Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1013. The year after that Archbishop Elfeah was martyred, the [his father] king (age 47) appointed Lifing to the archiepiscopal see of Canterbury. And in the same year, before the month August, came King Sweyne (age 53) with his fleet to Sandwich, Kent [Map]; and very soon went about East-Anglia into the Humber-mouth, and so upward along the Trent, until he came to Gainsborough [Map]. Then soon submitted to him Earl Utred, and all the Northumbrians, and all the people of Lindsey, and afterwards the people of the Five Boroughs, and soon after all the army to the north of Watling-street; and hostages were given him from each shire. When he understood that all the people were subject to him, then ordered he that his army should have provision and horses; and he then went southward with his main army, committing his ships and the hostages to his son [his step-father] Knute (age 18). And after he came over Watling-street, they wrought the greatest mischief that any army could do. Then he went to Oxford, Oxfordshire [Map]; and the population soon submitted, and gave hostages; thence to Winchester, where they did the same. Thence went they eastward to London; and many of the party sunk in the Thames, because they kept not to any bridge. When he came to the city, the population would not submit; but held their ground in full fight against him, because therein was King Ethelred, and Thurkill with him. Then went King Sweyne thence to Wallingford; and so over Thames westward to Bath, where he abode with his army. Thither came Alderman Ethelmar, and all the western thanes with him, and all submitted to Sweyne, and gave hostages. When he had thus settled all, then went he northward to his ships; and all the population fully received him, and considered him full king. The population of London also after this submitted to him, and gave hostages; because they dreaded that he would undo them. Then bade Sweyne full tribute and forage for his army during the winter; and Thurkill bade the same for the army that lay at Greenwich, Kent [Map]: besides this, they plundered as oft as they would. And when this nation could neither resist in the south nor in the north, King Ethelred abode some while with the fleet that lay in the Thames; and the [his mother] lady (age 28)⁵⁷ went afterwards over sea to her brother [his uncle] Richard (age 49), accompanied by Elfsy, Abbot of Peterborough. The king sent Bishop Elfun with the ethelings, Edward (age 10) and [his brother] Alfred (age 8), over sea; that he might instruct them. Then went the king from the fleet, about midwinter, to the Isle of Wight [Map]; and there abode for the season; after which he went over sea to Richard, with whom he abode till the time when Sweyne died. Whilst the lady was with her brother beyond sea, Elfsy, Abbot of Peterborough, who was there with her, went to the abbey called Boneval, where St. Florentine's body lay; and there found a miserable place, a miserable abbot, and miserable monks: because they had been plundered. There he bought of the abbot, and of the monks, the body of St. Florentine, all but the head, for 500 pounds; which, on his return home, he offered to Christ and St. Peter.

Note 57. This was a title bestowed on the queen.

Charter S998 King Edward to Ordgar. 1042. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every reception and donation of lands should be better confirmed by written records so that in the future no one, ignorant of the testament's confirmation, might fall into the sin of presumption or the crime of reckless seizure. Therefore, I, Eadward (age 39), King, relying on royal dignity, have taken care to grant to a certain faithful servant of mine, named Ordgar, half a manse (a unit of land) in the place called Littleham, with the woods pertaining to it on the southern side, as a perpetual inheritance. Let the aforesaid estate be free from all secular burdens, except for military service, bridge work, and fortress repair. Whoever attempts to diminish or alter this decree should know that they will be held accountable on the day of judgment before Christ and His saints.

This land is bounded by the following landmarks. These are the land boundaries of the half hide at Littleham: First at Exmouth, then up the stream along the north side of the ridge at the northern boundary, up along the brook to the spring, then eastward directly to the hawk's seat, then eastward to the ridgeway, along the ridgeway to the old ditch, eastward along the ditch from the junction of the roads to the north of the foul land, then northward to the green way to the ford, from the ford up along the stream to the building, from the building north to the green way to the valley, eastward up along the valley to the meeting place, then to the army path, along the army path to the hill of the birds, along the hill to the bird's hill, from the hill south to the elder boundary, then to the brook, then down along the brook back out to the sea.

This donation was made in the year of our Lord's incarnation 1042, in the tenth indiction."

Px In nomine domini nostri Iesu Christi. Omnis quidem susceptio et datio passionum terrarum melius litterarum exemplis confirmanda sit ne in posterum aliquis testamenti confirmationem ignorans presumptionis peccatum uel direptionis incaute crimen incurrat. Qua de re ego EADWARD rex regali fretus dignitate aliquam terram cuidam fideli meo ministro uocitato nomine ORDGAR - unum dimidium mansam in loco ubi dictum est Littleham; cum sylua ad se pertinente in australi parte in hereditatem perennem impendere curaui. Sit uero predictum rus ab omni seculari grauedine expers. nisi expeditione pontis arcisue munitione. Quicumque hoc decretum minuere seu transmutare satagerit; noscat se reum esse in die iudicii coram Christo et sanctis eius. Terra autem ista his terminibus circumdatur. Ðis syndon þære healfan hide landgemæro æt Lytlanhamme. Ærest on Exanmuðan. þonne up on stryem. be norðan lydewicnæsse on þone norþran mere. up andlang riðan of þone æwylm. þanone east rihte to hafocys setle. þanone east rihte to þan hricgwege. andlang þæs hricgweges. on þa ealdan dic. east andlang þære dic of þære wega gelæto be norðan ðam fulan landa. þanon norð on þone grenan weg on auan ford. of þam fordan up andlang stryemes on þone sele. of þam sele norð on þone grenan weg to þam slæde. east up andlang þæs slædes to ðære plegin stowe. þonne to þan herpaðe. andlang þæs herpaðas to fugelis beorh dune. andlang þære dune to fuhgeles beorhge. fram þam beorhge suð to ellewurðie. þanon to þan broce. adun þonne andlang þæs broces eft ut on sæ: - Acta est autem hec prefata donatio anno ab incarnatione domini nostri Iesu Christi. millesimo. xl. ii. indictione. x.

Ego Eadweard rex Britannie totius Anglorum monarchus hoc agie Crucis taumate roboraui.

Eadsige Dorobernensis ecclesie archiepiscopus eiusdem regis principatum et beniuolentiam sub sigillo Sancte Crucis conclusi.

Ego [his mother] Ælfgyfu (age 57) regina humillima adiuui.

Ego Ælfwine episcopus assensum prebui.

Ego Byrhtwold episcopus dictando titulaui.

Ego Dudoc episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Lyfing episcopus dignum duxi.

Ego Godwine dux.

Ego Sigwerd dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Sigwerd abbas.

Ego Ælfwine abbas.

Ego Odda (age 49) minister.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Godwine minister.

Ego Æþelric minister.

Ego Toky minister.

Ego Toui minister.

Ego Dodda minister.

Ego Ælfwerd minister.

Ego Osmær minister.

Charter S1000 King Edward to Coventry Abbey. 1043. In the peace of the reign, the bountiful goodness of Christ the Almighty is always to be praised by all and is deserving of all praise, for it can be bounded by no limit of goodness in the ages of ages, since God Himself is the goodness of His own goodness, freely distributing a portion of His goodness not only to the worthy but also to the unworthy. He is indeed the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the creator of all visible and invisible things, and the most discerning arranger of His creation, reaching from end to end and sweetly ordering all creation as befits His divine dominion. For He has appointed some with free will to hold certain dignities of this world and to perform various works, commanding them to relieve and sustain with their abundance and sufficiency those who are less abundant in worldly affairs, so that they might be granted a greater reward by Him.

Wherefore, I, Edward (age 40), King of the English, by the assent of the Almighty Ruler, wish to make it known to all future kings, archbishops, bishops, abbots, dukes, and all the faithful of Christ that the venerable Duke Leofric, inspired by divine grace and the teachings of the most glorious and God-beloved supreme pontiff Alexander, founded the monastery of the Holy Mother of God Mary, of Saint Peter, and of all the saints in the village called Coventry, and adorned it with generous gifts, and, with my large donation and grant, has bestowed the manors listed below for the sustenance of the abbot and monks serving God perpetually in that place: namely, half of the village in which the church is founded, then Southam, Greenborough, Ickleton, Hunton, Newnham, Hulhtune, Chadleshunt, Hardwick, Chesterton, Wasperton, Soham, Byritngbury near the Avon, Merston, also Merstuna in Gloucestershire, half of the village of Ruitune, Sowe, Salwarpe, Eaton near the River Dee, Kildesbig, Winewickan, Burhbeca, Barwell, Scrapetoft, Packington.

For the reverence and honor of the Holy Mother of God Mary and of my advocate, the apostle Peter, I give and grant to Abbot Leofwine, and to all future abbots after him, in the entire possession of the monastery, sac and soc (jurisdiction), and their toll on land and water, in the city and outside, and all laws and customs as fully and as freely as the aforementioned duke held them more honorably and freely from me. I therefore command that all things pertaining to that church be entirely free, both cultivated and uncultivated lands, with the revenues and profits of the aforesaid manors and churches, cemeteries, tithes, revenues, and due services, offerings, lights, judicial matters, ecclesiastical and secular corrections, and whatever has been given to that place under full immunity, and we perpetually confirm this.

And so that no one in the present or in the future may doubt what freedom has been graciously and firmly granted by me, let all the possessions of that church never be burdened by any obligations, neither for military service, nor for the building of bridges and fortifications, nor for royal dues, nor for the arrest of thieves. To sum it all up, nothing is to be paid to the king, nor to the king’s reeve, nor to the bishop, nor to any man, but all dues in that domain are to be paid perpetually to the aforementioned holy place according to what the brothers of that monastery have ordained.

So that it may be clearly shown to the damnation of those who transgress these decrees, we have taken care to manifest here the letters of the supreme pontiff, Pope Alexander, which we have received, directed to both future and present generations.

Papal Letter of Confirmation

Alexander, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to his beloved son Edward, King of the English, greetings and apostolic blessing. We have gladly received your letters, signifying your well-being, and we have given thanks to Almighty God, who stirs the sincerity of your heart to all things useful to the holy mother church. Therefore, in accordance with your letters, we grant, concede, and confirm these privileges of our present authority to the monastery of Saint Mary of Coventry, where the congregation of the servants of God was recently established by the venerable Duke Leofric, ordaining that this place, supported by royal decrees and apostolic privileges, may at all times remain without any disturbance from any diocesan bishop or any judicial power of any order or dignity, but may always remain as your royal goodwill desires and seeks.

The brothers of that place shall have the power to elect suitable abbots or deans for themselves from their own community or from any congregation they wish, and we prohibit them from being impeded by apostolic authority. Moreover, whatever you have granted to that place, or has been granted, or will be granted, we confirm by divine and our authority; we also gladly agree to and confirm, and by confirming decree that they shall stand forever, your privileges concerning the honor of God that you have instituted there; and we condemn the violators of them with eternal damnation.

In the year of the Lord's incarnation 1043, this charter was written, with the consent of the hierarchs noted below and witnessed by those listed.

