The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of annals recording English history from the Roman period to the twelfth century, preserved in several manuscript versions. This deck covers the chronicle's textual history and the preparer's commentary on related Latin sources including Bede, Nennius, Asser, and Ethelwerd.
1 / 290
Chapter 1 · Question
How many versions of the Chronicle exist, and does the translation follow one?
WakeCards · wakecards.com · Big ideas. Quick review.
Chapter 1 · Answer
There are nine known versions or fragments, all varying sometimes greatly in content and quality. The translation is not of any single Chronicle; it is a collation of readings from many different versions. The nine manuscripts include the Parker Chronicle, the Abingdon Chronicles I and II, the Worcester Chronicle, and the Laud or Peterborough Chronicle.
WakeCards · wakecards.com · Big ideas. Quick review.
Arrow keys move between cards. Space or Enter flips.
All questions and answers
Every card in the deck, in reading order. Click a chapter to expand. The reviewer above uses the same content.
Section 13 cards
How many versions of the Chronicle exist, and does the translation follow one?
There are nine known versions or fragments, all varying sometimes greatly in content and quality. The translation is not of any single Chronicle; it is a collation of readings from many different versions. The nine manuscripts include the Parker Chronicle, the Abingdon Chronicles I and II, the Worcester Chronicle, and the Laud or Peterborough Chronicle.
Chapter 1
What does Ingram's introduction claim the Chronicle contains?
Ingram's introduction states the Chronicle contains original and authentic testimony of contemporary writers to the most important transactions of the forefathers, both by sea and land, from their first arrival in this country to the year 1154. He says readers will find facts on architecture, agriculture, coinage, commerce, naval and military glory, laws, liberty, and religion, plus specimens of Saxon poetry.
Chapter 1
What warning does the preparer give about Ingram's footnotes?
The preparer warns that Ingram's footnotes should be used with extreme care. In many cases Ingram's views are severally out of date, having been superseded by almost 175 years of active scholarship. At best the notes provide a starting point for inquiry and should not be treated as absolute.
Chapter 1
Section 23 cards
What problems does the author identify with the work ascribed to Nennius?
The author says the work ascribed to Nennius, supposed to have flourished in the seventh century, is full of interpolations and corruptions by transcribers, especially Samuel and Beulanus in the ninth century, making it hard to tell what is original. He calls it puerile, without judgment or method, filled with legendary tales, including Arthur felling 840 Saxons in one day.
Chapter 2
Why does the author praise Bede's Ecclesiastical History?
The author says Bede deserves the title Venerable without legendary tales, having classical learning uncommon in that age and a simplicity of language seldom found in monastic Latinity. Bede moulded scattered fragments of Roman, British, Scottish, and Saxon history into regular form. His work is professedly ecclesiastical, but mixes civil, military, and ecclesiastical affairs like the Saxon Chronicle.
Chapter 2
What does the author say about Bishop Asser's biography of Alfred?
The author says Asser's object was a complete memorial of Alfred and his reign, and that we owe to him alone many details of Alfred's life and character. Most public transactions appear in the Saxon Chronicle, which Asser sometimes translated so literally that Gibson's modern version is no closer. The last public event noted in Parker, Camden, and Wise refers to 887; the interpolated Gale copy extends to 914.
Chapter 2
Section 34 cards
Why did Ethelwerd write his epitome of Saxon history?
The author states Ethelwerd aimed at brevity and compression because the compilation was intended to be sent abroad for the instruction of a female relative of high rank in Germany, at her request. Despite his obscure, inverted prose style, the author calls his authority respectable and his work the best commentary on the Saxon Chronicle to the year 977.
Chapter 3
Why did transcribers of historical works add or omit material before printing?
The author explains that before the invention of printing, numerous copies of historical works had to be transcribed for those without access to libraries. Transcribers frequently added something of their own and abridged or omitted what they thought less interesting, producing what the author calls an endless variety of interpolators and deflorators of English history.
Chapter 3
What sources did Bede use for his history, according to the chapter?
The author argues Bede received considerable assistance from Saxon bishops, abbots, and others who communicated traditionary facts orally and sent written documents, likely early chronicles of Wessex, Kent, and other Heptarchy provinces. Bede names his helpers: Albinus, abbot of Canterbury, who sent Kentish ecclesiastical accounts via Nothelm, and Bishop Daniel, who wrote concerning Wessex, Sussex, and the Isle of Wight.
Chapter 3
What happened to Latin historical writing during the eleventh-century conflicts?
The author states that during the sanguinary conflicts of the eleventh century, ending first in the temporary triumph of the Danes and then in total subjugation by the Normans, literary pursuits were so neglected that scarcely a Latin writer is found. Yet the Saxon Chronicle preserved a regular, minute detail of occurrences that later historians gladly used.
Chapter 3
Section 44 cards
Who was the first English or Saxon archbishop of Canterbury?
Bertwald, who succeeded Theodore of Tarsus in 690, was the first English or Saxon archbishop of Canterbury. The chapter links his succession to the beginning of vernacular cultivation that would lead to brief chronicles and other instructional works for a rude and illiterate people.
Chapter 4
What evidence supports Plegmund's role in the Saxon Annals?
The author argues Plegmund likely transcribed or supervised this copy of the Saxon Annals to 891, the year he came to the see, adding materials before and after that date until his death in 923. The total omission of his own name, except by another hand, is offered as indirect supporting evidence.
Chapter 4
Why do manuscripts of the Saxon Chronicle show varying dates?
The chapter explains that the Christian era was not used until about 532, when Dionysius Exiguus introduced it, and the Saxon computation did not implicitly follow that system. Variations arose from transcribers' mistakes and from writers computing the current year by local custom — some starting with the Incarnation, some the Circumcision, others the Annunciation.
Chapter 4
When and how does the Saxon Chronicle end?
The author states the Saxon Chronicle gradually expires with the Saxon language, almost melted into modern English, in the year 1154. After that, until the Reformation, knowledge of English affairs came originally from semi-barbarous Latin by countrymen or from French chronicles such as Froissart's.
Chapter 4
Section 54 cards
Why was the publication of this edition delayed?
The editor attributes the delay chiefly to the nature of the work itself: new types had to be cast, compositors instructed in an entirely new department, manuscripts compared, collated, and transcribed, the text revised throughout, and intricate variant readings carefully presented with additions from unpublished sources. He adds that even apparently trivial readings may prove useful.
Chapter 5
What was the original plan for this edition before it expanded?
The project was contemplated many years earlier amid other occupations, but at that time nothing more was projected than a reprint of Gibson, substituting an English translation for the Latin. The editor therefore asks the Saxon scholar's indulgence if the early part of the chronicle follows the received text too faithfully.
Chapter 5
How does the editor describe the translation and its purpose?
The translation is made as literal as possible so the original is easy for those unacquainted with Saxon. The editor argues this method also makes the connection between the ancient and modern language more obvious. He notes the same method was used in an unpublished translation of Gibson's Chronicle by the late Mr. Cough, held in the Bodleian Library.
Chapter 5
Whose earlier literal translation does the editor credit, and how does his edition differ?
The honour of printing the first literal version of the Saxon Annals is reserved for a learned lady, called the Elstob of her age, whose work was finished in 1819. The editor says these translations do not interfere with his edition, because they contain only what is found in the printed texts and include neither the original nor any collation of manuscripts.
Chapter 5
Section 64 cards
What is the origin of the title 'Liber de Wintonia'?
The endnotes state that whatever the origin of its present title, in an appendix to the work itself it is called 'Liber de Wintonia,' or 'The Winchester-Book,' from its first place of custody. The title is retained by custom even though the work is a collection of chronicles rather than one uniform work.
Chapter 6
Why is the title 'Saxon Chronicle' kept despite being a collection?
Note 2 explains that the title is retained in compliance with custom, though the work is a collection of chronicles rather than one uniform work, as the received appellation seems to imply. So the familiar name is a conventional label, not a claim that the text is a single unified composition.
Chapter 6
What does note 5 say about Gibson's claim of editing it 'whole'?
Gibson's title-page says 'Nunc primum integrum edidit.' The note says Gibson considered Wheloc's manuscripts fragments rather than entire chronicles. But those manuscripts were of first authority and not less entire, as far as they went, than his own favourite 'Laud.' The note asks allowance for the zeal of a young Bachelor of Queen's, scarcely twenty-three when the work appeared.
Chapter 6
How does the note use Moses to defend Asser's authenticity?
Note 20 says Asser's death is recorded in 909, but that no more proves the whole work spurious than the character and burial of Moses in the latter part of Deuteronomy would prove the Pentateuch was not written by him. It cites Bishop Watson's 'Apology for the Bible' for the comparison.
Chapter 6
Section 74 cards
According to the chronicle, what condition did the Picts accept to obtain wives from the Scots?
The chronicle says the Picts obtained wives of the Scots on condition that they always chose their kings on the female side. It adds that they continued to do so long afterward. The Picts had earlier come south from Scythia in a few long ships and settled in the northern part of Britain after the Scots refused them land in Ireland.
Chapter 7
What happened when Caesar's forces first met the Britons at the Thames?
The chronicle states that Caesar's tribune Labienus was slain in the first clash. The Welsh then took sharp piles and drove the Romans with great clubs into the water at a ford of the Thames. Finding this, the Romans would not cross the ford, and the Britons fled to the fastnesses of the woods. Caesar, after much fighting, gained many chief towns and returned to Gaul.
Chapter 7
What does the chronicle record about Severus's activities in Britain?
The chronicle says Severus came to the empire in A.D. 189, went with his army into Britain, and subdued a great part of the island in battle. He then built a mound of turf with a broad wall on top, running from sea to sea, to defend the Britons. He reigned seventeen years and died at York; his son Bassianus succeeded him.
Chapter 7
What does the chronicle report about Lucius, king of the Britons, and Eleutherius?
The chronicle states that Lucius, king of the Britons, sent letters to Eleutherius, bishop of Rome, asking to be made a Christian. He obtained his request, and the Britons continued in the right belief until the reign of Diocletian. A bracketed entry dates the request to A.D. 167 and says Eleutherius held the popedom fifteen years.
Chapter 7
Section 84 cards
Who invited Hengest and Horsa to Britain, and why did they initially come?
According to the Chronicle, in A.D. 449 Hengest and Horsa were invited by Wurtgern (Vortigern), king of the Britons, to assist him. They landed at Ipwinesfleet, first of all to support the Britons, but afterwards fought against them. The king directed them to fight the Picts, and they won wherever they came.
Chapter 8
What did the Romans do with Britain's gold hoards in A.D. 418?
The Chronicle states that in A.D. 418 the Romans collected all the hoards of gold that were in Britain. Some they hid in the earth, so that no man afterwards might find them, and some they carried away with them into Gaul.
Chapter 8
What happened to Roman rule in Britain after the Goths sacked Rome in A.D. 435?
The Chronicle records that in A.D. 435 the Goths sacked the city of Rome, and states that never since have the Romans reigned in Britain. It notes this was about eleven hundred and ten winters after Rome was built, and that the Romans reigned altogether in Britain four hundred and seventy winters since Gaius Julius first sought that land.
Chapter 8
Which Germanic peoples settled Britain in A.D. 449, and from whom did the royal kindreds descend?
The Chronicle names three powers of Germany: the Old Saxons, the Angles, and the Jutes. From the Jutes came the Kentish men, the Wightwarians, and a kindred in Wessex. From the Old Saxons came Essex, Sussex, and Wessex. From Anglia came the East Angles, Middle Angles, Mercians, and those north of the Humber. Their leaders Hengest and Horsa traced descent from Woden, from whom the Chronicle says all royal kindred arose.
Chapter 8
Section 94 cards
Who came to Britain in 501 with two sons, and where did they land?
Porta arrived in Britain with his two sons, Beda and Mela, bringing two ships and landing at a place called Portsmouth. The chronicle says they soon landed and slew on the spot a young Briton of very high rank.
Chapter 9
What happened to Cerdic in 534, and who succeeded him?
In 534 Cerdic died; the chronicle calls him the first king of the West-Saxons. His son Cynric succeeded to the government and reigned afterwards twenty-six winters. Cerdic and Cynric also gave the whole Isle of Wight to their two nephews, Stuff and Wihtgar.
Chapter 9
Why does the chronicle say an abbot, not a bishop, rules at Hii?
The chronicle states that Columba was an abbot, not a bishop, and that an abbot shall ever be at Hii with no bishop, all the bishops of the Scots subject to him. Columba came to the Picts, converted them, received the island of Hii from their king, built a monastery, and was abbot there thirty-two winters.
Chapter 9
What does the chronicle record about Augustine's mission in 596-597?
In 596 Pope Gregory sent Augustine to Britain with very many monks to preach the word of God to the English people. In 597 Augustine and his companions came to England, the same year Ceolwulf began to reign over the West-Saxons. In 601 Gregory sent the pall to Archbishop Augustine, with learned doctors to assist him.
Chapter 9
Section 104 cards
Who consecrated Mellitus and Justus, and what sees did Ethelbert give them?
Augustine consecrated Mellitus and Justus as bishops. Mellitus was sent to preach baptism to the East-Saxons, whose king was Sebert, son of Ricole, Ethelbert's sister. Ethelbert gave Mellitus the bishopric of London and gave Justus the bishopric of Rochester, which the chronicle notes is twenty-four miles from Canterbury.
Chapter 10
What happened to Laurentius when he planned to abandon Kent, and what resulted?
Laurentius, archbishop in Kent, meant to go south over sea and abandon everything because of King Eadbald's heathen conduct. The chronicle says the apostle Peter came to him at night and severely chastised him for deserting God's flock, charging him to teach the king right belief. Laurentius did so, and the king returned to the right belief.
