Part 2

This year Augustin consecrated two bishops, Mellitus and Justus: he sent Mellitus to preach baptism to the East Saxons, where there was a King named Sæbyrht, the son of Ricola the sister of Æthelbyrht, whom Æthelbyrht had established there as King; and Æthelbyrht gave Mellitus a Bishop’s see at London, and to Justus he gave one at Rochester which is 24 miles from Dorwitceaster (Canterbury).

606.

This year Gregory died, about ten years from the time that he sent us baptism; his father was named Gordian, and his mother Silvia.

607.

This year Ceolwulf fought with the South Saxons. And this year Æthelfrith led his army to Leger-ciestre (Leicester) and there he slew Welshmen without number, and thus was fulfilled the prophecy of Augustin which he spoke, saying, If the Welsh will not be at peace with us, they shall perish at the hands of the Saxons. Two hundred priests were slain, who came thither that they might pray for the Welch army; their Alderman was named Brocmail, and he escaped thence with some fifty men.

611.

This year Cynegils succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and held it 31 years. Cynegils was the son of Ceol, Ceol of Cutha, Cutha of Cynric.

614.

This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought at Beamdune (Bampton, Devon?) and slew two thousand and forty-six Welshmen.

616.

This year died Æthelbyrht, King of Kent, the first English King who received baptism, and he was the son of Eormenric; he had reigned 56 years, and his son Eadbald succeeded him. And the same year 5,818 winters had passed away since the beginning of this world. Eadbald renounced his faith, and lived after the heathen manner, insomuch that he had to wife his father’s widow. Whereupon Laurentius, who was then Archbishop of Kent, resolved to go southward over sea, and to abandon all here. And the Apostle Peter came to him by night, and beat him sorely, because he would thus have forsaken the flock of God; and he commanded him to go to the King, and to preach the true faith to him; and he did so, and the King was converted unto the true faith again. In this King’s days the same Laurentius, who was Archbishop of Kent after Augustin, died on the 4th of the Nones of February, and he was buried near Augustin. The holy Augustin, when in perfect health, consecrated him Bishop, to the end that the Church of Christ, which was yet new in England, might have no interval without an Archbishop after his death. After Laurentius, Mellitus, who was before Bishop of London, succeeded to the Archbishoprick; then the inhabitants of London, where Mellitus had been, became heathens, and within five years, Eadbald still reigning, Mellitus died. Justus succeeded to the Archbishoprick; he had been Bishop of Rochester, and he consecrated Romanus to that bishoprick.

617.

This year Æthelfrith King of the Northumbrians, was slain by Redwald King of the East Angles, and Edwin the son of Ælla obtained possession of the kingdom, and conquered all Britain, excepting Kent alone, and he drove out the Princes the sons of Æthelfrith; these were, first Eanfrid, then Oswald and Oswin, Oslac, Oswudu, Oslaf and Offa.

624.

This year Archbishop Mellitus died.

625.

This year Paulinus was consecrated Bishop of Northumberland by Archbishop Justus, on the 12th of the calends of August.

“This is the Cycle of Dionysius. It consists of five series of nineteen years, that is of 95 years, and it takes its beginning from the 30th year of our Lord’s incarnation, and finishes in the 626th year. This series of nineteen years, which the Greeks call Enneakaidekaeteris, and Pope John calls Kaideris, was established by the holy Fathers in the Council of Nice, and agreeably to such mode of calculating the 14th day of the (March) moon marked Easter every year without any uncertainty.”

626.