Pace regnante, largiflua Christi omnipotentis bonitas semper ab omnibus est laudanda omnique laude praeferenda, quia nullo bonitatis termino ualet concludi in saeculorum saecula, utpote quia idem deus ipse sit suae propriae bonitatis bonitas, distribuens gratis non tantum dignis uerum etiam indignis partem suae bonitatis; est quippe rex regum et dominus dominantium omniumque subsistentium uisibilium atque inuisibilium creator, et suae creationis discretissimus dispositor, attingens a fine usque ad finem suauiterque disponens omnem creaturam ut competit diuinae dominationi eius. Nam quosdam libero arbitrio quibusdam praefecit dignitate huius saeculi et operibus diuersis, quibus rursum mandat ut ipsi sua sufficienta et bonorum habundantia illorum releuare et sustentare debeant inopiam qui minus saecularibus habundant negotiis, ut pro hoc maiori possint mercede ab eo donari. Unde ego Eadwardus Anglorum rex omnibus post me futuris regibus, archiepiscopis, episcopis, abbatibus, ducibus, omnibusque Christi fidelibus notum fieri uolo quod uenerabilis dux Leofricus, diuina inspirante gratia monitisque gloriosi ac deo dilecti summi pontificis Alexandri, monasterium sanctae dei genitricis Mariae sanctique Petri et omnium sanctorum in uilla quae dicitur Couentre extruxit largisque muneribus adornauit, atque subscripta maneria ad uictuale subsidium abbatis et monachorum in eodem loco deo perpetue seruientium mea larga donatione et concessione ibidem contulit; uidelicet medietatem eiusdem uillae in qua fundata est ipsa aecclesia, deinde Sou∂am, Greneburgan, Icketonam, Hunitonam, Neowenham, Hulhtune, Chadeleshunte, Herdewyk, Cestretune, Waspertune, Suohham, Byrtingabirig iuxta Auen, Merston, item Merstuna, in Gloecestria, medietatem uillae de Ruitune, Sowe, Salewarp, Eatuna iuxta fluuium Dee, Kildesbig, Winewican, Burhbeca, Barwalle, Scrapetoft, Pakinton, pro reuerentia itaque et honore sanctae dei genitricis Mariae sanctique aduocati mei apostoli Petri, do et concedo abbati Leofwino, et omnibus futuris ibidem post eum abbatibus, in tota possessione monasterii, sakam et socnam, et theloneum suum in terra et in aqua, in urbe et extra, et omnes leges et consuetudines tam plene et tam libere sicut eas praefatus dux honorificentius et liberius de me tenuit. Praecipio itaque ut omnia quae ad ipsam aecclesiam pertinent sint omnino libera, terrae cultae et incultae, cum exitibus atque redditibus praedictorum necnon maneria et aecclesiae, cimiteria, decimae, redditus, et seruitia debita, oblationes, luminaria, causarum discussiones, emendationes aecclesiasticae uel saeculares, et quicquid illi loco collatum est sub integra inmunitate concedimus et perpetuo firmamus. Et ne quis praesentium uel magis futurorum ambiget quae sit illa libertas quam amabiliter et firmiter concedo, omnimodis cuncta illius aecclesiae possessio nullis sit unquam grauata oneribus nec expeditionis nec pontis et arcis aedificatione, nec iuris regalis fragimine nec furis apprehensione. Et ut omnia simul comprehendam, nil debet exsolui nec regi nec regis praeposito uel episcopo uel ulli homini, sed omnia debita exsoluantur iugiter quae in ipsa ditione fuerint ad supradictum sanctum locum secundum quod ordinauerint fratres eiusdem coenobii. Ut autem cunctis haec transgredientibus ad damnationem suam euidenter possit ostendi literas summi pontificis papae Alexandri quas ab eo suscepimus, directas tam posteris quam praesentibus hic manifestari curauimus. Alexander episcopus seruus seruorum dei dilecto filio Eadwardo regi Anglorum salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Scriptorum uestrorum eloquia incolumitatem uestram significantia laeti suscepimus, gratias itaque omnipotenti deo retulimus qui cordis uestri sinceritatem ad omnia utilia sanctae matris aecclesiae compungit. Proinde iuxta scripta uestra monasterio sanctae Mariae de Couentria ubi seruorum dei constituta est congregatio a reuerendae memoriae Leofrico duce nuper exstructo, huiusmodi priuilegia praesentis authoritatis nostrae indulgemus, concedimus, atque confirmamus, statuentes ut ipse locus regiis praeceptis et priuilegiis apostolicis fultus per omnia tempora sine conuexatione cuiuscumque diocesani episcopi, aut alicuius iudiciariae potestatis cuiuscumque ordinis uel dignitatis sit, sed semper sicut praeoptat et expetit beneuolentia tua regalis futuro tempore permaneat. Fratres igitur eiusdem loci idoneos ex se uel ex qua uoluerint congregatione abbates siue decanos sibi per successiones eligendi habeant potestatem, et ne impediantur auctoritate apostolica prohibemus. Praeterea quicquid illi loco contuleris, uel collatum est, uel conferetur, diuina et nostra auctoritate roboramus; necnon priuilegia uestra ad honorem dei pertinentia quae ibi instituere uolueris gratanti affectu annuimus, confirmamus, et confirmando imperpetuum stare decreuimus; et infractores eorum aeterna maledictione damnamus. Anno incarnationis dominicae .m.xliii. scripta est haec syngrapha, hiis consentientibus ierarchis qui subter notati: uidelicet,

Ego Eadwardus rex hanc meam libertatem regali stabilimento affirmaui.

Ego [his mother] Ælfgyfa (age 58) mater eiusdem regis assensum accommodaui.

Ego [his future wife] Eadgi∂ (age 17) regina eiusdem collateralis regis eiusdem donationi regali consensi [The queen of the same collateral agreed to the king's royal donation of the same.].

Ego Eadsinus Dorobernensis aecclesiae archiepiscopus adquieui.

Ego Ælfricus Eboracensis aecclesiae archipraesul corroboraui.

Ego Ælfwoldus Londoniensis episcopus subposui.

Ego Ealdredus episcopus Wygornensis impressi.

Ego Duduco episcopus Willensis adnotaui.

Ego Wlfinus episcopus Lichesfeldensis consolidaui.

Ego Æ∂elstanus episcopus Herfordensis stabiliui.

Ego Liuingus episcopus Cridiensis adposui.

Ego Eadno∂us episcopus Dorcensis consensum praebui.

Ego Brihtwinus episcopus Scirbernensis confirmaui.

Ego Berhtwold episcopus Wiltuniensis conclusi.

Ego Manni abbas.

Ego Siward abbas.

Ego Ælfwinus abbas.

Ego Godwinus abbas.

Ego Ælfstanus abbas.

Ego [his future father-in-law] Godwinus dux (age 42).

Ego [his future brother-in-law] Haroldus dux (age 21).

Ego Leofricus dux.

Ego Siward (age 33) dux.

Ego [his future brother-in-law] Sweyn (age 22) dux.

Ego [his future brother-in-law] Tostig (age 17) dux.

Ego Radulphus More.

Ego Esgar.

Ego Rodbord minister.

Ego Hulfketel minister.

Ego Godwine minister.

Ego Frewine minister.

Ego Leofric minister.

Ego Morcere minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Godric minister.

Ego Leofric minister.

Ego Siwerd minister.

Ego Æ∂elsi minister.

Charter S999 King Edward to Ælfstan. Nothing in this world enjoys prolonged happiness, nothing retains long-lasting dominion, nothing that does not hasten toward the fateful end of life. Therefore, as the examples of the orthodox demonstrate, we should enjoy the worldly patrimonies given to us in such a way that we are never deprived of the benefits of the eternal homeland. For this reason, I, Edward (age 40), by the decree of the Most High, King of the English, willingly grant to a certain minister of mine named Ælfstan, ten manses at the place called Seofonhæmtune, so that he may have and possess them and leave them to whatever heir he wishes after his death.

Let the aforesaid estate be free from all worldly service, with three exceptions: the repair of bridges, the construction of the king's fortress, and military service. If anyone, inflamed by the fire of greed, should attempt to violate this gift of ours, let them know that they will be condemned with the children of perdition to the torments of Tartarus, unless they repent and make amends with fitting satisfaction.

The aforementioned portion of land is bounded by these markers: First at the gray apple tree, from the apple tree along Pine Cross, from the cross between Moor Shrub and Middle Lea, then on to the old ditch, from the ditch along the ridge to the willow spring, from the spring along the road to the hawthorn, from the thorn along the ridge to Hodmere, straight to the five thorns, from the five thorns onto the old elder stump, from the stump onto the old ditch, from the ditch along the army path until it comes by the north of Bean Hill into the valley, along the furrow to the narrow path, along the path to the willow, from the willow to Stone Well, from the well straight to the spear, from the spear to the bend of the brook, from the bend to the old earthworks, from the earthworks to the oak stump, from the stump back to the gray apple tree.

This royal gift charter was written in the year of our Lord's incarnation 1043, in the eleventh indiction, with the following persons confirming it, whose names are listed below, and observed by the witnesses noted.

Nichil ergo in hoc seculo prolixa felicitate fruitur, nichil diuturna dominatione potitur, nichil quod non ad fatalem uite terminum ueloci cursu tendatur, ideoque ut ortodoxorum demonstrant paracdigmata sic nobis mundanarum rerum patrimonie sunt perfruende ut tamen eterne patrie emolumentis numquam fraudemur. Quam ob rem ego Eadward, annuente altitroni moderatoris imperio Anglorum basileus, quodam ministro meo Ælfstan nominato .x. mansas ubi dicitur æt Seofonhæmtune libens donabo, quatinus habeat atque possideat ac post se qualicumque uoluerit heredi derelinquat. Sit autem rus predictum ab omni mundano seruitio liberum, tribus tam exceptis, uiatici restauratione pontis, arcis construccione regalis, expeditione etiam populari. Siquis uero quod absit cupiditatis flamma accensus hoc nostrum infringere temptauerit donum, sciat se dampnaturum cum filiis perdicionis in tartareis tormentis, nisi resipiscens digna satisfactione emendauerit. Nam predicta ruris particula his metis constat circumcincta. Erest on þa haran apeldran, of þare apeldran 7lang pinnan rode, of þære rode betweox Mor sceagan 7 Middel lea, ðwyres on þa ealdan dic, of ðære dic andlang hricges on byde wil, of ðan wille 7lang stræte on hægla þorn, of þan ðorne 7lang hricges on hodan mere, on gerihte on fif þornas, of fif þornon þwyres on ðane ealdan ellen styb, of ðan stybbe on ða ealdan dic, of þære dic andlang herpaðes þæt hit cymð be norðan bien hylle in on þæt slæd, swa 7lang fura on þæne smalan weg, swa 7lang weges on ðone wiðig, of ðan wiþige on stan wyl, of þan wille þwyres on ðæne garan, of þan garan on þæs broces bige, of þan bige on þa ealdan eorð byrig, of þære byrig on ðone ac styb, of þan stibbe eft on þa haran apeldran. Scripta est ergo huius regalis doni cartula anno dominice incarnationis .xliii. post mille, indiccione .xi., his confirmantibus quorum uocabula infra sunt pretitulata et cernentibus apparent adnotata.

Ego Eadward rex Anglorum meum donum signo crucis confirmaui [King of the English, I confirmed my gift with the sign of the cross].

Ego [his mother] Ælfgyfa (age 58) predicti regis mater regium munus corroboraui [the royal office of the mother of the said king].

Ego Eadsinus archiepiscopus almo sancte crucis uexillo confortaui [archbishop with the standard of the holy cross].

Ego Ælfric archipresul istud datum consolidaui.

Ego Bryhtwold episcopus.

Ego Æþelstan episcopus.

Ego Godwine dux.

Ego Godeman presbiter.

Ego Karl minister.

Ego Ælfeget minister.

Ego Ælfwig prefectus.

Ego Ælfwine episcopus.

Ego Grimkyl episcopus.

Ego Dudoca episcopus.

Ego Lyfing episcopus.

Ego Brihtwine episcopus.

Ego Eadnoþ episcopus.

Ego Æþelweard abbas.

Ego Ælfwine abbas.

Ego Siward abbas.

Ego Wulfsige abbas.

Ego Leofric presbiter.

Ego Siward (age 33) dux.

Ego Swegen dux.

Ego Eadwold presbiter.

Ego Hereman presbiter.

Ego Leofric presbiter.

Ego Osgod miles.

Ego Ælfstan miles.

Ego Esbern miles.

Ego Lyfing miles.

Ego Ordgar miles.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Brihtric minister.

Ego Dodda, Æþelmer.

Ego Urki minister.

Ego Ælfget minister.

Ego Wulfnoð prefectus.

Ego Kinewerd prefectus.

Ego Tokig minister.

Ego Æþelwig minister.

Ego Leofric 7 Tofig ministri.

Ego Ælfwig prefectus.

Ego Æþelmær minister.

Ego Æþelric minister.

Ego Totig minister.

Ego Leofwine minister.

Ego Godsunu minister.

Ego Ulfkitel 7 Æþelric ministri.