Chapter 10
How did Edwin's baptism come about after the assassination attempt in 626?
Eamer, sent by Cwichelm of the West-Saxons, tried to assassinate Edwin but killed his thane Lilla and Forthere and wounded the king. That night Edwin's daughter Eanfleda was born, and he promised Paulinus to devote her to God if he could destroy his enemy. Edwin then defeated the West-Saxons, Eanfleda was baptized at Pentecost, and the king was baptized at Easter at York.
Chapter 10
What befell Edwin and Paulinus in 633, and where did Paulinus go?
King Edwin was slain by Cadwalla and Penda on Hatfield moor on the fourteenth of October, after reigning seventeen years; his son Osfrid was slain with him. Cadwalla and Penda then ravaged Northumbrian land. Seeing this, Paulinus took Ethelburga, Edwin's relict, and sailed to Kent, where Eadbald and Honorius received him honorably and gave him the bishopric of Rochester, where he remained until death.
Chapter 10
Section 114 cards
Who baptized King Cynegils, and who served as his sponsor?
Bishop Birinus baptized King Cynegils at Dorchester in A.D. 635, and Oswald, king of the Northumbrians, was his sponsor. Birinus had first preached baptism to the West-Saxons under Cynegils in A.D. 634, sent by command of Pope Honorius, and served as bishop there until the end of his life.
Chapter 11
Why was Oswald's reign counted as nine winters rather than ten?
Oswald succeeded to the government of the Northumbrians in A.D. 634 and reigned nine winters. The chronicle says the ninth year was assigned to him on account of the heathenism of those who lived the one year between him and Edwin, so that intervening year was not credited to his reign.
Chapter 11
What did King Erkenbert do after succeeding his father Eadbald in Kent?
Eadbald, king of Kent, died in A.D. 640 after reigning twenty-five winters. His son Erkenbert reigned after him, overturned all the idols in the kingdom, and was the first of English kings to appoint a fast before Easter. His daughter Ercongota was called a holy damsel of illustrious sire.
Chapter 11
How did Oswald die, and who succeeded him?
Oswald, king of the Northumbrians, was slain by Penda, king of the Southumbrians, at Mirfield on the fifth day of August in A.D. 642, and was buried at Bardney. His holiness and miracles were afterwards displayed on manifold occasions throughout the island, and his hands remained uncorrupted at Barnburgh. His brother Oswy succeeded him that same year.
Chapter 11
Section 124 cards
Why did King Wulfhere honor and enrich the abbey of Medhamsted?
Wulfhere loved the abbey much for the love of his slain brother Peada, who had begun it, and for the love of his wed-brother Oswy and of Saxulf the abbot. He acted by the counsel of his brothers Ethelred and Merwal, his sisters Kyneburga and Kyneswitha, Archbishop Deus-dedit, and all his peers, learned and lewd, and promised the abbot gold, silver, land, and possessions to finish the work.
Chapter 12
What privileges did Wulfhere grant St. Peter's minster at its hallowing?
Wulfhere gave lands, waters, meres, fens, and weirs around Medhamsted freely to St. Peter, Abbot Saxulf, and the monks, so that no man had ingress but the abbot and monks. He freed the minster from gild and gable, declaring it subject to Rome alone, and said that those who could not go to Rome should seek St. Peter there.
Chapter 12
What did Pope Vitalianus decree in his written reply to Wulfhere?
Pope Vitalianus granted Wulfhere, Archbishop Deus-dedit, and Abbot Saxulf all things they desired. He forbade any king or man to have ingress except the abbot alone, and ruled the abbot subject to no man except the Pope of Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury. He invoked St. Peter's sword against breakers and heaven's key for holders.
Chapter 12
What happened at Archbishop Theodore's synod in 673?
Theodorus, called a very good and wise man, held a synod with his bishops and clerks after the Nativity 673 winters. There Wilfrid, bishop of the Mercians, was deprived of his bishopric; Saxulf the abbot was chosen bishop; and Cuthbald, monk of the same minster, was chosen abbot.
Chapter 12
Section 134 cards
Why did Penda drive Kenwal into exile in East-Anglia?
The chronicle states that Penda drove Kenwal into East-Anglia and deprived him of his kingdom because Kenwal had discarded Penda's sister. Kenwal remained in exile there three years, and the battle at Pen against the Welsh, pursued to the Parret, was fought after his return.
Chapter 13
How did Wulfere treat the people of the Isle of Wight after penetrating it?
In 661 Wulfere, son of Penda, penetrated the Isle of Wight and transferred its inhabitants to Ethelwald, king of the South-Saxons, because Wulfere had adopted Ethelwald in baptism. Eoppa, a mass-priest, acting by command of Wilfrid and King Wulfere, was the first man to bring baptism to the people of the Isle of Wight.
Chapter 13
What did Pope Agatho's writ grant to the abbey of Medhamsted?
Agatho's writ, sent by Wilfrid to King Ethelred, freed Medhamsted from all service, gable, gild, or levy by king, bishop, earl, or any man, and barred shire-bishops from holding ordinations there without the abbot's request. It made the abbot legate of Rome over the island, and allowed those unable to reach Rome to gain at Medhamsted the same forgiveness.
Chapter 13
What happened to Wighard, sent to Rome to be consecrated Archbishop?
In 667 Oswy and Egbert sent Wighard, a priest, to Rome so he might be consecrated there Archbishop of Canterbury, but he died as soon as he came thither. Theodore was then consecrated archbishop in 668 and sent into Britain.
Chapter 13
Section 144 cards
Who succeeded Everth as king, and how did Everth die in 685?
Everth was slain by the north sea, along with a large army, on the thirteenth day before the calends of June, after reigning fifteen winters. His brother Elfrith succeeded him in the government. The chronicle also traces Everth's descent from Oswy back through Ethelferth, Ethelric, Ida, and Eoppa.
Chapter 14
What did Wihtred decree at the council of Bapchild about churches?
Wihtred declared that minsters and churches given to God's worship in the days of believing kings and his predecessors should remain forever. He forbade all succeeding kings, aldermen, and lawmen from claiming lordship over churches, having learned that no layman has right to possess church property. He also ruled that on a bishop's, abbot's, or abbess's death, the archbishop's counsel must govern the choice of a worthy successor.
Chapter 14
What happened to Ceadwall in 688, and who succeeded him?
Ceadwall went to Rome and received baptism from Pope Sergius, who gave him the name Peter. He died about seven nights later, on the twelfth day before the calends of May, still in his baptismal garments, and was buried in the church of St. Peter. Ina succeeded him in the kingdom of Wessex and reigned thirty-seven winters; he founded Glastonbury and later went to Rome.
Chapter 14
What events does the chronicle record for 678 involving Wilfrid and the comet?
In August a comet-star appeared and shone every morning for three months like a sunbeam. Bishop Wilfrid was driven from his bishopric by King Everth, and two bishops were consecrated in his stead: Bosa over the Deirians and Eata over the Bernicians. Around the same time Eadhed was consecrated bishop over the people of Lindsey, the first in that division.
Chapter 14
Section 154 cards
What did Ethelred, King of Mercia, do in 704 after reigning twenty-nine winters?
Ethelred, son of Penda and King of Mercia, entered into a monastic life in 704 after reigning twenty-nine winters. Cenred succeeded him in the government. The chronicle later notes that Ethelred's body lies at Bardney, while Ceolred, a later Mercian king, lies at Lichfield.
Chapter 15
What happened to the West-Saxon bishopric in 709, and who succeeded Aldhelm?
In 709 Aldhelm, bishop by Westwood, died. The chronicle states the land of the West-Saxons was divided into two bishoprics in the first days of Bishop Daniel, who held one while Aldhelm held the other; before this it was only one. Forthere succeeded Aldhelm, and Ceolred succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia.
Chapter 15
What did Egbert accomplish around 716 according to the chronicle?
The chronicle records that about this time the venerable Egbert converted the monks of Iona to the right faith, specifically in the regulation of Easter and the ecclesiastical tonsure. The same year Osred, king of the Northumbrians, was slain near the southern borders after reigning eleven winters, and Cenred then succeeded to the government.
Chapter 15
What happened to Ina at the end of his reign per the entries for 725-728?
In 725 Ina fought with the South-Saxons and slew Ealdbert, the etheling, whom he had before driven into exile. In 728 Ina went to Rome and there gave up the ghost. He was succeeded in the kingdom of Wessex by Ethelhard his relative, who held it fourteen years and fought Oswald the etheling that same year.
Chapter 15
Section 164 cards
How did Cynewulf come to power over the West-Saxons in 755?
The author records that Cynewulf, with the consent of the West-Saxon council, deprived Sebright, his relative, of his kingdom for unrighteous deeds, except Hampshire, which Sebright retained until he slew the alderman who stayed longest with him. Cynewulf then drove Sebright to the forest of Andred, where he remained until a swain stabbed him at Privett, revenging the alderman Cumbra.
Chapter 16
How did Cynewulf die at Merton, according to the chapter?
Cynewulf, after about thirty-one winters as king, wished to expel Cyneard, brother of Sebright. Learning the king was visiting a lady at Merton with few attendants, Cyneard surrounded the town. Cynewulf defended himself bravely, wounded the etheling, but was slain. His thanes, offered life and rewards, refused and fought until all lay dead except one wounded British hostage.
Chapter 16
What happened to Ethelbald of Mercia and who succeeded him in 755?
The chapter states Ethelbald, king of the Mercians, was slain at Seckington, and his body lies at Repton; he reigned one and forty years. Bernred then succeeded to the kingdom, which he held but a little while and unprosperously, for King Offa the same year put him to flight and assumed the government, which he held nine and thirty winters.
Chapter 16
What natural and political events does the annal for 774 record?
For 774 the author records that the Northumbrians banished their king Alred from York at Easter-tide and chose Ethelred, son of Mull, as their lord, who reigned four winters. Also that year a red crucifix appeared in the heavens after sunset, the Mercians and men of Kent fought at Otford, and wonderful serpents were seen in the land of the South-Saxons.
Chapter 16
Section 174 cards
What happened in 787 when three Northmen ships first arrived in England?
Three ships of Northmen came from the land of robbers, the first Danish ships to seek the English nation. The reve rode to them and meant to drive them to the king's town, not knowing what they were, and he was slain there.
Chapter 17
What fore-warnings preceded the attack on Holy-island in 793?
The chronicle reports immense sheets of light rushing through the air, whirlwinds, and fiery dragons flying across the firmament, which terrified the people. These tokens were soon followed by a great famine, and then heathen men made havoc in the church of God in Holy-island by rapine and slaughter.
Chapter 17
What did Archbishop Ethelard's 796 synod decree about monasteries?
By command of Pope Leo, Ethelard with twelve bishops and twenty-three abbots confirmed that none should choose lords over God's inheritance from lewd men, and that minsters' former freedoms should continue untainted. He warned that anyone who disregarded the decree would answer before God's judgment-seat.
Chapter 17
How did King Cynewulf of Wessex die in 784?
Cyneard slew King Cynewulf and was himself slain, along with eighty-four men with him. Bertric then took the government of the West-Saxons and reigned sixteen years; his body is deposited at Wareham, and his pedigree goes in a direct line to Cerdic.
Chapter 17
Section 183 cards
What happened to Pope Leo, and how did he recover his see?
The Romans cut out Pope Leo's tongue, put out his eyes, and drove him from his see. Soon after, by the assistance of God, he could see and speak again and became pope as before. The entry is dated A.D. 797, and the same year Eanbald received the pall and Bishop Ethelherd died.
Chapter 18
Which king does the Chronicle name as the eighth sovereign of all the British dominions?
King Egbert of the West-Saxons, who in A.D. 827 conquered the Mercian kingdom and all south of the Humber. The Chronicle lists eight such sovereigns: Ella of the South-Saxons, Ceawlin, Ethelbert of Kent, Redwald, Edwin, Oswald, Oswy, and Egbert. Egbert also marched against the Northumbrians as far as Dore, where they offered submission.
Chapter 18
What happened to King Egbert before he became king, and how long did he reign?
The Chronicle says Offa, King of Mercia, and Bertric, the West-Saxon king, drove Egbert out of England into France three years before he was king; Bertric helped Offa because he had married Offa's daughter. Egbert returned and reigned thirty-seven winters and seven months, dying in A.D. 836, when Ethelwulf succeeded him.
Chapter 18
Section 193 cards
What did the heathen army do for the first time in the Isle of Thanet in 851?
In 851 the heathens for the first time remained over winter in the Isle of Thanet. The same year three hundred and fifty ships came into the mouth of the Thames, and their crews stormed Canterbury and London, put Bertulf of Mercia to flight, and marched into Surrey, where Ethelwulf and Ethelbald defeated them at Ockley.
Chapter 19
How did the Kentish peace with the heathen army in 865 end?
In 865 the heathen army sat in the Isle of Thanet and made peace with the men of Kent, who promised money. But under the security of peace and the promise of money, the army in the night stole up the country and overran all Kent eastward, breaking the agreement.
Chapter 19
What happened to Alfred in 853 according to the chronicle?
In 853 King Ethelwulf sent his son Alfred to Rome, and Leo, then pope, consecrated him king and adopted him as his spiritual son. Later the chronicle says that when the pope heard Ethelwulf was dead, he consecrated Alfred king and held him under spiritual hands, as his father had desired.
Chapter 19
Section 204 cards
What happened to the Northumbrian kings at York in 867?
The Northumbrians had deposed King Osbert and accepted Aella, who had no natural claim, but late in the year returned to Osbert's allegiance. Fighting the heathen army at York, they broke open the town and entered, but suffered immense slaughter inside and outside, and both kings were slain on the spot. The survivors then made peace with the army.
