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a wood and besieged them there until they gave hostages that they would depart from the dominions of King Edward. The King had taken care to post troops so as to guard the southern coast of the channel from Wales in the west (Cornwall), to the mouth of the Avon eastward, that they might not dare to invade the country on that side. Nevertheless they landed by night at two several times, once east of Weced (Watchet), and again at Portloca (Porlock). And the King's men repulsed them each time, and few escaped but those alone who swam to the ships; and these remained in the isle of Bradanrelic (Steepholm?) until they were in great want of of provisions, and many died of hunger because they could not procure any food; then they went to Deomod (South Wales), and thence away to Ireland. And afterwards, the same year, King Edward went to Buckingham with his army, and he remained there four weeks, and built fortifications on each side of the river before he departed thence. And Earl Thurcytel acknowledged him as his Lord, as did all the Holds and chief men of Bedford, and most of those of Northampton. Before Lammas, this year, Æthelflæd the Lady of Mercia, by the help of God won the town of Derby, with all its appurten-
