Chapter I (2)

24. Two other tribes were subject to the Silures. First the Ordovices, who inhabited the north towards the isle of Mona;[480] and secondly the Dimetiae, who occupied the west, where the promontory Octorupium[481] is situated, and from whence is a passage of thirty miles[482] to Ireland. The cities of the Dimetiae were Menapia[483] and Maridunum[484] the metropolis. The Romans seized upon Lovantium[485] as their station. Beyond these, and the borders of the Silures, were the Ordovices, whose cities were Mediolanum[486] and Brannogenium.[487] The Sabrina, which rises in their mountains, is justly reckoned one of the three largest rivers of Britain, the Thamesis (Thames) and the Tavus (Tay) being the other two. The name of the Ordovices is first distinguished in history on account of the revenge which they took for the captivity of their renowned chief. Hence they continually harassed the Roman army, and would have succeeded in annihilating their power, had not Agricola turned hither his victorious arms, subdued the whole nation, and put the greater part to the sword.

25. The territory situated north of the Ordovices, and washed by the ocean, was formerly under their dominion. These parts were certainly inhabited by the Cangiani, whose chief city was Segontium,[488] near the Cangian promontory,[489] on the Minevian shore, opposite Mona,[490] an island long distinguished as the residence of the druids. This island contained many towns, though it was scarcely sixty miles in circuit; and, as Pliny asserts, is distant from the colony of Camalodunum two hundred miles. The rivers of the Cangiani were Tosibus,[491] called also Canovius, and the Deva,[492] which was their boundary. In this region is the stupendous mountain Eriri.[493] Ordovicia, together with the regions of the Cangiani and Carnabii, unless report deceives me, constituted a province called Genania, under the reign of the emperors subsequent to Trajan.

26. I now proceed to the Flavian province; but for want of authentic documents, am unable to ascertain whether it derived its name from Flavia Julia Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who was born in these parts, or from the Flavian family.

27. Towards the river Deva were situated, in the first place, the Carnabii.[494] Their principal places were Benonae,[495] Etocetum,[496] and Banchorium,[497] the last the most celebrated monastery in the whole island, which being overthrown in the dispute with Augustine was never afterwards restored; and the mother of the rest, Uriconium,[498] esteemed one of the largest cities in Britain. In the extreme angle of this country, near the Deva, was the Roman colony Deva,[499] the work of the twentieth legion, which was called Victrix, and was formerly the defence of the region. This place is supposed to be what is now termed West Chester.

28. Below these people stretched the kingdom, or rather the republic, of the Cassii, called by Ptolemy Catieuchlani, which arose from the union of two nations. Those nearest the Sabrina were called the Dobuni, or, according to the annals of Dio, the Boduni.[500] In their country the Thames rises, and, proceeding through the territories of the Hedui, Atrebates, Cassii, Bibroci, Trinobantes, and Cantii, after a long course flows into the German Ocean. The cities of the Dobuni were Salinae,[501] Branogena,[502] on the left of the Sabrina [Severn], Alauna,[503] and the most venerable of all, Corinium,[504] a famous city supposed to have been built by Vespasian. But Glevum,[505] situated in the extreme part of the kingdom, towards the territory of the Silures, was occupied by a Roman colony, which, according to the writers of those times, was introduced by Claudius Caesar. Adjoining to these were the Cassii, whose chief cities were Forum Dianae[506] and Verulamium.[507] But when the last was raised by the Romans to the municipal rank, it obtained the pre-eminence over the other cities. St. Alban the martyr was here born. This city was involved in the ruin of Camalodunum[508] and Londinium,[509] in the insurrection of Bonduica, which is related by Tacitus. The Cassii were conspicuous above the other nations of the island; and Caesar in his second invasion had the severest conflicts with their renowned chief Cassibellinus, to whom many people were tributary; and was repulsed by the Cassii in league with the Silures; to which Lucan alludes:--"_Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis._" But on the coming of Claudius, they, with the neighbouring people, were subdued, and their country reduced to a Roman province, first called Caesariensis, and afterwards Flavia.