Charter S1002 King Edward to Abbot Richard. 1044. In the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. I, Edward (age 41), by the grace of God, King of the English, extend greetings and make this matter known to all future kings, archbishops, abbots, earls, sheriffs, all barons and ministers, and to all present and future. It is the highest duty of kings and princes to honor God’s justice and to ensure the tranquility of churches, carefully arranging for their perpetual security; for those who exalt and honor the church are themselves exalted and honored with it, in it, and through it.

And since we know that in many places monks have suffered numerous disturbances, troubles, persecutions, scandals, and grievances from certain people, it is fitting that our royal provision should ensure their future peace through a wise arrangement, so that they may remain in the service of God with tranquil minds, aided by His grace. Therefore, let all present and future know that the ancient and glorious kings, Alfred and his son Edward, greatly loved and honored the church of St. Peter of Ghent, which is situated on Blandinium Hill, and they endowed it with the estate of Lewisham and all its appurtenances, which Æthelrudis, the niece of the aforementioned Alfred, had freely granted to the same church, confirming it with royal approval and perpetual liberty.

Considering the intention of their good work, and so that their decrees may never be annulled or disturbed by future generations, I, indeed, as the protector of this liberty, supporting their gifts, for the prosperity and salvation of myself, all my successors, and Baldwin, my kinsman and earl, as well as for the prosperity and salvation of all the faithful, grant and confirm by my royal authority to God and the blessed apostle Peter, our gracious patron, and to Abbot Richard and the monks of the aforementioned church of Ghent, the manor of Lewisham, with all its appurtenances, namely Greenwich, Woolwich, Mottingham, and Cumbe, as well as the valleys adjacent to these manors in Andred, namely Æschore, Æffehaga, Wingindene, and Scarendene, and with the churches, cemeteries, tithes, revenues, in fields and woods, in meadows and pastures, in waters and marshes, in fisheries and fishing rights, in mills, and in all their appurtenances.

Moreover, I have added to that place within London a portion of land from the estate known in English as Wermanecher, with the fishing rights pertaining to that land, and with all rights and customs that belong to it. I also grant them in all their aforementioned lands the customs written here in English: namely, infangeneof (the right to prosecute thieves), mondbruce (protection money), mischenninge (mischief), uðleaw (outlawry), ferdwite (military service fine), wearwite (damages fine), blodwite (blood payment), hleastynge (harboring a fugitive), sceawinge (watching or surveillance), hamsocne (breaking into a house), forstall (waylaying or ambush), and all other laws and customs that pertain to me. I also grant to Abbot Richard and to all future abbots and brothers of that place in all the possession of the monastery, sac and soc (jurisdiction), and their toll on land and water, and the custom called teames (disputes involving multiple parties), the right to capture and release thieves, and the right to punish breaches of the peace, assaults in the house, house invasions, and all other offenses, on the road and off it, on the feast day and after, in the city and outside, on water and land, as fully and freely as I held them in my own hand.

Furthermore, I defend and prohibit in the name of the Holy Trinity that none of my successors, bishops, princes, earls, sheriffs, stewards, or any other officials, royal or episcopal, may demand food, rent, or any other payment from that church or the lands mentioned that belong to it, by force or custom, but that they may possess complete freedom by my royal confirmation forever, so that the religious community itself may vigilantly offer prayers for the salvation of my soul and the souls of all my successors, the kings of England, and all the benefactors of that church, and for the health of the faithful, continually serving Christ the Lord and His blessed apostle Peter under the rule of religion. If anyone, whoever he may be, of whatever age, power, rank, or order, should go against this page of our authority, or attempt to infringe it, or lead others to do so, let him pay five pounds to St. Peter, and whatever our treasury could have hoped to gain from that land in murders, taxes, Danegeld, and all other matters or payments, shall be granted and given completely to the lights and sustenance of the brothers of that monastery forever by our decree.

Whoever among my successors firmly and inviolably keeps this grant of liberty, may he be crowned with eternal glory and enjoy the happiness of the heavenly kingdom; but if anyone, God forbid, should seek to destroy it, or try to take away the possession from the grant and service of the aforementioned church and its abbots and monks, or presume to seize it as if by inheritance, let him be subject to eternal anathema with Judas the betrayer of the Lord unless he makes amends with fitting repentance to God and His blessed apostle Peter. For it is not fitting for any superior or inferior person to claim as their own inheritance what has been providently restored to its rightful owner by royal confirmation.

Therefore, in the year of the Lord’s incarnation 1044, in the twelfth indiction, with the seven concurrent cycles and the eleventh epact rotating, this royal grant and donation were made under the attestation of the leading men whose names are seen written below.

In nomine sanctae et indiuiduae trinitatis. Ego Eadwardus Anglorum dei gratia basileus, omnibus post me futuris regibus, archiepiscopis, abbatibus, comitibus, uicecomitibus, omnibusque baronibus ac ministris, cunctisque praesentibus et futuris, salutem, et huius rei notitiam. Summum in regibus ac principibus bonum est iustitiam dei colere et aecclesiarum quieti prospicere, et de illarum perpetua securitate sollerter tractare; quia qui eam exaltant et honorant, cum ea et in ea et per eam exaltantur et honorantur. Et quoniam in locis plurimis inquietudines plurimas, molestias, persecutiones, scandala atque grauamina monachos a nonnullis pertulisse cognouimus, decet ut nostrae excellentiae regia prouisio de ipsorum uentura quiete, salubri meditetur dispositione, ut in ipsis manentes tranquilla mente in seruitute dei ipsius subueniente gratia permaneant; unde praesentes et posteri sciant uniuersi, quod antiqui gloriosi reges, Ælfredus, uidelicet, et Eadwardus filius eius, aecclesiam sancti Petri de Gant quae in monte Blandinio sita est nimio affectu dilexerunt, honorauerunt; et donationem illam, Leuesham, scilicet, cum omnibus sibi pertinentibus, quam Æl∂rudis praefati Ælfredi neptis aecclesiae eidem libere contulit, regia concessione et libertate perpetua munierunt. Quorum boni operis intentione perpendens ne eorum statuta unquam ducantur in irritum, aut ullis, quod absit, posteris turbentur temporibus, ego quidem huius libertatis patrocinator, donis eorum fauens, pro eorum et mea omniumque successorum meorum regum, atque Baldwini comitis cognati mei, necnon et omnium fidelium prosperitate et salute, deo et beato apostolo Petro, pio fautori nostro, et abbati Richardo monachisque praefatae aecclesiae de Gant concedo atque mea regia auctoritate confirmo manerium de Leuesham, cum omnibus sibi pertinentibus, uidelicet, Greenwic, Wulewic, Modingeham, atque Cumbe, et cum uallibus etiam in Andreda eisdem maneriis adiacentibus, scilicet, Æschore, Æffehaga, Wingindene, Scarendene, Sandherste, et cum aecclesiis, cimiteriis, decimis, redditibus, in campis et siluis, in pratis et pascuis, in aquis et paludibus, in piscariis et piscationibus, in molendinis et in omnibus suis appendiciis. Praeterea addidi loco illi praelibato infra Londoniam, partem terrae de terra illa, uidelicet, quae Wermanecher Anglice nuncupatur, cum hueruo eidem terrae pertinenti, et cum omnibus rectitudinibus et consuetudinibus, quae ad illam pertinent. Concedo eis etiam in omnibus terris suis praenominatis, consuetudines hic Anglice scriptas, scilicet infangene∂eof, mondbruce, mischenninge, u∂leaw, ferdwite, wearwite, blodwite, hleastynge, sceawinge, hamsocne, forstall, aliasque omnes leges et consuetudines quae ad me pertinent. Donaui etiam Richardo religioso abbati et omnibus futuris post eum, ibidem abbatibus, et fratribus eiusdem loci, in omni praedicta monasterii possessione, sacam et socam, theloneumque suum in terra et in aqua, et consuetudinem quae dicitur teames, latrones latronumque captiones uel emissiones, et pacis fracturam, et pugnam in domo factam, et domus inuasionem, et omnes assultus in suo iure, in uia et extra, in festo et extra, in urbe et extra, in aqua et extra, tam plene et tam libere sicut eas habebam in manu mea; nullis itaque unquam grauentur oneribus expeditionum nec pontium uel castrorum restructione, nec regalium siue episcopalium ministrorum exactione. Defendo insuper, et ex nomine sanctae trinitatis prohibeo, ut nullus regum succedentium, episcoporum, principum, comitum, uicecomitum, procuratorum, siue aliorum regum clientium, uel episcoporum, ministrorum, pastum, censum, uel inpensionem seu aliud quidlibet ab aecclesia illa uel a terris praescriptis ad eam pertinentibus per uim aut per consuetudinem exigat, sed omnimodam libertatem mea regia corroboratione perpetualiter possideant, quatinus ipsa religiosa concio, pro remedio animae meae, et successorum meorum regum Angliae, omniumque benefactorum eiusdem aecclesiae, ac fidelium salute, peruigiles persoluat deprecationes, oleumque bonae actionis more sapientium uirginum sub habitu religionis seruans Christo domino et eius beato apostolo Petro indefesse deseruiat. Si quis autem contra hanc auctoritatis nostrae paginam senserit, quicunque ille fuerit, cuiuscunque aetatis uel potestatis, gradus et ordinis, et eam infringere uoluerit, uel alios ad hoc conduxerit, unusquisque pro seipso libras .v. partibus sancti Petri persoluat, et quicquid exinde fiscus noster in murdris, geldis, danegeldis, omnibusque aliis rebus uel stipendiis, quae in terris illis surrexerint, ad partem nostram sperare poterat, in luminaribus siue fratrum ipsius monasterii uictus aminiculis perenniter per nostra oracula ad integrum sit concessum atque indultum. Quicunque successorum meorum hanc donationis libertatem firmiter atque inuiolabiliter custodierit, aeterna coronetur claritate, coelestisque regni perfruatur foelicitate; si quis uero eam, quod absit, destruere uoluerit, siue eandem possessionem a donatione et seruitio saepedictae aecclesiae et abbatum eiusdem loci, et monachorum, subtrahere conatus fuerit, uel per partes quasi haereditatis iure auferre praesumpserit, sicut contradictor et conuulsor huius nostri decreti ac temerator, cum Iuda traditore domini aeterno anathemati subiaceat, nisi deo et beato suo apostolo Petro digna poenitentia satisfecerit. Non enim superiorem uel inferiorem aliquem decet hominem illud sibi in ius haereditatis uendicare, quod per regiam corroborationem ad illud, cuius esse debeat, prouida ratione fuerit redactum. Anno igitur dominicae incarnationis .m.xliiii. indictione .xii. et .vii. concurrentibus, atque .xi. epactis rotantibus, haec regalis concessio et donatio facta est sub astipulatione primatum quorum nomina karaxata uidentur.

Ego Eadwardus rex totius Britanniae hanc propriam donationem regali stabilimento affirmaui.

Ego Ælfgyfu eiusdem regis mater assensum accommodaui.

Ego Eadsinus Dorobernensis aecclesiae archiepiscopus hanc pietatem diuulgaui.

Ego Ælfricus Eboracensis ciuitatis archipraesul hanc territoriam scedulam diligenter assignaui.

Ego Æluueardus Londoniensis episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Godwinus Rofensis episcopus gaudenter impressi.

Ego Æluuynus Wintoniensis episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Beorhtwoldus Wiltuniensis episcopus coadunaui.

Ego Liuingus Cridiensis episcopus confirmaui.

Ego Æ∂elstanus Herfordiensis episcopus consignaui.

Ego Wulstanus Wigorniensis episcopus hanc diuulgaui.

Ego Eadno∂us Dorccensis episcopus condixi.

Ego Duduco Willensis episcopus conscripsi.

Ego Grimkillus episcopus Australium Saxonum consensi.

Ego Wulsinus episcopus Licetfeldensis commodum duxi.

Ego Britwinus episcopus Scireburnensis conclusi.

Ego Godwinus dux Amen dixi.

Ego Leofricus dux testificaui.

Ego Siwardus dux testificaui.

Ego Haroldus dux testificaui.

Ego Leofwinus dux testificaui.

Ego Swegenus dux testificaui.

Ego Tostig dux testificaui.

Ego Gyrdus dux testificaui.

Ego Eadwinus abbas Westminsteriensis.