This year came Eomer from Cwichelm, King of Wessex, and thought to murder King Edwin, but he stabbed his thane Lilla, and Forthher, and wounded the King. And the same night a daughter was born to Edwin; she was named Eanfled: then the King promised Paulinus that he would dedicate his daughter to God, if he would obtain of God that he might destroy his enemy who had sent the assassin. And he then marched with an army against the West Saxons, and there he overcame five Kings and slew much people. This year Eanfled, King Edwin’s daughter, was baptized on the holy eve of Pentecost, and within twelve months the King was baptized at Easter with all his nobility. Easter then fell on the 2d of the Ides of April. This took place at York, where he had before ordered a church of wood to be built, which was consecrated in the name of St. Peter. There the King gave Paulinus a Bishop’s See, and there he afterwards ordered a larger church to be built of stone. This year Penda succeeded to the kingdom (of Mercia) and reigned 30 years, and he was 50 years old when he began to reign. Penda was the son of Wybba, Wybba of Cryda, Cryda of Cynewold, Cynewold of Cnebba, Cnebba of Icel, Icel of Eomær, Eomær of Angeltheow, Angeltheow of Offa, Offa of Wærmund, Wærmund of Wihtlæg, Wihtlæg of Woden.

627.

This year King Edwin was baptized with his people by Paulinus, at Easter. This Paulinus also preached Christianity in Lindisse (Lindsey), where a certain rich man named Blecca believed first, with all his adherents. And at this time Honorius succeeded to the Popedom after Boniface; he sent a pall hither to Paulinus. And Archbishop Justus died, and Honorius was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Paulinus at Lincoln, and the Pope also sent a pall to him, and he sent letters to the Scotch that they should turn to the observance of the true Easter.

628.

This year Cynegils and Cwichelm fought with Penda at Cirencester, and they made a treaty there.

632.

This year Eorpwald was baptized.

633.

This year King Edwin was slain by Cadwalla and Penda at Heth-felda (Hatfield, near Doncaster?) on the 2d of the Ides of October, and he had reigned 17 years, and his son Osfrith also was slain with him. And after this Ceadwalla and Penda went and laid waste all Northumberland. When Paulinus saw this, he took Æthelburga, the widow of Edwin, and went in a ship to Kent, and Eadbald and Honorius received him very honorably, and gave him the Bishoprick of Rochester, and he abode there till his death.

634.

This year Osric, whom Paulinus had baptized, succeeded to the kingdom of Deira; he was the son of Ælfric, the uncle of Edwin; and Eanfrith, the son of Æthelfrith, succeeded to the kingdom of Bernicia. And this year Bishop Byrinus first preached baptism to the West Saxons under King Cynegils: this Byrinus came thither by the command of Pope Honorius, and was Bishop there till the end of his life. And this year also Oswald succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and he reigned nine years, the ninth year being numbered to him because of the heathenism of those who reigned the one year between him and Edwin.

635.

This year King Cynegils was baptized by Bishop Byrinus at Dorchester (Oxfordshire) and Oswald, King of Northumberland, was his godfather.

636.

This year King Cwichelm was baptized at Dorchester (Oxfordshire), and he died the same year; and Bishop Felix preached the Christian faith to the East Angles.

639.

This year Byrinus baptized King Cuthred at Dorchester, and took him for his godson.

640.

This year Eadbald, King of Kent, died; he reigned 25 years. He had two sons, Ermenred and Ercenberht, and Ercenberht reigned after his father. He threw down all the idols in his kingdom, and he was the first of English Kings who appointed the fast before Easter. His daughter was named Ercongota, an holy woman, as he was a glorious man, and her mother was Sexburh, the daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles: and Ermenred had two sons, who were martyred by Thunor.

642.

This year Oswald King of Northumberland was slain by Penda the Southumbrian, at Maserfeld (Oswestry) on the Nones of August, and his body was buried at Bearthan-ege (Bardney, on the Witham, Lincolnshire). His sanctity and his miracles were afterwards greatly renowned throughout the island, and his hands are preserved incorrupted at Bamborough. And the same year that Oswald was slain, his brother Oswiu succeeded to the kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned 28 years.

643.

This year Cenwalh succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned 31 years. He caused the old church of Winchester to be built, and consecrated in the name of St. Peter. This Cenwalh was the son of Cynegils.

644.

This year Paulinus, who had been Archbishop of York, (and afterwards Bishop of Rochester) died at Rochester on the 6th of the ides of October; he was a Bishop 19 years, two months, and twenty-one days; and this year Oswin the son of Osric, the cousin of Edwin, succeeded to the kingdom of Deira, and reigned seven years.