29. Near the Cassii, where the river Thamesis approaches the ocean, was the region of the Trinobantes,[510] who not only entered into alliance with the Romans, but resigned to them Londinium their metropolis, and Camalodunum situated near the sea, for the purpose of establishing colonies. In this city was supposed to be born Flavia Julia Helena, the pious wife of Constantine Chlorus and mother of Constantine the Great, who was descended from the blood of the British kings. It was the chief colony of the Romans in Britain, and distinguished by a temple of Claudius, an image of Victory, with many ornaments.[511] But Londinium was and ever will be a city of great eminence. It was first named Trinovantum, then Londinium, afterwards Augusta, and now again Londona. According to the chronicles it is more ancient than Rome. It is situated upon the banks of the Thamesis, and is the great emporium of many nations trading by land or sea. This city was surrounded with a wall by the empress Helena, the discoverer of the Holy Cross; and, if reliance may be placed on tradition, which is not always erroneous, was called Augusta, as Britain was distinguished by the name of the Roman Island.

30. The boundary of this people towards the north was the river Surius,[512] beyond which lived the Iceni, a famous people divided into two tribes. The first of these, the Cenomanni, dwelt to the north towards the Trinobantes and Cassii, and bordered on the ocean towards the east. Their cities were Durnomagus,[513] and their metropolis Venta.[514] Camboricum[515] was a Roman colony. A tongue of land stretching into the sea towards the east was called Flavia Extrema.[516] Their most remarkable rivers are the Garion,[517] the Surius,[518] and the Aufona[519] which falls into the bay of Metaris.[520] Beyond the Aufona, bordering on the Carnabii, Brigantes, and the ocean, lived the Coitani,[521] in a tract of country overspread with woods, which, like all the woods of Britain, was called Caledonia.[522] This is mentioned by the historian Florus.[523] The chief city of the Coitani was Ragae.[524] Besides this was Lindum,[525] a Roman colony, on the eastern extremity of the province. The river Trivona[526] divides the whole country into two parts. The nation of the Iceni, being of a warlike character, neglected husbandry as well as the civil arts; they voluntarily joined the Romans; but, revolting, and exciting others to follow their example, were first subdued by Ostorius. A few years afterwards, Praesutagus their king, at his decease, made Caesar and his descendants his heirs. But the Romans, abusing the friendship of these people and giving themselves up to every species of debauchery, excited their resentment, and the Iceni with their allies, under the warlike Bonduica, widow of Praesutagus, destroyed their colonies, and massacred eighty thousand Roman citizens. They were afterwards reduced by the legate Suetonius, a man highly esteemed for prudence.

31. On the northern part of this region is the river Abus,[527] which falls into the ocean, and was one of the boundaries of the province Maxima, as Seteja[528] was the other. This province was also called the kingdom of Brigantia, because it comprehended the region of that name inhabited by three nations. At the eastern point,[529] where the promontories of Oxellum[530] and of the Brigantes[531] stretch into the sea, lived the Parisii, whose cities were Petuaria[532] and Portus Felix.[533]

32. Above, but on the side of the Parisii, are the proper Brigantes,[534] a numerous people who once gave law to the whole province. Their towns were Epiacum,[535] Vinovium,[536] Cambodunum,[537] Cataracton,[538] Galacum,[539] Olicana,[540] and the chief city Isurium.[541] Eboracum,[542] on the Urus,[543] was the metropolis, first a colony of the Romans, called Sexta, from being the station of the sixth legion, termed the Victorious, and afterwards distinguished by the presence of many emperors, and raised to the privileges of a municipal city.

33. This province is divided into two equal parts by a chain of mountains called the Pennine Alps, which rising on the confines of the Iceni and Carnabii, near the river Trivona,[544] extend towards the north in a continued series of fifty miles.

34. The people to the west of this chain[545] are the Voluntii and Sistuntii, who are united in a close confederacy.[546] Their cities are Rerigonium,[547] Coccium,[548] and Lugubalium.[549] The two last were occupied by Roman garrisons.

35. The northern frontier of this province was protected by a wall[550] of stupendous magnitude built by the Romans across the Isthmus, eighty miles in length, twelve feet high and (_nine_) thick, strengthened with towers.

