Camden's Britannia
by Mr. Walker.
I. the Saxons and Franks bordered upon one another in their ancient seats between the Elbe and the Rhine, and changed their countries much about the same time; a little before the year of Christ 450. For a King of the Franks dying, left two sons (who contended for the kingdom) the elder (whose name we know not) took part with Attila, and brought an army to him; as the younger did to Aetius: this seems, by good authors, to have been Meroveus, a very valiant prince, and great friend to the Romans. To him, after that great battle, Aetius gave part of of Gallia, then very much depopulated by those destructive wars; which he going to possess, took with him the whole remainder of his nation; into whose country the Saxons succeeded. But a few years after, a considerable part of them also relinquished it, accepting that invitation into Britain. Both nations seem to have spoken the same language, retained the same customs, and to have imitated one another, as in many other things, so in their coins; both as to figure, weight, and manner of stamping. On the one side placing the King's face (and sometimes his name only,) on the other the name of the mint-master, and sometimes of the governor of the place where coined. So that there is little or no erudition to be gained by them: (though their predecessors, the Britons, were careful after their embracing Christianity, to express some of its customs and ceremonies) but in this they differed, that the Franks used more variety, and frequent changes, both of alloy, weight, and value in their coins; and their princes made more use of their seigneurage, or sovereign power of coining, to the no small disadvantage and trouble of their subjects; insomuch that they petitioned King Charles VII to quit this his prerogative; and they would consent, that he should impose upon them tailles (taxes) and aides. To which the King consented; reserving to himself only such a proportion of the seigneurage, as might pay the officers of the mint, and the charges of fabrication. Whereas this nation hath very seldom practised it either then or since. And though the French writers very much applaud us for it; yet the reason may be, that we have not such great occasions and necessities to force us to it. Therefore neither have we such variety of laws, records, or regulations of moneys as in France are in the court des monnaies, established for those orderings and pleas concerning their money. And I conceive the reason to be, because very much more money was requisite to be coined in that rich and spacious dominion, exceedingly also, because of its situation, frequented by merchants; than in this small corner: as, I think, appears from this, that all our money is readily fabricated in one place, whereas in France more than 20 are hardly sufficient. And though in the Saxon times the like licence was granted to several cities and large towns; yet it seems, by what remains of them we find, that no great quantity was here coined; nor can I imagine whence they should obtain any great quantity of bullion.
II. Though there be not much erudition in these coins (as indeed neither was there in the times of the later Emperors of Rome, who after Aurelian, did more regard the profit of the money, than the honour of their actions) yet something now and then occurs. But I think there is no man who would not be glad to see the countenances and other relicts of their victorious ancestors. For notwithstanding what some have written, it seems very difficult to show such a succession of worthy princes in any nation, as were those of the Saxons; especially the progeny and successors of Cerdic in the West. For, even when pagans, they were very active, valiant, warlike, and governed their people in great justice and peaceableness. Amongst so many of them 'tis wonderful to see how few were slothful or vicious.
iII. Concerning their coins in general, it is observable, that we have much fewer of brass than either gold or silver; most of them also are small (pennies) equal to about 3 of our pence. They are also thin to hinder falsifying. The kings, even when the kingdom was reduced to one monarchy, had several minting-houses. Divers bishops also, and some noblemen, had privileges to coin. King Ethelstan had at London 8; at Winchester 6; at Lewis, Hastings, Hampton, Wareham, in each two; at Chichester one; at Rochester 3, (the King two, the bishop one); at Canterbury 7, (the King 4, the Archbishop 2, the Abbot one) &c. The reverse upon their coins was commonly quarterly divided: for at first they made no other money, and when they would have a half-penny or farthing, they broke them into two or four parts; and these are called broken money to this day. Hoveden saith, that Henry I was the first that coined half-pence and farthings. Quoniam ante sua tempora, cum obolum vel quadrantem vellent, denarium in binas vel quatuor partes diruperunt.<72> Harding also saith, that Edward IV was the first, who coined greats or great pennies; which I think is false, for those peices were stamped in Edward the Third's time. The Danes also, whilst they governed here, used the Saxon-like penny; though they reckoned by ores, but having never seen any of them, I conceive it was not the name of any coin, but used only in accounting, as with us, a mark, a noble, &c.
iV. Ingulfus observes, that the Saxon alphabet was changed by King Alfred, who being very learned and curious, introduced the French manner of writing. Their former hand seems to have borrowed much from the runic, as you may see in the table added to the last plate of the Roman coins. That which he introduced was according to the best Roman at that time used, though he took it from the French. For, by those characters we can make good judgment of the writings of those times, and the antiquity of the manuscripts. Their W (the form whereof may be seen in the Saxon alphabet) was peculiar to them: it seems to have been in pronunciation the same with the V consonant; which seems anciently not to have partaked of the B. For that sound Emperor Claudius invented the digamma aeolicum; but after his death, it was disused. Vir the Saxons pronounced were; vallum, wall; vidua, widwe a widow, and the like. The Greeks expressed Vespasianus by Oiespasianos: The Latins called vinum, the Saxons wine. More may be observed concerning their alphabet, which perhaps may be considered in another place.
Illustration: Saxon Coins Table I
1, 2. the first and second are of the same Cuthred King of Kent, (there seem very few coins of these princes extant). There were also two of the same name West Saxons, and Christians. This Cuthred was by Coenuulf King of Mercia made King instead of Eadbertus Pren. He reigned, though obscurely, as being set up by an enemy, 8 years, and died anno 805.
3. the third is of Plegmund, anno 890, chosen by God and all his saints (saith Chr. Sax.) to be Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a person of excellent worth for learning, prudence, and devotion; at first an hermit living near Chester, whence he was brought by King Alfred, both to instruct him when young, and advise him when he came to his kingdom; by whom also he was thus advanced. He was in great veneration in the whole church, as appears by the Archbishop of Rheims' letters: he deceased anno 923.
4. the fourth, Ceolnoth consecrated Archbishop, Sept. 1, 830, and anno 831 received the pallium, he died 870. He was commonly called, the good bishop.
5. the fifth, Eadberht was the name of two kings of Kent, and one of Northumberland. Which of these coined this money is uncertain. His name (as too many of those of our ancient kings) is diversely written, as Edbert, Eadbert, &c. The reverse (a dragon) if yet it be a dragon (v. Tab. 1. Sect. 3.) was an ensign used by divers of the northern princes; this seems copied from one of Antiochus Epiphanes. The Romans from Trajan's conquering of the Dacians used it also; but theirs was in the form of a great serpent, and not of an imagination as this is.
