northward ouer the riuers of Seuerne and Dée, vnto the verie mouth
of Dee, where that riuer falleth into the sea. He likewise builded a
church in Warwikeshire, whereof the towne there taketh name, and is
[Sidenote: Egfrid king of Mercia.]
called Offchurch euen to this day. Egfrid taking vpon him the
rule, began to follow the approoued good dooings of his father, and
first restored vnto the churches their ancient priuileges, which his
father sometimes had taken from them. Great hope was conceiued of his
further good procéeding, but death cut off the same, taking him out of
this life, after he had reigned the space of foure moneths, not for
his owne offenses (as was thought) but rather for that his father had
caused so much bloud to be spilt for the confirming of him in the
kingdome, which so small a time he now inioied.

* * * * *




_Osulph king of Northumberland traitorouslie murthered, Edilwald
succeedeth him, the reward of rebellion, a great mortalitie of foules
fishes and fruits, moonkes licenced to drinke wine, great wast by
fire, Edelred king of Northumberland is driuen out of his countrie by
two dukes of the same, Ethelbert king of the Eastangles commended for
his vertues, Alfred the daughter of king Mercia is affianced to him,
tokens of missehaps towards him, his destruction intended by queene
Quendred, hir platforme of the practise to kill him, Offa inuadeth
Ethelberts kingdome, Alfred his betrothed wife taketh his death
greuouslie, and becommeth a nun, the decaie of the kingdome of
Eastangles, succession in the regiment of the Westsaxons, the end of