The two brethren hauing thus obteined this victorie, went on further
into the countrie of Northumberland, and brought the same wholie to
their subiection, insomuch that all the north parts were at their
cōmandement. Upon this they meant to haue gone towards London with the
like attempt in the south parts, [Sidenote: A sharpe winter, an enimie
to warlike enterprises.] if the extreame and hard winter which chanced
that yeare, had not staied their enterprise, as it did king William
from assailing them; who hearing of all their dooings in the north
countrie, would else full gladlie haue set vpon them. [Sidenote: The
Danes where they wintered. _Hen. Hunt._ _Polydor._] In the meane time,
the Danes wintered in Yorkeshire, betwixt the two riuers Ouse and
Trent; but so soone as the snow began to melt, and the yce to thaw and
waste away, king William sped him with great hast toward his enimies
into Yorkeshire, and comming to the riuer of Trent, where it falleth
into Humber, he pitched his tents there, to refresh his people, for
his enimies were at hand. The daie following he brought his armie into
the field to fight with the Danish princes, who likewise in battell
araie met them. Then began a right sore and terrible battell,
continuing a long space in equall balance, till at length in one of
the Danish wings the Norman horsemen had put their enimies to flight.
Which when the residue of the Danes perceiued, and therewith put in a
sudden feare, they likewise fled. Harold and Canutus with a band of
hardie souldiers that tarried about them, retired backe (though with
much a doo and great danger) vnto their ships. Edgar also, by helpe of
good horses, escaped into Scotland with a few in his companie.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._] Earle Walteof, who had fought most
manfullie in that battell, [Sidenote: _Hen. Hunt._ _Wil. Malm._] &
slaine manie Normans with his owne hands, was reconciled into the
kings fauour: but the residue were for the most part taken prisoners,
and killed. William of Malmesburie writeth, that king William comming