Ego Wuluoldus abbas Certesige.

Ego Ælsi abbas sancti Augustini.

Ego Godwine abbas Wincelcumbe.

Ego Manny abbas Eoueshamensis.

Ego Ælfricus abbas Perscorensis.

Ego Hugelinus camerarius.

Ego Esgar stallere.

Ego Roldbertus filius Wimarc stallere.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Karl minister.

Ego ˘ured minister.

Ego Æ∂elwig minister.

Ego Ædridg minister.

Ego Ordulf minister.

Ego Duduco minister.

Ego Siward minister.

Charter S1001 King Edward to Ælfwine. 1044. The bountiful goodness of Christ, the omnipotent God, must always be praised and given the highest honor, for it cannot be confined by any limit of goodness, since God Himself is the goodness of His own goodness, freely distributing a share of His goodness not only to the worthy but also to the unworthy. He is indeed the King of kings and the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and the most discerning disposer of His creation, governing all things according to His divine will as is fitting for His sovereignty. For He has appointed some with free will to hold certain dignities in this world and to perform various works, commanding them to use their abundance to relieve the need of those who are less fortunate in worldly matters, so that they may receive a greater reward from Him.

Therefore, I, Edward (age 41), King of the English nation, moved by His admonition and seeking the reward of His remuneration, freely grant to a certain loyal bishop of mine, Ælfwine, for his faithful service to me, thirty hides of land in the place called Wittannige, so that he may freely possess them as long as he lives, and after his death, may give them to whomever he chooses.

Let this small estate be free from all worldly service, except for the common service, that is, the repair of fortresses, the restoration of bridges, and military expeditions against the enemies of the country. If anyone, driven by evil intent, attempts to violate or seize this gift of mine by force, let them be deprived of the fellowship of God, who commands us to aid the needs of our brethren out of love for Him, and let them be bound by the chains of eternal damnation, unless they repent and erase their guilt through the grace of penance.

These are the land boundaries at Wittannige:

First, along the stream to the meadow that turns into Scylftune; and from Scylftune along the stream until it reaches the mill weir that turns into Ducing Hill; from the weir across the moor to Hocslew; then to the new ditch; from the ditch to the boundary of Horninga; from the boundary of Horninga along the boundary to Hlaewan Slade; from the slade into Dufan Dip, and so along the boundary to Leofstan’s Bridge; from Leofstan’s Bridge into Kytelaceras; from Kytelaceras into the woodland road; along the road to Hawk’s Hill; from Hawk’s Hill into Wenric; from Wenric to Swondaene; after Swondaene to the gray apple tree; from the apple tree along the boundary into Swonlege; from Swonlege up to the headland; from the headland along the ridge into Hounting Way; along Hounting Way into Wicham; from Wicham by the roots until it reaches Sheep Way; from Sheep Way along the straight boundary into Aecen’s Field; from Aecen’s Field along the straight boundary to Kicgestan; from Kicgestan into Aecen’s Field; from Aecen’s Field to where the knights lie; and from where the knights lie to Mætseg; along Mætseg into Wenric.

This royal grant and donation were made in the year of our Lord’s incarnation 1044, in the twelfth indiction, with the seven concurrent cycles and the 18th epact rotating. This grant was made under the attestation of the leading men whose names are written here.

Rubric: ˘is is ∂ara .xxx. hidæ boc æt Witanigæ ∂e Eadward cing gebocode Ælfwinæ bisceope on ece yrfe. + Christi omnipotentis dei largiflua bonitas omnino laudanda, omnique est laude praeferenda, quae nullo bonitatis termino ualet concludi, utpote idem deus ipse sit suae bonitatis bonitas, distribuens gratis non tantum dignis uerum etiam indignis participium bonitatis suae; est quippe rex regum, omniumque subsistentium uisibilium aeque inuisibilium creator et suae creationis discretissimus dispositor, disponens omnia sibi libito uti competi diuinae dominationi eius; nam quosdam libero arbitrio quibusdam praeficit dignitate huius saeculi et opibus diuersis, quibus rursum mandat ut ipsi eorum inopiam sua sufficientia releuare debeant qui minus abundant saecularibus negociis, et pro hoc possint maiori mercede ab eo donari. Unde ego Eadwardus rex Anglicae nationis eius ammonitione prouocatus, pro adipiscenda remunerationis mercede, dono cuidam familiari episcopo meo Ælfwino pro fideli obsequio quo michi fideliter obsecundatur .xxx. uidelicet mansas, in loco quem soicolae illius uocant Wittannige, ut eas quoad uiuit libere possideat; et post mortem det sibi placito cuicunque elegerit. Sit itaque rurisculum illud ab omni mundiali seruitio liberum, excepto communi seruitio, hoc est, arcis recuperatione, et pontis restauratione, ac expeditione in hostes patriae. Si quispiam quoquomodo malae mentis conamine hoc meum donatiuum donum infringere uel abripere per uiolentiam uoluerit, priuatus a consortio dei qui nos imperat iuniorum nostrorum necessitatibus subuenire pro suo amore, constringatur et obligetur inextricabilium nodorum habenis perpetuae dampnationis, nisi resipiscat et poenitentiae uenia deleat. ˘is synt ∂a landgemæra to Wittannige. Ærest andlang ∂æs streames on ∂one mædham ∂e hyrn∂ into Scylftune; and fram Scylftune andlang streames ∂æt it cym∂ to ∂am mylewere ∂e hyrn∂ into duceling dune; of ∂æm wære ofær ∂one wegean mor into hocslew; ∂anon on ∂a niwan dic; of ∂ære dic on horninga mære; of horninga mære andlang ∂æs gemæres to hlæwan slæde; of ∂am slæde into dufan doppe and swa andlang gemæres into Leofstanes bricge; of Leofestanes bricge into kytelaceras; of kytelacæras innon ∂a wudestret; andlang ∂ære strete into hafoces hlæwe; of hafoces hlewæ innon wænric; of wenric to swondæne; æfter swondæne to ∂ære haran apeldran; of ∂ære apeldran andlang gemæres innan swonlege; of swonleage upp to ∂am heafdam; of ∂am heafdan andlang surode innan huntenan weg; andlang huntenan wege into Wicham; of Wicham a be ∂are wyrtruman ∂æt hit cym∂ on sceapa weg; of sceapa wege andlang rihtes gemæres innan æcenes feld; of æcenes felda andlang rihtes gemæres of kicgestan; of kicgestane into æceres felda; of æcenes felda ∂ær ∂a cnihtas licga∂; and fram ham ∂e ∂a cnihtas licga∂ on mætseg; andlang metseg into wenric. Anno dominicae incarnationis millesimo quadragesimo quarto, indictione duodecima et septem concurrentibus, atque .xviii. epactis rotantibus, haec regalis concessio atque donatio facta est sub astipulatione primatum quorum nomina hic caraxata sunt.

Ego Eadwardus rex totius Brittanniae praefatam meam donationem cum sigillo sanctae crucis regali stabilimento affirmaui.

Ego [his mother] Ælfgyfu (age 59) eiusdem regis mater hanc regalem donationem cum trophaeo agiae crucis ouanter diuulgaui.

Ego Eadsinus archiepiscopus triumphalem agiae crucis trophaeum huic regio muneri gaudenter impressi.

Ego Ælfricus archipraesul hanc territoriam scedulam signo sanctae crucis diligenter adsignare curaui.

Ego Ælfwinus Wintoniensis episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Beorhtwoldus Wiltuniensis episcopus coadunaui.

Ego Ea∂no∂us Dorcensis episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Lyfingus Cridiensis episcopus confirmaui.

Ego Æ∂elstanus Herfordensis episcopus consigillaui.

Ego Ælfweardus Lundoniensis episcopus conscripsi.

Ego Duduco Uuillensis episcopus condixi.

Ego Grimkyllus Australium Saxonum episcoups consensi.

Ego Wulfsynus Licetfeldensis episcopus conclusi.

Ego Bryhtwinus Scirburnensis episcopus commodum duxi.

Ego [his future father-in-law] Godwine (age 43) dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Siwerd (age 34) dux.

Ego Swegen dux.

Ego Ælfwine dux.

Ego Ælfwerd dux.

Ego Sywerd dux.

Ego Leofsige dux.

Ego Ælfsige dux.

Ego Ælfstan dux.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Brihtric minister.

Ego Æ∂elwig minister.

Ego ˘ure∂ minister.

Ego Ælfstan minister.

Ego Carl minister.

Ego Ordulf minister.

Charter S1005 King Edward to Ordgar. 1044. In the eternal reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, who governs the monarchy of the entire world, the height of the heavens, and the hidden depths of the swelling ocean, in the highest and the lowest places, with the authority of His majesty, now and forever. Therefore, I, Edward, King of the Anglo-Saxons (age 41), grant to a certain faithful minister of mine, whose name is Ordgar, one rod of land in the place called Benyðan Elddin, with all the fields, pastures, meadows, and woods rightfully pertaining to it. May he hold this gift with prosperity during his lifetime, and after him, may he transfer it to whomever he wishes with a perpetual charter. The aforementioned land shall be free from all service except for the maintenance of bridges and the fortification of castles. Let him aspire to heaven, desiring it and shunning earthly things. These are the boundaries of the aforementioned land surrounding the one rod beneath Elddin:

First at Seh Froda, then down along the stream until it flows out into Æni, then down the stream to the Torr, then to the White Stone Hill, then to the old road, from the road to the lake, from the lake straight to the middle of Elddin's fort, then to the great stone, from there west to the green way, then along the way back to Seh Froda.

This charter was written in the year of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1044 AD, in the twelfth indiction."

Regnante in euum Domino nostro Iesu Christo . qui monarchiam mundi totius ac celsitudinem celorum abditamque profunditatem turgentis oceani in altis et in imis omnia cum sue maiestatis imperio nunc et in euum gubernat . Quapropter ego EADVVEARDVS . Angulsaxonum rex cuidam meo ministro fideli . cui nomen insitum est ORDGAR . unam perticam . concedo in illo loco qui dicitur . BEnyðan . ELDDIN . cum omnibus ad se rite pertinentibus campis . pascuis . pratis . silluis en in suo uiuere cum prosperitate semper istum exenium obtineat . et post se cum cirograp\h/o perpetuo cui uoluerit tradat . Prefatum rus omni seruitio careat preter expeditionem pontis et arcis munimen . Celum scandat cupiens inappetat ren\n/uens . Istis terminis predicta terra circumgirata esse uidetur. Ðys is þære anre gyrde landgemæru beniðan Elddin . Ærest on seh frod . þonne adun 7lang stremys of hyt scyt ut on æni . þonne adun on strem on þone torr . þanune to þan hwitan stan beorhge . þanune to þan ealdan wege . of þam wege to þam mere . fram þam mere a gerihte to Eldin byrig middeweardre . þanon to þan mægean stane . þanone west to þam grenan wege . þonne andlang weges eft to seh frod. Anno dominice incarnationis Domini nostri Iesu Christi . post millesimo .xliiii. indictione .xii. scripta est hec cartula.

Ego EADWEARD rex Anglorum prefatam donationem concessi.

Ego EADSie archiepiscopus cum signo sancte crucis roboraui.

Ego Ælfric archipresul sigillum agie crucis impressi.

Ego Ælfwine episcopus consignaui.

Ego Lyfing episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Dudoc episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Ealdred episcopus adquieui.

Ego Godwine dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Sigwerd dux.

Ego Swegen dux.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Ælfstan minister.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Ecglaf minister.

Ego Dodda minister.

Ego Osmær minister.

Ego Godwine minister.

Ego Ecgulf minister.

Ego Ælfwine minister.

Ego Æþelric minister.

Ego Ælfwerd minister.

Ego Wulfnoð minister.

Ego Leofnoð minister.

