A literal translation of the Saxon chronicle

by Unknown

448.

This year, at the place where Herod formerly resided, John the Baptist discovered his head to two monks, who came from the east to pray at Jerusalem.

449.

This year Martian and Valentinian[C] succeeded to the Empire, and reigned seven years. In their days Hengest and Horsa, called by Vortigern King of the Britons to his aid, landed in Britain at the place which is called Ypwinesfleot (Ebsfleet): they at first assisted, but afterwards made war upon the Britons. The King commanded them to fight against the Picts, and they did so, and gained the victory wherever they came; then they sent to the Angles, and desired them to send more aid, and told them of the imbecility of the inhabitants, and of the excellence of this land. Thereupon they sent more forces; these came from three tribes in Germany; from the Old Saxons, from the Angles, and from the Jutes. From the Jutes came the men of Kent and of Wight; this is the people that now dwelleth in Wight, and the tribe among the West Saxons which is yet called the race of Jutes. From the Old Saxons came the East, the South, and the West Saxons. From the Angles (whose country lying between the Jutes and the Saxons, remained deserted from that time) came the East Angles, the Mid Angles, the Mercians, and all the Northumbrians: their leaders were the two brothers Hengest and Horsa, and they were the sons of Wihtgils; Wihtgils was the son of Witta, Witta of Wecta, Wecta of Woden: from this Woden the line of our Kings is descended, and that of the Southumbrian Kings also.

“At this time a synod of 630 Bishops was held at Calchedon against the Abbot Eutyches and Dioscorus.”

455.

This year Hengest and Horsa fought with King Vortigern, at the place which is called Ægeles-ford (Aylesford) and Horsa, the brother of Hengest was slain, and, after this, Hengest and his son Æsc assumed the government.

457.

This year Hengest and Æsc fought with the Britons at the place called Creccanford (Crayford) and there they slew four chieftains, and then the Britons forsook Kent, and fled in great fear to London.

465.