6. the 6th, Ecgbert was the name also of divers Saxon kings; one of Kent, one of Northumberland, one of Mercia; besides him of the West Saxons, who reduced all the kingdoms into one monarchy. For whom this coin was made, is to me unknown: he seems placed between two crosses in imitation of some of the eastern Emperors. The reverse seems only the name of the mint-master. Uiborhtus is a name still in reputation in the North; it may be this Ecberht was the Northumbrian.
7. the seventh, Cuthred, whether the same with the former, is not known. I rather think him to be the West Saxon, brother of Ethelwerd, about anno 740, a valiant and victorious prince. Sigebert seems to have been the noble person, commander of the place where this was coined.
8. the eighth, Alred, is Alhred King of Northumberland anno 765; he reigned 8 years, and at York was expelled his kingdom anno 774. On the reverse, Edwin, seems to have been a nobleman.
9. the ninth, Eanred, may either be Eanfrid or Eandred, both kings of Northumberland. Eanfrid, eldest son of Ethelfrith, was expelled his country by Edwin; who had slain his father, and usurped the kingdom anno 617, but being slain by Ceadwalla and Penda, Eanfrid returned to the crown anno 634, was baptized, and built St. Peter's church at York, (whereof St. Edwin had laid the foundation) making Paulinus bishop. Eadwin on the reverse seems to have succeeded Eanfrid after some years.
10. the tenth, Alfred seems by the cypher or monogram on the reverse to have been the King of Northumberland (the face not corresponding to that of Alfred the West Saxon). He murdered his true and lawful prince anno 765; himself was expelled also. He is said to have been very learned: to show which, it may be that he stamped that monogram on the reverse: after the example of divers Constantinopolitan Emperors; but not after those of the Franks; which was begun by Charles the Great, probably because he could not write so much as his name, as Eginhart saith; and that even in his old age he vainly endeavoured to learn.
11. the eleventh Edilred, seems to have been Ethelred King of the Northumbers, son of Mollo. After he had reigned four years, he was driven out, and Readuulf crowned; who being slain by the Danes at Alvethlic, Ethelred again succeeded. But carrying himself tyrannically, particularly murdering Oelf, (Alfus) and Oelfwin, (Alfwin) sons of Alfwold, was again expelled and died in banishment. There was also another Ethelred, son of Eandred, a tributary King of the Northumbers; forced from his kingdom in the fourth year of his reign: being again restored, he was slain four years after.
12. The twelfth Eandred, son of Eardulf, King of the Northumbers, reigned thirty years after Alfwold the usurper: afterwards submitted to Egbert.
13, 14. The thirteenth and fourteenth belong to Offa, the Mercian King; the reverse being the same in both; who seems to have been a nobleman, and not a mintmaster. Three of that name, an. 803 subscribed the synod at Clovesho, and another succeeded St. Boniface in the Archbishopric of Mainz. Offa having slain Beornred, an. 557, reigned over the Mercians: a prince of great courage and success in arms; but not just nor virtuous: for he basely murdered Ethelbriht King of the East Angles, (enticing him to his palace that he might marry his daughter) and seized upon his kingdom. He had much entercourse, and at length friendship also with Charles the Great. He drew a trench of wondrous length from sea to sea, separating the Mercians from the Welsh, part whereof remains visible to this day. He was the first who granted a perpetual tax to the Pope out of every house in his kingdom, at his being at Rome; and gave very bountifully, after his return, to the clergy, in penance for his sins: he died an. 794.
15. The fifteenth Beornuulf, a valiant man, usurped the kingdom of Mercia from Ceoluulf; in his third year was overthrown by King Egbert at Ellendon, an. 823. He retired thence to the East Angles, as part of his dominion by the seizure of King Offa, with the remainder of his army, and was there rencountred and slain: whereupon the East Angles surrendred themselves to Egbert. The reverse I take to be moneta.
16. The sixteenth, Ludican, succeeded Beornuulf in Mercia, an. 824. He reigned only two years: then, preparing to revenge the death of Beornuulf, his kinsman, upon the East Angles, was by them, with his five consuls surprised and slain. The reverse I understand not.
17. The seventeenth Berhtulf, an. 838, reigned in Mercia, but as feudatory to the West Saxons: being much molested with the invasions of the Danes, he quitted his kingdom, and retired to a private life. The reverse Uulfhean; who he was, unknown.
18. The 18th, Burgred, was by King Etheluulf made King of the Mercians, and married his daughter Ethelswith. To avoid the oppression of the Danes he resigned his kingdom, and retired to Rome; where he lived in great reputation of sanctity till his death. His Queen also entered into a monastery at Pavia, and there died. The reverse is VVHNE, only the mint-master. There are divers other of his coins, but differing only in the names of the mint-masters seem not worthy to be inserted.
19. The nineteenth seems, however the faces unlike in their coins, to have been of the same person. The reverse seems to be moneta Uulf-fard, not known.
20. The twentieth, is of Adulf or Aldulf, King of the East Angles, son of Ethelwald's brother; a very worthy and pious prince, as appears by the reverse; a great friend to venerable Bede: what Prisin means I know not. The reverse is remarkable, because his name is otherwise spelled than upon the coins.
21. The one and twentieth is St. Edmond, King of the East Angles, crowned at fourteen years old, at Buers, against his will: a very pious, valiant, and hopeful prince. In the year 871 his kingdom was invaded by the Danes; against whom most valiantly fighting at Theotford, his army was routed, himself taken, and shot to death with arrows. Neither this, nor the two following seem to have been coined by him; but, as I conceive by some of the West Saxon Edmunds, who were all very much devoted to this holy martyr; though they may also denote King Alfred. The reverse seems to be of the mint-master.
22. The reverse of the two and twentieth, Oda moneta; the place I understand not.
23. Of the three and twentieth, Jomam me fecit, signifies that Jomam was the mint-master. Me fecit<73> is common upon the coins of the Franks in Gallia.
24. The twenty-fourth, Ethelred rex anglorum, seems not to have been one of the West Saxons; the first of whom is commonly written Aethered; the second is neither in countenance nor habit like this. There are mentioned in our histories an Ethelred, successor to his brother Wulfred in Mercia: another the son of Mollo; another of Eandred, of whom we have already spoken. He is said to have married Leofrun, mother to Ethelbert, murdered by Offa; and to have reigned fifty years: little besides is known of him. The reverse seems to be a devout acknowledgment of his being sustained by the hand of almighty God, who is Alpha and Omega. Who Holizard was, not known. This seems coined at Norwich.