Chapter 20
What did Ceolwulf swear to the army in 874?
After driving King Burhred over sea, the army gave the Mercian kingdom to Ceolwulf, described as an unwise king's thane. He swore oaths to them and gave hostages that the kingdom would be ready for them on whatever day they wished, and that he and all who remained with him would be at the army's service.
Chapter 20
What was the outcome of the battles at Ashdown, Basing, and Marden in 871?
At Ashdown, Ethered and Alfred overcame the Danes, slaying King Bagsac and several earls, fighting until night. Within a fortnight at Basing the Danes had the victory. About two months later at Marden the Saxons put both divisions to flight and held the victory for part of the day, but the Danes became masters of the field and Bishop Heahmund was slain.
Chapter 20
How did the army break its oath to leave Wessex in 876?
The army stole into Wareham, a West-Saxon fort, and the king made peace with them. They gave as hostages those worthiest in the army and swore on the holy bracelet, which they would not swear by to any nation before, that they would readily leave his kingdom. Under colour of this, their cavalry stole by night into Exeter.
Chapter 20
Section 213 cards
What oath did the Danish army in England swear to King Alfred in 876, and what did they do next?
In 876 the Danish army in England swore oaths to King Alfred upon the holy ring, which they had not done to any other nation, and gave him hostages from the most distinguished men of the army, promising to depart speedily from his kingdom. The chronicle then states that by night they broke the agreement.
Chapter 21
What happened to Guthrum after the Danish defeat in 878?
After the defeat the army gave Alfred hostages with many oaths that they would leave his kingdom, and told him their king would receive baptism. Within three weeks King Guthrum came with about thirty of the worthiest men of the army to Aller near Athelney, where Alfred became his sponsor in baptism; his chrism-loosing was at Wedmor, and he stayed twelve nights with the king, who honoured him and his attendants with many presents.
Chapter 21
What successes and setbacks did Alfred's fleet have in 885?
Alfred sent a fleet from Kent into East-Anglia. At Stourmouth it met sixteen pirate ships, took all the ships, and slew the men. Returning homeward with their booty, the fleet met a large fleet of pirates and fought the same day, but the Danes had the victory. The same year the army in East-Anglia broke the truce with King Alfred.
Chapter 21
Section 224 cards
How was Charles's Frankish kingdom divided after Arnulf deprived him of it?
The chapter says Arnulf, Charles's brother's son, had six weeks before Charles's death bereft him of the kingdom. It was then divided into five portions with five kings consecrated, done with Arnulf's consent; they agreed to hold in subjection to him because none had a claim on the father's side except Arnulf alone. Arnulf dwelt east of the Rhine, Rodulf took the middle district, Oda the western, and Berenger and Witha took Lombardy and the Cisalpine territory.
Chapter 22
What happened to Guthrum, and what was his baptismal name and relationship to Alfred?
In A.D. 890 Guthrum, king of the Northern men, departed this life; his baptismal name was Athelstan. The chapter states he was the godson of King Alfred and abode among the East-Angles, where he first established a settlement. The same year the army went from the Seine to Saint Lo, where the Bretons fought them, won, and drove many into a river where they drowned.
Chapter 22
What does the chapter say about the three Scots who came to King Alfred?
In A.D. 891 three Scots came to King Alfred in a boat without oars from Ireland, having stolen away to live as pilgrims for the love of God, not caring where. The boat was made of two hides and a half, and they carried provisions for seven nights; within seven nights they reached land in Cornwall and soon after went to King Alfred. They were named Dubslane, Macbeth, and Maelinmun.
Chapter 22
What does the chapter report about the comet of A.D. 891?
After Easter, about the gang-days or before, appeared the star that men in book-Latin call "cometa." The chapter notes some men say in English it may be termed "hairy star," because there stands off from it a long gleam of light, whilom on one side, whilom on each. The same year Arnulf fought the land-force with eastern Franks, Saxons, and Bavarians and put them to flight.
Chapter 22
Section 234 cards
What did the Northumbrians and East-Angles do despite their oaths to King Alfred?
The chapter states that the Northumbrians and East-Angles had given oaths to King Alfred, and the East-Angles six hostages, yet contrary to the truce they went out with the other plunderers whenever the main army went out, either with them or in a separate division. This broke the agreement and prompted Alfred to gather his army and encamp between the two enemy forces.
Chapter 23
How did King Alfred organize his army against the Danes?
The chapter says the king divided his army into two parts, so that they were always half at home and half out, besides the men who should maintain the towns. He also encamped between the two enemy armies at the highest point he could find, defended by wood and by water, so he could reach either if they sought a field.
Chapter 23
What happened to Hasten's wife and sons after the king's troops took Barnfleet?
The king's troops routed the enemy, broke down the work, and took all therein, including money, women, and children, bringing all to London. Hasten's wife and her two sons were brought to the king, who returned them to Hasten because one was his godson and the other Alderman Ethered's. They had been adopted before Hasten came to Barnfleet, after hostages and oaths were given.
Chapter 23
How did the Danes at Buttington fare against the assembled English forces?
Aldermen Ethered, Ethelm, Ethelnoth and the king's thanes gathered forces from east of the Parret, west of Selwood, around the Thames and Severn, and part of North-Wales. They overtook the enemy's rear at Buttington on the Severn and besieged them. After many weeks the Danes, starving and having eaten most of their horses, attacked the eastern side but the Christians won; Ordhelm and many king's thanes were slain, and the Danes escaped only by flight.
Chapter 23
Section 244 cards
How did Alfred respond to Danish raids on the southern coast in 897?
The author records that King Alfred ordered the building of long ships to counter the Danish esks. These ships were nearly twice as long as the others, some with sixty oars or more, and were swifter, steadier, and higher. They were not built on the Frisian or Danish model but as Alfred himself thought most serviceable.
Chapter 24
What happened to the Danish crews taken after the naval fight near Wight?
After the fighting, the tide reached the Danish ships before the Christians could shove theirs out. The crippled Danish ships could not row beyond Sussex; two were driven ashore, and their crews were led to Winchester to the king, who ordered them hanged. The men in the single escaping ship reached East-Anglia severely wounded.
Chapter 24
How does the chronicle describe Alfred's reign and death in 901?
The chronicle states Alfred died six nights before the mass of All Saints. He was king over all the English nation except the part under Danish power, and held government one year and a half less than thirty winters. His son Edward then took the government.
Chapter 24
What happened to the Kentish men at the battle of 905?
King Edward ordered the whole army to go out at once, but the Kentish men remained behind contrary to his order, despite seven messengers sent to them. The enemy army surrounded them and they fought; aldermen Siwulf and Sigelm, Eadwold the king's thane, Abbot Kenwulf, and others fell. The Danes lost more men but held the field.
Chapter 24
Section 254 cards
What peace did King Edward conclude at Hitchingford, and what was rebuilt?
In A.D. 907 Edward decreed a peace at Hitchingford with both the Danes of East-Anglia and those of Northumberland, following an earlier peace of A.D. 906 made from necessity with the armies of East-Anglia and North-humbria. The same year Chester was rebuilt.
Chapter 25
How did Edward respond when the Northumbrian army broke the truce in 911?
The Northumbrian army broke the truce, despised Edward's demands, and plundered Mercia. Edward, then in Kent with about a hundred ships, learned by enquiry that they had gone out plundering. He sent an army from Wessex and Mercia, which caught the enemy's rear on its way home, put it to flight, and slew many thousands, including kings Eowils and Healfden and many named earls and governors.
Chapter 25
What fortresses did Ethelfleda, lady of the Mercians, build and when?
Ethelfleda built a series of fortresses: Bramsbury in 910, Shergate and Bridgenorth in 912, then Tamworth early in summer 913, Stafford before Lammas, Eddesbury the next year, and Warwick late that autumn. Later came Chirbury and Warburton after mid-winter, and Runkorn before mid-winter. In 918, before Lammas, she conquered Derby, losing four dear thanes within the gates.
Chapter 25
What happened to the Lidwiccian fleet that raided the Severn in 918?
A great naval force from the Lidwiccians, led by earls Ohter and Rhoald, plundered North-Wales by the sea and took Bishop Camlac, whom Edward later released for forty pounds. Men of Hertford, Gloucester and nearby towns routed them, killing Earl Rhoald and many others, and drove them into a park until they gave hostages to leave Edward's realm. They slipped past the Severn guard at night, suffered heavy slaughter at Watchet and Porlock, and went to Ireland.
Chapter 25
Section 264 cards
What happened to Ethelfleda's daughter Elfwina after Ethelfleda's death?
The chapter states that the daughter of Ethelred, lord of the Mercians, was deprived of all dominion over the Mercians and carried into Wessex three weeks before mid-winter; she was called Elfwina. A parallel entry names her Healfwina. The author records this removal of her authority without explaining the reasons behind it.
Chapter 26
How did King Edward secure Bedford in 919?
The chapter says King Edward went with his army to Bedford before Martinmas and conquered the town. Almost all the burgesses who had obeyed him before returned to him. He stayed there four weeks and ordered the town repaired on the south side of the water before departing.
Chapter 26
What happened at Temsford in 921 according to the chapter?
A large force from King Edward's dominions gathered from the nearest towns, besieged Temsford, and fought until they broke into it. They slew the king, Earl Toglos, Earl Mann his son, his brother, and all who resolved to defend it, and took the rest and everything within.
Chapter 26
What submissions followed Ethelfleda's death in 922?
While King Edward tarried at Stamford, his sister Ethelfleda died at Tamworth twelve nights before midsummer. He rode to Tamworth, and all the population in Mercia who had been subject to her turned to him. The kings of North-Wales—Howel, Cledauc, and Jothwel—and all the people of North-Wales sought him as lord.
Chapter 26
Section 274 cards
What building works did King Edward order in 923 and 924?
In 923 Edward ordered Thelwall borough repaired, inhabited, and manned, and sent a Mercian force to repair and man Manchester. In 924 he ordered Nottingham repaired on the south side of the river opposite the other town, plus a bridge over the Trent between the two towns, and had a fort built and manned near Bakewell in Peakland.
Chapter 27
Who submitted to Edward as father and lord in 924?
The King of Scotland with all his people chose Edward as father and lord, as did Reynold, the son of Eadulf, and all who dwell in Northumbria, both English and Danish, Northmen and others; also the king of the Strathclydwallians and all his people. A parallel annal entry names the Scots, Reginald, the North-humbrians, and the Strath-clyde Britons.
Chapter 27
How did Athelstan come to the throne and what did he do in 926?
Edward died among the Mercians at Farndon, and his son Elward died about sixteen days later at Oxford; both lie at Winchester. Athelstan was chosen king by the Mercians and consecrated at Kingston. In 926, after Sihtric departed, Athelstan took the kingdom of Northumbria and governed all the kings of the island, ratifying agreements by covenants and oaths at Emmet.
Chapter 27
What does the poem say happened at Brumby?
The poem says Athelstan and his brother Edmund led forces to Brumby and fought Anlaf, slaying five kings and seven earls with the edge of their swords. The Scots and ship's-crew fell in numbers; Constantine fled north and Anlaf escaped by sea to Dublin in disgrace. It claims no greater slaughter was made in the island since the Angles and Saxons came.
Chapter 27
Section 283 cards
What did King Edmund do with Cumberland in 945?
The chronicle states that in A.D. 945 King Edmund overran all Cumberland and let it all to Malcolm, king of the Scots, on the condition that Malcolm became his ally both by sea and land.
Chapter 28
How did King Edmund die, and who succeeded him?
The chronicle says Edmund died in A.D. 946 on St. Augustine's mass day, stabbed by Leof at Pucklechurch. His queen was Ethelfleda of Damerham, daughter of Alderman Elgar. He reigned six years and a half, and his brother Edred Atheling succeeded to the kingdom.
Chapter 28
Why did Edred overrun Northumberland in 948?
The chronicle states that in A.D. 948 King Edred overran all Northumberland because the Northumbrians had taken Eric for their king. During the pursuit of plunder the large minster at Rippon, which St. Wilferth built, was set on fire. When the Northumbrians heard the king meant to lay waste the land, they abandoned Eric and compromised with Edred.
Chapter 28
Section 294 cards
Why did Bishop Athelwold expel the clerks from the Winchester bishopric?
The chapter says Athelwold drove out the clerks from the bishopric because they would hold no rule, and set monks therein instead. He made two abbacies there, one of monks and another of nuns, all within Winchester. This followed his consecration on the vigil of St. Andrew, which fell on a Sunday.
Chapter 29
What did King Edgar grant Bishop Athelwold regarding heathen-destroyed minsters?
Athelwold asked King Edgar to give him all the minsters that heathen men had before destroyed, so he could renew them. The king cheerfully granted this. Athelwold then went first to Ely, where St. Etheldritha lies, ordered the minster repaired, gave it to his monk Britnoth whom he consecrated abbot, and set monks where nuns formerly were.
Chapter 29
What did Edgar's charter grant St. Peter's minster at Medhamsted?
Edgar granted freedom from king and bishop, with all the thorps lying thereto: Eastfield, Dodthorp, Eye, and Paston. No bishop was to have jurisdiction there, only the abbot. He also gave Oundle with Eyot-hundred, market and toll, free of king, bishop, earl, and sheriff, plus lands including Barrow, Warmington, Ashton, Kettering, Castor, and a minster at Stamford.
Chapter 29
Who renamed Medhamsted Peterborough and what did he do there?
Kenulf, an abbot of the same monastery who was afterwards Bishop of Winchester, first made the wall about the minster and gave it the name Peterborough, which before was Medhamsted. He was there until appointed Bishop of Winchester, when Elfsy was chosen abbot and continued fifty winters, later translating saints Kyneburga, Kyneswitha, and Tibba to Peterborough.