Charter S1006 King Edward to Old Minster, Winchester. 1044. In the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, who governs the entire world, the heights of heaven, and the hidden depths of the swelling ocean, with the majesty of His rule now and forever. Therefore, I, Edward (age 41), King of the Anglo-Saxons, deeply moved by the dire sins of this fleeting world, which are surrounded by the dreadful howls of obscene mortality and filled with all filth, do not allow us to rest securely in the peace of the homeland we have inherited, but rather provoke us to despise these things with all the strength of our minds and to utterly reject them as the nauseating stench of melancholy, and to diligently attend to the command of the Gospel, which says, 'Give, and it will be given to you.' Truly, as a wise man says, 'God loves a cheerful giver.' Therefore, touched by this saving admonition, I, Edward, by the grace of God, King of the entire English nation, considering the fleeting nature of this world as nothing, but desiring to obtain what endures eternally along with the transient, do not delay to give away this fleeting and undoubtedly transitory possession so that I may receive one that will endure forever in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Therefore, let it be known to all that I have now freely given a portion of land to Saint Peter and his co-apostle Paul, so that the magnitude of my sins may be relieved in part by the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the true and desired remission of all sins. The name of this land is called Pipmynster, and it holds the extent of fifteen manses, which, as I have already said, I have given to the Old Minster, which is located in the city of Winchester and is consecrated in honor of the aforementioned apostles, for the salvation of my soul and that of my parents.

Let the aforementioned land be free from all worldly service, with the pastures, meadows, and wooded areas, and with all other appurtenances rightfully pertaining to it, except for these three: the repair of fortifications, the restoration of bridges, and military expeditions against the enemies of the country. If anyone, driven by a diabolical spirit, should attempt to take away or infringe upon this document of my composition and confirmation, and presume to usurp by force the land of the aforementioned apostles, let them be separated from the fellowship of God and the participation of all the saints resting in this holy monastery, and be consigned to eternal confusion in the devouring flames of torment for all ages, unless they quickly amend their wicked robbery with appropriate satisfaction.

The boundaries of the aforementioned land are as follows: These are the boundaries of the fifteen hides of land at Pipmynster. First at Binnacumbes Brook; then along the brook down to the hedge; then straight to Fyrslege; from Fyrslege to the eastern stream; along the stream to Tugeles Moor; from Tugeles Moor to the foxglove; from the foxglove to the hard gate; from the hard gate to Twinteles Ham; from Twinteles Ham to Deep Ford; from Deep Ford straight east to Drindlea; from Drindlea along the brook to Wægela Fort; from Wægela Fort to the gray stone; from the gray stone to Red Ford; from Red Ford straight to Scora Ditch; from Scora Ditch along the army path to Langgan Ham; from Langgan Ham to the gray stone; from the gray stone up to Epsgweg to the Great Linden; from the Great Linden to the eastern part of Oxen Field, up to the stone hill; from the stone hill up to Wealder’s Way to Pidles Hill; from Pidles Hill to Wiþicumbes Head; from Wiþicumbes Head west straight to the Red Ditch; from the Red Ditch north straight to the eastern part of Acbeara; from Acbeara west along the army path to the gray apple tree; from the gray apple tree back to Binnacumbes Brook.

This royal grant and donation were made in the year of the Lord's incarnation 1044, in the twelfth indiction, with the seventh concurrent cycle, and with the eighteenth epact rotating, under the attestation of the leading men whose names are written here.

Rubric: ˘is is ∂æra fiftyna hyda land boc to Pypmynstre ∂e Eadweard cyng gæbocodæ sanctæ Petræ and sanctæ Paulæ into Ealdan mynstræ. + Omnibus flebilia et detestanda huius fluctuantis saeculi piacula, diris obscoenae horrendaeque mortalitatis latratibus circumsepta omnique spurcitia saginata, non nos patriae indeptae pacis securos, sed quasi foetidae corruptelae in uoraginem casuros prouocando ammonent, ut ea toto mentis conamine cum casibus suis despiciendo abiiciamus, et penitus uelut fastidiosam melancoliae nausiam abominando fugiamus, et diligenter ad illud attendamus quod praecipit sermo euangelicus, ita inquiens, 'Date et dabitur uobis;' uere sicut quidam dicit sapiens 'Hilarem datorem diligit deus.' Hac ergo salutari ammonitione adtactus ego Eadwardus annuente superna dei clementia rex tocius Anglicae nationis, huius saeculi caduca pro nichilo ducens, sed cum transitoriis aeternaliter permansura adipisci cupiens, fugitiuam et sine dubio transitoriam dare non differo possessiunculam, ut iugiter mansuram in regno Christi et dei recipiam. Proinde omnibus innotesco, me nunc aliquam telluris partem ouanter dedisse sancto Petro et co-apostolo eius Paulo, ut peccatorum meorum magnitudo ex parte releuetur a domino Iesu Christo, qui est uera et exoptata omnium peccatorum remissio. Huius ergo telluris uocabulum Pipmynster est appellatum illaque terra quindecim mansarum retinet amplitudinem, quam etiam sicut supradixi ad Uetustum dedi monasterium quod in ciuitate Wintonia est situm, et in honore supradictorum apostolorum consecratum, pro meae animae salute et parentum meorum. Sit autem praedicta terra ab omni mundiali seruitio libera, cum pascuis et pratis, siluarumque densitatibus, et cum omnibus aliis ad se rite pertinentibus, exceptis his tribus, communium utilitatum necessitatibus, hoc est, arcis recuperatione, uel pontis restauratione, seu expeditione in hostes patriae. Si quis autem, quod absit, diabolico inflatus spiritu hanc meae compositionis ac confirmationis scedulam demere uel infringere temptauerit, et terram supradictorum apostolorum per uiolentiam sibi usurpare praesumpserit, segregetur a dei consortio et participatione omnium sanctorum in hoc sancto monasterio requiescentium, et aeterna confusione edacibus tormentorum flammis deputetur in saecula saeculorum, nisi quantocius suam peruersam emendare curauerit rapinam per condignam satisfactionem. Praenotatae uero telluris limites ita plane sunt dilatatae. ˘is synd ∂era .xv. hida landgemere to Pipmynstre; ∂æt is, erest on binnacumbes broc; ∂onne andlang broces ondun to ∂ære hæcginge; ∂anon on gerihta on fyrslege; of forslege on ∂one eastran stream; andlang streames on Tugeles mor; of Tugeles more to ∂ære foxec; of ∂ære foxec to heardan geate; of heardan geate to Twinteles ham; of Twinteles hamme to deopa forda; of deopa forda east on gerihte to drindlea; of trindlea andlang broces to wægela byrig; of wegela byrig on ∂one gregean stan; of ∂an gregean stane to readan forda; of reada forda on gerihte to Scora dic; of Scora dic andlang herpa∂es to langgan hamme; of langgan hamme on ∂one gregean stan; of ∂am gregean stane upp on epsgweg to ∂ære greatan lindan; of ∂ære greatan lindam on oxena feld easteweardne upp to ∂am stanbeorge; of ∂am stanbeorge upp on wealderes weg to pidles beorge; of piples beorge on wi∂icumbes heafod; of wi∂icumbes heafde west on gerihta to ∂ære readan dic; of ∂ære readan dic nor∂ on gerihte on ∂one acbeara easteweardne; of ∂am acbeara west andlang herp∂es to ∂ære haran apelduran; of ∂ære haran apeldyran eft on binnacumbes broc. Anno dominicae incarnationis millesimo quadragessimo quarto, indictione duodecima, et septem concurrentibus, atque octodecim epactis rotantibus, haec regalis concessio atque donatio facta est, sub astipulatione primatum quorum nomina hic caraxata sunt.

Ego Eadwardus rex tocius Brittanniae praefatam meam donationem cum sigillo sanctae crucis regali stabilimento affirmaui.

Ego Ælfgyfu eiusdem regis mater hanc regalem donationem cum sigillo sanctae crucis ouanter diuulgaui.

Ego Eadsinus archiepiscopus triumphalem agiae crucis trophaeum huic regio muneri gaudenter impressi.

Ego Ælfricus archipraesul hanc territoriam scedulam signo sanctae crucis diligenter adsignare curaui.

Ego Ælfwinus Wintoniensis episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Byrhtwoldus Wiltuniensis episcopus coadunaui.

Ego Ælfweardus Lundoniensis episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Lyfingus Cridiensis episcopus confirmaui.

Ego Æ∂elstanus Herfordensis episcopus consigillaui.

Ego Eadno∂us Dorcensis episcopus conscripsi.

Ego Duduco Willensis episcopus condixi.

Ego Grimgillus Australium Saxonum episcopus consensi.

Ego Wulfsinus Licetfeldensis episcopus conclusi.

Ego Brihtwinus Scirburnensis episcopus commodum duxi.

Ego Godwine dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Siweard dux.

Ego Swegen dux.

Ego Ælfwine abbas.

Ego Æ∂elweard abbas.

Ego Siweard abbas.

Ego Leofsige abbas.

Ego Ælfsige abbas.

Ego Ælfstan abbas.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Brichtric minister.

Ego Æ∂elwig minister.

Ego ˘ure∂ minister.

Ego Ælfstan minister.

Ego Carl minister.

Ego Ordulf minister.

Charter S1004 King Edward to Orc. 1044.

After the first human beings, seduced by the serpent’s persuasion, lost the robe of immortality and, burdened with the many hardships of this earthly pilgrimage, began to till the soil of the earth with their own labor and sweat, as decreed by the Creator’s sentence—there has always been a necessity for their descendants to obtain sustenance from the earth's produce, lest life itself should fail along with nourishment. Therefore, I, Edward, King of the English (age 41), have granted to a certain faithful minister of mine, who received the name Orc according to the custom of his people from infancy, a small portion of land, specifically five rods of arable land, in the place where the inhabitants of that region long ago named Wudetun. I freely grant this land to him in eternal inheritance, so that he may possess it freely for the duration of his life, with all its appurtenances—fields, pastures, meadows, and woods—and after the end of this fleeting life, he may leave it to any heir of his choosing as an eternal inheritance.

However, if at any time someone should attempt to publicly bring forth a document to annul this grant, let that person be condemned by all orders of men and be erased from any legitimate pursuit of truth, regardless of the time in which this was written. Let the aforementioned land be entirely free from all worldly obstacles except for those customary duties that must be observed, such as when the gathered troops are compelled to fight in the common army, when they are called to repair bridges, or when city walls need to be strengthened.

If anyone, driven by greed, attempts to nullify this grant of ours or pervert it for their own use, let them know that they will receive just punishment for their tyranny along with the accomplices of Judas, the betrayer of Christ, unless they make amends before God and men.

These are the boundaries of the aforementioned land:

First from Stratford, up along the green way to the smooth oak. Along the way to Ketanlege, upward. Along the army path to the army path on the north side of Labriht's gate. From the army path north of Labriht's gate to the corner of the ditch, down along the land boundary to the two settlements down along Drian Hyrst's stream, from the stream to the lying oak, from the lying oak into Sticel Ford. From the ford along the army path from Wulfric’s ditch corner, from the ditch corner along the hedge to the stream at Bridian’s wood, to the knotted stump. From the knotted stump along the hedge to the great maple. Along the hedge to the row of apple trees. Along the hedge to the mill ridge’s army path. Along the army path to the hollow road. Along the ditch south to the hollow stream, and along the stream up to the army path. Along the army path into Wheelford.

This document was written in the year of the Lord’s incarnation 1044, in the twelfth indiction, by the counsel and testimony of those whose names are listed below.