25. the twenty-fifth is like unto this reverse on both sides, but of what prince unknown; it is read Tuna moneta Eaxceaster, as I conceive. I cannot make sense of the reverse.
26. the twenty-sixth seems to be Sigfrid moneta, a King of the East Saxons, called also Suuefred, and denominated Sigfrid the good. He makes no great figure in our annals. It is not usual to add moneta to the King's name. Concerning Euura I can find nothing.
27. the twenty-seventh seems to have been King of the East Saxons, son of Siger; a very comely and virtuous person, and exceedingly beloved of his people. Yet devotion prevailing, after a short reign, he, with Kenred King of Mercia, went to Rome in the time of Pope Constantine, and there retired into a monastery. Ibba on the reverse, seems some noble man.
28. the twenty-eighth, Edmund rex, seems to have been one of the West Saxon Edmunds. The reverse may be Edmund martyr.
29. the twenty-ninth I do not understand.
30. the thirtieth, for which of the Athelstans I know not, as neither the reverse.
31. the thirty-first Eunaa rex. I cannot find any such name in all our histories. The reverse seems to mention Oxford.
32. the thirty-second: I cannot find any mention of Heareth and Herred.
33. the thirty-third is imperfect.
34. the thirty-fourth seems not to be Alfred the West Saxon, because the name is spelled otherwise; Ounig is also unknown.
35. the thirty-fifth is to me unknown.
Illustration: Saxon Coins Table II
1. to the first, there were two Ethelweards, one of the South, the other of the West Saxons; this seems to be of the latter. In some writers he is called Ethelheardus. Little is remembered of him, besides that when King Ina went to Rome, anno 728, he assumed the government of the kingdom; and fought a battle with Prince Oswald: with what success not mentioned. He is said to have governed fourteen years. On the reverse is Edmund, with a ligature of several letters, which cannot stand for St. Edmund the Martyr, which happened not till anno 870. After which time there was none, except Ethelbert, the son of Etheluulf; but he also before the martyrdom of St. Edmund. I rather think that cipher to signify some mark of the monetarius.<74>
2. the second Coenuulf, called commonly Kenulph, Kinulf, Ceoluulf. One of that name was adopted to be King of the Northumbers by Osric: little more known of him, than that he left his kingdom, and became a religious at Lindisfarne. Another was King of the West Saxons, who reigned in great splendor and renown thirty-one years. He was once worsted by the great Offa at Bensington (now Benson) in Oxfordshire. He was slain at Mereton in Surrey (by Kinheard, a seditious nobleman, banished by him) as he was with a lady there, too much affected by him about anno 786; but this Coenuulf seems to have been a King of Mercia, a very worthy prince: this coin is of him; he was a very powerful and victorious, as well as pious prince; accounted one of the great Saxon monarchs. He dispossessed Ethelbertus Pren, King of Kent, and took him prisoner, but afterwards released him without ransom or other condition.
3. The third Beormerick (by Speed called Brithric, for of that other name we find no mention in histories) was King of the West Saxons, and succeeded Coenuulf. In the third year of his reign was the first appearance of the pirates upon these coasts. Pirates, I call them, because they were not owned by any sovereign prince till long after: but were a confluence of all sorts of thieves, who by spoil and robbery, arrived to much wealth, and the confidence to erect a kind of community or republic at a strong town, now called Wollin in Pomerania; whence they went out to rob, and laid up their prey there. Brihtrick banished Ecgberht, fearing both the goodness of his title, and his great abilities; yet dying childless, he left the kingdom to him, an. 800. He was poisoned by his wife, the wicked Eadburga, by chance tasting of a cup she had prepared for one of his favorites. Upon his death, she fled, with all her treasures, into France; when coming to Charles the Great, he asked her whom she desired to marry, himself or his son, there present? She foolishly answered, that if it were in her choice, she would marry his son, because he was the younger. Whereupon Emperor told her, that if she had chosen himself, she should have married his son; but now, that she should retire to such a monastery. Whence also for her incontinency, she was shortly turned out, and died begging.
4. The fourth, Ecgberht, partly by conquest, partly by the submission of other kingdoms, united all into one dominion, calling it England; because, as it is said, himself, the King of the West Saxons, was an Angle. It seems that almighty God saw it necessary, for resisting the violence of the heathenish pirates, to unite the intire force of all the nation, yet little enough to defend themselves. He was a prince (though but of small stature) extraordinary both for wisdom and valour; for being banished by Brithric, he applied himself to Charles the Great, who bestowed upon him a considerable post in his army. And he was signally blessed with a numerous succession of most worthy princes of his family and blood; which indeed was necessary for the preservation of the nation, its peace, and unity.
5. The fifth, Cenedryd Regina, some suppose to have been wife to the great Offa, the Mercian, and to have reigned after his death; and that Eopa was one of her chief ministers. But she rather seems to have been the eldest daughter of Kenuulf the Mercian; to whom also, he left the care of Kenelm his son; whom out of ambition, she caused to be murdered by his educator. After his death, she reigned some time; and perhaps might be married to some of the West Saxon princes: as Eopa (a name frequent amongst the Saxons) was the son of Ingilidus or Ingilsus, brother of Ina; and therefore probably might be in some great, perhaps the chief employment under her, or else married to her: and therefore placed upon her coin, not as a King, nor a bishop, though he hath a cross in his hand. That she was a Mercian, appears by the letter M upon the reverse.
6, 7. The sixth and seventh are of King Ethelwolf, son and heir of Egbert, a peaceable and devout, yet very valiant prince. He first gave the tithe of his own estate, and afterwards of the whole kingdom, with the consent of the nobility, to the maintenance of the clergy. He obtained a very great, and glorious victory over the Danes at Aclea (now conceived to be either Ockham, or very near it) in Surrey. He subdued also part of North Wales, upon the entreaty of Burhred, King of Mercia, and out of great bounty and moderation, resigned it to him. After settling the kingdom, he had so much leisure, as to go to Rome; (a journey mentioned with honour by Anastasius Biblioth.,) where he sojourned in very great esteem twelve months. In his return, he married Juditha, the beautiful daughter of Carolus Calvus; after Etheluulf's death, re-married to Baldwin Ferreumlatus, Forester, and afterwards Count of Flanders. At his return, his undutiful, if not also rebellious son Ethelbald, endeavored to exclude him the kingdom. Yet, notwithstanding the nobility freely offered their assistance against Ethelbald; rather than engage in a war with his own people, he, in wonderful moderation, consented to divide the kingdom, and contented himself with the worse half.