645.

This year King Cenwalh was driven from his kingdom by King Penda.

646.

This year King Cenwalh was baptized.

648.

This year Cenwalh gave his kinsman Cuthred 3000 hides of land, near Æsces-dun (Aston, Berkshire?). This Cuthred was the son of Cwichelm, Cwichelm of Cynegils.

650.

This year Ægelbyrht of Gaul received the Bishoprick of Wessex, after the Roman Bishop Byrinus.

651.

This year King Oswin was slain on the 13th of the calends of September; and about twelve days afterwards Bishop Aidan died on the 2d of the calends of September.

652.

This year Cenwalh fought at Bradford on the Avon.

653.

This year the Mid Angles, under the Alderman Peada, received the true faith.

654.

This year King Anna was slain. And Botulf began to build the monastery at Icanhoe (Boston?) And Archbishop Honorius died this year on the 2d of the calends of October.

655.

This year Penda was killed at Winwid-feld, (on the river Winwed, now the Aire, near Leeds) and with him 30 others of Royal lineage, some of whom were Kings; amongst these was Æthelhere, the brother of Anna King of the East Angles: and the Mercians became Christians. Then had 5,850 years passed away since the beginning of the world. And Peada, the son of Penda, succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia: he and Oswin (Oswy?) the brother of King Oswald, came together, and agreed that they would build a monastery for the love of Christ, and to the honour of St. Peter. And they did so, and they gave it the name of Medeshamstede,[I] because there is at this place a whirlpool (in the river Nen) called Medeswæl. And they began the foundations, and wrought thereon, and they committed the care of the work to a monk named Saxulf; he was the friend of God, and all the people loved him, and he was very nobly born in the world, and rich, but he is now much richer with Christ. And king Peada reigned not long, for he was betrayed by his own wife at Easter. This year Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, consecrated Deusdedit to the Archbishoprick of Canterbury, on the 7th of the calends of April.

656.

