Page:A literal translation of the Saxon Chronicle.djvu/202

190 the King gave command to over-ride the lands which his mother held of him, and he took from her all that she possessed in gold and silver, and treasures innumerable, because she had not been liberal towards him.

1043.

This year Eadsige gave up his Archbishoprick, because of his infirmities, and he consecrated thereto Siward Abbot of Abingdon, with the consent and advice of the King and of Earl Godwin. This transaction was disclosed to few before it was completed, because the Archbishop thought that if it became known to many, some other man in whom he trusted and confided less, would beg or buy the preferment. And this year there was a very great famine over all England, and corn was so dear as was never before remembered, so that a sæster of wheat sold for 60 pennies, and even more. And the same year the King went out to Sandwich with a fleet of 35 ships. And the Churchwarden Æthelstan was made Abbot of Abingdon. And Stigand entered upon his Bishoprick.

It was in this year (1043) that Edward took for his Queen the daughter of Earl Godwin.—The same year died Brihtwold; he had held his Bishoprick, that of Sherbourne, 38 years, and