Chapter 29
Section 304 cards
When and where was Edgar consecrated king, and how old was he?
Edgar was consecrated king at Bath on Pentecost's mass-day, the fifth before the ides of May, in the thirteenth year since he had obtained the kingdom. He was then one less than thirty years of age. The chronicle's verse adds that he was hallowed at Akemancester, the ancient city whose people renamed it Bath.
Chapter 30
What did the six kings pledge to Edgar at Chester?
Soon after his consecration, Edgar led all his ship-forces to Chester. There six kings came to meet him, and they all plighted their troth to him, covenanting that they would be his fellow-workers or allies by sea and by land.
Chapter 30
What signs and troubles followed Edward's succession in 975?
In the same year, during harvest, the star called 'cometa' appeared. The following year brought a very great famine and manifold commotions among the English people. The chronicle also says God's law was broken, monasteries were dissolved, monks driven out, and widows plundered, and that Oslac the great earl was banished from England.
Chapter 30
How does the chronicle describe King Edward's murder and its aftermath?
Edward was slain at eventide at Corfe-gate, on the fifteenth day before the calends of April, and buried at Wareham without royal honour. The chronicle calls it the worst deed done by the English since they sought Britain, saying men murdered him but God magnified him, and that his heavenly Father avenged him where earthly kin would not.
Chapter 30
Section 314 cards
What did the chronicle record as the first tribute paid to the Danes, and who advised it?
In A.D. 991, after Ipswich was plundered and Alderman Britnoth was slain at Maldon, it was resolved to give tribute to the Danes for the first time, because of the great terror they caused along the sea-coast. The sum was 10,000 pounds, and the first who advised this measure was Archbishop Siric.
Chapter 31
What happened when the king's fleet gathered at London in A.D. 992?
The king and council resolved to gather all worthwhile ships at London and sent a land-force under Alderman Elfric, Earl Thorod, and Bishops Elfstan and Escwy to trap the enemy. But Elfric warned the enemy and fled the night before battle, to his great disgrace. The enemy escaped except one ship's crew, who were slain.
Chapter 31
How did King Ethelred receive Anlaf in A.D. 994, and what did Anlaf promise?
After the army accepted tribute and provisions and wintered at Southampton with 16,000 pounds paid, the king sent Bishop Elfeah and Alderman Ethelwerd to bring Anlaf to him at Andover. Ethelred received Anlaf at episcopal hands and honoured him with royal presents. Anlaf promised, and performed, that he would never again come hostilely to England.
Chapter 31
What did the chronicle report about the death of Archbishop Dunstan and his successor?
In A.D. 988, Goda, thane of Devonshire, was slain with a great number, and Dunstan, the holy archbishop, departed this life. Bishop Ethelgar succeeded him in the archbishopric, but lived only a little while after, namely one year and three months.
Chapter 31
Section 324 cards
What did the king and council agree to in 1002 regarding the Danish fleet?
In A.D. 1002 the king and his council agreed that tribute should be given to the fleet and peace made with them, on condition they desist from mischief. Alderman Leofsy made the peace, and a tribute of 24,000 pounds was paid. The Danes accepted food and tribute. In the same year the king ordered all Danes in England slain on St. Brice's mass-day.
Chapter 32
Why did the king order the killing of all Danes in England in 1002?
The Chronicle states the order was given because it was told the king that the Danes would beshrew him of his life, and afterwards all his council, and then have his kingdom without resistance. The killing was carried out on the mass-day of St. Brice. The entry presents this as the king's response to reported threat.
Chapter 32
How did Alderman Elfric betray the English force against Sweyne in 1003?
A great force from Wiltshire and Hampshire was ready to march, and Alderman Elfric should have led them. When the armies came near, he pretended sickness and began to retch, saying he was sick, and so betrayed the people he should have led. The Chronicle quotes: 'When the leader is sick the whole army is hindered.' Sweyne then plundered Wilton and went to Sarum.
Chapter 32
What happened to the English naval and land expeditions against the Danes in 999?
The king and council determined to proceed with sea and land forces, but as soon as ships were ready delay arose from day to day, harassing the crew on board. The forwarder it should have been, the later it was. The Chronicle says the Danes continually retreated from the coast and were pursued in vain, so the expeditions only vexed the people, wasted treasure, and strengthened their enemies.
Chapter 32
Section 334 cards
Why did Ulfkytel and the East-Anglian council choose to buy peace from Sweyne in 1004?
Ulfkytel agreed with the council in East-Anglia that it was better to purchase peace with the enemy before too much harm was done to the land, because the enemy had come unawares and he had not had time to gather his force. Despite the truce, the army stole up from their ships toward Thetford.
Chapter 33
What happened when Ulfkytel's army met the Danes after Thetford was burned?
In the morning, as the enemy proceeded to their ships, Ulfkytel came with his army and the two forces met in close quarters. Much slaughter was made on both sides and many veteran East-Angles were slain. The chronicle notes that had the main army been there, the enemy would never have returned to their ships; the Danes said they never met worse hand-play in England.
Chapter 33
What did the king and council decide in 1006 about defending the land, and what tribute was paid in 1007?
The king consulted his council on defending the land ere it was utterly undone. They advised, though all were loth, that they must bribe the enemy with tribute. The king sent to the army offering peace with tribute and provision, which they accepted and were provisioned throughout England. In 1007 the tribute paid was 30,000 pounds.
Chapter 33
What happened to the great ship levy of 1008-1009?
The king ordered ships built over all England, with a man holding three hundred and ten hides providing a galley or skiff, and a man with eight hides a helmet and breastplate. The ships were ready and numerous beyond any before, transported to Sandwich. But Brihtric betrayed Wulnoth, who enticed the navy; a great wind drove Brihtric's eighty ships aground and Wulnoth burned them. The king and nobility then lightly forsook the ships, and the people's labour was in vain.
Chapter 33
Section 344 cards
What happened to the Danish army after it entered East Anglia in 1010?
After Easter the Danish army came into East Anglia and went up at Ipswich, marching until it met Ulfcytel's force on the day called the first of the Ascension. The East-Angles soon fled, though Cambridgeshire stood firm. Athelstan the king's relative and many good thanes were slain. Thurkytel Myrehead began the flight, and the Danes held the field, then plundered and burned East Anglia for three months.
Chapter 34
Why does the chronicler say these disasters befell the English?
The chronicler states that all these disasters befell us through bad counsels: the counsellors would not offer tribute in time or fight the enemy, but only made peace and amity after the most mischief was done. Even so, despite peace, amity, and tribute, the Danish troops went everywhere plundering, spoiling, and slaying the miserable people.
Chapter 34
How was Archbishop Elfeah killed in 1012?
After the 48,000 pounds tribute was paid, the army turned against the bishop because he would not promise them a fee and forbade anyone to give anything for him. Drunk on wine brought from the south, they seized him on the eve of the Sunday after Easter and shamefully killed him, overwhelming him with bones and horns of oxen; one struck his head with an axe-iron. His corpse was carried to London and buried in St. Paul's.
Chapter 34
What submission did Sweyne receive in 1013, and how did London respond?
Sweyne came with his fleet to Sandwich, went up the Trent to Gainsborough, and received the submission of Earl Utred, the Northumbrians, Lindsey, the Five Boroughs, and the army north of Watling-street, with hostages from each shire. Oxford and Winchester submitted, but London refused because King Ethelred and Thurkill were there. Later London submitted and gave hostages, dreading he would undo them.
Chapter 34
Section 354 cards
After Sweyne's death, on what condition did the English counsellors recall Ethelred?
The counsellors of England, clergy and laity, sent for King Ethelred saying no sovereign was dearer to them than their natural lord, if he would govern them better than he did before. Ethelred sent his son Edward with messengers promising to be a faithful lord, remedy grievances, and forgive what was done or said against him, provided all unanimously and without treachery turned to him.
Chapter 35
What did Knute do to the hostages at Sandwich after leaving Gainsborough?
After Sweyne's death Knute sat with his army at Gainsborough until Easter, and agreed with the people of Lindsey to receive horses and then plunder together. Ethelred struck Lindsey first, plundering and burning. Knute then went south with his fleet to Sandwich, where he landed the hostages given to his father and cut off their hands, ears, and noses.
Chapter 35
How did Alderman Edric betray Sigferth and Morcar at Oxford?
At the great council at Oxford, Alderman Edric betrayed Sigferth and Morcar, the eldest thanes of the Seven Towns. He lured them into his bower, where they were shamefully slain. The king then took all their possessions and ordered Sigferth's widow secured at Malmsbury. Later Edmund Etheling seized her against the king's will and took her to wife.
Chapter 35
What natural disaster struck England on the eve of St. Michael's day in 1014?
On the eve of St. Michael's day in 1014 came the great sea-flood, which spread wide over the land and ran so far up as it never had before, overwhelming many towns and an innumerable multitude of people. The same annal also records a tribute of 21,000 pounds ordered by the king for the army at Greenwich.
Chapter 35
Section 364 cards
What happened to Earl Utred after he submitted to Knute?
Utred ceased plundering and hastened northward, submitting out of necessity along with all the Northumbrians. Though he gave hostages, he was nevertheless slain by the advice of Alderman Edric, and Thurkytel, son of Nafan, was slain with him. King Knute then appointed Eric as earl over Northumbria in Utred's place.
Chapter 36
How did Edric's conduct at the battle of Assingdon affect the outcome?
At Assingdon in Essex, Edric did as he often had before: he first began the flight with the Maisevethians, betraying his natural lord and all the people of England. Knute won the victory though all England fought against him. Bishop Ednoth, Abbot Wulsy, Aldermen Elfric and Godwin, Ulfkytel, and Ethelward were slain, and the chronicle says all the nobility of the English nation was undone there.
Chapter 36
What terms did Edmund and Knute agree at Olney?
At Olney, south of Deerhurst, the two kings met and became allies and sworn brothers, confirming their friendship with pledges and oaths and settling the pay of the army. They then parted: Edmund took Wessex, and Knute took Mercia and the northern district. The army went to its ships with what it had taken, and the Londoners made peace and purchased their security.
Chapter 36
How did Knute divide England in 1017, and what tribute was paid in 1018?
In 1017 Knute took the whole government of England and divided it into four parts: Wessex for himself, East-Anglia for Thurkyll, Mercia for Edric, and Northumbria for Eric. In 1018 tribute was paid over all England totaling seventy-two thousand pounds, besides ten thousand five hundred pounds from the citizens of London. Part of the army then went to Denmark, and forty ships were left with Knute.
Chapter 36
Section 374 cards
What did King Knute do at Assingdon in 1020, and for whom?
In 1020 King Knute went to Assingdon with Earl Thurkyll, Archbishop Wulfstan, other bishops, abbots, and many monks. He ordered a minster of stone and lime built there for the souls of the men slain there, gave it to his priest Stigand, and the minster was consecrated.
Chapter 37
How did King Knute and Earl Thurkyll's reconciliation in 1023 work?
In 1023 Thurkyll and King Knute were reconciled. Knute committed Denmark and his son to Thurkyll's care, while taking Thurkyll's son with him to England — an exchange of hostages that bound the agreement. Earlier, in 1021, Knute had outlawed Thurkyll.
Chapter 37
What did Knute grant Christ's Church in Canterbury in 1031?
Knute gave Christ's Church in Canterbury the haven of Sandwich and all rights arising from it on either side. The grant was defined by a taper-axe thrown from a ship at high tide: wherever the axe landed, the church's ministers would enjoy their rights throughout that land.
Chapter 37
What happened to King Olave of Norway in 1030?
After Knute drove Olave from Norway in 1028, Olave returned in 1030. The people gathered against him and fought him, and he was slain in Norway by his own people. The chronicle adds that he was afterwards canonised.
Chapter 37
Section 384 cards
What happened after King Knute died in 1035 regarding the succession?
After Knute's death and burial at Winchester, a council of nobles met at Oxford. Earl Leofric, most thanes north of the Thames, and the naval men in London chose Harold as governor of all England for himself and his brother Hardacnute, who was in Denmark. Earl Godwin and the eldest men of Wessex withstood this but could not prevail.
Chapter 38
What did Earl Godwin do to Alfred the etheling in 1036?
Alfred, son of King Ethelred, came to visit his mother at Winchester, but Earl Godwin and other powerful men would not permit it, as this suited Harold though it was unjust. The chronicle's verse says Godwin had him imprisoned, his friends were slain or bound, and Alfred was eventually blinded and taken to Ely, where he died and was buried.
Chapter 38
Why was Hardacnute forsaken in 1037, and what happened to his mother Elgiva?
In 1037 men chose Harold as king over all and forsook Hardacnute because he stayed too long in Denmark. They then drove out his mother Elgiva, Knute's widow and mother of Edward as well as Hardacnute, despite the winter. She sought protection from Baldwin, who received her at Bruges and kept her as long as she had need.
Chapter 38
How does the chronicle describe Hardacnute's conduct after he became king?
The chronicle says Hardacnute was soon received by Angles and Danes, but his advisers later paid severely for ordering tribute for sixty-two ships at eight marks per steersman. It states all who had desired him were alienated, for he framed nothing royal during his whole reign, and he ordered the dead Harold dragged up and thrown into a ditch.
Chapter 38
Section 394 cards
What tribute amounts were paid in 1040 and 1041 according to the Chronicle?
The Chronicle records that in 1040 the tribute paid was 21,099 pounds, and afterwards 11,048 pounds were paid to thirty-two ships. The entry for 1041 repeats the same figures: 21,099 pounds to the army, then 11,048 pounds to thirty-two ships.