This year Peada was slain, and (after three years) Wulfhere, the son of Penda, took possession of the kingdom of Mercia. In his time Medeshamstede, which his brother had founded, became very rich: the King favoured it much for love of his brother Peada, and for love of Oswy his brother in baptism, and for love of the Abbot Saxulf. Then he said he would make it renowned and glorious, and this with the advice of his brothers Æthelred and Merwala, of his sisters Kyneburg and Kyneswith, with the advice also of the Archbishop who was named Deusdedit, and with that of all his wise men (gewitan) both clergy and laity in the kingdom; and he did so. Then the King sent to the Abbot that he should come to him with all diligence, and he came: then said the King to the Abbot, “I have sent for thee, beloved Saxulf, for the good of my soul, and I will clearly tell thee wherefore. My brother Peada and my beloved friend Oswy began a monastery for the love of Christ and of St. Peter, and my brother is departed from this life even as Christ willed, and I would pray thee, O beloved friend, that they labour diligently at this work, and I will find thee gold and silver and land, and all and every thing that behooveth thereto.” Then the Abbot went home and began to work, and he sped as Christ enabled him, so that in a few years the monastery was finished. When the King heard that, he was very glad, and he gave commandment to send throughout the land to all his Thanes, to the Archbishops and Bishops, and to his Earls, and to all who loved God, that they should come to him, and he appointed the day on which the monastery should be consecrated. King Wulfere was present when the monastery was consecrated, together with his brother Æthelred and his sisters Kyneburg and Kyneswith: and Deusdedit Archbishop of Canterbury, and Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, and the Bishop of London named Wina, and Jeruman Bishop of Mercia, and Bishop Tuda consecrated the monastery, and the priest Wilfred who was afterwards a Bishop was there, and all the Thanes who were in the kingdom. Then the monastery was consecrated in the names of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Andrew. Then the King stood up before all his Thanes, and said with a loud voice, “Thanked be the high and Almighty God, for the good deed that is here done, and I will this day render honour to Christ, and to St. Peter, and I will, that you all confirm my words. I, Wulfere, do this day freely give to St. Peter, and to the Abbot Saxulf, and to the monks of this monastery, these lands and waters, and meres, and fens, and wears, all that lie around and are of my domain, so that none but the abbot and the monks shall have any claim upon them. This is the grant--from Medeshamstede unto North-burh (Narborough) and thence to the place which is called Folies, and all the fen straight to Esendic,[J] and from Esendic to the place which is called Fethermuth, and thence 10 miles in a right line to Cuggedic, and so to Raggewilh, from Raggewilh five miles to the river which leadeth to Ælm (Elme) and Wisbeach, and so about three miles to Throkonholt (Trokenhole), and from Throkonholt direct through all the fen which is 20 miles long to Derevord (Denver?) and so to Grætecross, and from Grætecross through the clear water called Bradan-æ, and thence six miles to Paccelade, and so on through all the meres and fens that lie towards the town of Huntingdon, and the meres and the lakes Scælfremere and Witlesmere, and all the others thereabout, with the lands and houses that are on the eastern side of Scælfremere, and all the fens thence to Medeshamstede and to Welmes-ford (Welmsford) and from Welmes-ford to Clive (Cliff) and thence to Æstun (Easton) and from Æstun to Stan-ford (Stamford) and from Stan-ford even as the water runneth to the abovesaid North-burh (Narborough). These are the lands and the fens which the King gave to St. Peter’s monastery. Then said the King, for this gift, it is little, but I will that they hold it so royally and so freely, that neither tribute nor tax be taken therefrom, excepting for the monks only. Thus will I make this monastery free, that it be subject to Rome alone: and I will that all amongst us who may not be able to journey to Rome should repair hither to St. Peter.” Whilst he was thus speaking, the Abbot entreated that he would grant that which he should ask of him, and the King promised that he would: “I have some monks here who fear God, and would spend their lives as Anchorites if they knew where; but there is an island here called Ancarig (Thorney), and this would I ask, that we might there build a monastery for the love of St. Mary, and that those who would lead their lives in peace and rest may dwell there.” Then the King answered and spoke thus, “Not this only, beloved Saxulf, but all things which I know that thou desirest on our Lord’s behalf, even thus I approve and grant. And I entreat thee, brother Æthelred, and my sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith, for our soul’s redemption, that ye be witnesses, and that ye write this with your fingers. And I desire of all who succeed me, be they my sons or my brethren, or whosoever shall reign after me, that our gift may stand, even as they would be partakers of eternal life, and as they would escape everlasting torment. Whosoever diminisheth our gift, or the gift of other good men, let the heavenly porter diminish his part in the kingdom of heaven, and whosoever increaseth it, let the heavenly porter increase his portion in the kingdom of heaven.” These were the witnesses who were there, and who subscribed with their fingers the cross of Christ, and who confirmed the grant with their tongues. King Wulfere was the first who confirmed it by word, and afterwards subscribed to it with his fingers the cross of Christ, and he spoke thus, “I King Wulfere having these Kings, Earls, Generals, and Thanes as witnesses of my gift, and before the Archbishop Deusdedit, do confirm it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I Oswy King of Northumberland, the friend of this monastery and of the Abbot Saxulf, do sanction it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I King Sighere do confirm the same with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I King Sibbi do subscribe to it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And I Æthelred the King’s brother do confirm it with the cross of Christ.” ♰ “And we the King’s sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith do sanction the same.” “And I Deusdedit, Archbishop of Canterbury, do confirm the same.” Then all the others who were there confirmed this grant with the cross of Christ; these were by name Ithamar Bishop of Rochester, and Wine Bishop of London, and Jeruman Bishop of the Mercians, and Bishop Tuda, and the Priest Wilfrid, who was afterwards a Bishop, and the Priest Eoppa whom King Wulfere sent to preach Christianity in Wight, and the Abbot Saxulf, and the Aldermen Immine, Eadberht, Herefield, Wilberht, and Abon, and Æthelbold, Brordan, Wilberht, Ælhmund, and Frethegis. These and many others, the King’s chief men, all confirmed the grant. This writing was made in the year 664 after the birth of our Lord, in the 7th year of King Wulfere, and the 9th of the Archbishop Deusdedit. Then they laid the curse of God, and that of all the Saints, and of all Christian people upon him who should undo any thing that was now done: “So be it,” said all, “Amen.” When this transaction was finished the King sent to Rome, to Vitalianus the Pope that then was, and entreated that he would confirm all the aforesaid proceeding with his rescript and with his blessing. And the Pope sent his rescript, saying thus, “I Vitalianus the Pope do grant unto thee King Wulfere, and unto the Archbishop Deusdedit, and unto the Abbot Saxulf, all things that ye desire; and I forbid the King or any man whatsoever to have any claim thereon, excepting the Abbot only, neither let him be subject to any excepting the Pope of Rome, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. If any man break this ordinance in any thing, let St. Peter with his sword destroy him: whosoever observeth it, let St. Peter with his key open unto him the kingdom of heaven.” Thus was founded the monastery of Medeshamstede, which was afterwards called Burh (Peterborough). Afterwards, another Archbishop came to Canterbury; he was named Theodore, a very wise and a good man, and he held his synod with his Bishops and the Clergy. Then Winfrid Bishop of Mercia was deprived of his See, and the Abbot Saxulf was chosen thereto, and Cuthbald, a monk of the same monastery, was made Abbot. This synod was held 673 years after the birth of Christ.

