[104] There is, however, this difficulty, that Cambridge was still occupied by a Danish force when Wigingamere was built. It submitted to Edward in 918.
[105] See Mr Plummer’s discussion of these variations in his edition of the Chronicle, ii., 116.
[106] Lewis, Topographical Dictionary of England. Mr Rye remarks:—“The silting up of the harbour has ruined a port which once promised to be of as great importance as Norwich.” History of Norfolk, p. 228.
[107] It is really wonderful that the identification of Cledemuthan with the mouth of the Cleddy in Pembrokeshire could ever have been accepted by any sober historian. That Edward, whose whole time was fully occupied with his conquests from the Danish settlers, could have suddenly transported his forces into one of the remotest corners of Wales, would have been a feat worthy of the coming days of air-ships. William of Worcester has preserved a tradition that Edward repaired Burgh, “quae olim Saxonice dicebatur Burgh-chester,” but he confuses it with Norwich. Itinerarium, 337. Is it possible that we ought to look for Cledemuthan at Burgh Castle, at the mouth of the Waveney? It would be quite in accordance with Edward’s actions elsewhere to restore an old Roman castrum.
[108] Leland says: “There were 7 principall Towers or Wards in the waulles of Staunford, to eche of which were certeyne freeholders in the Towne allottid to wache and ward in tyme of neadde.” Itinerarium, vii., 11.
[109] A.-S. C., 868.
[110] Shipman’s Old Town Wall of Nottingham, pp. 73-75. The evidence for a Roman origin of the borough is altogether too slight, as, except some doubtful earthenware bottles, no Roman remains have been found at Nottingham.
[111] A.-S. C., 921. Florence of Worcester, 919.
[112] I am indebted for much of the information given here to the local antiquarian knowledge of Mr Harold Sands, F.S.A. He states that the old borough was 1400 yards from the Trent at its nearest point, and that the highest ground on the south side of the Trent is marked by the Trent Bridge cricket ground, the last spot to become flooded. Here, therefore, was the probable site of Edward’s second borough.
[113] See [Appendix F].