Chapter 39
Why did Hardacnute order Worcestershire laid waste in 1041?
Hardacnute ordered Worcestershire laid waste because two servants of his household, who were exacting the heavy tribute, were slain by the people in the town within the minster. The Chronicle presents this as his retaliation for the killing of his tribute collectors.
Chapter 39
How does the Chronicle describe Hardacnute's death and the succession?
The Chronicle says Hardacnute died at Lambeth as he stood drinking, falling suddenly with a tremendous struggle and speaking no word afterwards. He had ruled all England two years less ten nights and was buried at Winchester with his father Knute. Before his burial, all people chose Edward as king in London.
Chapter 39
What did Edward do to his mother Emma in 1043 and why?
The Chronicle says the king was advised to ride with Earls Leofric, Godwin and Siward to Winchester unawares upon the lady, depriving her of immense treasures, because she had been very hard on him before he was king and since. He then took all the land and gold and silver she held, though she was allowed to remain there.
Chapter 39
Section 404 cards
What happened to Earl Sweyn after he came to Bosham with seven ships?
He obtained the king's protection and was promised everything he previously possessed, but Harold and Beorn contested this. He was given only a four-day protection to reach his ships. He then lured Beorn aboard, had him seized and taken to Exmouth, where Beorn was slain; Sweyn then went east to Bruges in Baldwin's land.
Chapter 40
What did Earl Sweyn do to the Abbess of Leominster after his Welsh campaign?
As Sweyn returned homeward from Wales, where Griffin king of the northern men had delivered hostages to him, he ordered the Abbess of Leominster to be fetched to him and kept her as long as he wished, after which he let her go home. The chapter records this without further comment.
Chapter 40
What does the Chronicle say about the winter after Candlemas in 1046?
The Chronicle records a strong winter with frost, snow, and all kinds of bad weather, so severe that no man then alive could remember its equal. It caused loss of men and loss of cattle, and even fowls and fishes perished through much cold and hunger.
Chapter 40
Why did King Edward collect a large fleet at Sandwich, and why did it not sail?
King Edward gathered a large fleet at Sandwich because of the threatening of Magnus of Norway. But Magnus's contests with Sweyne in Denmark prevented him from coming hither, so the threatened attack did not materialize. A similar gathering is recorded again in connection with Magnus's threatening.
Chapter 40
Section 413 cards
Who succeeded Abbot Athelstan of Abingdon in 1047?
Athelstan, Abbot of Abingdon, died in 1047 on the fourth day before the calends of April. Sparhawk, a monk of St. Edmundsbury, succeeded him as abbot. The same year the chronicle notes Easter fell on the third day before the nones of April, and that there was very great loss of men over all England that year also.
Chapter 41
What requests did Sweyn and Harold send to King Edward in 1048?
After Sweyne returned to Denmark and Harold, uncle of Magnus, went to Norway on Magnus's death, both sent embassies of peace to England. They requested naval assistance from King Edward amounting to at least fifty ships, but all the people resisted the request. The same year brought an earthquake on the calends of May and great loss of men and cattle by disease.
Chapter 41
What happened to Bishop Siward and Archbishop Edsy in 1048?
Bishop Siward resigned his bishopric from infirmity and retired to Abingdon. Upon this, Archbishop Edsy resumed the bishopric, and he died within eight weeks of this, on the tenth day before the calends of November. Earlier that year the enemy plundered Sandwich and the Isle of Wight, and King Edward and the earls went out after them with their ships.
Chapter 41
Section 424 cards
Why did Archbishop Robert refuse to consecrate Sparhafoc as Bishop of London?
Robert refused repeatedly, saying that the pope had forbidden him to do it. Sparhafoc came with the king's writ and seal and asked twice for episcopal ordination, but Robert constantly refused on the same grounds. Sparhafoc then occupied the bishopric in London with the king's full leave through the summer and harvest, until he was driven out and replaced by William the king's priest.
Chapter 42
What happened at Dover between Eustace's men and the townsmen?
Eustace's men tried to lodge where they chose; one wounded a householder, who slew him. Eustace and his companions then killed the householder in his own dwelling and slew more than twenty men in and around the town. The townsmen killed nineteen on their side and wounded many. Eustace escaped with a few men and reported to the king, who was very wroth with the townsmen.
Chapter 42
Why did Earl Godwin refuse the king's order to raid Dover?
The king, angered at the townsmen, sent Godwin and bade him go into Kent in hostile manner to Dover, since Eustace had made it appear the townsmen were more at fault, though the chronicle says it was not so. Godwin would not consent to the inroad because he was loth to injure his own people. The king then summoned his council to Gloucester.
Chapter 42
What became of Godwin, Sweyn, and Harold after the London council?
Sweyn was declared an outlaw. Godwin and Harold were summoned, but their demands for safe conduct and hostages were refused; Godwin was allowed safe conduct for five nights to leave the land. Godwin and Sweyn went to Bosham, launched their ships, crossed the sea, and sought Baldwin's protection all winter. Harold went west to Ireland and stayed within the king's protection.
Chapter 42
Section 434 cards
Why did the emperor gather an army against Baldwin of Bruges in 1049?
The emperor gathered an innumerable army against Baldwin because Baldwin had destroyed the palace of Nimeguen and committed many other ungracious acts against him. Pope Leo of Rome, the patriarch, and many great men of several provinces were present. The emperor also asked King Edward for naval aid so Baldwin could not escape by water; Edward lay at Sandwich with a large fleet until the emperor had all he wished of Baldwin.
Chapter 43
How did Earl Sweyne betray and kill Earl Beorn?
Sweyne came with a pretence of submitting to the king and asked Beorn, his uncle's son, to accompany him to Sandwich, swearing oaths of faithfulness. Beorn, not wishing to betray their kinship, rode with three companions to Bosham, where Sweyne's men suddenly bound him, led him to the ships, and took him to Dartmouth, where he was slain and buried deep. Harold later fetched the body and buried him at Winchester with King Knute.
Chapter 43
What happened to King Edward's fleet and the Danegeld in 1050?
In 1050 King Edward put all the lightermen out of pay, and he abolished the Danegeld that King Ethelred had imposed, in the thirty-ninth year after it began. The chronicle says that tribute had harassed all the people of England so long as written above, and was always paid before other imposts, which were levied indiscriminately and vexed men variously.
Chapter 43
What did the 1050 council in London decide about church appointments?
King Edward held a meeting of the great council in London at mid-Lent, where he appointed Robert the Frank, formerly Bishop of London, as Archbishop of Canterbury; Robert went to Rome for his pall during the same Lent. The king gave the see of London to Sparhawk, Abbot of Abingdon, but it was taken from him again before consecration. The king also gave the abbacy of Abingdon to Bishop Rodulph, his cousin.
Chapter 43
Section 444 cards
How did Sweyn the earl betray Beorn the earl in 1050?
Sweyn came to Beorn at Pevensey with false pretences, begging his kinsman to accompany him to the king at Sandwich to help his affairs. Beorn went with three companions. Sweyn led him toward Bosham where his ships lay, bound him, took him aboard, sailed to Dartmouth, and there ordered him slain and deeply buried. Beorn was later found and buried at Winchester with King Canute, his uncle.
Chapter 44
What happened to the ships that landed at Eadulf-ness and did harm?
After the others landed in Sussex (Essex) at Eadulf-ness, did harm, and returned to their ships, a strong wind came against them and all were destroyed except four. The crews of those four were slain beyond sea. Earlier, Osgod had fetched his wife from Bruges and gone back with six ships.
Chapter 44
What happened when the Welsh king Griffin and thirty-six Irish ships raided in 1050?
Thirty-six ships under Axa came from Ireland into Wales and did harm with the help of Griffin the Welsh king. People gathered against them, including Bishop Aldred, but had too little power. The raiders came unawares at very early morning, slew many good men, and the others escaped with the bishop. This was on the fourth before the kalends of August.
Chapter 44
What does the chronicle say about Ulf the priest's appointment and Bishop Siward?
Ulf the priest was appointed as pastor to the bishopric that Eadnoth had held, but was afterwards driven away because he did nothing bishop-like therein; the chronicler says it shames them now to tell more about it. Bishop Siward also died and lies at Abingdon. In the same year the great minster at Rheims was consecrated, with Pope Leo IX and the emperor holding a great synod.
Chapter 44
Section 453 cards
Why did Archbishop Robert refuse to consecrate Abbot Sparhawk as Bishop of London?
Robert repeatedly refused, saying the pope had forbidden him to do so. Sparhawk came twice with the king's writ and seal, but Robert obstinately declined both times. Sparhawk then went to London and held the bishopric the king had already given him, with full leave, through the summer and autumn.
Chapter 45
Why did Earl Godwin refuse the king's order to attack Dover?
The king, angered by Eustace's partial account, ordered Godwin to go into Kent with hostility against Dover. Godwin refused, because he was loth to destroy his own people. The chronicle states plainly that Eustace's claim that the townsmen's guilt exceeded his own was not so.
Chapter 45
How did the 1051 conflict between King Edward and Godwin's family end?
Armies gathered at Langtree and Gloucester, but the nobles prevented battle, since almost all England's noblest were in the two armies. After councils and refused hostages, Godwin and Sweyne were outlawed and went overseas to Baldwin's protection; Harold went to Ireland. The king dismissed and despoiled his queen, and later Abbot Sparhawk was driven from London.
Chapter 45
Section 464 cards
What does the Chronicle say about the deaths of English and French men against Griffin?
Griffin, the Welsh king, plundered in Herefordshire as far as Leominster. Both the landsmen and the Frenchmen from the castle gathered against him, and very many good men of the English and also of the French were slain. The Chronicle notes this happened on the same day thirteen years after Edwin was slain with his companions.
Chapter 46
How did Earl Godwin's and Harold's 1052 campaign end at London?
Godwin's fleet came to London while the king and his earls lay with fifty ships. The earls asked for restoration of what had been unjustly taken. Wise men were sent to settle peace, and hostages were given on either side. At a general council outside London, Godwin cleared himself of the charges, and the king restored his earldom and his children's lands.
Chapter 46
What happened to Archbishop Robert and the Frenchmen after the reconciliation?
When Archbishop Robert and the Frenchmen learned of the settlement, they took horse and fled to castles. Robert and Bishop Ulf went out at Eastgate, slaying or maiming many young men, and escaped over sea in a crazy ship. Robert was fully proclaimed an outlaw with all the Frenchmen, because they chiefly made the discord between Earl Godwin and the king. Bishop Stigand succeeded to the archbishopric at Canterbury.
Chapter 46
What did the council decree about the Frenchmen and their laws?
The council outlawed all Frenchmen who before instituted bad laws, judged unrighteous judgment, and brought bad counsels into the land, except those the king agreed to keep who were true to him and his people. The Chronicle records that Godwin, Harold, and the queen sat in their stations, and that good laws were ordained to all people.
Chapter 46
Section 473 cards
What happened when Eustace's men landed at Dover?
Eustace, who had King Edward's sister as wife, landed at Dover. His men went inconsiderately after quarters and killed a man of the town; the townsmen killed another of their companions, so seven of Eustace's companions lay dead. Much harm was done on both sides by horse and weapons until the people gathered, and the survivors fled to the king at Gloucester, who gave them protection.
Chapter 47
Why did Godwin's and the king's forces avoid battle?
Some thought it great folly to join battle because nearly all that was most noble in England was in the two armies, and they feared exposing the land to foes and causing great destruction among themselves. So they counselled mutual hostages and set a term at London. Godwin's band dwindled the longer he stayed, and he went away by night; the king then declared him and all his sons outlaws.
Chapter 47
What happened to Godwin and his family after being outlawed?
Godwin went south to Thorney with his wife, Sweyn his son, Tosty and his wife (Baldwin's relation of Bruges), and Grith his son. Harold and Leofwine went to Bristol in a ship Sweyn had provisioned. Godwin went from Avonmouth, met heavy weather, sustained much damage, and went to Ireland; Godwin and those with him went from Thorney to Bruges in one ship with as much treasure as they could stow. Edward's daughter was sent to Wherwell and delivered to the abbess.
Chapter 47
Section 484 cards
What happened to Earl Godwin after he sat with King Edward at table after Easter 1053?
He suddenly sank down against the foot-rail, deprived of speech and strength. He was carried to the king's chamber, where it was hoped he would recover, but he remained speechless and helpless until Thursday, when he died. He was buried at Winchester in the old minster, and his son Harold took his earldom and possessions.
Chapter 48
How was the dispute between Godwin and King Edward resolved in 1052?
After Godwin's fleet reached London, the king at first resisted, but the people with the earl grew so stirred that Godwin himself had trouble calming them. Bishop Stigand and wise men mediated, and it was decreed that hostages be given on both sides. At a great council outside London, Godwin cleared himself and the king restored his full friendship, earldom, and possessions.
Chapter 48
What did the council of 1052 declare about Archbishop Robert and the Frenchmen?
They declared Archbishop Robert utterly an outlaw, and all the Frenchmen with him, because they had made most of the difference between Earl Godwin and the king. Robert fled by ship over sea, leaving his pall and all Christendom on land. Bishop Stigand then obtained the Archbishopric of Canterbury.
Chapter 48
What events does the annal for 1053 record besides Godwin's death?
It records the great wind on St. Thomas's mass-night and a windy midwinter; the slaying of Rees, the Welsh king's brother, whose head was brought to Gloucester; the deaths of three abbots or bishops within one month; and Welshmen slaying many English warders at Westbury. It also notes there was no archbishop in the land, with Stigand at Canterbury and Kinsey at York.
Chapter 48
Section 494 cards
Who succeeded Earl Godwin after his death in 1053, and how were earldoms redistributed?