658.

This year Cenwalh fought with the Welsh at Pen, and drove them to the Parret. This battle was fought after he came from East Anglia: He was there three years, for Penda had driven him into exile because he had divorced his sister.

660.

This year Bishop Æthelbryht departed from Cenwalh, and Wine held the Bishoprick three years. And Æthelbryht received the see of Paris on the Seine in Gaul.

661.

This year at Easter Cenwalh fought at Possenbyrig (Pontesbury, Shropshire), and Wulfere the son of Penda laid waste the country as far as Æsces-dune (Aston, Berkshire?). And Cuthred the son of Cwichelm and King Cenbyrht died in the same year. And Wulfere the son of Penda ravaged Wight and gave the island to Æthelwald King of the South Saxons, because he (Wulfere) was his godfather: and the priest Eoppa by the desire of Wilverd and of King Wulfere first brought baptism to the inhabitants of Wight.

664.

This year the Sun was eclipsed. And Arcenbryht King of Kent died, and his son Ecbyrht succeeded him. And Colman[K] with his companions went to his own country. And this year there was a great pestilence in Britain, whereof Bishop Tuda died and he was buried at Wagele.[L] And Ceadda and Wilverth were consecrated. And the same year the Archbishop Deusdedit died.

667.

This year Oswiu and Ecbriht sent the priest Wigheard to Rome that he might be consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury, but he died as soon as he arrived there.

668.

This year Theodore was consecrated Archbishop and sent to England.

669.

This year King Ecbyrht gave Raculf (Reculver) to the priest Basse that he might there build a monastery.

670.

This year Osweo King of the Northumbrians died on the 15th of the calends of March, and his son Ecverth reigned after him. And Hlothere the nephew of Bishop Æthelbyrht received the Bishoprick of Wessex, and held it 7 years; Bishop Theodore consecrated him. And Osweo was the son of Æthelverth, Æthelverth of Æthelric, Æthelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa.

671.

This year there was a great slaughter of birds.[M]

672.

This year King Cenwalh died, and his Queen Seaxburh held the kingdom one year after him.

673.

This year Ecbryht King of Kent died, and the same year there was a synod at Hertford.--And St. Ætheldryth began the monastery at Ely.

674.

This year Æscwine succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex, he was the son of Cenfus, Cenfus of Cenferth, Cenferth of Cuthgils, Cuthgils of Ceolwulf, Ceolwulf of Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic.

675.