Px Postquam protoplasti serpentina suasione seducti stola immortalitatis perdita in huius terre peregrinationis erumpnis multiplicibus onustam creatoris sententia multati sudatis uultibus proprio conamine humum terre colere coeperunt . Semper sequacibus necessitas inoleuit alimoniam ceu mortalibus ex terre germinibus adquirere . ne deficiente uictu defeceret et uita; Ideoque ego Eadweard rex Anglorum dedi cuidam meo fideli ministro qui iuxta sue proprie gentis consuetudinem ab infantili etate nomen accepit . Orc . in eternam hereditatem impendo telluris particulam . id est .v. perticarum agelluli . illo in loco ubi iamdudum solicole regionis illius nomen inposuerunt æt Wudetune . libenter concedo quatenus ille libere possideat uita [comite] cum cunctis utilitatibus campis . paschuis . pratis . siluis . et post metam huius labilis uite cuicumque heredi sibi placuerit derelinquat in eternam hereditatem; Si autem tempore contigerit aliquo quempiam hominum aliqum libellum ob istarum apicum adnichilationem in palam producere sit omnimodis ab omnibus hominum ordinibus condempnatus omnique abolitus industria ueritatis cuiuscumque regum fuerit tempore perscriptus. Sit autem istud prefatum rus liberrimum ab omni mundiali obstaculo exceptis que usuali ritu obseruantur . id est cum glomerata sibi alternatim expeditioni compulerit populari commilitonum confligere castra atque cum sua petunt pontis titubantia muniri uada. Ac cum conciuium turma urbium indigent muniri stabiliter septa; Et si quis hanc nostram largitionem uoluerit cupido conamine adnullare et ad proprium usum peruertere sciat se digna mercedem recepturum suae tyrannidis cum complicibus Iude proditoris Christi . nisi satisfactione emendare antea satagerit. His namque confiniis prefatum rus circum cincta est. + Ærest of strætforda up andlang ˇæs grenan weges to smiceran æc. Andlang weges to Ketanlege upewerdre. Andlang herpa∂es to ˇam herpaˇes on nor∂ healfe lobirihtes gete. Of ˇam herpa∂e benorˇan labrihtes gete on ∂ære dice hyrnan adune on ˇære land sceare to ˇam twam wicon adune 7langes drian hyrstes lace . fram ∂ære lace to ˇan ligcgendum æc . fram ∂am licgendum æc innan sticelan ford . of ∂am forda andlang herpa∂es of wulfrices dice . hyrnan . fram ∂ære dice hyrnan 7lang hæccean . to bridian beara lace on ˇare hnottan stybb . of ˇam hnottan stybbe 7lang hæccean to ∂one mycclan mapeldran. Andlang hæccean to ˇære ræw apoldran. Andlang hæccean to cern hlinces herpa∂e. Andlang herpa∂es to ˇan holan wege. Andlang dic su∂ to ˇære holan lace. 7 lang ∂ære lace . up innan ˇone herpa∂. Andlang herpaˇes innan hweoulforda. Scripta est autem hæc singrapha . Anno dominice incarnationis . Millesimo quadragesimo .iiii. Indictione uero .xii. Horum consilio et testimonio quorum nomina hic infra habentur.

Ego Eadweard rex Anglorum agiae crucis signaculo hanc munificentiam consignaui.

Ego Eadsige Doruernensis aecclesie archiepiscopus consensi et subscripsi.

Ego Ælfric Eboracensis aecclesie archiepiscopus.

Ego Ælfwine episcopus.

Ego Brihtwold episcopus.

Ego Lyfincg episcopus.

Ego Brihtwine episcopus.

Ego Alfwold episcopus.

Ego Dudoc episcopus.

Ego Ealldred episcopus.

Ego Ælfstan abbas.

Ego Ælfwine abbas.

Ego Æ∂elweard abbas.

Ego Ælfric abbas.

Ego Ælfwig abbas.

Ego Æˇelwi abbas.

Ego Ælfwig abbas.

Ego Goduuine dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Siwerd dux.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Brihtric minister.

Ego Ælfstan minister.

Ego Ælfget minister.

Ego Siwerd minister.

Ego Wulfno∂ minister.

Ego Ecglaf minister.

Charter S1003 King Edward to Leofric. 1044. By the rule of the King of all kings, everything above, below, and in the depths is governed. The immense benevolence of the same God often bestows abundant wealth upon those who are obedient to Him, and after the course of their wretched life, He causes them to ascend with the wings of angels to the kingdom of heavenly joys. He alone, by the will of the Eternal Father, ordains the scepters and laws of kingdoms. He is the leader of leaders and the King of all kings, without a doubt.

The reason for the creation of this donation charter will be made clear in the following page. Therefore, I, Edward (age 41), by the help of Almighty God, possessing the monarchy of all England and no small part of Britain, have granted to a certain suitable chaplain of mine named Leofric a piece of land in the village called Doflisc, specifically seven hides of arable land, under the condition that he may hold and govern it honorably and with full authority for all the days of his life, and after his death, he may have the power to bestow or distribute it to whomever he wishes.

We have also decreed that the aforementioned land shall be free from all fiscal tribute or tax, with all its appurtenances, in both great and small matters, fields, pastures, meadows, and woods, except for these three obligations: military service, bridge repair, and the construction of fortifications. We have arranged these things according to our reverence and will, and we wish that this codicil of our permission shall condemn, trample, and anathematize all enemies if any are found to oppose this document.

If anyone, driven by audacious presumption or diabolical instinct, attempts to nullify or disregard this donation charter against our decree, let him first incur the wrath of Almighty God and of His mother, the blessed and undefiled Virgin Mary, and then my wrath and that of all my followers. Let him know that he is guilty and liable at all times and moments before the heavenly court, and let his portion be with Dathan and Abiram, with the twisted Beelzebub, the prince of flies, in the lowest abyss, and let him not gain what he seeks unjustly or insolently, but be expelled from us with much disgrace unless he willingly amends and repents of his deed.

In the year of our Lord's incarnation 1044, in the twelfth indiction, with the eighteenth epact and the seventh concurrent cycle, this charter was written during the reign of the most pious King of the English, Edward.

These are the land boundaries: First, at the mouth of the Tenge, up along the inlet to Crampan Steort, and so back along the saltmarsh to the road on the west side of Michael's church, and so north along the road to the Great Ditch, then north straight to the Blind Well, from the well straight north to the Dun Stone, then north straight to the Old Ditch, and so along the ditch north straight over Sceota Cumb, then up along the Old Row to the Staples, from the Staples straight along the ridge to Sand Holcan, from Sand Holcan along the road to Black Pen, then along the road to the head of Bradanmore, and then straight along the road to the Earthworks, and so north along the road to Stone Hill, and so down along the road to Doflisc Ford, and then north from the ford along the port road to the head of Risc Slade, then down along the stream to Cock Ford, and so along the inlet out to Exan, then down along Exan to where the Shitter Lake flows out, and so up along Shitter Lake to the head of the inlet, then south to the Old Ditch, and so straight to the Red Stone, from the stone south out to the sea, and so west along the sea back to the mouth of the Tenge.

Px Regis cunctorum regum regimine reguntur omnia supera ima profundaque Cuius quoque inmensa beniuolentia subinde quem sibi obtemperantem perspexerit et praesentibus locupletat habunde opibus et post ipsius misere uite decursum facit cum pennis angelicis transcendere ad regna supernorum gaudiorum. Qui etiam solus voluntate aeterni patris disponit sceptra iuraque regnorum . est nempe dux ducum rexque omnium proculdubio regum. Cuius rei autem gratia a nobis inchoatus sit hic donationis libellus consequenter manistabitur in precedente paginula. Igitur ego Eaduuardus opitulante potentissimo deo possidens totius monarchiam Anglicae necne et Brittanniae telluris haud modice concedendo concessus sum cuidam meo idoneo capellano Leofrico onomate nuncupato quoddam rus in villa quae ab incolis regionis illius vocitatur Doflisc . scilicet .vii. mansos illimet ad arandum eo tenore quo omnibus diebus uitae suae absque aliqua machina sub illius honorifice regatur dominio atque potestate postque finem dierum illius . habeat potestatem cuicumque placuerit tribuendi aut erogandi. Praecepimus autem ut ante fatum rus sit liberum ab omni fiscali tributo uel uectigali . cum omnibus ad se rite pertinentibus tam in maximis quam in modicis rebus campis . pascuis . pratis . silvisque exceptis istis tribus expeditione pontis arcisque constructione. His itaque nobis prout debuimus ceuque placuit reuerentiae nostrae et voluntati stabilitis adhuc quod minime est obliuioni tradendum uolumus ut hic presens codicellus nostrae licentiae scriptus . dampnet conculcet et anathematizet cunctos emulorum siqui contra eundem reperti fuerint libellos. Siquis autem quod futurum minime autumo presumptione audaci instinctuque diabolico contra nostrum decretum hanc donationis karterulam adnihilare uel pro nihilo ducere temptauerit . in primis quod grauius est iram dei omnipotentis genitricisque eius uidelicet almae et intactae Mariae incurrat . dehinc meam omniumque satellitum meorum noscatque se obnoxium atque reum omnibus horis atque momentis solorum . fiatque pars illius cum Dathan et Abyron . cumque tortuoso Beelzebub principe muscarum in baratro inferiori . et quod indigne seu procaciter repetit non euindicet sed cum dedecore multimodo expulsus sit a nobis nisi prius hic digna penitudine studuerit ultro non coactus emendare. Anno incarnationis dominicae .m.xliiii. indictione .xii. epactaque .xviii. et concurrente .vii. scilicet bissextili anno karaxata est haec kartula gubernante piisimo Anglorum cateruam rege feliciter Eduuardo. ˘ys sindo ˇa landgemæro. Ærest on tenge mu∂an upp andlang ˇæs fleotes on crampan steort . 7 swa eft on gean be ˇam sealternon on ˇa stræte on west healfe michaheles ciricean . 7 swa nor∂ andlang ˇære stræt on ˇam greatan dic . ˇanon nor∂ eft ongerihte on ˇone blindan will . of ˇam wille nor∂ on gerihte on ˇone dunnan stan . ˇanon eft nor∂ rihte on ˇa ealdan dic . 7 swa andlang ˇære dic nor∂ on gerihte ofer ˇæt sceota cumb . ˇanon up andlang ˇære ealdan ræwe on ˇa stapulas . fram ˇam stapulon on gerihte andlang hricges on sand holcan . of sand holcan andlang strete on blacan penn . ˇanon andlang stræte on bradanmores heafdon . 7 ˇanon on gerihte andlang stræte o∂ eor∂ birig . 7 swa nor∂ andlang stræte on stan beorh . 7 swa ni∂er andlang stræte on doflisc ford . 7 ˇanon nor∂ of ˇam forda andlang ˇære port stræt on risc slædes heafdon . swa ni∂er andlang streames on cocc ford 7 swa andlang ˇæs fleotes ut on exan . ni∂er eft andlang exan ˇær sciter lacu ut scit . 7 swa up andlang sciter lace on ˇær fleotes heafod . ˇanon si∂∂an su∂ on ˇa ealdan dic . 7 swa on gerihte to ˇam readan stane . of ˇam stane su∂ ut on ˇa sæ . swa west be sæ eft on tenge mu∂an.

Ego Eaduuardus rex totius Anglice gentis . huius donationis libertatem hilari animo fieri concessi.

Ego Eadsinus Christi aecclesiae archipresul corroboraui.

Ego Ælfricus Eboracensis aecclesiae archiepiscopus consolidaui.

Ego Lyfingus Crydianensis aecclesiae pontifex rogatus a rege calomo scripsi.

Ego Æluuinus episcopus assensum prebui.

Ego Brihtuuoldus episcopus confirmaui.

Ego Dodico episcopus consignaui.

Ego Ealdredus episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Ælfuuinus abba Novae Aecclesiae.

Ego Ægeluuardus abba Glestoniensis aecclesiae.

Ego Æthelstanus abba.

Ego Uulfuueardus abba.

Ego Goduuinus abba.

Ego Goduuinus dux stabilui.

Ego Leofricus dux.

Ego Suuegen dux.

Ego Sigeuuardus dux.

Ego Haroldus nobilis.

Ego Tosti nobilis.

Ego Leofuuinus nobilis.

Ego Odda nobilis.

Ego Ordgarus nobilis.

Ego Ælfgarus nobilis.

Ego Ordulfus nobilis.

Ego Dodda nobilis.

Ego Brihtricus nobilis.

Ego Osgodus minister.

Ego Ælfstanus minister.

Ego Ecglafus minister.

Ego Æthelmarus minister.

Ego Karl minister.

Ego Atsorus minister.

Ego Godricus minister.

Ego Ælfuuinus minister.

Ego Ulfcytel minister.

Ego Osmarus minister.

Ego Ecgulfus minister.

Ego Goduinus minister.

Ego Ælfricus minister.

Ego Æˇelwerdus minister.

Ego Wulfwerdus minister.

Ego Æˇelricus minister.

Ego Liuingeus minister.

Ego Uulfgarus minister.

