72 On the Barrow of Lanhill near Chippenham ; 
add—perhaps from a fabulous source\—“ the three sisters of 
Hynguar and Hubba wove in one day.” That the brother of 
Hynguar and Healfden, here named, was really Hubba, is almost 
certain ; and, indeed, his name is expressly mentioned by Geoftrey 
Gaimar, Roger of Wendover, and Matthew of Westminster; 
whose authority, however, has not the same weight as that 
of Asser and the other historians quoted. These two last writers, 
describe the three brothers, Hynguar, Hubba, and Healfden, 
as all being slain at Cynuit. It is certain that their names do not 
again appear as engaged in these expeditions. 
There is no sufficient proof, to be derived from the earliest 
authorities, that Hubba was ever in the neighbourhood of Chippen- 
ham. Though no doubt frequently in alliance with Guthrum, the 
Danish king of East Anglia, Hubba and his brothers were more 
intimately connected with the Danes of Northumbria, of whom, 
one of them (Healfden) was the actual ruler. In the year 876-7, 
the Danes, under Guthrum, had wintered at Exeter, and were 
besieged there by Alfred. Notwithstanding temporary advantages, 
Alfred, being supported only by the people of Somersetshire, was 
obliged to retire from the contest, taking up his abode in Athelney, 
towards the end of 877. At the same period, the Danes under 
Guthrum left Exeter and went to Chippenham, where they win- 
tered. Asser is very particular, in describing these movements of the 
Danish forces, to distinguish between those under different leaders. 
He appears to have the Danes under Hynguar and Hubba, who 
were at this time in South Wales, as well as another force, which 
had retired to Mercia, in view, when in speaking of the departure 
of the army under Guthrum from Exeter to Chippenham, he terms 
it the army before mentioned—“ supra memoratus sepe exercitus.” 
The other Danish leaders, kings as they are called, immediately 
associated with Guthrum, according to Asser, the Anglo-Saxon 
Chronicle, and Henry of Huntingdon, were Oscytel and Amand, 
or Anwynd; who, if we credit the latter authority, accompanied 
Guthrum to Chippenham. As to the sons of the celebrated 
1 See “Mon. Hist. Brit.,” p. 481; also Gaimar ‘“‘L’ Estorie des Engles,” 
line 3147. 
