part of the realm; but still was the sky covered with 

 continual clouds, and sometimes such outrageous winds 

 arose, with lightnings and tempests, that the people were 

 in fear of present destruction (Holinshed). 

 971 The sun was continually covered with clouds for six 

 months' space (Holmshed). 



974 Earthquake in England (M. of W.). 



There was a great earthquake throughout the whole of 

 England (Roger de Hoveden). 



975 A star appeared in the sky : above in the firmament ; 

 which strong-minded men of deep learning, skilful men 

 and wise soothsayers, universally call a comet. The 

 vengeance of the Almighty was upon the nation, and a 

 dire famine in the country (Canterbury Annals). 



In the autumn of this year a comet was seen (Roger de 

 Hovedeii). 



976 Here in this year was the great famine in England 

 (A. S. C.). 



A comet appeared, and a terrible famine ensued 



(M. of W.). 

 979 In this year was seen oftentimes a bloody cloud, in 



likeness of fire, and that was most apparent at midnight, 



and was coloured in various rays. Then, when it was 



about to dawn, it glided away (A. S. C. ; Roger de Hoveden; 



M. of W.}. 

 981 The winter was extremely severe and lasted long. 



Everything was frozen over, and famine and pestilence 



closed the year (Chambers). 



986 The great murrain first came among the cattle into 

 England (A. S. C). 



987 General mortality amongst cattle, and an epidemical 

 disease which carried off great numbers of people 

 (Littleton). 



Frost began December 22, and lasted 120 days (Lowe}. 

 The value of an ox was between seven and eight 

 shillings, a cow about six shillings (Hume}. 



