Part 3
This year Wulfere the son of Penda, and Æscwine the son of Cenfus, fought at Bedanheafd (Bedwin, Wiltshire?) And the same year Wulfere died, and Æthelred succeeded to the kingdom. He sent Bishop Wilfrid to Rome, to the Pope that then was, named Agatho, and informed him by letter and by a message, how his brethren Peada and Wulfere had builded a monastery, which was called Medeshamstede, and that they had freed the same from all subjection to King or Bishop, and he desired that the Pope would confirm this with his rescript and with his blessing. Then the Pope sent a letter to England, saying thus, “I Agatho, Pope of Rome, greet well the worshipful Æthelred King of Mercia, and Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury, and Saxulf Bishop of Mercia, who before was Abbot, and all the Abbots in England, with the salutation of God, and my blessing. I have heard the desire of King Æthelred, and of the Archbishop Theodore, and of the bishop Saxulf, and of the Abbot Cuthbald, and I will that it be in all wise, even as ye have spoken. And I command, on behalf of God and of St. Peter, and of all the Saints, and of all consecrated persons, that neither King, Bishop, Earl, nor any man, receive any duty, tax, tribute, or farthing, and that none claim any service of any kind from the abbacy of Medeshamstede. I command also that the Bishop of the Shire presume not to perform either ordination or consecration within this abbacy, unless the Abbot desire it of him; neither may he claim any bishop’s or synod’s fine, nor receive therefrom any returns of any kind. I will also that the Abbot be held as the Legate of Rome over all the island, and that whosoever may be chosen by the monks be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I will and enact, if any man have made a vow to go to Rome, which he may not be able to perform, either from sickness, from his Lord’s need of him, from poverty, or from any other cause, that he, be he of England or of any other island, repair to the monastery of Medeshamstede, and he shall receive the same absolution from Christ and St. Peter, from the Abbot and from the Monks, that he would have if he went to Rome. Now I desire thee, brother Theodore, that thou cause it to be proclaimed throughout England, that a synod be assembled, and that this letter be read and observed. I say also to thee, Bishop Saxulf, that as thou desirest that this monastery should be free, so I forbid thee, and all Bishops sent of Christ and of his Saints, who come after thee, to receive any gain from the monastery, excepting that which pleaseth the Abbot. Now will I say this in words, that whosoever observeth this rescript and this commandment, he shall dwell for ever with Almighty God in the kingdom of heaven, and whosoever breaketh it, he shall be excommunicated and condemned to punishment with Judas and with all the devils in hell, unless he come to repentance. Amen.” Pope Agatho and 120 Bishops sent this letter to England by Wilfrid Archbishop of York. This was done 680 years after the birth of our Lord, in the 6th year of King Æthelred. Then the King commanded Archbishop Theodore that he should appoint a meeting of all the Witan at the place which is called Heatfeld (Hatfield). When they were there assembled, then he caused the letter, which the Pope had sent thither, to be read, and they all confirmed the same, and fully ratified it. Then said the King, “All things that my brother Peada, and my brother Wulfere, and my sisters Cyneburh and Cyneswith, gave and secured to St. Peter and to the Abbot, I will that these stand; and I will in my day increase the gift for the sake of their souls and of mine own. Now give I this day to St. Peter and to his monastery of Medeshamstede these lands, and all thereunto belonging: to wit, Bredune, Hrepingas, Cedenac, Swines-hæfed (Swineshead), Heanbyrig, Lodeshac, Scuffanhalch, Costesford,[N] Stretford, Wætelle-burne, Lufgeard, Æthelhuniglond, Barthan-ig (Bardney), These lands I give to St. Peter all as freely as I myself possessed them, and so that none of my successors may take any thing therefrom. If any do this let him have the curse of the Pope of Rome, and the curse of all Bishops, and of all who are here as witnesses; and I confirm this with the sign of Christ.” ♰ “And I Theodore Archbishop of Canterbury am witness to this charter of Medeshamstede, and I confirm it with my own hand-writing, and I excommunicate all those who may break any part thereof, and I bless all who shall observe it.” ♰ “I Wilfrid Archbishop of York am witness to this writing, and I confirm the said curse.” ♰ “I Saxulf, who was first Abbot and am now Bishop, do lay my curse and that of all my successors upon those who may break it.” “I Ostrithe Queen of Æthelred do sanction the grant.” “I Adrian the Legate assent to the same.” “I Putta Bishop of Rochester subscribe to it.” “I Waldhere Bishop of London confirm it.” “I the Abbot Cuthbald do establish the same, so that whosoever breaketh it let him take the curse of all Bishops, and of all Christian people.” Amen.
676.
This year Æscwine died and Hedda succeeded to the bishoprick (of Winchester) and Centwine to the kingdom of Wessex. Centwine was the son of Cynegils, Cynegils of Ceolwulf. And Æthelred King of Mercia overran Kent.
678.
This year a comet appeared in August, and shone like a sun-beam every morning for three months. And Bishop Wilfrith was driven from his see by King Ecgverth, and two Bishops were consecrated for his bishoprick, Bosa for the Deiri, and Eata for the Bernicians. And Eadhed was appointed to the see of Lindsey, of which he was the first Bishop.
679.
This year Ælfwine was slain near the Trent, where Ecgferth and Æthelred fought. And this year St. Ætheldrith died. And Coludes-burh (Coldingham, Berwickshire) was burned with fire from God.
680.
This year Theodore convoked an Archiepiscopal Synod at Hatfield, that he might set forth aright the Christian faith. And the same year died Hilda Abbess of Streones-heale (Whitby).
681.
This year Trumbriht was consecrated Bishop of Hagulstades-ea (Hexham), and Trumwine as Bishop of the Picts, who were then subject to this country. This year also Centwine drove the Britons to the sea.
684.
This year Ecgferth sent an army against the Scots, and Briht his Alderman therewith, and they lamentably plundered and burned the Churches of God.
685.
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.