8. the eighth, Plegmund, is out of its place; yet not to be omitted, because on the reverse is the pallium, or archiepiscopal ornament received from the chief pastor of the church, who thereby acknowledgeth and authorizeth such a one to the dignity of an Archbishop; and from this also seems derived that which is now since, even till this time, the arms of that Archbishopric, though otherwise fashioned. This of Plegmund is not unlike the pedum of the oriental bishops.<75>
9. 'Tis uncertain for which Ethelstan this was made, for there were divers; one was King of Kent, a very valiant and victorious prince against the Danes; whether he was the son of Egbert or Etheluulf, is not easily discovered from our authors; I rather think him the second son of Egbert. Another was a Danish King, called Godrun, overcome by King Alfred at Eddington, afterwards christened, and called at his baptism Ethelstan; of whom hereafter. But this seems most probably to have been the son and successor of Edward senior. Regnald on the reverse seems to have been the son of Guthferth, the son of Sihtric, a Danish King in Northumberland. An. 923, he took York; which he seems to have kept till recovered by Ethelstan; yea, though an. 924, it be said, that the Scots, Regnald, and the son of Ladulf, and all the inhabitants of Northumberland had chosen Edward sen. to be their lord and father: that being only for fear of his arms, they rebelled again presently after his death. I cannot but lament the misery of this nation in those times. When (v.g.) in Northumberland, the Danish invaders had one King, the Saxons another, and who had not their limits distinguished, but lived promiscuously one amongst another; so that here was always certain war, or uncertain peace. In the time of King Edmund, an. 945, Regnald was baptized; but (as it seems) relapsing, he was by King Edmund driven out of his kingdom. The building upon the reverse may perhaps signify some repairing of the Minster; and AC may also stand for Archiepiscopus. It is reported by divers of our historians, that Ethelstan, in his march towards the North, seeing a great number of people going upon the way, demanded whither they went? And being answered that they went to visit the shrine of St. John of Beverley (who wrought many miracles) he resolved to go thither also, and after having paid his devotions, vowed, that if St. John would pray to God for victory against his enemies, he would redeem his knife (which he there presented and left) with somewhat of value; which he did at his return with victory. And I have been informed, that about 1660, the people going to repair something in that Church of Beverley, lit accidentally upon the coffin of St. John, which opening, they found the dried body of the saint, and an old fashioned knife and sheath.
10. the tenth and eleventh are of the valiant, devout, and bountiful third son of King Etheluulf. He fought many and sore battles against the Danes, most-what successfully. At Ashdown (near Lambourn in Berkshire) was a most terrible fight against the whole body of the Danish forces, divided into two wings; one under two of their kings, the other led by their earls. King Aethered divided his army likewise into two bodies, the one commanded by his brother Alfred, the other by himself. Alfred was ordered to sustain their charge, whilst King Aethered heard public prayers; and though word was brought him that the battle was begun, and his brother fiercely charged, yet would he not rise from his prayers till all was ended; and then, after a most terrible battle, he obtained an entire and glorious victory, wherein were slain one of their kings, and most part of their earls and chief commanders. In another battle, this most worthy, valiant, and benign prince, was mortally wounded, and died at Wimborne in Dorsetshire.
11. In the eleventh, his name is Aethered, as it is also in the testament of King Alfred: the letters of the former reverse I cannot interpret; in the latter, Osgut moneta. The other letters I understand not.
12, 13. From the twelfth to the nineteenth, are of the great Alfred. The reverse of all, or most of them, seem to be noblemen and governors. The reverse of the twelfth, seems to be in honour of St. Cuthbert, one of the first, greatest, and most famous of our English saints. His life is written both in prose and verse by venerable Bede, who was born some time before Cuthbert died, so that his story was then fresh in memory. When King Alfred was in his lowest estate, absconding in Athelney, St. Cuthbert appeared to him, and to his wife's mother, declaring to them, that almighty God was reconciled to him, and pardoned his offences (the chiefest whereof were the neglect of his duty, and too much addiction to hunting in his youth, as St. Neot warned him) and would suddenly give him a signal victory over his enemies, (which happened at Edington in Wiltshire,) and would restore him to his kingdom. The King in gratitude gave to the service of God, in St. Cuthbert's church, the province called now the bishopric of Durham, and put his name upon his coin: as he did likewise that of uulfred, count or chief governor of Hampshire, upon the thirteenth.
14. Of the fourteenth I understand neither side. The reverse seems to be Bernwaled, unknown to me who he was.
15, 16. So is also that of the fifteenth, only it was an eminent name amongst them; as was also Ethelstan on the sixteenth.
17. That upon the seventeenth is likely to be of that valiant and noble viceroy of Mercia, married to the King's daughter Ethelfleda, a woman of admirable wisdom, courage and zeal; in sum, a daughter worthy of such a father.
18. The eighteenth is of Edward senior, that victorious and glorious son and successor of King Alfred; equal to his father in valour and military skill, but inferior to him in learning and knowledge. His actions are sufficient for a volume. On his head is a close (or imperial) crown, borne by few, if any other, besides the kings of England. The reverse is Leofwine, or Lincoln.
23, 24. The twenty third, Beornwald. I rather read it Deorwald, i.e. Deirorum sylva, York woods; the chief town whereof was Beverley. And the rather, because of the twenty-fourth, Diora moneta, which seems to be the money of the Deiri, or Yorkshiremen.
the rest of the coins of this prince are easily understood. The names upon the reverses seem to have been noblemen or governors.
25. The twenty-fifth is remarkable for the spelling, Jedword; the reverse is Arnerin, on Eoferwic, i.e. York.
26. The twenty-sixth hath the reverse Othlric on Ring; which might be Ringhornan [Runcorn] in Lancashire, a large town, one of the eight, built by his sister Ethelflede.
27. Of the twenty-seventh, I do not understand the reverse.
28 The twenty-eighth is of that most famous and worthy King Ethelstan, the true progeny of such a father and grandfather. In his youth, his grandfather King Alfred saw such a spirit and indoles<76> in him, that he foretold, if it should please God that he came to the crown, he would perform very great actions for the good of his country; and he made him also (I think the first that we read to have received that honour in this nation) a knight, and gave him ornaments accordingly; the more likely, because Alfred also ordered the robes and ceremonies of the coronation. This prince extended his victories northward, even into Scotland: which countries, till his time, were never peaceably settled; because the two nations, Saxons and Danes, mingled together in their habitations; and yet having several kings and laws, could never be long in quiet. Upon the borders of Scotland, he fought one of the most terrible battles that ever was in England, against Anlaf King of Ireland, Constantine King of Scotland, and a very mighty and numerous army. Wherein were said to be slain five kings, seven earls or chief commanders, besides vast numbers of inferior officers and soldiers. Authors say, that King Ethelstan's valiant chancellor and general Turketill, with wonderful courage and strength, broke through the enemy's ranks, till he met with King Constantine, and slew him with his own hand. Others say that Constantine was not slain, but his son. Turketill, after all his wars and greatness, resigning his estates and wealth, repaired to the monastery of Croyland, and lived in it himself till his death. The reverse is Biorneard moneta Londonensis civitas.
