In the same yeare K. Egelred created the traitor Edrike earle of
Mercia, who although he had maried Edgiua the kings daughter, was yet
noted to be one of those which disclosed the secrets of the realme,
and the determinations of the councell vnto the enimies. But he
was such a craftie dissembler, so greatlie prouided of sleight to
dissemble and cloake his falshood, that the king being too much abused
by him, had him in singular fauour, whereas he vpon a malicious
purpose studied dailie how to bring the realme into vtter destruction,
aduertising the enimies from time to time how the state of things
stood, whereby they came to knowlege when they should giue place,
[Sidenote: _Wil. Malm._]
and when they might safelie come forward. Moreouer, being sent vnto
them oftentimes as a commissioner to treat for peace, he persuaded
them to warre. But such was the pleasure of God, to haue him and such
other of like sort aduanced to honor in this season, when by his
diuine prouidence he meant to punish the people of this realme for
their wickednesse and sinnes, whereby they had iustlie prouoked his
wrath and high displeasure.

[Sidenote: _Henr. Hunt._ _Simon Dun._
An hundred acres is an hide of land.]
In the 30 yeare of king Egelreds reigne, which fell in the yeare
of our Lord 1008, he tooke order that of euerie thrée hundred and ten
hides of land within this realme, there should one ship be builded,
and of euerie eight hides a complet armor furnished. In the yeare
[Sidenote: 1008]
following, the kings whole fléet was brought togither at Sandwich,
and such souldiers came thither as were appointed to go to sea in the
same fleet. There had not béene seene the like number of ships
[Sidenote: Provision for ships and armour]