Godwin died at Winchester in 1053 and was buried in the Old Minster there. His son Harold succeeded to the earldom and all his father had held, while Earl Elgar took over the earldom Harold previously held. The chronicle also notes Godwin fell ill as he sat with the king at Winchester.
Chapter 49
What did Earl Siward accomplish against Scotland in 1054, and at what cost?
Siward invaded Scotland with a large army of ships and land forces, put King Macbeth to flight, slew the chief men of the land, and carried off booty greater than any before obtained. But many fell on his side, including his son Osborn, his sister's son Sihward, and many house-carls, on the day of the Seven Sleepers.
Chapter 49
Why was Earl Elgar outlawed in 1055, and how was the sentence resolved?
Elgar, son of Earl Leofric, was outlawed at a London council almost without guilt, accused of betraying the king and the people, though the chronicle says the charge was unintentional. He fled to Wales and Ireland, gathered a fleet and forces with King Griffin, and after ravaging Hereford his outlawry was reversed and his lands restored.
Chapter 49
What happened at Hereford when Earl Ralph's army met Elgar and Griffin's forces?
Earl Ralph gathered a great army at Hereford, but before a spear was thrown the English fled because they were on horses. The enemy made great slaughter, about four or five hundred men, losing none themselves, then burned the town utterly and plundered the minster Bishop Athelstan had built, slaying priests and carrying off treasures.
Chapter 49
Section 504 cards
Why was Earl Elgar outlawed in 1055, and where did he flee?
Elgar was outlawed by a general council seven days before Mid-lent because it was charged that he was a traitor to the king and to all the people of the land. He made a confession before the assembled men, though the word escaped him unintentionally. He then sought Griffin's protection in North-Wales, and together they burned St. Ethelbert's minster and all the town of Hereford.
Chapter 50
How did Bishop Leofgar die, and what did the Chronicle say about his conduct?
Leofgar, formerly Earl Harold's mass-priest, succeeded Athelstan at Hereford. The Chronicle says he wore his knapsack in the priesthood until he became bishop, then abandoned his chrism and rood—his ghostly weapons—and took up spear and sword after his bishophood. He marched against Griffin the Welsh king and was slain there with his priests, Elnoth the sheriff, and many good men; the rest fled, eight nights before midsummer.
Chapter 50
What happened to Edward Etheling after he came to England in 1057?
Edward Etheling, son of King Edmund Ironside and brother's son to King Edward, came to the land and soon after died. His body is buried within St. Paul's minster at London. King Knute had sent him to Hungary to betray him, but he grew in favour with good men, married the emperor's cousin Agatha, and had fair offspring. The Chronicle laments that he ended his life so soon after coming to England.
Chapter 50
How did King Griffin of Wales die in 1063, and what happened to his land?
King Griffin, who was king over all the Welsh nation, was slain on the nones of August by his own men, through the war he waged with Earl Harold. His head was brought to Earl Harold, who sent it to the king along with his ship's head and rigging. King Edward committed the land to Griffin's two brothers, Blethgent and Rigwatle, who swore oaths and gave hostages to be faithful and pay tribute.
Chapter 50
Section 514 cards
What happened at Portskeweth before Lammas in 1065?
Earl Harold ordered men to build at Portskeweth in Wales and gathered many materials, intending to host King Edward there for hunting. When all was ready, Caradoc, son of Griffin, came with all the men he could gather and slew almost all the builders, seizing the prepared materials. The chronicle says it is unknown who first advised the deed, and notes it occurred on St. Bartholomew's mass-day.
Chapter 51
Why did the northern thanes outlaw Earl Tosty in 1065?
All the thanes in Yorkshire and Northumberland gathered at York and outlawed Earl Tosty, slaying all his clansmen they could reach, both Danish and English, and seizing his weapons, gold, silver, and money in York. One version of the entry says they acted because he robbed God first and bereaved those over whom he had power of life and land, and that all his earldom unanimously forsook him.
Chapter 51
What did the northern men do around Northampton while Harold carried their request?
While Harold went on their errand to King Edward, the northern men did much harm about Northampton: they slew men, burned houses and corn, and took all the cattle they could come at, amounting to many thousands. They also took many hundred men and led them northward, so that not only that shire but others near it were the worse for many winters.
Chapter 51
How does the chronicle describe Edward's death and succession?
King Edward came to Westminster about midwinter and had the minster consecrated on Childermas-day. He died on the eve of twelfth-day and was buried on twelfth-day in the same minster. The poem praises him as a harmless, blithe-minded king who ruled four and twenty winters, and says the prudent king had settled the realm on Harold the earl, who was then hallowed to king but enjoyed little tranquillity.
Chapter 51
Section 524 cards
What heavenly token appeared over England after Harold came to Westminster in 1066?
The chronicle says a token was seen over all England such as no man had seen before. Some called it the comet-star, others the long-haired star. It first appeared on the eve of Litania major, the eighth before the calends of May, and shone all that week.
Chapter 52
Why did Harold gather an unusually large naval and military force in 1066?
The chronicle says Harold gathered a force larger than any king before had collected in England because it was credibly reported that Earl William of Normandy, King Edward's cousin, would come to gain the land — just as it afterwards happened. Tosty's raids also prompted his response.
Chapter 52
What happened at the battle of Stanfordbridge against Harald of Norway and Tosty?
Harold, king of the English, came unexpectedly to Stanfordbridge beyond York and fought a long, severe battle. Harald the Fair-haired, King of Norway, and Earl Tosty were slain with many others. The surviving Normans fled; some drowned, some burned. One Norwegian long held the bridge until an Englishman pierced him from beneath. Harold gave quarter to Olave and others, who swore friendship, and let them go home with twenty-four ships.
Chapter 52
How does the chronicle describe William's conquest and Harold's death at Hastings?
William came from Normandy to Pevensey on the eve of St. Michael's mass and built a castle at Hastings. Harold gathered forces and met him at the Appledore estuary, but William came unexpectedly before the army was collected. There was great slaughter on both sides; King Harold, Leofwin, and Earl Girth were slain, and the Frenchmen gained the field, which the chronicle says God granted them for the nation's sins.
Chapter 52
Section 534 cards
How long did Harold hold the English kingdom before William won England?
The chronicle states that Harold the earl succeeded to the kingdom after King Edward died and held it forty weeks and one day. In that same year William came and won England, and Christ-Church at Canterbury burned, and a comet appeared on the fourteenth before the kalends of May.
Chapter 53
Why did Harold gather ships and a land-force before William arrived?
The chronicle says Harold gathered so great a ship-force and land-force as no king in the land had before gathered, because it had been truly said to him that William, Earl of Normandy and King Edward's kinsman, would come to subdue the land — all as it afterwards happened. He awaited his fleet at Sandwich, then lay at Wight through summer and harvest.
Chapter 53
What happened at the battle of Stamfordbridge according to the chronicle?
Harold, king of the English, came unexpectedly against the Norwegian and Tosty's forces beyond the bridge, and they fought strenuously for a long time. Harald, King of Norway, and Tosty the earl were slain with numberless people. One Norwegian long withstood the English on the bridge until a man passed under it and pierced him under the coat of mail; then Harold crossed and made great slaughter.
Chapter 53
How does the chronicle describe Harold's coronation and his death at Hastings?
The chronicle says Edward died on the eve of Twelfth-day and was buried in the newly consecrated Westminster church; Harold succeeded as the king had granted and men had chosen, and was crowned on Twelfth-day. Later William landed at Hastings on St. Michael's-day, and Harold fought him before all his army had come up; there Harold fell with his brothers Girth and Leofwin, and William subdued the land.
Chapter 53
Section 544 cards
What happened to the church of Christ at Canterbury in 1067?
The chronicle records that King William returned to England on St. Nicholas's day in 1067, and on that same day the church of Christ at Canterbury burned. The entry gives no cause for the fire, pairing the event with the king's return and the death of Bishop Wulfwy, who was buried at his see in Dorchester.
Chapter 54
How did William respond to resistance in the North in 1067-1068?
After being told the northern people would resist him, William went to Nottingham and built a castle, then advanced to York where he built two castles, and did the same at Lincoln and elsewhere in that quarter. In 1068 he came from the South with a large army, put Edgar Etheling's forces to flight, slew many hundreds, plundered York, and despoiled St. Peter's minster.
Chapter 54
Why did Margaret agree to marry King Malcolm of Scotland?
Margaret, sister of the child Edgar, had come to Scotland under Malcolm's protection. She was averse to marriage and said she would have neither him nor anyone else if she might remain a maiden in continence. The king urged her brother until he answered yes, and the chronicler says he dared not refuse because they had come into Malcolm's kingdom. The author argues she afterward led the king from error and suppressed bad customs.
Chapter 54
What happened to Harold's sons and the Danish fleet in 1068-1069?
In 1068 Harold's sons came from Ireland about midsummer with sixty-four ships into the mouth of the Taft and landed unwarily; Earl Breon surprised them with a large army, slew the best men in the fleet, and the survivors escaped to the ships and returned to Ireland. In 1069 three sons of King Sweyne came from Denmark with two hundred and forty ships into the Humber and joined Edgar and the northern earls.
Chapter 54
Section 554 cards
Why did Thomas, chosen Bishop of York, leave Canterbury without consecration?
Thomas came to Canterbury to be invested after ancient custom, but when Archbishop Landfranc demanded confirmation of obedience with an oath, Thomas refused, saying he ought not to do it. Landfranc was angry and ordered the bishops and monks to unrobe. Thomas departed without consecration, later appealing to Pope Alexander at Rome, where Landfranc defended his claim by right.
Chapter 55
What did Hereward's outlaws take from Peterborough Minster, and what happened to the treasure?
They climbed to the holy rood and took the pure gold diadem from our Lord's head and the red gold bracket beneath his feet, plus a hidden table of gold and silver, two golden shrines, nine silver ones, and fifteen large crucifixes. They deposited it at Ely; the Danes carried it off, but a storm scattered the ships, and the church at the king's town burned through carelessness and drunkenness.
Chapter 55
How did King William capture Ely and deal with the outlaws in 1071?
After Edwin was treacherously slain by his own men and Morkar went to Ely by ship, Bishop Aylwine, Siward Barn, and many hundreds joined the outlaws there. King William ordered out both naval and land forces, beset the land, wrought a bridge, and went in. All surrendered except Hereward and those who joined him, whom he led out triumphantly. The king took ships, weapons, and treasures, and sent Bishop Aylwine to Abingdon, where he died early in winter.
Chapter 55
What did Yware the churchwarden do before the outlaws reached Peterborough?
Yware took away by night all he could — testaments, mass-hackles, cantel-copes, reefs, and other small things — and went early before day to Abbot Thorold, claiming he sought his protection and informing him the outlaws were coming to Peterborough, saying he did all by advice of the monks.
Chapter 55
Section 564 cards
What happened when King William invaded Scotland in 1072?
King William brought both a naval force and a land force to Scotland, besetting the land by sea with ships while leading his land-force in at the Tweed. He found nothing of value there. King Malcolm came, made peace with William, gave hostages, and became his man, after which the king returned home with all his force.
Chapter 56
What was the outcome of the bride-ale plot at Norwich in 1075?
Earl Roger and Earl Ralph were the authors of a plot, resolved at Earl Ralph's bride-ale at Norwich, to drive the king out of England. The king learned of it in Normandy. Roger was seized and imprisoned; Ralph escaped to the ships at Norwich, and his wife held the castle until peace was made. The Britons at the bride-ale were condemned—some blinded, some driven from the land, some towed to Scandinavia.
Chapter 56
How did Edgar's voyage from Scotland end in 1074?
Malcolm and his sister Margaret gave Edgar and his men great treasures and conducted them out with pomp. At sea, rough weather drove them onto the shore; all their ships burst, their treasure was nearly all lost, and some men were taken by the French. Edgar and his best men returned to Scotland, some on foot. Malcolm then advised him to seek King William's friendship, which he did.
Chapter 56
What happened to Earl Waltheof after the 1075 plot?
Earl Waltheof went over sea and betrayed himself, then asked forgiveness and offered gifts of ransom. The king let him off lightly until he came to England, when he had him seized. In 1076 Waltheof was beheaded at Winchester on the mass-day of St. Petronilla, and his body was carried to Croyland, where he lies buried.
Chapter 56
Section 574 cards
Why did Robert, son of King William, desert his father in 1079?
The Chronicle states Robert deserted to his uncle Robert in Flanders because his father would not let him govern his earldom in Normandy, which Robert himself and King Philip, with Philip's permission, had given him. The best men of the land had sworn oaths of allegiance to him and taken him as lord. Robert then fought his father near the castle of Gerberoy, wounding him in the hand.
Chapter 57
What happened at Glastonbury between Abbot Thurstan and his monks in 1083?
The Chronicle says the tumult began from the abbot's want of wisdom in misgoverning his monks. The monks meant well and asked him to govern rightly and love them, promising obedience, but he refused and threatened them. He summoned armed laymen into the chapter-house; they pursued the monks into the minster, shot arrows at the sanctuary, and slew three monks, wounding eighteen.
Chapter 57
What did King William's 1085 survey commission his men to record?
The king sent men into each shire to find how many hundreds of hides were there, what land and stock the king himself had, and what dues he ought yearly from the shire. They also recorded the land of archbishops, bishops, abbots, and earls, and what each landholder possessed in land or stock and its money value — so thorough that no hide, yard of land, ox, cow, or swine went unrecorded.
Chapter 57
What troubles did England face in 1086 according to the Chronicle?
