By G. Poulett Scrape, Esq., M.P. 307 



memorial of the victory of the Saxons obtained over the Danes at 

 ^scesdun f'i.e. Ash-down) in that county," as may be seen in refer- 

 ence to an able paper in the Archa3ologia, vol. xxxi. p. 289. 



On the whole without meaning that there is no room for 

 doubt upon the point, I think what I have said will shew that 

 there are, at least, as strong grounds, indeed stronger, for believing 

 the battle of Ethandun to have been fought at Etton-down, as at 

 Edington or any other place yet suggested. 



I add a translation of the passage in Geoffry Gaimar's metrical 

 romance "L'Estorie des Engles," which relates to this celebrated 



fight. 



Then (878) at Christmas, the felon Danes 



Who had sworn to keep the peace 



Broke it like knaves, 



And marched into Wessex. 



At Chippenham they halted for a time, 



And took pleasure in doing mischief. 



They destroyed houses and crops, 



Chapels, and their religious. 



They drove the people from their country. 



And put many in prison. 



The King Alfred, who was theii' father, 



Knew not what to do or to say. 



From all ])arts he called for aid, 



But few was he able to assemble. 



When he saw how he was situated 



So grievously encompassed by his foes, 



He took refuge in the forests and thickets, 



To escape fi-om thcii" blood-thii-sty hands. 



Nevertheless, whenever he was able, 



With such folk as he could obtain, 



Ho met their squadrons. 



And slew often many of them. 



After Easter in the same year, 



The good King Alfred had shut himself 



In a castle ho had for defence 



At Ethelingay, 



And troubled the Danes. 



Four weeks after Easter, 



Ho rode to Ecbriclistano 



Which is east of Solwood. 



Ceolmor came to meet him and Chudo 