29. the twenty-ninth is King Edmund, brother, and not inferior either in valour or counsel, to Ethelstan. He pursued the design of reducing all his subjects to perfect unity and peace, by extirpating those rebellious irreconcileable enemies, the Danes. In the beginning of his reign, he cleared Mercia of them. For King Edward, seeing the kingdom so much depopulated by those destructive wars, ever since the entrance of the Danes; upon promise and oath of fealty and obedience, (as his father also had done amongst the East Angles) permitted these Danes to live amongst his natural subjects; and chiefly in the great towns: thinking, because of their profession of arms and soldiery, they would better defend them than the Saxons, more industrious and skilful in labour and husbandry. The Danes also having been themselves beaten and conquered by him, were very ready to engage to obedience, peace, and loyalty. But the Saxons by their labours growing rich, and the Danes retaining their former tyrannical and lazy dispositions, began to oppress and domineer over the natives. Edmund therefore, after Mercia, began to reduce Northumberland, where remained the greatest number of them, (for Edward himself had suppressed those in East Anglia;) and to reduce those northern counties into the form of provinces: and committed Cumberland (as a feud) to Malcolm King of Scotland. His zeal for justice cost this heroical prince his life. For celebrating the festival of St. Austin, and giving thanks for the conversion of the nation; he spied amongst the guests one Leof, a notable thief, whom he had before banished. The King's spirit was so moved against him, that rising from the table, he seized upon him, threw him to the ground, and was about to do some violence unto him. The thief fearing what he had deserved, with a short dagger, which he concealed, wounded the King mortally, who died in a short time, to the very great grief and affliction of his people. The reverse is very imperfect; but it may perhaps be Edward moneta Theodford, or rather Eadmund martyr, to whose church he gave the town called St. Edmund's-bury.
30. the thirtieth is Eadred, who degenerated not in the least from his father King Edward, or his brethren the precedent kings. He completed the reduction and settlement of the North; making Osulf the first Earl of it. The Scots voluntarily submitted, and swore allegiance to him an. 955. In the fifth year of his reign, and flower of his youth, he sickened, died, and was exceedingly lamented of his subjects.
31. the thirty-first is Eadwig, son of K. Edmund, who being come to age, received the kingdom: so lovely a person, that he was named the Fair. His actions are variously reported by historians; generally they accuse him of voluptuousness, and neglect of his affairs: insomuch that a great part of the North applied themselves to his brother Edgar, and set him up against Edwy, who (as is thought) with sorrow sickned, and died, an. 958. Heriger on the reverse, seems to have been mint-master.
32. the thirty-second, St. Edwy, is here placed next to his namesake: but it is a mistake; for it should be S. Edwynus. There were two St. Edwins, both Northumbers; the first a monk, the second a King. He laid the foundation of the cathedral of York; and was slain by Penda and Cadwallin the Briton, (to whom Penda, being taken prisoner, had sworn submission;) with Offred his son, and the whole army dispersed. His head was brought to York Minster; and that whole kingdom came into very great divisions and calamities. But this coin was not coined by him, nor do we know by whom: neither is Badi, the mint-master, known to what King he belonged; only that letter A is upon divers coins of the West Saxons, and therefore probably this also belonged to some of those kings.
33. The thirty-third, Edgar, son of King Edmund, peaceably enjoyed the fruits of the labours and dangers of his predecessors. A man admired by all, both foreigners and natives, for his great piety, justice, prudence, and industry in governing the kingdom. Sine praelio omnia gubernavit prout ipse voluit. ["He governed everything as he wished, without battle."] The reverse is, Leofsig moneta Hamptonensis.
34. The thirty-fourth is of Eadward, son of King Edgar, by Ethelfleda the Fair, (called also Eneda) daughter of Duke Ordmear. He is much commended for a virtuous, well-disposed, and hopeful prince; and such the small remainders of his history do truly represent him. But, by order of his stepmother Alfritha, to whom he was too obedient, he was murdered, to empty the throne for her son Ethelred. Edward was accounted a saint and martyr, because of the many miracles said to be done at his tomb; which occasioned the removal of his body from Wareham to a more honourable place, (Shaftesbury:) and the murderess, repenting of that wicked action, spent the rest of her days in grief and severe penances. Who that Heremod on the reverse was, we know not.
35. The thirty-fifth is of Ethelred, son of Edgar by Alfritha, the only weak and slothful prince of all the line of King Egbert; endeavouring to govern his kingdom, not by true justice and valour, as his predecessors had done, but by tricks, and (as they call it) policy. First he gave an opportunity to the Danes to renew their invasions; and then, negligently or unfortunately, opposing them, he brought the kingdom into great poverty and calamity, and afterwards into subjection unto those ancient enemies and robbers of the country; by his laziness losing all that his forefathers by their industry had acquired; as historians say St. Dunstan foretold of him at his baptism. Egbert began the advancement of the kingdom, by reducing it into one monarchy; his successors valiantly defended, and setled and augmented it, by subduing the Danes and all other enemies. Edgar enjoyed it in full peace, prosperity, and glory; and his son, this Ethelred, suffered it to run down again into a worse condition than ever it was. And indeed it would be strange to imagine so great a change in one man's time; did it not appear that there was no cause of ruin left unpractised in his long reign; his own negligence, cowardice, want of intelligence, unskilfulness in war; the great factions, enmities, and treasons of the nobility; the particulars whereof have filled the tedious relations of our historians.