The Chronicle calls 1086 a very heavy, swinkful, and sorrowful year: murrain among cattle, corn and fruits at a stand, and such untoward weather as a man may not easily think. Thunder and lightning were so tremendous that it killed many men, and conditions continually grew worse. The same year William collected a very large sum from his people, whether with justice or otherwise, before going to Normandy.
Chapter 57
Section 584 cards
What two disasters struck England in 1087, and in what order?
The chronicle records that first a pestilent sickness came on men, a severe diarrhoea that killed many. Afterwards, through bad weather, so great a famine came over all England that many hundreds died of hunger. The author presents the famine as following the sickness and links both to the sins of the people.
Chapter 58
How did King William extract land revenue, according to the chronicle?
The author says the king let his land at as high a rate as he could; then another man bid more, and the king let it to him; then a third bid yet more, and the king let it to the highest bidder. He recked not how sinfully the stewards got the money from wretched men, nor how many unlawful deeds they did.
Chapter 58
What does the chronicle say about William's harshness toward the powerful?
The author reports that no man durst do anything against his will. He kept earls in custody who acted against him, hurled bishops from their bishoprics and abbots from their abbacies, and put thanes in prison. He even confined his own brother Odo, a rich bishop in Normandy and the mightiest man in England when the king was abroad.
Chapter 58
How does the chronicle describe William's death and burial?
The author says William fell sick, and sharp death, which passes by neither rich nor poor, seized him. He died in Normandy the day after the Nativity of St. Mary and was buried at Caen in St. Stephen's minster, which he had built and endowed. The author notes that he who was a rich king and lord of many lands had then no more than seven feet of land.
Chapter 58
Section 593 cards
Who led the 1088 conspiracy against King William, and what did they intend?
Bishop Odo, Bishop Gosfrith, William Bishop of Durham, and Earl Roger led the plot. The richest Frenchmen in the land would betray the king and make his brother Robert, earl in Normandy, king instead. The chronicle compares Odo's betrayal to Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Christ. The conspiracy was formed in Lent, and after Easter they harrowed, burned, and wasted the king's farms.
Chapter 59
What did King William promise the Englishmen in return for their support?
The king sent after Englishmen, described his need, earnestly requested their support, and promised them the best laws that ever before were in this land. He forbade each unright guild and restored to the men their woods and chaces. The chronicle notes, however, that 'it stood no while' — the promise did not last. The Englishmen nonetheless went to the king's assistance.
Chapter 59
What happened to Archbishop Landfranc and to the harvest in 1089?
Archbishop Landfranc, called the venerable father and favourer of monks, departed this life; the chronicler hopes he has gone to the heavenly kingdom. There was also much earth-stirring over all England on the third day before the ides of August. It was a very late year in corn and every kind of fruit, so many men reaped their corn about Martinmas and yet later.
Chapter 59
Section 604 cards
What terms did William and Robert agree to at their reconciliation in Normandy in 1091?
The earl Robert put Feschamp, the earldom of Ou, and Cherbourg into the king's hands, and the king's men were to be secure in castles they had won against the earl's will. William promised the many castles their father had won, to reduce those that had revolted from the earl, and to restore English lands to the earl's men. If the earl died without a lawful son, the king would be heir of Normandy; if the king died, the earl would be heir of England.
Chapter 60
What happened to King Malcolm of Scotland after he came to Gloucester in 1093?
Malcolm demanded fulfilment of the treaty promised him, and William cited him to Gloucester, sending hostages to Scotland. But when he came, he was not considered worthy of the king's speech or the conditions formerly promised, so they parted with great dissatisfaction and Malcolm returned to Scotland. He soon gathered an army and harried England, and Robert, Earl of Northumberland, surrounded him unawares and slew him.
Chapter 60
What promises did William make during his illness in Lent 1093, and did he keep them?
The king, so sick he was reported dead, promised to lead his life aright, grant peace and protection to God's churches, never again sell offices for fee, and have only righteous laws among his people. He transferred the archbishopric of Canterbury to Anselm, formerly Abbot of Bec, and gave the bishopric of Lincoln to Robert his chancellor. But when he recovered he took back the land given to minsters and annulled all the good laws he had promised.
Chapter 60
How did Duncan, son of Malcolm, gain and then lose the Scottish kingdom?
Duncan was in King William's court, having been given as a hostage to the king's father. Hearing what had happened, he came to the king, did the fealty required, and with permission went to Scotland with English and French support, deprived his uncle Dufenal of the kingdom, and was received as king. The Scots later gathered force, slew nearly all his men, and he escaped with a few. They were reconciled on condition he never again bring English or French into the land.
Chapter 60
Section 613 cards
What happened to the 20,000 Englishmen sent toward Normandy?
The king ordered twenty thousand Englishmen sent to Normandy to aid him, but when they reached the sea they were ordered to return and to pay the fee they had received, half a pound each, to the king's benefit. They did so.
Chapter 61
How did William force the surrender of Bamborough Castle?
Unable to take Bamborough, William built a castle before it called "Malveisin" (Evil Neighbour). Later he ordered Earl Robert of Northumberland taken to Bamborough and blinded unless the castle surrendered. His wife and steward Morel held it; through this the castle was given up.
Chapter 61
What did the council at Pentecost demand of the Earl of Northumberland?
At Pentecost the king was at Windsor with all his council except the Earl of Northumberland. The king would neither give him hostages nor pledge his truth that he might come and go with security. The king then ordered his army and went against the earl in Northumberland.
Chapter 61
Section 624 cards
Why did William of Ou suffer blinding and emasculation after his combat with Geoffry Bainard?
Geoffry Bainard challenged William of Ou, the king's relative, claiming he had been in the conspiracy against the king. They fought in single combat and Geoffry overcame him. Afterward the king ordered his eyes put out and him emasculated; his steward William, son of his stepmother, was commanded to be hanged on a gibbet.
Chapter 62
What effect did the expedition to make war on the heathens have on King William and Earl Robert?
The chronicle says that through this expedition the king and his brother Earl Robert were reconciled, so that the king went over sea and purchased all Normandy of him, on condition that they should be united. The earl then departed with the Earl of Flanders, the Earl of Boulogne, and many other men of rank.
Chapter 62
What happened to King William's campaign in Wales in 1097?
With a great army the king went into Wales and quickly penetrated the land with forces guided by some Welsh who had come to him. He remained from midsummer nearly until August and suffered much loss in men, horses, and other things. Seeing he could do nothing to further his will, he returned and soon had castles built on the borders.
Chapter 62
What unusual celestial event appeared in 1097, and how was it interpreted?
On the feast of St. Michael, the fourth day before the nones of October, an uncommon star appeared shining in the evening and soon hastening to set. It was seen south-west, with a long ray standing off toward the south-east, and appeared so nearly all the week. Many men supposed it was a comet.
Chapter 62
Section 634 cards
How did King William II die, and what did the Chronicle say of his character?
The Chronicle says William was shot in hunting by an arrow from his own men on the morning after Lammas day, then brought to Winchester and buried in the cathedral. It describes him as very harsh and severe over his land, his men, and his neighbours, and says he was loathed by nearly all his people and odious to God, dying in the midst of his unrighteousness without power of repentance.
Chapter 63
What did Henry promise at Westminster after being chosen king?
After William's burial, the statesmen nearby chose his brother Henry as king. Henry went to London and on the following Sunday, before the altar at Westminster, promised God and all the people to annul all the unrighteous acts that took place in his brother's time and to maintain the best laws valid in any king's day before him. Bishop Maurice of London then consecrated him king, and all in the land submitted and swore oaths.
Chapter 63
What terms did the brothers agree to at Portsmouth in 1101?
The chief men interceded and settled the brothers on conditions: the king should forego all he held by main strength in Normandy against the earl; all in England who had lost lands through the earl should have them again, and Earl Eustace his patrimony; the Earl Robert should yearly receive three thousand marks of silver from England; and whichever brother survived should be heir of all England and Normandy, except if the deceased left an heir by lawful wedlock. Twelve men of highest rank on either side confirmed it with an oath.
Chapter 63
What happened to Earl Robert of Belesme and to Peterborough minster in 1102?
A dissension arose between King Henry and Earl Robert of Belesme, who held the earldom of Shrewsbury. The king besieged Arundel, then went to Bridgenorth and stayed until he had the castle, deprived the earl of his land and stripped him of all he had in England; the earl went over sea. That same year, in the week of Pentecost, thieves from Auvergne, France, and Flanders broke into Peterborough minster and seized much gold and silver, including roods, chalices, and candlesticks.
Chapter 63
Section 644 cards
Why did Bishop William Giffard leave England in 1103?
The chapter says Giffard departed the land soon after midwinter because he would not, against right, accept his hood at the hands of Archbishop Gerard of York. The entry frames his departure as a refusal to submit to Gerard's authority, and it follows the note that King Henry held his court at Westminster that midwinter.
Chapter 64
What happened at the battle near Tenerchebrai castle in 1106?
King Henry besieged a castle of the Earl of Moretaine called Tenerchebrai. On Michaelmas eve Earl Robert of Normandy came against him with Robert of Belesme, William of Moretaine, and their followers, but the chapter says the strength and victory were the king's. Robert of Normandy, the Earl of Moretaine, and Robert of Stutteville were taken and sent to England into custody; Robert of Belesme fled, and Edgar Etheling was also captured but later released unpunished.
Chapter 64
What unusual sky phenomena were recorded in 1104 and 1106?
In 1104, on the Tuesday after Pentecost, four white circles were seen at midday about the sun, each described under the other as if measured, and all who saw it wondered. In 1106, on the Friday in the first week of Lent, an unusual star appeared in the evening with a bright beam like an immense beam shining north-east; two full moons were also seen before day on the Thursday before Easter.
Chapter 64
How does the chapter describe the hardships in England around 1103-1105?
The chapter repeatedly calls these calamitous years, citing manifold impositions, murrain of cattle, and deficiency of corn and every kind of fruit. It says the wind on St. Laurence's mass day harmed all fruits as no man remembered before, and that wherever the king went his company had full licence to harrow and oppress the wretched people, with burnings and manslaughter often happening amid it all.
Chapter 64
Section 654 cards
What happened to Henry I's daughter in 1110?
Before Lent in 1110, King Henry sent his daughter over sea with manifold treasures and gave her to the emperor. The conditions and oaths for this marriage had been fully settled at Westminster the previous year, in 1109.
Chapter 65
What unusual natural events does the chronicle record for 1110?
In May the moon shone bright in the evening, then its light diminished until it was completely extinguished, with neither light nor orb seen until near day, when it shone full again. In June a star appeared north-east with its train toward the south-west, seen many nights, moving backward toward the north-west as it rose. Frost also nipped the tree fruits.
Chapter 65
Why did Henry I remain in Normandy through 1112?
The chronicle says Henry stayed in Normandy all year because of broils with France and with the Earl of Anjou, who held Maine against him after Earl Elias died. While there he deprived the Earl of Evreux and William Crispin of their lands and drove them out, restored Philip of Braiose's land, and had Robert of Belesme seized and imprisoned.
Chapter 65
How was Abbot Ernulf of Peterborough made Bishop of Rochester in 1114?
The king sent his writ for Ernulf, wishing to speak with him. Ernulf long withstood the appointment but it availed nothing. The king bade the archbishop lead him to Canterbury and consecrate him bishop whether he would or not, which was done at Bourne. The Peterborough monks felt greater sorrow than ever before, because he was a good and amiable man.
Chapter 65
Section 664 cards
What did King Henry arrange for his son William while in Normandy in 1115?
The chronicle states that while King Henry was in Normandy at the Nativity in 1115, he contrived that all the head men in Normandy did homage and fealty to his son William, whom he had by his queen. Henry then returned to England in July.
Chapter 66
What happened to King Henry's sons in 1120, and how does the chronicle describe it?
In 1120, after reconciling with the King of France and settling Normandy, Henry returned to England before Advent. During that expedition his two sons, William and Richard, were drowned, along with Richard Earl of Chester, Ottuel his brother, and many of the king's household. The chronicle says their death was sore to friends twofold: they lost life suddenly, and few bodies were found.
Chapter 66
Why did Archbishop Turstin of York lose his archbishopric in 1119?
At the council at Rheims, Turstin received his hood from the pope against right, against the archiepiscopal stall of Canterbury, and against the king's will. The king therefore interdicted him from returning to England, so he lost his archbishopric and went with the pope toward Rome. In 1120 he was reconciled through the pope and recovered the bishopric, though this was very undesirable to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Chapter 66
What natural disasters and omens does the chronicle record for 1117?
The chronicle records immoderate storms of thunder, lightning, rain, and hail on the night of the calends of December; the moon appearing as if covered with blood and then eclipsed; the heaven seen very red as if burning; and a great earthquake in Lombardy on the octave of St. John the Evangelist, which shook down many minsters, towers, and houses and harmed men. The year was also blighted in corn through nearly constant rain.
Chapter 66
Section 674 cards
Why did the bishops refuse a monastic archbishop of Canterbury in 1123?
The bishops told King Henry they would never again accept a man of the monastic order as archbishop over them, and asked to choose from the clerical order instead. The king granted this. The Chronicle says the plan was concerted beforehand through the Bishop of Salisbury and the Bishop of Lincoln, who opposed monks and their rule. The Canterbury monks withstood it for two days but failed.
Chapter 67
How was William of Curboil chosen and consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury?
The bishops chose William of Curboil, a clerk and canon of Chiche, and the king gave him the archbishopric. All the bishops received him, but almost all the monks, earls, and thanes present protested. He was blessed bishop at Canterbury by the Bishops of London, Rochester, Winchester, Wales, and Salisbury, then went to Rome for his pall.
Chapter 67
What did the papal legate Henry argue about the Canterbury election?
