A. 773. Also after seventeen years, from the time that Cynewulf took the kingdom from Sigebert, the sign of our Lord's cross appeared in the heavens after sun-set, and in the same year a civil contest[47] took place between the people of Kent and Mercia, at a place called Cittanford:[48] and in those days some monstrous serpents were seen in the country of the Southern Angles, which is called Sussex.
A. 777. About four years after, Cynewulf and Offa fought a battle near the town of Bensington, which was gained by Offa.
A. 779. Two years afterwards, the Gauls and Saxons stirred up no slight contests with one another.
A. 783. In short, after four years, Cyneard slays king Cynewulf, and is himself also slain there.
FOOTNOTES:
[47] The term 'civile bellum'—civil war is used by Ethelwerd, to denote a battle between the kindred Anglo-Saxon kingdoms; the classical reader will also note the use of the word 'bellum' for 'prœlium.'
[48] This should be Ottanford, or Otford, in Kent, a place of great antiquity.
Chap. XX.—Of the acts of Bertric, king of the West-Saxons.
A. 783. In the same year Bertric received the kingdom of the West-Angles, whose lineage traces up to Cerdic.