36. We collect from history, that these people were first attacked by the emperor Claudius, then overrun by the legate Ostorius, and finally defeated by Cerealis. By their voluntary submission to Agricola they obtained peace. The actions and unheard-of perfidy of their queen have disgraced their name in history. These people were descended from those powerful nations, who in search of new habitations quitted their country, which was situated between the Danube, the Alps, and the Rhone.[551] Some of them afterwards emigrated into Ireland, as appears from authentic documents.

37. Further north were situated those powerful nations, who in former times were known under the name of Maeatae, and from whom that fratricide Bassianus,[552] after the death of his father, basely purchased peace. They possessed Ottadinia towards the east, Gadenia, Selgovia, Novantia, and further north Damnia.

38. Nearest the wall dwelt the Gadeni,[553] whose metropolis was Curia.[554] The Ottadini[555] were situated nearer the sea. Their chief city was Bremenium,[556] and their rivers Tueda,[557] Alauna,[558] and the two Tinas,[559] which ran within the wall.

39. The Selgovae[560] inhabited the country to the west. Their cities were Corbantorigum,[561] Uxellum,[562] and Trimontium,[563] which, according to ancient documents, was a long time occupied by a Roman garrison. The principal rivers of this region were Novius,[564] Deva,[565] and partly the Ituna.[566]

40. The Novantes[567] dwell beyond the Deva, in the extreme part of the island, near the sea, and opposite Ireland. In their country was the famous Novantum Chersonesus,[568] distant twenty-eight miles from Ireland, and esteemed by the ancients the most northern promontory of Britain,[569] though without sufficient reason. Their metropolis was Lucophibia, or Casae Candidae;[570] their rivers Abrasuanus,[571] Jena,[572] and Deva,[573] which was the boundary towards the east.

41. The Damnii[574] dwelt to the north of the Novantes, the Selgovae, and the Gadeni, and were separated from them by the chain of the Uxellan mountains.[575] They were a very powerful people, but lost a considerable portion of their territory when the wall was built, being subdued and spoiled by the Caledonians. Besides which, a Roman garrison occupied Vanduarium[576] to defend the wall.

42. In this part, Britain, as if again delighted with the embraces of the sea, becomes narrower than elsewhere, in consequence of the rapid influx of the two estuaries, Bodotria and Clotta.[577] Agricola first secured this isthmus with fortifications, and the emperor Antoninus[578] erected another wall celebrated in history, which extended nearly five and thirty miles, in order to check the incursions of the barbarians. It was repaired, and strengthened with eleven towers, by the general AEtius. These regions probably constituted that province, which, being recovered by the victorious arms of the Romans under Theodosius, was supposed to have been named Valentia, in honour of the family from whom the reigning emperor was descended.

43. Beyond the wall lay the province Vespasiana. This is the Caledonian region so much coveted by the Romans, and so bravely defended by the natives, facts which the Roman historians, generally too silent in regard to such things, have amply detailed. In these districts may be seen the river Tavus,[579] which appears to separate the country into two parts. There are also found the steep and horrid Grampian hills, which divide the province. In this region was fought that famous battle between Agricola and Galgacus, which was so decisive in favour of the Romans.[580] The magnitude of the works at this day displays the power of the Romans, and the ancient mode of castrametation; for, in the place where the battle was fought, certain persons of our order, who passed that way, affirmed that they saw immense camps, and other proofs which corroborated the relation of Tacitus.

44. The nations which were subject to the Romans shall now follow in their order. Beyond the Isthmus, as far as the Tavus, lived the Horestii.[581] Their cities, which before the building of the wall belonged to the Damnii, were Alauna,[582] Lindum,[583] and Victoria,[584] the last not less glorious in reality than in name. It was built by Agricola on the Tavus, twenty miles above its mouth.

