A literal translation of the Saxon chronicle

by Unknown

This year, about Martinmas, King Edward caused the northern town of Hertford to be built, between the Mermera, the Benefica (the Bean), and the Lea. And afterwards, between Rogation week and Midsummer, King Edward went with some of his forces to Malden, and remained there while they built and fortified the town of Witham. And a great part of this country, which had been under the Danish Government, submitted to him. During this time some of his forces built that part of the town of Hertford which is on the south side of the Lea. This year, God permitting, Æthelflæd the Lady of Mercia, went with all the Mercians to Tamworth, and built a fenced town there in the early part of the summer, and before Lammas she built the town of Stafford. And the next year she built Eadesbyrig[AI] in the beginning of the summer, and Warwick towards the end of autumn, and after Christmas the year following she built the fortified town of Cyric-byrig,[AJ] and afterwards that of Weard-byrig,[AK] and again before Christmas that year, that of Rumcofan, (Runkhorn, Cheshire).

916.

This year the guiltless Abbot Ecgbriht was slain before Midsummer, on the 16th of the calends of July, the anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Cyricius and his companions. And about three days afterwards Æthelflæd sent an army into Wales, and took Brecenanmere (Brecknock) and the King’s wife, with some four and thirty others, were made prisoners.

917.

This year, after Easter, the army rode forth from Northampton and Leicester, and they broke the peace and slew many men at Hocneratun (Hognorton) and in the neighbourhood. And as soon as these returned home, another troop was immediately assembled, which rode forth towards Ligtun (Leighton, Bedfordshire), but the inhabitants of that country knew of their coming, and fought with them, and completely routed them, and seized all the plunder which they had amassed, and a great part of their horses and arms.

918.

This year a pirate fleet came over from the south from the land of the Lidwiccas (Britanny), with two Earls Ohtor and Hroald, and they sailed westward and entered the Severn’s mouth, and they plundered the coasts of North Wales wherever they could; and they took Bishop Cameleac, at Ircinga-feld (Archenfield), and led him away to their ships, and King Edward afterwards ransomed him for forty pounds. Then afterwards all the army landed, and would have marched yet again towards Archenfield to plunder, but then the men of Hereford and of Gloucester, and of the nearest towns met them, and fought with them, and put them to flight; and they slew the Earl Hroald, and a brother of the other Earl Ohtor, and they drove the rest into a wood and besieged them there until they gave hostages that they would depart from the dominions of King Edward. The King had taken care to post troops so as to guard the southern coast of the channel from Wales in the west (Cornwall), to the mouth of the Avon eastward, that they might not dare to invade the country on that side. Nevertheless they landed by night at two several times, once east of Weced (Watchet), and again at Portloca (Porlock). And the King’s men repulsed them each time, and few escaped but those alone, who swam to the ships; and these remained in the isle of Bradanrelic (Steepholm?) until they were in great want of of provisions, and many died of hunger because they could not procure any food; then they went to Deomod (South Wales), and thence away to Ireland. And afterwards, the same year, King Edward went to Buckingham with his army, and he remained there four weeks, and built fortifications on each side of the river before he departed thence. And Earl Thurcytel acknowledged him as his Lord, as did all the Holds and chief men of Bedford, and most of those of Northampton. Before Lammas, this year, Æthelflæd the Lady of Mercia, by the help of God won the town of Derby, with all its appurtenances, but four of her most valued Thanes were slain within the gates.

919.

This year, before Martinmas, King Edward went with an army to Bedford, and he gained possession of that town, and almost all the inhabitants who had before been subject to him returned to their obedience; and he remained there four weeks, and he caused the fortifications on the south side of the river to be built before he departed thence.

920.