Ego Brihtwinus minister.

Ego Uulfsige minister.

Ego ˝urkyl minister.

Ego Toui minister.

Ego Æˇelwinus minister.

Ego ˝urstanus minister.

Ego Ælfgeat minister.

Ego Manni minister.

Charter S1007 King Edward to Ælfwine. 1045. In the eternal reign of our Lord Jesus Christ over all things, which are wonderfully governed by Him in heaven and on earth. I, Edward, King of the English (age 42), make it known to all through this privilege that I have given to Ælfwine, the bishop of the city of Winchester, a certain portion of land consisting of eight hides in the place which the inhabitants call Heantun, as a perpetual possession, in such a way that he may possess this gift of ours for as long as he lives, and after him, he may appoint as heir whoever he chooses.

Whoever shall disinherit him from the dignity of this liberty shall be condemned with eternal damnation, unless he corrects the wickedness of his wrongdoing with appropriate penance. Let this liberty apply to all things, both small and great, and let it be entirely free from all human servitude, except for three obligations: the building of fortifications, the construction of bridges, and military service.

The boundaries of the aforementioned land are as follows: These are the land boundaries of Heantun. First, at the southern hill; from the hill to Ellenford, up to the ridge; along the ridge to Wine’s Head Thorn; from the thorn to the Coal Tree; from the Coal Tree to the Crow Thorn; from the Crow Thorn into the brook; from the brook to the middle hill in Bromdæne; along Bromdæne into Small Dæne; from Small Dæne to Clinca Leage; from Clinca Leage to the Great Brook into Næddærheall; from Næddærheall to Linleage; from Linleage to the Shepherd’s Tree; from the Shepherd’s Tree to the Great Hill; from the Great Hill to Acstede Leage; from Acstede Leage to Ruga’s Hill; from the hill to Weoleage; from Weoleage to Wulfred’s Wyrth; from Wulfred’s Wyrth to Cadan Hangre; from Cadan Hangre to Ræling Beorgas; from Ræling Beorgas to the Great Hill.

In the year of the Lord's incarnation 1045, in the thirteenth indiction, with no epacts and one concurrent cycle rotating, this royal grant and donation were made under the attestation of the leading men whose names are written here.

Regnante imperpetuum domino nostro Ihesu Christo super omnia quae in coelo et in terra ab eo mirabiliter gubernantur. Ego Eadwardus rex Anglorum priuilegii huius descriptionem omnibus innotesco me Wentanae ciuitatis episcopo nomine Ælfwino, quandam ruris partem octo, uidelicet, mansarum illo in loco quem solicolae Heantun uocitant in possessionem sempiternam dedisse, ita prorsus, ita plane, quatinus hoc donum nostrum sicut sibi uoluntas fuerit, quamdiu uixerit possideat; postque se quemcunque elegerit haeredem succedaneum praeficiat. Et quicunque eum libertatis huius dignitate exhaeredauerit maledictione perpetua dampnetur, nisi nequitiae suae prauitatem poenitudine correxerit digna. Sit uero libertas haec in uniuersis rebus, paruis et magnis, absque omni humana seruitute liberrima, exceptis tribus causis, arcis, scilicet, pontisue constructione, et expeditione. Praenotatae uero telluris limites hi sunt. ˘is synd ∂a landgemæro to Heantune. Ærest on ∂one su∂an hlinc; of ∂am hlince on ellenford upp on ∂one hricg; andlang hricges on wines heafdes ˇorn; of ∂am ˇorne on colan treow; of colan treowe on crawan ˇorn; of crawan ˇorne innan ∂a bæc; of ∂am bæce on ∂one middemestan beorh on bromdæne; andlang bromdæne innan smalan dæne; of smalan dæne on clinca leage; of clinca leage on ∂a greatan bæce innon næddærheall; of nedderheale on linleage; of linleage on hyrdes treow; of hurdes treowe on ∂one grætan hlincg; of ∂am greatan hlince on acstede leage; of acstede leage on ∂one rugan beorh; of ∂am beorga on weoleage; of weoleage on Wulfredes wyr∂; of Wulfredes wyr∂e on cadan hangre; of cadan hangran on ræling beorgas; of reling beorgan on ∂one greatan hlincg. Anno dominicae incarnationis millesimo quadragesimo quinto, indictione .xiii. et nullis epactis, atque uno concurrente rotantibus, haec regalis concessio atque donatio facta est, sub astipulatione primatum quorum nomina hic caraxata sunt.

Ego Eadweardus rex totius Brittanniae praefatam meam donationem cum sigillo sanctae crucis regali stabilimento affirmaui.

Ego Eadgy∂ eiusdem regis conlaterana hanc regalem donationem gaudenter stabiliui.

Ego Siweardus archiepiscopus triumphalem agiae crucis trophaeum huic regio muneri gaudenter impressi.

Ego Ælfricus archipraesul hanc territoriam scedulam signo sanctae crucis diligenter adsignare curaui.

Ego Ælfwinus Wintoniensis episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Lyfingus Cridiensis episcopus coadunaui.

Ego Æ∂elstanus Herfordensis episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Eadno∂us Dorcensis episcopus confirmaui.

Ego Heremannus Wiltuniensis episcopus consigillaui.

Ego Duduco Willensis episcopus conscripsi.

Ego Grimkillus Australium Saxonum episcopus condixi.

Ego Wulfsinus Licetfeldensis episcopus consensi.

Ego Brightwinus Scirburnensis episcopus conclusi.

Ego Godwine dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Siwerd dux.

Ego Swegen dux.

Ego Ælfwine dux.

Ego Æ∂elweard dux.

Ego Æ∂elstan dux.

Ego Ælfstan dux.

Ego Siwerd dux.

Ego Harold minister.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Brihtric minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Ælfstan minister.

Ego Carl minister.

Ego ˘ured minister.

Charter S1008 King Edward to Ælfwine. 1045. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who governs and rules all things and who, by His manifold power, imposes an end to all as He wills, and who teaches the mysteries of human nature's secrets so that, with these fleeting and undoubtedly transitory possessions, the eternal and everlasting kingdom must be purchased through the support of God. For this reason, I, Edward (age 42), by the grace of God, King of the English and likewise of all Albion, grant a certain portion of land, namely seven hides, in the place commonly called Melebroc, to one of my bishops, Ælfwine, Bishop of Winchester, to hold perpetually. He may have this gift of ours as long as he lives, and after him, he may leave it to any heir he chooses, with the fields, pastures, meadows, and woods.

Let this land be entirely free from all servitude except for the support of bridges, fortifications, and military service. If anyone attempts to violate this gift of ours, let them find no comfort from anyone, unless they make amends before their death for what they have done against our decree.

These are the boundaries of the aforementioned land at Mylebroc:

First from Hreod Bridge to Tærstan Stream, along the stream to Nutscyllinga’s boundary, and along the boundary to the hollow way, from the hollow way along the boundary to Fearninga Brook, and along the boundary to Mylebroc’s ford, then east along the boundary to Thunres Lea to the north, then along the way to the King's Ditch, and along the boundary to the other hollow way, from the way to the river, and the fishery south of Hreod Bridge out through the stream to the King's Stæd, and then along the stream back to Hreod Bridge, and the enclosure at Hampton that belongs to it.

In the year of the Lord’s incarnation 1045, in the thirteenth indiction, with no epacts and one concurrent cycle rotating, this royal grant and donation were made under the attestation of the leading men whose names are written here.

Px In nomine domini nostri Iesu Christi qui cuncta gubernat et regit quique sua multimoda potentia omnibus ut uoluerit finem imponit . et de secretis humanae naturae mysteriis docet . ut cum his fugitiuis et sine dubio transitoriis possessiunculis . iugiter mansura . et eternaliter regna mercanda dei suffragio adipiscenda sunt . Qua de re ego Eaduueardus diuina mihi arridente gratia rex Anglorum . et eque totius Albionis aliquam ruris partem septem uidelicet cassatos illo in loco qui uulgariter Melebroc dicitur . cuidam episcoporum meorum perpetualiter trado . Ælfuuino uidelicet Uuentane ciuitatis episcopo . ut hoc nostrum donum habeat quamdiu uiuat . et post se cuicumque uoluerit heredi derelinquat . cum campis . pascuis . pratis . siluis; Haec igitur tellus a cuncta sit sequestrata seruitute . nisi pontis . et arcis . ac expeditionis iuuamine; Si quis autem hoc nostrum donum infringere temtauerit . nullius aduentantis consolationem uspiam repperiat . nisi ante obitum suum emendauerit . quod hic contra nostrum decretum peregit; Istis namque terminis ambitur predicta tellus; ˘is synd ˇa landgemæra to Mylebroc. Ærest of hreod bricge on tærstan stream . andlang streames on hnut scyllinga mearce . 7 swa andlang mearce on ˇone holan weg . of ˇan holan wege 7lang mearce on fearninga broc . and swa andlang mearce on mylebroces ford . 7 swa east andlang mearce on ˇunres lea nor∂eweardne . ˇanan 7lang weges on cyninges dic . and swa 7lang mearce on ˇone o∂erne holan weg . of ˇam wege on ∂a ea 7 se werstede be su∂an hreaod bricge ut ˇurh ˇone stream on ˇæs cynges stæ∂ . and swa 7lang streames eft on hreod bricge 7 se haga on Hamtune ˇe ˇærto gebyra∂. Anno dominice incarnationis . millesimo quadragesimo quinto . indictione .xiii. et nullis epactis atque uno concurrente rotantibus . haec regalis concessio atque donatio facta est . sub astipulatione primatum quorum nomina hic caraxata sunt.

Ego Eaduueardus rex totius Bryttanniae prefatam meam donationem cum sigillo sancte crucis regali stabilimento affirmaui.

Ego Eadgy∂ eiusdem regis conlaterana hanc regalem donationem gaudenter stabiliui.

Ego Siweardus archiepiscopus triumphalem agiae crucis tropheum hic regie munere gaudenter inpressi.

Ego Ælfricus archipresul hanc territoriam scedulam signo sancte crucis diligenter adsignare curaui.

Ego Ælfwinus Wintoniensis episcopus consolidaui.

Ego Lyfingus Cridiensis episcopus coadunaui.

Ego Heremannus Uuiltuniensis episcopus corroboraui.

Ego Æˇelstanus Herfordensis episcopus confirmaui.

Ego Eadno∂us Dorcensis episcopus consensi.

Ego Duduco Uuillensis episcopus consigillaui.

Ego Grimkillus Australium Saxonum episcopus conscripsi.

Ego Wulfsinus Licetfeldensis episcopus condixi.

Ego Brihtwinus Scirburnensis episcopus conclusi.

Ego Godwine dux.

Ego Leofric dux.

Ego Siwerd dux.

Ego Swegen dux.

Ego Harold dux.

Ego Beorn dux.

Ego Ælfwine abbas.

Ego Æˇelwerd abbas.

Ego Æˇelstan abbas.

Ego Ordgar minister.

Ego Osgod minister.

Ego Odda minister.

Ego Brihtric minister.

Ego Ælfgar minister.

Ego Ælfstan minister.

Ego Carl minister.

Ego Ælfric minister.

Ego Godric minister.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1049. In this same year King Edward (age 46) put nine ships out of pay; and the crews departed, and went away with the ships withal, leaving five ships only behind, for whom the king ordered twelve months pay. The same year went Bishops Hereman and Aldred to the pope at Rome on the king's errand. This year was also consecrated the great minster at Rheims [Map], in the presence of Pope Leo and the emperor. There was also a great synod at St. Remy;⁶⁴ at which was present Pope Leo, with the Archbishops of Burgundy, of Besancon, of Treves, and of Rheims; and many wise men besides, both clergy and laity. A great synod there held they respecting the service of God, at the instance of St. Leo the pope. It is difficult to recognise all the bishops that came thither, and also abbots. King Edward sent thither Bishop Dudoc, and Abbot Wulfric, of St. Augustine's, and Elfwin, Abbot of Ramsey, with the intent that they should report to the king what was determined there concerning Christendom. This same year came [his brother-in-law] Earl Sweyne (age 28) into England.