45. Above these, beyond the Tavus, which formed the boundary, lived the Vecturones or Venricones,[585] whose chief city was Orrea,[586] and their rivers AEsica[587] and Tina.[588]

46. The Taixali[589] inhabited the coast beyond the boundaries of the Vecturones. Their principal city was Devana,[590] and their rivers the Deva[591] and Ituna.[592] A part of the Grampian hills, which extends like a promontory into the sea, as it were to meet Germany, borrows its name from them.[593]

47. To the west of these, beyond the Grampian hills, lived the Vacomagi,[594] who possessed an extensive tract of country. Their cities were Tuessis,[595] Tamea,[596] and Banatia.[597] Ptoroton,[598] situated at the mouth of the Varar,[599] on the coast, was at the same time a Roman station, and the chief city of the province. The most remarkable rivers of this region, after the Varar, which formed the boundary, were the Tuessis[600] and Celnius.[601]

48. Within the Vacomagi, and the Tavus, lived the Damnii Albani,[602] a people little known, being wholly secluded among lakes and mountains.

49. Lower down, to the banks of the Clotta, inhabited the Attacotti,[603] a people once formidable to all Britain. In this part is situated the great lake formerly called Lyncalidor,[604] at the mouth of which the city of Alcluith[605] was built by the Romans, and not long afterwards received its name from Theodosius, who recovered that province from the barbarians. These people deserved high praise for having sustained the attacks of the enemy after the subjugation of the neighbouring provinces.

50. This province was named Vespasiana, in honour of the Flavian family, to which the emperor Domitian owed his origin, and under whom it was conquered. If I am not mistaken, it was called under the later emperors Thule, which Claudian mentions in these lines:

"Incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule,
Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Hierne."

But this country was so short a time under the power of the Romans, that posterity cannot ascertain its appellations or subjugation. We have now examined in a cursory manner the state of Britain under the Romans; we shall next as briefly treat of the country of the Caledonians.

CONCERNING CALEDONIA.

51. Although all the parts of Britain lying beyond the Isthmus may be termed Caledonia, yet the proper Caledonians dwelt beyond the Varar, from which a line drawn accurately points out the boundary of the Roman empire in Britain. The hithermost part of the island was at different times in their possession, and the remainder, as we have related, was occupied by barbarous Britons. The ancient documents of history afford some information thus far; but beyond the Varar the light is extinct, and we are enveloped in darkness.[606] Although we know that the Romans erected altars there to mark the limits of their empire, and that Ulysses, tossed by a violent tempest, here fulfilled his vows; yet the thick woods and a continued chain of rugged mountains forbid all further research. We must therefore be satisfied with the following information, gleaned from the wandering merchants of the Britons, which we leave for the use of posterity.

52. The Caledonians,[607] properly so called, inhabited the country to the westward of the Varar, and part of their territory was covered by the extensive forest called the Caledonian wood.

53. Less considerable people dwelt near the coast. Of these the Cantae[608] were situated beyond the Varar, and the above-mentioned altars, to the river Loxa,[609] and in their territory was the promontory Penoxullum.[610]

54. Next in order is the river Abona,[611] and the inhabitants near it, the Logi.[612] Then the river Ila,[613] near which lived the Carnabii,[614] the most remote of the Britons. These people being subdued by the propraetor Ostorius, and impatiently bearing the Roman yoke, joined the Cantae, as tradition relates, and, crossing the sea, here fixed their residence. Britain in these parts branches out into many promontories, the chief of which, the extremity of Caledonia, was called by the ancients Vinvedrum, and afterwards Verubium.[615]

55. After these people were placed the Catini,[616] and the Mertae[617] further inland near the Logi. In these regions was the promontory of the Orcades,[618] contiguous to which are the islands of that name. Beyond this part flowed the Nabaeus,[619] which bounded the territory of the Carnabii.

