1228 For the most part of this summer season great thun- 

 ders happened in England. The element also seemed 

 as though it had burned with continual flames ; steeples, 

 churches and other high buildings were stricken with 

 lightning, and the harvest was sore hindered by continual 

 rain. Also in the midst of the day there came a wonder- 

 ful darkness upon the earth (Holinshed\ 



1229 An ox sold for eight shillings, a heifer for three 

 shillings and fourpence (Somerset Magazine]. 



1230 January 25. Great tempest of thunder and lightning, 

 with a filthy savour and stink withal (Holinshtd ; M. ofW.). 



May 14. A marvellous eclipse of the sun chanced 

 immediately after the rising thereof, so that the earth 

 seemed as it had been covered again with shade of night. 

 On the 22nd day of November the moon was likewise 

 eclipsed, being as then thirteen days old (Holinshed}. 



1232 The morrow after St Martin's day chanced great 

 thunder and lightning, which continued for the space of 

 fifteen days together, to the great terror and fear of the 

 people (Holinshed}. 



The Abbot of St. Albans going on a journey hired seven 

 handsome stout horses, and agreed if any of them died 

 on the road to pay the owner thirty shillings apiece 

 (Hume). 



1233 March 23. A terrible thunderstorm, followed by such 

 an inundation of rain, lasting the whole summer, that it 

 everywhere broke up the preserves and fish-ponds, arid 

 millstreams, throughout nearly the whole of England, and 

 tore up the mills from their foundations. And in the 

 arable lands and fertile orchards, and other places which 

 were quite unusual, springs burst forth, and streams ran 

 in all directions, producing small fishes (M. of W.). 



A great dearth, by reason that the growth of all things 

 was much hindered by the extreme cold weather. Also 

 there happened about the beginning of November great 

 thunder and lightning, and therewith followed an earth- 