Note 64. "Vid. Flor." A.D. 1049, and verbatim from him in the same year, Sim. Dunelm. "inter X. Script. p. 184, I, 10. See also Ordericus Vitalis, A.D. 1050. This dedication of the church of St. Remi, a structure well worth the attention of the architectural antiquary, is still commemorated by an annual loire, or fair, on the first of October, at which the editor was present in the year 1815, and purchased at a stall a valuable and scarce history of Rheims, from which he extracts the following account of the synod mentioned above:

"Il fut assemble a l'occasion de la dedicace de la nouvelle eglise qu' Herimar, abbe de ce monastere, avoit fait batir, seconde par les liberalites des citoyens, etc." ("Hist. de Reims", p. 226.) But, according to our Chronicle, the pope took occasion from this synod to make some general regulations which concerned all Christendom.

John of Worcester. 1051. Ælfric, archbishop of York, died at Southwell, and was buried at Peterborough [Map]; Kinsige, the king's chaplain, succeeded him. King Edward (age 48) released the English from the heavy tax payable to the Danish troops, in the thirty-eighth year after his father [his father] Ethelred had first imposed it. After this, in the month of September, Eustace (age 36) the elder, count of Boulogne, who had married a sister of king Edward, named [his sister] Goda, sailed to Dover, Kent [Map] with a small fleet.⁶⁶ His soldiers, while they were bluntly and indiscreetly inquiring for lodgings, killed one of the townsmen. A neighbour of his witnessing this, slew one of the soldiers in revenge. At this the count and his followers were much enraged, and put many men and women to the sword, trampling their babes and children under their horses' hoofs. But seeing the townsmen flocking together to resist them, they made their escape, like cowards, with some difficulty, and leaving seven of their number slain, they fled to king Edward, who was then at Gloucester. [his father-in-law] Earl Godwin (age 50), being indignant that such things should be done within his jurisdiction, in great wrath raised an immense army from the whole of his earldom, that is, from Kent, Sussex, and Wessex; his eldest son, Sweyn, also assembled the men of his earldom, that is, of the counties of Oxford, Gloucester, Hereford, Somerset, and Berks; and his other son, [his brother-in-law] Harold (age 29), assembled the men of his earldom, namely, Essex, East-Anglia, Huntingdon, and Cambridge. This did not escape the notice of king Edward, and he therefore sent messages to Leofric, earl of Mercia, and Siward (age 41), earl of Northumbria, begging them to hasten to him with all the men they could muster, as he was in great peril. They came at first with only a few followers but when they learnt the real state of affairs, they sent swift messengers throughout their earldoms and gathered a large army. Likewise earl Ralph, son of Goda, king Edward's sister, assembled as many as he could from his county.

Note 66. Cf. Saxon Chronicle under the years 1048 and 1052.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 05 Mar 1052. Meanwhile [his brother-in-law] Harold (age 30) had gone out from Ireland with nine ships, and came up at Porlock, Somerset with his ships to the mouth of the Severn, near the boundaries of Somerset and Devonshire, and there plundered much. The land-folk collected against him, both from Somerset and from Devonshire: but he put them to flight, and slew there more than thirty good thanes, besides others; and went soon after about Penwithstert [Note. Possibly Plymouth, Devon [Map]], where was much people gathered against him; but he spared not to provide himself with meat, and went up and slew on the spot a great number of the people-seizing in cattle, in men, and in money, whatever he could. Then went he eastward to his father; and they went both together eastward⁷¹ until they came to the Isle of Wight [Map], where they seized whatever had been left them before. Thence they went to Pevensey [Map], and got out with them as many ships as had gone in there, and so proceeded forth till they came to the Ness;⁷² getting all the ships that were at Romney, and at Hithe, and at Folkstone. Then ordered King Edward (age 49) to fit out forty smacks that lay at Sandwich, Kent [Map] many weeks, to watch [his father-in-law] Earl Godwin (age 51), who was at Bruges [Map] during the winter; but he nevertheless came hither first to land, so as to escape their notice. And whilst he abode in this land, he enticed to him all the Kentish men, and all the boatmen from Hastings, and everywhere thereabout by the sea-coast, and all the men of Essex and Sussex and Surrey, and many others besides. Then said they all that they would with him live or die. When the fleet that lay at Sandwich, Kent [Map] had intelligence about Godwin's expedition, they set sail after him; but he escaped them, and betook himself wherever he might: and the fleet returned to Sandwich, Kent [Map], and so homeward to London. When Godwin understood that the fleet that lay at Sandwich, Kent [Map] was gone home, then went he back again to the Isle of Wight, and lay thereabout by the sea-coast so long that they came together-he and his son Earl Harold. But they did no great harm after they came together; save that they took meat, and enticed to them all the land-folk by the sea-coast and also upward in the land. And they proceeded toward Sandwich, Kent [Map], ever alluring forth with them all the boatmen that they met; and to Sandwich, Kent [Map] they came with an increasing army. They then steered eastward round to Dover, and landing there, took as many ships and hostages as they chose, and so returned to Sandwich, Kent [Map], where they did the same; and men everywhere gave them hostages and provisions, wherever they required them.

Note 70 i.e. Earl Godwin and his crew.

Note 71 i.e. from the Isle of Portland; where Godwin had landed after the plunder of the Isle of Wight.

Note 72 i.e. Dungeness; where they collected all the ships stationed in the great bay formed by the ports of Romney, Hithe, and Folkstone.

Flowers of History 1055. 1055. In the same year, Siward, duke of Northumberland (age 45), died, and king Eadward (age 52) conferred that dukedom on [his brother-in-law] Tosti (age 29), [his brother-in-law] duke Harold's (age 33) brother. Not long after this, king Eadward held a council at London, and banished from England earl Algar, who thereupon went into Ireland, where he got eighteen piratical vessels, and joining himself to GGriffin king of Wales, made incursions into the kingdom of England. Having invaded Herefordshire, they were met by duke Ranulph, son of king Eadward's [his sister] sister; but at the first onset Ranulph and his men fled; whereupon Algar and Griffin pursued the fugitives and slew five hundred of them. After this victory they entered the city of Hereford, and having slain seven ecclesiastics who defended the doors of the cathedral, they burned that church with its ornaments and relics. Then, after slaying some of the inhabitants, and taking others captives, and burning the town, they retired with a rich booty. On hearing of this deed, king Eadward assembled a large army at Gloucester, and giving it in command to Harold, son of Godwin, he ordered him to make a fierce attack on the enemy. Accordingly, he boldly entered Wales and advanced with his army as far as Snowdon; but Algar and Griffin, well acquainted with Harold's valour, avoided an encounter. After terribly ravaging Wales, Harold marched to Hereford, which he environed with a broad and high rampart, and strengthened the city with gates and bars. At length, by the intervention of messengers, a peace of short duration was made between Algar and the king. In the same year, Hermann bishop of Ramesbury, annoyed at the king's refusal to allow the episcopal seat to be transferred to Salisbury, resigned his bishopric, and crossing the sea, assumed the monastic habit at St. Bertin's, and remained three years in that monastery. The first bishop of Ramesbury was Ethelstan, the second Odo, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, the third Osulf, the fourth Algar, the fifth Elstan, the sixth Siric, the seventh Alfric, the eighth Brithwold, who continued from the time of king Ethelred to St. Eadward. We read of this Brithwold, that in the time of king Cnute, he would frequently turn his thoughts to the English royal race, then well nigh destroyed, and would wonder whether it would ever be restored, and that one night, as he lay on his bed musing on this subject, he was caught up on high, where he saw Peter, the prince of the apostles, holding in his arms Eadward the future king, then in Normandy, whom he consecrated to be king, and foretold that he would lead a life of celibacy and reign twenty-four years. It is said also that Brithwold inquired respecting the succession of the kincrs of England, and received this answer, " The kingdom of England belongs to God, and he will provide himself kings." The aforesaid Hermann returned to his bishopric, and, with king Eadward's leave, united the bishopric of Sherborne with that of Ramesbury, and transferred the cathedral see to Salisbury.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1066. This year came [his brother-in-law] King Harold (age 44) from York to Westminster, on the Easter succeeding the midwinter when the king (Edward) died. Easter was then on the sixteenth day before the calends of May. Then was over all England such a token seen as no man ever saw before. Some men said that it was the comet-star, which others denominate the long-hair'd star. It appeared first on the eve called "Litania major", that is, on the eighth before the calends off May; and so shone all the week. Soon after this came in [his brother-in-law] Earl Tosty (age 40) from beyond sea into the Isle of Wight [Map], with as large a fleet as he could get; and he was there supplied with money and provisions. Thence he proceeded, and committed outrages everywhere by the sea-coast where he could land, until he came to Sandwich, Kent [Map]. When it was told King Harold, who was in London, that his brother Tosty was come to Sandwich, Kent [Map], he gathered so large a force, naval and military, as no king before collected in this land; for it was credibly reported that Earl William from Normandy (age 38), King Edward's (age 63) cousin, would come hither and gain this land; just as it afterwards happened. When Tosty understood that King Harold was on the way to Sandwich, Kent [Map], he departed thence, and took some of the boatmen with him, willing and unwilling, and went north into the Humber with sixty skips; whence he plundered in Lindsey [Map], and there slew many good men. When the Earls Edwin and Morkar understood that, they came hither, and drove him from the land. And the boatmen forsook him. Then he went to Scotland with twelve smacks; and the king of the Scots entertained him, and aided him with provisions; and he abode there all the summer. There met him Harold, King of Norway (age 51), with three hundred ships. And Tosty submitted to him, and became his man.⁸⁷ Then came King Harold⁸⁸ to Sandwich, Kent [Map], where he awaited his fleet; for it was long ere it could be collected: but when it was assembled, he went into the Isle of Wight [Map], and there lay all the summer and the autumn. There was also a land-force every where by the sea, though it availed nought in the end. It was now the nativity of St. Mary, when the provisioning of the men began; and no man could keep them there any longer. They therefore had leave to go home: and the king rode up, and the ships were driven to London; but many perished ere they came thither.

Note 87. These facts, though stated in one MS. only, prove the early cooperation of Tosty with the King of Norway. It is remarkable that this statement is confirmed by Snorre, who says that Tosty was with Harald, the King of Norway, in all these expeditions. Vid "Antiq. Celto-Scand." p. 204.

Note 88. i.e. Harold, King of England; "our" king, as we find him. Afterwards called in B iv., to distinguish him from Harald, King of Norway.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1066. About midwinter King Edward (age 63) came to Westminster, and had the minster there consecrated, which he had himself built to the honour of God, and St. Peter, and all God's saints. This church-hallowing was on Childermas-day. He died on the eve of twelfth-day; and he was buried on twelfth-day in the same minster; as it is hereafter said. Here Edward king⁸⁶, of Angles lord, sent his stedfast soul to Christ. In the kingdom of God a holy spirit! He in the world here abode awhile, in the kingly throng of council sage. Four and twenty winters wielding the sceptre freely, wealth he dispensed. In the tide of health, the youthful monarch, offspring of Ethelred! ruled well his subjects; the Welsh and the Scots, and the Britons also, Angles and Saxons relations of old. So apprehend the first in rank, that to Edward all the noble king were firmly held high-seated men. Blithe-minded aye was the harmless king; though he long ere, of land bereft, abode in exile wide on the earth; when Knute o'ercame the kin of Ethelred, and the Danes wielded the dear kingdom of Engle-land. Eight and twenty winters' rounds they wealth dispensed. Then came forth free in his chambers, in royal array, good, pure, and mild, Edward the noble; by his country defended- by land and people. Until suddenly came the bitter Death and this king so dear snatched from the earth. Angels carried his soul sincere into the light of heaven. But the prudent king had settled the realm on high-born men- on [his brother-in-law] Harold (age 44) himself, the noble earl; who in every season faithfully heard and obeyed his lord, in word and deed; nor gave to any what might be wanted by the nation's king. This year also was Earl Harold hallowed to king; but he enjoyed little tranquillity therein the while that he wielded the kingdom.

Note 86. This threnodia on the death of Edward the Confessor will be found to correspond, both in metre and expression, with the poetical paraphrase of Genesis ascribed to Caedmon.