56. In the lower part of this region were situated the Carnonacae,[620] in whose territories was the promontory Ebudum,[621] beyond which the ocean forms a large bay, formerly called Volsas.[622] The lower coast of this bay was inhabited by the Cerones;[623] and beyond the Itys,[624] the territory of the Creones extended as far as the Longus.[625] The promontory stretching from thence, and washed by the ocean and the bay Lelanus,[626] is named after the inhabitants the Epidii.[627]

57. I cannot repass the Varar without expressing my wonder that the Romans, in other respects so much distinguished for judgment and investigation, should have entertained the absurd notion, that the remainder of Britain exceeded in length and breadth the regions which they had subdued and occupied. There is, however, sufficient evidence that such was their opinion; for whoever attentively considers their insatiable desire of rule, and reflects on the labour employed in the erection of those stupendous works which excite the wonder of the world, in order to exclude an enemy scarcely worthy of their notice or resentment, must in this respect, as in all others, adore the providence of the Divine Being, to whom all kingdoms are subject, and perpetual glory is due, now and for ever. Amen!

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 401: Rather by the estuary of the Severn.]

[Footnote 402: Thames.]

[Footnote 403: Severn.]

[Footnote 404: Here some word is evidently omitted in the original. We would supply it by comparing this description with that of Britannia Secunda in the second section, and read "_Sabrina et Deva_," &c., by the Severn and the Dee from the Silures and Ordovices.]

[Footnote 405: The wall or vallum erected by Severus between the Solway Frith and the mouth of the Tyne.]

[Footnote 406: Bodora and Bodotria, Frith of Forth.]

[Footnote 407: Clotta. Clyde.]

[Footnote 408: Dumbarton.]

[Footnote 409: Murray Frith.]

[Footnote 410: These remarks seem to have been drawn from the _Notitia Imperii_, and consequently refer to a late period of the empire.]

[Footnote 411: Cantium contained the present county of Kent, as far as the Rother, except a small district in which Holwood Hill is situated, and which belonged to the Rhemi.]

[Footnote 412: Rochester.]

[Footnote 413: Canterbury.]

[Footnote 414: Dover.]

[Footnote 415: Situated on the Lymne.]

[Footnote 416: Reculver.]

[Footnote 417: Richborough.]

[Footnote 418: The Medway.]

[Footnote 419: The Stour.]

[Footnote 420: A rivulet at Dover.]

[Footnote 421: The Rother.]

[Footnote 422: The North Foreland.]

[Footnote 423: The Bibroci, Rhemi, or Regni, inhabited part of Hants, and of Berks, Sussex, Surrey, and a small portion of Kent.]

[Footnote 424: Uncertain. Stukeley calls it Bibrox, Bibrax, or the Bibracte of the Itinerary.]

[Footnote 425: Chichester.]

[Footnote 426: Holwood Hill.]

[Footnote 427: Pevensey.]

[Footnote 428: Part of Hants, and Berks.]

[Footnote 429: Silchester. For the proofs that this place was the site of Calleva see the Commentary on the Itinerary.]

[Footnote 430: Kennet.]

[Footnote 431: Part of Hants, and Berks.]

[Footnote 432: Probably Egbury Camp.]

[Footnote 433: The Belgae occupied those parts of Hants and Wilts not held by the Segontiaci.]

[Footnote 434: This is an error: the ancient Clausentum was at Bittern, on the Itchin, opposite Northam.]

[Footnote 435: Portchester.]

[Footnote 436: Winchester.]

[Footnote 437: Old Sarum.]

[Footnote 438: This passage as printed in the original is very obscure; but the meaning is supplied by Caesar, from whom it is taken, and a subsequent page where Richard mentions the same fact.--_Vide the Chronology in_ b. ii. c. i. sect. 9.]

[Footnote 439: Thames.]

[Footnote 440: There was a tribe of Celts called Senones seated on the banks of the Seine as late as the time of Caesar, and this was one of the tribes who marched with Brennus against Rome. But we cannot discover from whence Richard drew his information that these Senones originally emigrated from Britain, leaving their country to be occupied by the Belgae.]

[Footnote 441: Nearly all Somersetshire.]

[Footnote 442: Ilchester.]

[Footnote 443: Glastonbury.]

[Footnote 444: Bath.]

[Footnote 445: This is drawn from Solinus, who speaks of Britain in general. We know not on what authority it was applied by Richard to Bath.]

[Footnote 446: Maiden Castle, near Dorchester.]

[Footnote 447: Isle of Portland.]

[Footnote 448: Part of Somerset and Devon.]

[Footnote 449: The Parret.]

