[536]. Thorpe, i. 166.
[537]. Chron. Sax. an. 994.
[538]. Thorpe, i. 284.
[539]. See Chron. Sax. an. 1002, 1004, 1006, 1011, 1012. The solemn partition of the kingdom between Eádmund írensída and Cnut was effected by the witan, at Olney in Gloucestershire. Chron. Sax. an. 1016.
[540]. I speak now of periods subsequent to the consolidation of the monarchy: while England was full of kinglets, disputes were not infrequent. Northumberland and Wessex (previous to Beorhtríc’s alliance with Offa) furnish examples. But here the competitors were numerous, and the witan themselves split into parties, generally maintaining the interests of different royal families.
[541]. Asser, an. 871.
[542]. Simeon of Durham uses equally strong terms on the occasion. “Ælfredus a ducibus et a praesulibus totius gentis eligitur, et non solum ab ipsis, verumetiam ab omni populo adoratur, ut eis praeesset, ad faciendam vindictam in nationibus, increpationes in populis.” An. 871.
[543]. He had fled to Normandy.
[544]. Leóde and leódscipe, the words used in the Chronicle, may possibly mean only the great officers or ministerials, the Frankish Leudes. But the balance of probability is in favour of its representing the whole people: leódscipe, which is the reading of the most manuscripts, having a more general sense than leóde.
[545]. Chron. Sax. an. 755.