Illustration: Saxon Coins Table III
all the first ten are of Cnut, (called the Great) the first Danish King of England. There are very many of his coins extant: I have only described those wherein is some notable variety. Though Sven his father made divers conquests, and several countries as well as persons (preferring his activeness before Ethelred's sloth) not regarding the justice of the cause, submitted to him, and paid largely for his protection; yet was he never King, nor assumed (he or his son) the title; till Edmund Ironside consented, by the persuasion of a traitor, to divide the kingdom with him. The vile but potent Edric thought that more was to be got by shoring up a new active usurper, than adhering to the just cause of his true and royal sovereign. Nor was Cnut unmindful of him; but, according to his promise, advanced him above all the other lords of the kingdom, by cutting off his head, and exposing it upon a high pole. Amongst all these figures of Cnut, only one (the seventh) is with a crown; and that an open one, (contrary to that of the English kings before him) and adorned with lilies; which would make me suspect that coin to be counterfeit, were it not that our historians say that when he was young he wore his crown at the great assemblies of the nobility, so many times in the year; as was the custom, both here, in France, Germany, and I think with all European princes in those times. But one time, being mightily flattered by his courtiers, he chanced to be upon the sea-banks, whither he commanded his chair to be brought; where sitting down upon the beach in great majesty, he told the sea, that that was his land, and the water his water; wherefore he commanded the sea to be content with its own Channel, and not cover any part of the land. Which he had no sooner said, but the water dashed upon him: whereupon he told his flatterers, that they should henceforward forbear all boasting of his power and greatness. After this, it is reported he would never wear a crown. Others say, that he never wore a crown after his coronation; and that then also, at his coronation, presently after the crown was set upon his head, he took it off, and fixed it upon the head of our saviour crucified. The ordinary covering of his head was sometimes a mitre, (as fig. 6.) Other times a cap, (as fig. 5.) sometimes a triangular covering, used after him by Andronicus the eastern Emperor, and by St. Edward the Confessor. The reverse of the first is Farthein monet Eoforwic, i.e. York.
2, 3, 4. Of the second, Sunolf. Of the third, Crinam. The fourth is Wulnoth. All coined at York.
5. the fifth is Leodmer, and seems coined at Raculfminster, now Reculver.
6. the sixth hath Luffwine, at Dover.
7. the seventh hath Wulfric on London.
8. the eighth is Selwi, at Theoford.
9. the ninth is Outhgrim, at York.
10. the tenth is Cnut aged, with a diadem about his head. The reverse is Nodwin moneta: the name of the place I cannot read. In his younger years he spared no labour, nor any art, just or unjust, oppression or murder; to acquire and settle the kingdom to himself and posterity. Which being, as well as he could, performed, he endeavoured to act more justly and plausibly, that he might retain the obedience of the people, which he had so unjustly gotten. Yet not long before his death, he dispossessed Olavus King of Norway of his dominion, about an. 1029.
11. the eleventh is of Harold, Cnut's second son, called for his swiftness Harefoot. Cnut to his eldest son Sven, suspected to be none of his own, gave the kingdom of Norway: to Harold, his second son, (by foreign writers also called a bastard) the kingdom of England: to Hardacnut, his son by Emma, he gave Denmark. Harold's reign was short, about four years, and employed more in endeavouring to settle his title, than perform any worthy action. The reverse is Godric at Theotford.
12. the twelfth is of the same, with a diadem about his helmet. The reverse is Sliwine on Theodford.
13. the thirteenth is of Harthacnut. He reigned about two years, and died suddenly at a great feast in Lambeth. Little of note mentioned of him, besides that he was very affectionate to his mother's children; and that he loved good eating, making four meals a day. The reverse is Elnwine on Wice.—perhaps Worcester.
14. the fourteenth is of St. Edward the Confessor; of whom there are very many coins still extant. I have presented only those of most variety. This represents him as a young man sitting with a staff or sceptre; (which amongst the Romans was the hasta pura and sceptrum, sometimes made of ivory, and many times an eagle upon the top of it; instead of which our kings used commonly a cross, though not always of the same fashion: sometimes also a lily) in his left hand a globe, with a cross fastened in it. This was used only by Christian Emperors and kings, as witnessing them to have that power through the virtue of the cross, or passion of our Saviour. The pagan Roman Emperors used rather a stern or oar fastened to a globe, showing that they steered the world, not expressing whence they received that power. Whereas Suidas saith of Justinian, that in his left hand he carried a globe with a cross upon it; signifying that by faith in the cross of Christ he was advanced to be Lord of the world, i.e. that he obtained that dominion by Christ crucified, but who was now made Lord of Lords, and Prince over the kings of the earth. This prince was son to King Ethelred; so that in him, to the great joy of the English, (the Danish government being extinguished) the noble ancient Saxon line was restored. He was a prince of very great justice, devotion, mildness, bounty, and many other excellent virtues. And indeed several things reported to his prejudice seem capable of a rational apology; as the hard usage of his mother Emma, and his wife Edith. Neither wanted he courage or diligence: but the factions of the great nobility, and ambition of Earl Godwin, required a more severe, if not austerer government. The reverse Othgrim on Efrwic, I conceive to be York.
15. The fifteenth is of the same Edward, but with an unusual ornament upon his head; in his hand a sceptre ending in a lily. The reverse perhaps is Ailmer on Scrobe. Coined at Shrewsbury.
16, 17. The sixteenth is of the same, with an imperial or close crown: his sceptre hath three pearls cross-wise. On the reverse is a cross between four martlets, I suppose; which was the original or first of those arms they call of the West Saxons (though arms and scutcheons, &c. are of a later invention) and are now of the City of London, and divers other places: but they are in several particulars altered from what they were in his time; perhaps for the greater beauty. The reverse of the sixteenth is imperfect. That of the seventeenth I cannot read: perhaps it is the same with that of the nineteenth.
18. Of the eighteenth the reverse is Walter on Eoferwick.
19. The nineteenth is Edward with a crown imperial and sceptre; on it a cross like that of an Archbishop. The reverse is Drintmer on Wal.—Perhaps Wallingford.
20. The twentieth is Edward with a crown pearled: the reverse may be Dinnit on Leicester.
21. The twenty-first hath another unusual ornament on his head: the reverse is Sietmait on Sutho—perhaps some place in Suffolk.
22. The twenty-second is of Harold, a younger son of Earl Godwin. How he gained the kingdom, whilst the rightful heir Edgar was alive, except by force and power, I know not. Some say King Edward bequeathed it to him, conceiving Edgar not so able to govern; others that he was chosen by the consent of the nobility; but this is not probable. But his father as long as he lived had used all means, just and unjust, to get the great offices of command into his hands, of which, coming after his death to Harold, the best and worthiest of his children, he made use accordingly. Before his reign he had showed himself very valiant, diligent, and loyal also; at least more than his brethren: and as soon as crowned he endeavoured by all prudent and fitting means to obtain the favour of the people. But his reign lasted not long, and was taken up with wars and troubles: at last, fighting rashly and indiscreetly with William Duke of Normandy, he was slain with two of his brethren; the third being killed before in a battle near York. And so ended the great power and ambition of Earl Godwin and his family: as also of the kingdom of the Saxons.
