CHAPTER XXIV

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EDWARD THE ELDER.

Ethelwold lays claim to the throne of Wessex--Is backed by the Danes, and crowned at York--Battle of Axeholme and defeat of Ethelwold--Edward ravages Northumbria--The Danes attack Mercia--They enter the Severn--Battle of Wodensfield, and defeat of the Danes--Edward strengthens his frontier with fortresses--Their situation described--Bravery of his sister Ethelfleda--The Danes enter North Wales--Edward again victorious--Submission of the Welsh princes and the Danes of Northumbria--Death of Edward the Elder p. 202

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