Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999 is in Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

955 Death of King Eadred

978 Murder of King Edward the Martyr

991 Battle of Maldon

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 951

951. This year died Elfeah, Bishop of Winchester, on St. Gregory's mass day.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 952

952. This year the Northumbrians expelled King Anlaf (age 25), and received Eric the son of Harold. This year also King Edred ordered Archbishop Wulfstan to be brought into prison at Jedburgh; because he was oft bewrayed before the king: and the same year the king ordered a great slaughter to be made in the town of Thetford, Norfolk [Map], in revenge of the abbot, whom they had formerly slain.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 954

954. This year the Northumbrians expelled Eric; and King Edred took to the government of the Northumbrians. This year also Archbishop Wulfstan received a bishopric again at Dorchester [Map].

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 955

955. This year died King Edred, on St. Clement's mass day, at Frome.41 He reigned nine years and a half; and he rests in the old minster. Then succeeded Edwy, the son of King Edmund, to the government of the West-Saxons; and Edgar Atheling (age 12), his brother, succeeded to the government of the Mercians. They were the sons of King Edmund and of St. Elfgiva.

Note 41. So I understand the word. Gibson, from Wheloc, says-"in aetatis vigore;" a fact contradicted by the statement of almost every historian. Names of places seldom occur in old MSS. with capital initials.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 956

956. This year died Wulfstan, Archbishop of York, on the seventeenth day before the calends of January; and he was buried at Oundle [Map]; and in the same year was Abbot Dunstan (age 47) driven out of this land over sea.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 958

958. This year Archbishop Oda separated King Edwy and Elfgiva; because they were too nearly related.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 959

959. This year died King Edwy, on the calends of October; and Edgar (age 16) his brother took to the government of the West-Saxons, Mercians, and Northumbrians. He was then sixteen years old. It was in this year he sent after St. Dunstan (age 50), and gave him the bishopric of Worcester; and afterwards the bishopric of London. In his days it prosper'd well; and God him gave, that he dwelt in peace the while that he lived. Whate'er he did, whate'er he plan'd, he earn'd his thrift. He also rear'd God's glory wide, and God's law lov'd, with peace to man, above the kings that went before in man's remembrance. God so him sped, that kings and earls to all his claims submissive bow'd; and to his will without a blow he wielded all as pleased himself. Esteem'd he was both far and wide in distant lands; because he prized the name of God, and God's law traced, God's glory rear'd, both far and wide, on every side. Wisely he sought in council oft his people's good, before his God, before the world. One misdeed he did, too much however, that foreign tastes he loved too much; and heathen modes into this land he brought too fast; outlandish men hither enticed; and to this earth attracted crowds of vicious men. But God him grant, that his good deeds be weightier far than his misdeeds, to his soul's redemption on the judgment-day.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 961

961. This year departed Odo, the good archbishop, and St. Dunstan (age 52) took to the archbishopric. This year also died Elfgar, a relative of the king, in Devonshire; and his body lies at Wilton [Map]: and King Sifferth killed himself; and his body lies at Wimborn [Map]. This year there was a very great pestilence; when the great fever was in London; and St. Paul's minster was consumed with fire, and in the same year was afterwards restored. In this year Athelmod the masspriest, went to Rome, and there died on the eighteenth before the calends of September.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 963