23. From the twenty-third to the twenty-eighth is Sancti Petri Moneta,<77> most of them coined at York, yet with several stamps. I am in great doubt whether these were coined for Peter-pence (or Romescot) which was an annual tax of a penny each household, given for the West Saxon kingdom by King Ina about anno 720, for Mercia by King Offa, and paid at the festival of St. Petri ad vincula. At first, some say, for the education of Saxon scholars at Rome; but afterwards, as all grant, for the use of the Pope himself, not then so well provided as afterwards. (The like tax of three half pence and a sieve of oats for each family, was about the same time given also by the Polonians upon the same reasons.) Or whether it was the ordinary money coined by the Archbishop, whose famous cathedral was of St. Peter. For amongst the great number of such coins I have seen very few (one is that of the 20th in this table) stamped otherwhere. Besides there is such great variety in the stamps, that very many (more than methinks necessary for that payment) must needs have been coined: nor is the sword a proper symbol for St. Peter.
26. the twenty-sixth. What the word in the reverse signifies, whether the name of a person or place, I know not.
28, 29, 30. the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth, St. Neglino, I do not understand, as neither the thirtieth. These coins of St. Peter, with the three following, and divers others scattered in the other plates, were found at Harkirk in the Parish of Sefton in Lancashire, as they were digging for a burying-place; and were all afterwards engraved and printed in one large sheet: but having seen many of the same, it was not fitting to omit them.
31. the thirty-first is of Berengarius King of Italy in Charles the Great's time. The reverse shows the building of some church; what, we know not: the words Christiana religio show also so much.
32. the thirty-second is Ludovicus Pius; the reverse much the same.
33. the thirty-third is of Carlus Magnus; and informs us of his true name, which was not Carolus from charus or carus; but carlus in the northern languages signifying a man, vir, or a strong man. Metullo was one of the coining places in France in his time.
34. the thirty-fourth is Anlaf Cyning; a name very troublesome about the times of Ethelstan, and after. There seem to have been two of them; one, King of Ireland; another, of some part of Northumberland. V. Tab. II. C. 28. What that not-unelegant figure in the midst implies, as also that in the reverse, except it be the front of some church, I cannot conceive; as neither who that Farhin or Farning was. I much doubted how Anlaf a pagan should stamp a church with crosses upon his coin: till Mr. Charleton showed me on a coin of Sihtric (Anlaf's father) a Christian, the very same figures; the mint-master for haste or some other reason making use of the same stamp.
35. the thirty-fifth is of the unfortunate Ethelred, mentioned here, because coined by Earl Godwin in Kent whence appears what I hinted before, that the nobility and governors put their names upon the coins; and not only the mint-masters, as was more frequent in France.
36. the thirty-sixth is of Harold the son of Godwin; the reverse is Brunstan on Lot fecit. Brunstan seems to have been only a mint-master; where Lot is I know not.
37. the thirty-seventh is of Harold son of Cnut. The reverse is Leofwine on Brightstoll.
38. the thirty-eighth hath the reverse Brintanmere on Wallingford, as I conceive. These 3 by misfortune were misplaced, yet fit to be known because of the places of their stamping.
Illustration: Saxon Coins Table IV
in this plate are collected divers unknown coins, yet such as I conceive to have belonged to these nations: some also of former kings repeated; but for the most part the faces, and in all, the reverses are diverse; in hopes that it may not be ungrateful to them who have the curiosity to collect these rarities, to have the more assistances for the understanding of them.
1. the first is of the unfortunate King Ethelred, the face unlike the ordinary one; the reverse crux. Between the 4 branches of the cross, Winstan moneta on Winchester.
2. the second, a spread eagle, Anlaf Cyning. The reverse Ethelred minetric, which seems to be mint-master.
3. the third is Eadmund rex. Reverse, Reingrim moneta. Which Edmund this was is uncertain. Besides the son of Edward Sen. (of whom we have spoken before, tab. II. C. 29.), there is none famous in our histories besides Edmund surnamed Ironside, the valiant son of King Ethelred, and St. Edmund King of the East Angles. Edmund Ironside reigned so short a time, that there are very few, if any, coins extant of him; those which may probably be thought his are in this table. He was a very bold indefatigable soldier, but unfortunate, being in most of his enterprises betrayed or defeated by the traitor Edric. Who, being a man of a mean family, by his insinuations got into power; of a crafty wit, fair spoken tongue; he exceeded all men living of those times in malice and treachery, in pride and cruelty. His brother Agelmer was the father of Wulnoth, the father of Earl Godwin.
4. The fourth is Ethelstan rex anglorum. Reverse, Hegenredes moneta on Deorabi. Coined at Derby.
5. The fifth is another face of King Ethelred. Reverse, Watlfreth moneta Gippeswic. Ipswich the place of coining it.
6. The sixth is Eadmund. Reverse, Boinlyg. Who it was I know not.
7. The seventh seems to be of Coenuulf King of the West Saxons. Of whom see tab. II. C. 2. of the Northumbers. I know not where to begin to read the letters on the reverse; nor do I understand them.
8. The eighth is Eadred rex. The reverse, Manna moneta. This face resembles not that in tab. II. C. 30.
9, 11, 12, 37. The ninth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirty-seventh, seem to be of the ancient Irish kings, the only ones that I ever saw. The letters are very unusual, and therefore difficult to be read or understood. The ninth I conjecture to be Dida Medino. The reverse, two hands in the opposite angles of a cross. The word seems to be Iniconeic, a name (as I am informed) still extant in Ireland.
10. The tenth, if it be not Offa, I know not who it is.
11. The eleventh is of an Irish prince (I conceive) by the words midino on the ninth coin, midini upon this and the twelfth, which seems to refer or belong to Midia, now called Meath, one of the divisions and countries in Ireland.
13. The thirteenth is Eadear rex. Reverse, Aethered moneta Lundoniae. It was probably one of the Edwards, but the effigies being like none of the other, I know not of whom it is.
14. The fourteenth, dmo, unless it be one of the Edmonds, I cannot guess at it; but the countenance, clothes, &c. are not like any of the other. The reverse also is equally unknown.
15. The fifteenth I do not understand.
16. The sixteenth is Coenuulf a Mercian; but not like any of those already described. The reverse Ceolheard I understand not.
17. The seventeenth is set down because of the beauty and unusualness of the reverse.
18. The eighteenth. There were divers Ethelstans, one was the son either of Egbert or Etheluulf, and was King of Kent; another was the son of Edward sen. of whom before: the third was a Danish King called Gormund, who being overcome by Alfred at the battle of Eddington, submitted himself and his army, either to embrace the Christian religion or depart the whole country. Himself with of his chiefest commanders were baptized, with a great part of the army, the rest quitted the realm. King Alfred was his godfather, called him Ethelstan, and gave him the kingdom of the East Angles then very much dispeopled by the cruel wars. I take this coin to be of him; and the rather, because the reverse seems to be Danish language, and not understood by me.