Legate Henry, abbot of St. John of Angeli, came after the Rome-scot and told the king it was against right to set a clerk over monks, since the monks had rightly chosen an archbishop in their chapter earlier. The king refused to undo it out of love for the Bishop of Salisbury. At Rome the pope initially resisted William but granted the pall after, the Chronicle says, gold and silver prevailed.
Chapter 67
What disasters does the Chronicle record for 1122?
In 1122 fire destroyed the minster at Gloucester and its treasures during mass, sparing a few books and three mass-hackles. A violent wind came the Tuesday after Palm Sunday, followed by tokens and spectres seen and heard. An earthquake shook Somersetshire and Gloucestershire, another violent wind struck on the festival of St. Mary, Archbishop Ralph of Canterbury died, and shipmen reported a great fire in the north-east sky.
Chapter 67
Section 684 cards
Why did King Henry keep his brother Robert in captivity, according to the Chronicle?
The Chronicle says the King of France and all the earls and rich men held with William, son of Earl Robert of Normandy, and said that Henry held his brother Robert wrongfully in captivity and drove William unjustly out of Normandy. All the hostility Henry faced was on account of William, who had married the younger daughter of Fulke, Earl of Anjou.
Chapter 68
What did Henry order done to England's mint-men in 1125, and why?
Henry sent from Normandy before Christmas and ordered that all mint-men in England lose their right hand and their testicles beneath. Bishop Roger of Salisbury summoned them to Winchester at Christmas, and within the twelfth-night they were taken one by one and deprived. The Chronicle says this was because a man with a pound could not lay out a penny at a market, the coin having been debased.
Chapter 68
What did the wittenmoot at Huncothoe in Leicestershire do after St. Andrew's mass in 1124?
Ralph Basset and the king's thanes held a wittenmoot at Huncothoe and hanged more thieves than ever were known before, forty-four men in a little while, and despoiled six men of their eyes and testicles. Many true men said several suffered very unjustly; the author argues God sees the wretched people oppressed with all unrighteousness, first bereaved of property and then slain.
Chapter 68
What did Cardinal John of Crema do in England in 1125?
The Pope sent Cardinal John of Crema, whom the king received with much worship in Normandy. Archbishop William of Canterbury led him to Canterbury, where he was received with great veneration and sang high mass on Easter day. He then went over all England to bishoprics and abbacies, received with respect and rich gifts, and held a council in London three days on the Nativity of St. Mary, enjoining laws Anselm had formerly enjoined and many more, though it availed little.
Chapter 68
Section 694 cards
What oath did Henry I have sworn at Windsor in 1127?
Henry made the archbishops, bishops, abbots, earls, and all the thanes present swear that England and Normandy would pass after his day into the hands of his daughter Athelicia, formerly wife of the Emperor of Saxony. He then sent her to Normandy to wed Geoffry Martel, son of the Earl of Anjou. The chronicle says all the French and English disapproved, but the king sought Anjou's alliance against his nephew William.
Chapter 69
How did Earl Charles of Flanders die, and who received his earldom?
Charles was slain in a church during Lent as he lay praying before the altar in the midst of the mass, killed by his own men. The King of France then brought William, son of the Earl of Normandy, and gave him the earldom, and the people of that land accepted him. William had earlier married the Earl of Anjou's daughter but was divorced on the plea of consanguinity.
Chapter 69
Why did church leaders object to Henry of Poitou holding Peterborough?
The archbishops and bishops said it was against right that he hold two abbacies at once, since he kept his abbacy of St. John of Angeli. Henry claimed he had relinquished it because of hostility in the land, with counsel and leave of the Pope and the Abbot of Clugny, and because he was legate of the Rome-scot. The chronicle says this was not so; he retained both.
Chapter 69
What strange sight was reported after Abbot Henry came to Peterborough?
Immediately after his arrival, on the Sunday when men sing 'Exurge quare o D----,' several persons saw and heard many huntsmen hunting: swarthy, huge, ugly men with swarthy, broad-eyed hounds, riding swarthy horses and bucks. This was seen in the deer-fold at Peterborough and in all the woods from there to Stamford, and monks heard horns blowing at night, from his coming through Lent to Easter.
Chapter 69
Section 704 cards
What did the 1129 London council decide about priests' and archdeacons' wives?
Archbishop William of Canterbury summoned bishops, abbots, archdeacons, priors, monks, and canons to London at Michaelmas to discuss God's rights. The moot ran Monday to Friday and concluded that archdeacons and priests must give up their wives by St. Andrew's mass; anyone refusing would lose his church, house, home, and calling. The king, however, gave them leave to go home, and the ordinances amounted to nothing.
Chapter 70
How did the 1130 papal schism divide Christendom, according to the chronicle?
After Pope Honorius died, two popes were chosen: Peter, a monk of Clugny born of Rome's richest men, backed by Rome and the Duke of Sicily; and Gregory, a clerk driven from Rome, backed by the Emperor of Saxony, the King of France, King Henry of England, and all on this side of the Alps. The chronicler calls the division unprecedented and prays Christ to counsel his wretched folk.
Chapter 70
What natural disasters and omens does the chronicle record for 1131?
The chronicle reports that after Christmas, at first sleep on a Monday night, the northern sky looked as if burning fire, terrifying all who saw it. A murrain of cattle and swine then struck England, so severe that towns with ten or twelve ploughs had none left, and men with two or three hundred swine kept not one. Hen fowls perished next, shortening meat, cheese, and butter.
Chapter 70
How was Abbot Henry of Angeli expelled from Peterborough in 1131?
Henry went to Normandy before Easter and told the king the Abbot of Clugny wanted him to resign Angeli. He stayed at his own minster until midsummer. The next day after St. John's festival, the monks chose their own abbot, brought him in procession singing 'Te Deum laudamus', rang the bells, enthroned him, and did homage; the earl, head men, and monks drove Henry out. He retired to Clugny, held fast.
Chapter 70
Section 714 cards
How did Abbot Henry of Peterborough betray his monks to King Henry?
The chapter says Abbot Henry betrayed the monks of Peterborough to the king because he wanted to subject that minster to Clugny. The king was nearly entrapped and sent after the monks, but through God's grace and the bishops of Salisbury and Lincoln and other rich men there, the king learned the proceeding was treacherous. Henry then sought the abbacy for his nephew, but was refused; later the king made him give up the abbey and leave the land.
Chapter 71
What happened to King Henry's body after his death in 1135, and how does the chronicle describe him?
The chronicle says King Henry died in Normandy the day after St. Andrew's mass-day in 1135, and his sons and friends brought his body to England and buried it at Reading. It calls him a good man of whom there was great dread, saying no man dared do wrong in his time, he made peace for man and beast, and no one carrying gold or silver dared be spoken to but well.
Chapter 71
Why does the chronicle say the barons built castles and turned against King Stephen?
The chronicle says when the traitors understood Stephen was a mild, soft, good man who executed no justice, they all wondered. Though they had done him homage and sworn oaths, they maintained no truth and were all forsworn. Every rich man built castles and held them against the king, filling the land with castles and cruelly oppressing the wretched men with castle-works.
Chapter 71
What does the chronicle report about Abbot Martin of Peterborough's achievements?
The chronicle says Abbot Martin held his abbacy twenty years and a half and eight days amid much tribulation, found the monks and guests everything they needed, held much charity, worked on the church, added lands and rents, enriched it, and gave vestments. He brought the monks into the new minster on St. Peter's mass-day in 1140, went to Rome and was well received by Pope Eugenius, obtaining privileges for the abbey lands and adjoining churchyard lands.
Chapter 71
Section 724 cards
Who defeated King David of Scotland at the Standard in 1138?
William, Earl of Albemarle, to whom the king had committed York, came against David with other borderers and few men. They fought the Scots and routed the king at the Standard, slaying very many of his force. The chronicle says David came with an immense army, ambitious to win the land.
Chapter 72
What settlement ended the war between Stephen and Henry in 1153?
The archbishop and wise men arranged that Stephen should be king while he lived, and after his day Henry should be king; Henry would take Stephen as father and Stephen take him as son, with peace and union in all England. King, earls, bishops, and rich men swore to observe it.
Chapter 72
What happened to Robert, Earl of Gloucester, after the rout at Winchester?
When the besieged in Winchester could hold out no longer, they stole out and fled; those outside pursued and took Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and led him to Rochester, putting him in prison. The empress escaped into a monastery. Wise men then arranged an exchange: the king out of prison for the earl, and the earl for the king.
Chapter 72
How does the chronicle describe Eustace, King Stephen's son?
The chronicle says Eustace went to France and married the King of France's sister, hoping to obtain Normandy but succeeding little, and 'by good right,' for it calls him an evil man who did more evil than good, robbed lands, and levied heavy guilds. It says the good woman had little bliss with him, and Christ would not have him long reign; he soon died, and his mother also.
Chapter 72
Section 732 cards
What does the editor say about the notice of the discovery of the holy cross by Helena?
The editor says writers who mention Helena's discovery of the holy cross disagree so much in chronology that reconciling them to truth or to each other is a vain attempt. He adds that this notice and other ecclesiastical matters, whether Latin or Saxon, from 190 to 380 (Laud MS.) or 381 (printed Chronicle), may safely be considered interpolations, probably posterior to the Norman Conquest.
Chapter 73
What does the editor claim about the story of the 'wanton act of barbarity' in the annals?
The editor argues this act of barbarity existed only in the depraved imagination of the Norman interpolator of the Saxon Annals, who impatiently dispatches the story to introduce the subsequent account of the synod at Bapchild, important in his eyes. Hoveden, Wallingford, and others repeated the tale, but the editor says he has not found it in any historian of authority.
Chapter 73
Section 744 cards
According to the verse quoted from Vita S. Kenelmi, who succeeded Cenwulf as king?
The chapter quotes a verse from the Vita S. Kenelmi stating that Kenelm, Cenwulf's young son, was made king after his father. Kenelm was in his seventh year at the time, though the verse notes he was young. Cenwulf is said to have left this world in the twenty-fourth year of his kingdom, in the year 819.
Chapter 74
What does the chapter's note say the term Northmen included?
The note explains that 'Northmen' is a general term covering all the numerous tribes that issued at different times from the north of Europe, whether Danes, Norwegians, Sweons, Jutes, or Goths. The note adds that all of these peoples were in a state of paganism at this time.
Chapter 74
Why was a bridge at Paris built or rebuilt by Charles the Bald in 861?
The chapter's note, citing Felibien, says Charles the Bald built or rebuilt the bridge on a larger plan in 861 to prevent the Danes or Normans from making themselves masters of Paris as easily as they had already done many times. It is supposed to be the famous bridge later called the 'grand pont' or 'pont au change.'
Chapter 74
What does the chapter's note say the pirates of Armorica were called and why?
The note says the pirates of Armorica, now Bretagne, were so called because they abode day and night in their ships. The name derives from 'lid,' meaning a ship, and 'wiccian,' meaning to watch or abide day and night.
Chapter 74
Section 753 cards
What were the earldoms of Godwin, Sweyn, and Harold according to note 75?
The note states Godwin's earldom consisted of Wessex, Sussex, and Kent; Sweyn's of Oxford, Gloucester, Hereford, Somerset, and Berkshire; and Harold's of Essex, East-Anglia, Huntingdon, and Cambridgeshire. These divisions show how power was distributed among the family before the Norman Conquest.
Chapter 75
What does note 101 say the monks were taught instead of their accustomed chant?
The note explains that the monks were taught a new-fangled chant brought from Feschamp in Normandy, replacing the chant to which they had been accustomed, called the Gregorian chant. This detail illustrates the Norman influence on English ecclesiastical practice after the Conquest.
Chapter 75
What does note 90 say about the location of the battle near York?
According to Florence of Worcester, the battle took place on the north bank of the Ouse, with the enemy having landed at Richale (now Riccal). Simeon of Durham names the spot 'Apud Fulford,' meaning Fulford-water, south of the city of York. The sources thus disagree on the precise location.
Chapter 75
Section 764 cards
What formula did the Chronicle gloss as 'becoming his man'?
The note explains that 'Ic becom eowr man' ('I become your man') was the formula for doing homage. It is offered as the literal rendering of the phrase 'became his man' in the text, showing that the chronicle's language of lordship rested on a formal, spoken declaration of submission rather than mere narrative description.
Chapter 76
What does the editor argue about the Scottish and English monarchies' principle?
The editor argues that although hereditary claims were naturally and properly preferred, the monarchies of both Scotland and England were in principle 'elective'. He adds that the doctrine of hereditary, divine, and indefeasible right is of modern growth, presenting it as a later development rather than an original feature of these kingdoms.
Chapter 76
What did the word now meaning 'gossip' originally signify?
The note says the word was literally a 'gossip', a title of honour formerly implying a spiritual relationship in God, as at a christening. It observes that words change in meaning as well as form, and that the term is now applied only to those whose conversation resembles the contemptible tittle-tattle of a christening.
Chapter 76
What does the note say about the word rendered 'directly'?
The note explains the original is literally 'there-right', an expression still used in parts of England. It remarks that 'directly' has almost become too vulgar to use, and its substitute 'immediately' has nearly superseded it, but neither answers the purpose as well as the Saxon word, which is equally expressive with the French 'sur le champ'.
Chapter 76
Source and licence
Text used: Project Gutenberg eBook #657 (Public domain in the United States). Generated from the full text; cards paraphrase the source.
Version: Public domain edition. Retrieved 2026-11-02. Cards reviewed 2026-11-02.
These cards paraphrase the text for study. They are not a substitute for reading the book, and they do not reproduce long passages.
Turn your own notes into cards
Upload a PDF, Word, or text file and get question-and-answer cards for closed-notes practice. Five cards are free, no signup.