963. This year died Wulfstan, the deacon, on Childermass-day;42 and afterwards died Gyric, the mass-priest. In the same year took Abbot Athelwold (age 59) to the bishopric of Winchester; and he was consecrated on the vigil of St. Andrew, which happened on a Sunday. On the second year after he was consecrated, he made many minsters; and drove out the clerks43 from the bishopric, because they would hold no rule, and set monks therein. He made there two abbacies; one of monks, another of nuns. That was all within Winchester. Then came he afterwards to King Edgar (age 20), and requested that he would give him all the minsters that heathen men had before destroyed; for that he would renew them. This the king cheerfully granted; and the bishop came then first to Ely [Map], where St. Etheldritha lies, and ordered the minster to be repaired; which he gave to a monk of his, whose name was Britnoth, whom he consecrated abbot: and there he set monks to serve God, where formerly were nuns. He then bought many villages of the king, and made it very rich. Afterwards came Bishop Athelwold (age 59) to the minster called Medhamsted, which was formerly ruined by heathen folk; but he found there nothing but old walls, and wild woods. In the old walls at length he found hid writings which Abbot Hedda (age 59) had formerly written;-how King Wulfhere and Ethelred his brother had wrought it, and how they freed it against king and against bishop, and against all worldly service; and how Pope Agatho confirmed it with his writ, as also Archbishop Deusdedit. He then ordered the minster to be rebuilt; and set there an abbot, who was called Aldulf; and made monks, where before was nothing. He then came to the king, and let him look at the writings which before were found; and the king then answered and said: "I Edgar grant and give to-day, before God and before Archbishop Dunstan (age 54), freedom to St. Peter's minster at Medhamsted, from king and from bishop; and all the thorps that thereto lie; that is, Eastfield, and Dodthorp, and Eye, and Paston. And so I free it, that no bishop have any jurisdiction there, but the abbot of the minster alone. And I give the town called Oundle, Northamptonshire [Map], with all that thereto lieth, called Eyot-hundred, with market and toll; so freely, that neither king, nor bishop, nor earl, nor sheriff, have there any jurisdiction; nor any man but the abbot alone, and whom he may set thereto. And I give to Christ and St. Peter, and that too with the advice of Bishop Athelwold (age 59), these lands;-that is, Barrow, Warmington, Ashton, Kettering, Castor, Eylesworth, Walton, Witherington, Eye, Thorp, and a minster at Stamford. These lands and al the others that belong to the minster I bequeath clear; that is, with sack and sock, toll and team, and infangthief; these privileges and all others bequeath I clear to Christ and St. Peter. And I give the two parts of Whittlesey-mere, with waters and with wears and fens; and so through Meerlade along to the water that is called Nen; and so eastward to Kingsdelf. And I will that there be a market in the town itself, and that no other be betwixt Stamford and Huntingdon. And I will that thus be given the toll;-first, from Whittlesey-mere to the king's toll of Norman-cross hundred; then backward again from Whittlesey-mere through Meerlade along to the Nen, and as that river runs to Crowland; and from Crowland to Must, and from Must to Kingsdelf and to Whittlesey-mere. And I will that all the freedom, and all the privileges, that my predecessors gave, should remain; and I write and confirm this with the rood-token of Christ." (+)-Then answered Dunstan, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and said: "I grant, that all the things that here are given and spoken, and all the things that thy predecessors and mine have given, shall remain firm; and whosoever breaketh it, then give I him God's curse, and that of all saints, and of all hooded heads, and mine, unless he come to repentance. And I give expressly to St. Peter my mass-hackle, and my stole, and my reef, to serve Christ." "I Oswald, Archbishop of York, confirm all these words through the holy rood on which Christ was crucified." (+) "I Bishop Athelwold (age 59) bless all that maintain this, and I excommunicate all that break it, unless they come to repentance."-Here was Bishop Ellstan, Bishop Athulf, and Abbot Eskwy, and Abbot Osgar, and Abbot Ethelgar, and Alderman Elfere; Alderman Ethelwin, Britnoth and Oslac aldermen, and many other rich men; and all confirmed it and subscribed it with the cross of Christ. (+) This was done in the year after our Lord's Nativity 972, the sixteenth year of this king. Then bought the Abbot Aldulf lands rich and many, and much endowed the minster withal; and was there until Oswald, Archbishop of York, was dead; and then he was chosen to be archbishop. Soon after another abbot was chosen of the same monastery, whose name was Kenulf, who was afterwards Bishop of Winchester. He first made the wall about the minster, and gave it then the name of Peterborough, which before was Medhamsted. He was there till he was appointed Bishop of Winchester, when another abbot was chosen of the same monastery, whose name was Elfsy, who continued abbot fifty winters afterwards. It was he who took up St. Kyneburga and St. Kyneswitha, that lay at Castor, and St. Tibba, that lay at Ryhall; and brought them to Peterborough, and offered them all to St. Peter in one day, and preserved them all the while he was there.

i.e. the secular clergy, who observed no rule; opposed to the regulars, or monks.

Note 42. i.e. the feast of the Holy Innocents; a festival of great antiquity.

Note 43. i.e. the secular clergy, who observed no rule; opposed to the regulars, or monks.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 964

964. This year drove King Edgar (age 21) the priests of Winchester out of the old minster, and also out of the new minster; and from Chertsey [Map]; and from Milton [Map]; and replaced them with monks. And he appointed Ethelgar abbot to the new minster, and Ordbert to Chertsey, and Cyneward to Milton [Map].