19. The nineteenth is of Edmund; I should attribute it to the valiant Ironside, if I could find other of his coins; but his reign was short and troublesome.
20. The twentieth is of St. Edward the Confessor; published here, because by the reverse it should seem, what I have read also, that he either founded or reedified the great church of St. Edmond at Bury.
21. The twenty-first is Ethelnoth on Snotenegham (Nottingham) who is meant by it I know not; but it is worth nothing, since both sides are the same.
22. The twenty-second seems to be of the great Ethelstan, what to brit means I know not. The reverse is Regnald moneta Eoferwic.
23. The twenty-third I believe was of Ethelstan King of Kent, a very valiant prince, and fortunate against the Danes: he died young. The reverse is Berharhedon, no place named.
24. the twenty-fourth is of King Edgar, of whom we have spoken before. The reverse is Wermod moneta.
25. the twenty-fifth Sci Canuti. This rare coin was lent us by that ingenious and worthy gentleman Mr. Ralph Thoresby; which he saith was sent him out of Swedeland; and found in a vault in Gothland upon St. Canute's coffin; at the time when his church in Ottensea was repaired, anno 1582. The reverse in a cross IHC (Jesus) INRI (Jesus nazarenus rex judaeorum). A and D are conjectured to be Anglia and Dania: that King (as Saxo Grammaticus, Hist. lib. lxii. noteth) looking upon his pretensions to the crown of England as just as any of his predecessors, was resolved to attempt the regaining of it.
26. the twenty-sixth I cannot interpret.
27. the twenty-seventh is also of Ethelstan, probably King of Kent; because of his helmet made after an antique fashion, but useful; covering the nape of the neck; and a bar descending as low as his nose; he hath also a gorget: the reverse Smala, I take to be the name of the mintmaster.
28. the twenty-eighth is Wiglaf. After that Beornuulf was slain by the East Angles, and Ludican by Egbert; this Wiglaf obtained (but I know not how) the Mercian kingdom. But he being also overcome by Egbert, resigned, and Egbert restored it to him under such a tribute; and so he reigned 13 years. Little recorded of him. Redward was mintmaster.
29. the twenty-ninth is Sihtric rex DHGH. What these letters signify, is unknown to me, he was a Danish King in Northumberland, for his pride and tyranny very much hated of his neighbours. To strengthen himself, he desired to marry Edith the sister of the great Ethelstan; who would not consent till he promised to become Christian, as he did, and was baptized, but died not long after. His two sons, because they would not turn Christians, fled their country; Gudferth went into Scotland, and Anlaf into Ireland; where they wrought all the mischief they could against the English; till Ethelstan utterly vanquished them both. V. Tab. II. C. 9. The reverse is Colbrand. Why may not this be that Colbrand, in the romance of Guy of Warwick, mentioned (by Knighton and others) to have combated, and been vanquished by that famous Earl? Whose valour deserved better than to have been discredited by those fabulous, if not ridiculous, exaggerations. However it appears by this coin, that those persons were contemporaries in the time of King Ethelstan, and of a Danish King (whom the fable miscalls) enemy for a long time to Ethelstan. The two combatants also seem to have been very eminent for their valour and employments. Upon these true considerations, (according to the custom of the times about the holy war) some ill-employed persons raised up the sorry childish fabric of a silly fable.
30. the thirtieth is of Ethelstan; to brie I understand not: the reverse Paul's moneta Leiec. Seems to be coined at Leicester.
31. the thirty-first I read Eadred rex, the reverse, Garuurd moneta.
32. the thirty-second Eadward rex; the reverse, Uulfgar under the front of a church, probably Westminster Abbey.
33. the thirty-third is Berthulf rex, of the Mercians; of whom we have mentioned before: the reverse is Byrnuuald.
34. the thirty-fourth is Anlaf rex to do, the meaning unknown; the reverse is Radulf, under such a plant as is also in a coin of St. Ed-ard's.
35. the thirty fifth is a very old face, if of any I suppose it must be of St. Edward; the reverse is Thorr on Eoferwic.
36. the thirty-sixth St. Neglin. I have already declared that I knew not who he was.
37. the thirty-seventh seems to be of an Irish prince, to me unlegible.
38. the thirty-eighth is Edwin rex. This seems to have been the glorious King of the Northumbers; who being forced out of his country by a cruel and tyrannical usurper, betook himself to Redwald King of the East Angles; who also after many promises and threats, agreed to deliver him up to his enemy. At which time the worthy Edwin was comforted by a message from God, promising him safety, his kingdom, &c. And laying his right hand upon Edwin's head, had him remember that sign; which when it came to pass, he should receive the gospel. This Edwin faithfully promised, and afterwards faithfully performed, as may be read in venerable Bede in his second book of the Eccl. History, which in greatest part is concerning this valiant, victorious, religious prince. His conversion fell out in the year of Christ 627; the reverse is Sefwel on Eoferwic.
39. The thirty-ninth hath a coronet upon his helmet. Ethel. rex may either be Ethelred, Ethelwolf, or Ethelstan; though the face represents none of them; the reverse is not legible.
40. The fortieth is taken out of Dr. Plot's history of Oxfordshire; it was found in digging the works at Oxon, and is in the possession of Sir John Holman. 'Tis supposed to be the gold given by St. Edward the Confessor at his curing the scrophulae, or the King's-evil. It is worth noting that it hath upon it the figure of a woman veiled, as it seems in the habit of a nun; whether of the Blessed Virgin, or some other holy woman, I cannot determine. But it seems much more proper for that function, than that now used of an angel; which was taken from the French.
it remains that we declare whence we received these coins.
HA were such as were found in making a burial-place at Harkirk in the Parish of Sefton in Lancashire.
jS, is John Speed in his chronicle; which he copied out of Sir John Cotton's store in his famous library.
wC, are those which were with great care, judgment, and expense, collected by that most worthy and ingenious treasurer of ancient learning Mr. William Charleton; whose kindness deserves a greater testimony than this place permits.
rT, is Mr. Ralph Thoresby, of Leeds in Yorkshire; who by his great industry hath augmented his father's considerable stock of this sort of knowledge.
cH, is Mr. Charles Hills, very well known by his eminent skill in all natural and also antique learning.
dP, is Dr. Plot, well known everywhere; DT Dr. Trumball; WK is Will. Kingsley Esq. of Canterbury. Divers also of them are in our own possession.
