CHAPTER XX

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RAVAGES OF THE DANES, AND DEATH OF ETHELRED.

Ravages of the Danes in Lincolnshire--Destruction of the monastery of Bardney--Gallant resistance of the Mercians-- Battle near Croyland Abbey--Destruction of Croyland Abbey, and murder of the monks--Sidroc, one of the sea-kings, saves a boy from the massacre--The abbey of Peterborough destroyed by the Danes--Description of the country through which the invaders passed--Their march into East Anglia--The Danes enter Wessex --Battle of Ash-tree hill, and victory of the Saxons--Death of Ethelred p. 169

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