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 965

965. This year King Edgar (age 22) took Elfrida (age 20) for his queen, who was daughter of Alderman Ordgar.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 966

966. This year Thored, the son of Gunner, plundered Westmorland; and the same year Oslac took to the aldermanship.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 969

969. This year King Edgar (age 26) ordered all Thanet-land [Map] to be plundered.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 970

970. This year died Archbishop Oskytel; who was first consecrated diocesan bishop at Dorchester, and afterwards it was by the consent of King Edred and all his council that he was consecrated Archbishop of York. He was bishop two and twenty winters; and he died on Alhallow-mas night, ten nights before Martinmas, at Thame. Abbot Thurkytel, his relative, carried the bishop's body to Bedford [Map], because he was the abbot there at that time.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 971

971. This year died Edmund Atheling (age 5), and his body lies at Rumsey [Map].

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 975

975. Here ended his earthly dreams Edgar, of Angles king (age 32); chose him other light, serene and lovely, spurning this frail abode, a life that mortals here call lean he quitted with disdain. July the month, by all agreed in this our land, whoever were in chronic lore correctly taught; the day the eighth, when Edgar young, rewarder of heroes, his life-his throne-resigned. Edward (age 13) his son, unwaxen child, of earls the prince, succeeded then to England's throne. Of royal race ten nights before departed hence Cyneward the good- prelate of manners mild. Well known to me in Mercia then, how low on earth God's glory fell on every side: chaced from the land, his servants fled,- their wisdom scorned; much grief to him whose bosom glow'd with fervent love of great Creation's Lord! Neglected then the God of wonders, victor of victors, monarch of heaven,- his laws by man transgressed! Then too was driv'n Oslac beloved an exile far from his native land over the rolling waves,- over the ganet-bath, over the water-throng, the abode of the whale,- fair-hair'd hero, wise and eloquent, of home bereft! Then too was seen, high in the heavens, the star on his station, that far and wide wise men call- lovers of truth and heav'nly lore- "cometa" by name. Widely was spread God's vengeance then throughout the land, and famine scour'd the hills. May heaven's guardian, the glory of angels, avert these ills, and give us bliss again; that bliss to all abundance yields from earth's choice fruits, throughout this happy isle.45

Note 45. The following passage from Cotton Tiberius B iv., relating to the accession of Edward the Martyr (age 13), should be added here- In his days, On account of his youth, The opponents of God Broke through God's laws; Alfhere alderman, And others many; And marr'd monastic rules; Minsters they razed, And monks drove away, And put God's laws to flight-Laws that King Edgar (age 32) Commanded the holy Saint Ethelwold (age 71) bishop Firmly to settle-Widows they stript Oft and at random. Many breaches of right And many bad laws Have arisen since; And after-times Prove only worse. Then too was Oslac The mighty earl Hunted from England's shores.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 976

976. This year was the great famine in England.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 977

977. This year was that great council at Kirtlington46, after Easter; and there died Bishop Sideman a sudden death, on the eleventh day before the calends of May. He was Bishop of Devonshire; and he wished that his resting-place should be at Crediton, Devon, his episcopal residence; but King Edward (age 15) and Archbishop Dunstan (age 68) ordered men to carry him to St. Mary's minster [Map] that is at Abingdon. And they did so; and he is moreover honourably buried on the north side in St. Paul's porch.

Note 46. Florence of Worcester mentions three synods this year; Kyrtlinege, Calne, and Ambresbyrig.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 978

978. This year all the oldest counsellors of England fell at Calne from an upper floor; but the holy Archbishop Dunstan (age 69) stood alone upon a beam. Some were dreadfully bruised: and some did not escape with life.

978. This year was King Edward (age 16) slain, at eventide, at Corfe-gate [Map], on the fifteenth day before the calends of April. And he was buried at Wareham, Dorset [Map] without any royal honour. No worse deed than this was ever done by the English nation since they first sought the land of Britain. Men murdered him but God has magnified him. He was in life an earthly king-he is now after death a heavenly saint. Him would not his earthly relatives avenge-but his heavenly father has avenged him amply. The earthly homicides would wipe out his memory from the earth-but the avenger above has spread his memory abroad in heaven and in earth. Those, Who would not before bow to his living body, now bow on their knees to His dead bones. Now we may conclude, that the wisdom of men, and their meditations, and their counsels, are as nought against the appointment of God. In this same year succeeded Ethelred Etheling (age 12), his brother, to the government; and he was afterwards very readily, and with great joy to the counsellors of England, consecrated king at Kingston [Map]. In the same year also died Alfwold, who was Bishop of Dorsetshire, and whose body lieth in the minster at Sherborn [Map].

