in one ship, with as much treasure as
they could lodge therein for each man. Wonderful would it have
been thought by every man that was then in England, if any
person had said before this that it would end thus! For he was
before raised to such a height, that he ruled the king and all
England; his sons were earls, and the king's darlings; and his
daughter wedded and united to the king. Soon after this took
place, the king dismissed the lady who had been consecrated
his queen, and ordered to be taken from her all that she had
in land, and in gold, and in silver, and in all things; and
committed her to the care of his sister at Wherwell. Soon after
came Earl William from beyond sea with a large retinue of
Frenchmen; and the king entertained him and as many of his companions
as were convenient to him, and let him depart again. Then was
Abbot Sparhawk driven from his bishopric at London; and William the
king's priest was invested therewith. Then was Oddy appointed
earl over Devonshire, and over Somerset, and over
Dorset, and over Wales; and Algar, the son of Earl Leofric, was
promoted to the earldom which Harold before possessed.
A.D. 1051. In this year died Eadsine,
Archbishop of Canterbury; and the king gave to Robert the
Frenchman, who before had been Bishop of London, the archbishopric.
And Sparhafoc, Abbot of Abingdon, succeeded to the bishopric
of London; and it was afterwards taken from him before he was
consecrated. And Bishop Heroman and Bishop Aldred went to
Rome. |