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 979

979. In this year was Ethelred (age 13) consecrated king, on the Sunday fortnight after Easter, at Kingston [Map]. And there were at his consecration two archbishops [Note. Archbishop Dunstan (age 70) and Archbishop Oswald], and ten diocesan bishops. This same year was seen a bloody welkin oft-times in the likeness of fire; and that was most apparent at midnight, and so in misty beams was shown; but when it began to dawn, then it glided away.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 980

980. In this year was Ethelgar consecrated bishop, on the sixth day before the nones of May, to the bishopric of Selsey; and in the same year was Southampton, Hampshire [Map] plundered by a pirate-army, and most of the population slain or imprisoned. And the same year was the Isle of Thanet [Map] overrun, and the county of Chester was plundered by the pirate-army of the North. In this year Alderman Alfere fetched the body of the holy King Edward at Wareham, Dorset [Map], and carried him with great solemnity to Shaftsbury [Map]

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 981

981. In this year was St. Petroc's-stow plundered; and in the same year was much harm done everywhere by the sea-coast, both upon Devonshire and Wales. And in the same year died Elfstan, Bishop of Wiltshire; and his body lieth in the minster [Map] at Abingdon; and Wulfgar then succeeded to the bishopric. The same year died Womare, Abbot of Ghent.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 982

982. In this year came up in Dorsetshire three ships of the pirates, and plundered in Portland. The same year London was burned. In the same year also died two aldermen, Ethelmer in Hampshire, and Edwin in Sussex. Ethelmer's body lieth in Winchester, at New-minster, and Edwin's in the minster at Abingdon [Map]. The same year died two abbesses in Dorsetshire; Herelufa at Shaftsbury, and Wulfwina at Wareham. The same year went Otho (age 28), emperor of the Romans, into Greece; and there met he a great army of the Saracens, who came up from the sea, and would have proceeded forthwith to plunder the Christian folk; but the emperor fought with them. And there was much slaughter made on either side, but the emperor gained the field of battle. He was there, however, much harassed, ere he returned thence; and as he went homeward, his brother's son died, who was also called Otho (age 28); and he was the son of Leodulf Atheling. This Leodulf was the son of Otho the Elder and of the daughter of King Edward.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 983

983. This year died Alderman Alfere, and Alfric succeeded to the same eldership; and Pope Benedict also died.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 984

984. This year died the benevolent Bishop of Winchester, Athelwold (age 80), father of monks; and the consecration of the following bishop, Elfheah (age 31), who by another name was called Godwin, was on the fourteenth day before the calends of November; and he took his seat on the episcopal bench on the mass-day of the two apostles Simon and Jude, at Winchester.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 985

985. This year was Alderman Alfric driven out of the land; and in the same year was Edwin consecrated abbot of the minster at Abingdon.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 986

986. This year the king (age 20) invaded the bishopric of Rochester [Map]; and this year came first the great murrain of cattle in England.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 987

987. This year was the port of Watchet, Somerset plundered.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 988

988. This year was Goda, the thane of Devonshire, slain; and a great number with him: and Dunstan (age 79), the holy archbishop, departed this life, and sought a heavenly one. Bishop Ethelgar succeeded him in the archbishopric; but he lived only a little while after, namely, one year and three months.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 990

990. This year died Abbot Edwin, and Abbot Wulfgar succeeded to the abbacy. Siric was this year invested archbishop, and went afterwards to Rome after his pall.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 991

991. This year was Ipswich, Suffolk [Map] plundered; and very soon afterwards was Alderman Britnoth47 slain at Maldon [Map]. In this same year it was resolved that tribute should be given, for the first time, to the Danes, for the great terror they occasioned by the sea-coast. That was first 10,000 pounds. The first who advised this measure was

Note 47. Vid. "Hist. Eliens." ii. 6. He was a great benefactor to the church of Ely.Archbishop Siric.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 992

992. This year Oswald the blessed archbishop died, and Abbot Eadulf succeeded to York and to Worcester. And this year the king (age 26) and all his witan decreed that all the ships which were worth anything should be gathered together at London, in order that they might try if they could anywhere betrap the army from without. But Aelfric the ealdorman, one of those in whom the king had most confidence, directed the army to be warned; and in the night, as they should on the morrow have joined battle, the selfsame Aelfric fled from the forces; and then the army escaped.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 993

993. This year came Anlaf with three and ninety ships to Staines, which he plundered without, and went thence to Sandwich, Kent [Map]. Thence to Ipswich, Suffolk [Map], which he laid waste; and so to Maldon [Map], where Alderman Britnoth came against him with his force, and fought with him; and there they slew the alderman, and gained the field of battle; whereupon peace was made with him, and the king received him afterwards at episcopal hands by the advice of Siric, Bishop of Canterbury, and Elfeah of Winchester. This year was Bamborough [Map] destroyed, and much spoil was there taken. Afterwards came the army to the mouth of the Humber; and there did much evil both in Lindsey and in Northumbria. Then was collected a great force; but when the armies were to engage, then the generals first commenced a flight; namely, Frene and Godwin and Frithgist. In this same year the king ordered Elfgar, son of Alderman Elfric, to be punished with blindness.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 994

994. This year died Archbishop Siric: and Elfric, Bishop of Wiltshire, was chosen on Easter-day, at Amesbury [Map], by King Ethelred (age 28) and all his council. This year came Anlaf and Sweyne to London, on the Nativity of St. Mary, with four and ninety-ships. And they closely besieged the city, and would fain have set it on fire; but they sustained more harm and evil than they ever supposed that any citizens could inflict on them. The holy mother of God on that day in her mercy considered the citizens, and ridded them of their enemies. Thence they advanced, and wrought the greatest evil that ever any army could do, in burning and plundering and manslaughter, not only on the sea-coast in Essex, but in Kent and in Sussex and in Hampshire. Next they took horse, and rode as wide as they would, and committed unspeakable evil. Then resolved the king and his council to send to them, and offer them tribute and provision, on condition that they desisted from plunder. The terms they accepted; and the whole army came to Southampton, Hampshire [Map], and there fixed their winter-quarters; where they were fed by all the subjects of the West-Saxon kingdom. And they gave them 16,000 pounds in money. Then sent the king; after King Anlaf Bishop Elfeah and Alderman Ethelwerd;48 and, hostages being left with the ships, they led Anlaf with great pomp to the king at Andover, Hampshire [Map]. And King Ethelred (age 28) received him at episcopal hands, and honoured him with royal presents. In return Anlaf promised, as he also performed, that he never again would come in a hostile manner to England.

Note 48. This was probably the veteran historian of that name, who was killed in the severe encounter with the Danes at Alton (Aethelingadene) in the year 1001.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 995

995. This year appeared the comet-star.

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996. This year was Elfric consecrated archbishop at Christ church.49

Note 49. i.e. at Canterbury. He was chosen or nominated before, by King Ethelred (age 30) and his council, at Amesbury: vid. an. 994. This notice of his consecration, which is confirmed by Florence of Worcester, is now first admitted into the text on the authority of three MSS.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 997

997. This year went the army about Devonshire into Severn-mouth, and equally plundered the people of Cornwall, North-Wales50, and Devon. Then went they up at Watchet, Somerset, and there much evil wrought in burning and manslaughter. Afterwards they coasted back about Penwithstert on the south side, and, turning into the mouth of the Tamer, went up till they came to Liddyford, burning and slaying everything that they met. Moreover, Ordulf's minster at Tavistock they burned to the ground, and brought to their ships incalculable plunder. This year Archbishop Elfric went to Rome after his staff.

Note 50. Not the present district so-called, but all that north of the Sea of Severn, as opposed to West-Wales, another name for Cornwall.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 998

998. This year coasted the army back eastward into the mouth of the Frome, and went up everywhere, as widely as they would, into Dorsetshire. Often was an army collected against them; but, as soon as they were about to come together, then were they ever through something or other put to flight, and their enemies always in the end had the victory. Another time they lay in the Isle of Wight [Map], and fed themselves meanwhile from Hampshire and Sussex.

Early Medieval Books, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 950-999, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 999

999. This year came the army about again into the Thames, and went up thence along the Medway to Rochester, Kent [Map]; where the Kentish army came against them, and encountered them in a close engagement; but, alas! they too soon yielded and fled; because they had not the aid that they should have had. The Danes therefore occupied the field of battle, and, taking horse, they rode as wide as they would, spoiling and overrunning nearly all West-Kent. Then the king (age 33) with his council determined to proceed against them with sea and land forces; but as soon as the ships were ready, then arose delay from day to day, which harassed the miserable crew that lay on board; so that, always, the forwarder it should have been, the later it was, from one time to another;-they still suffered the army of their enemies to increase;-the Danes continually retreated from the sea-coast;-and they continually pursued them in vain. Thus in the end these expeditions both by sea and land served no other purpose but to vex the people, to waste their treasure, and to strengthen their enemies."