[Footnote 450: Uncertain,--probably in Devonshire.]

[Footnote 451: Ibid.]

[Footnote 452: Lundy Island.]

[Footnote 453: Part of Cornwall.]

[Footnote 454: Near Stratton.]

[Footnote 455: Carnbre.]

[Footnote 456: Land's End, and Lizard Point.]

[Footnote 457: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and part of Somerset.]

[Footnote 458: Probably near Bridgewater.]

[Footnote 459: On the Tamar.]

[Footnote 460: On the Fowey.]

[Footnote 461: On the Fal.]

[Footnote 462: Exeter.]

[Footnote 463: Ex.]

[Footnote 464: The Dart.]

[Footnote 465: Tamar.]

[Footnote 466: The Fal.]

[Footnote 467: Probably Berry Head.]

[Footnote 468: Lizard Point.]

[Footnote 469: Ram Head.]

[Footnote 470: Scilly Isles.]

[Footnote 471: Severn.]

[Footnote 472: Dee.]

[Footnote 473: The Silures, with their two dependent tribes, the Dimetiae and the Ordovices, possessed all the country to the west of the Severn and the Dee, together with the island of Anglesey.

"Of these territories the Dimetiae had the counties of Pembroke, Cardigan, and Caermarthen; while the Silures possessed all the rest of South Wales, as well as such parts of England as lay to the west of the Severn and to the South of the Teme: while the Ordovices occupied all North Wales, as well as all the country to the North of the Teme, and to the West of the Severn and the Dee, except a small tract to the West of Bangor and Penmorvay, which together with the isle of Anglesey belonged to their subordinate clan the Cangani."]

[Footnote 474: Rose or Berry Hill, in Weston.]

[Footnote 475: Kentchester.]

[Footnote 476: Abergavenny.]

[Footnote 477: Caerwent.]

[Footnote 478: Caerleon on Usk.]

[Footnote 479: Richborough in Kent.]

[Footnote 480: Anglesey.]

[Footnote 481: St. David's Head.]

[Footnote 482: XXX milliarium.]

[Footnote 483: St. David's.]

[Footnote 484: Caermarthen.]

[Footnote 485: Llanio Issau on the Teivi.]

[Footnote 486: On the bank of the Tanat.]

[Footnote 487: Near Lentwardine.]

[Footnote 488: Caer Segont.]

[Footnote 489: Brach y Pwyl Point.]

[Footnote 490: Anglesey.]

[Footnote 491: The Conway.]

[Footnote 492: Dee.]

[Footnote 493: Snowdon.]

[Footnote 494: The territory of the Carnabii was bounded on the north by the Mersey, west by the Severn, east by part of the Watling Street, and to the south by Staffordshire.]

[Footnote 495: Benonis; High Cross.]

[Footnote 496: Wall.]

[Footnote 497: Banchor.]

[Footnote 498: Wroxeter.]

[Footnote 499: Chester.]

[Footnote 500: The _Dobuni_ were bounded on the west by the Severn, on the south by the Thames, on the east by the Charwell, and on the north by the Carnabii.

The _Cassii_, bounded on the south by the Thames, on the west by the Dobuni, on the east by the Trent, and on the north by the Iceni.]

[Footnote 501: Droitwich.]

[Footnote 502: Near Lentwardine.]

[Footnote 503: Alcester.]

[Footnote 504: Cirencester in Gloucestershire.]

[Footnote 505: Gloucester.]

[Footnote 506: Dunstable.]

[Footnote 507: Old St. Albans.]

[Footnote 508: Colchester.]

[Footnote 509: London.]

[Footnote 510: It stretched from the Thames to the Stour on the north, and on the west to the Brent and the Ouse.]

[Footnote 511: This temple with its ornaments is mentioned in Tacitus.]

[Footnote 512: Sturius, the Stour.]

[Footnote 513: Castor near Chesterton.]

[Footnote 514: Castor near Norwich.]

[Footnote 515: Cambridge.]

[Footnote 516: Part of the Suffolk Coast.]

[Footnote 517: The Yar.]

[Footnote 518: The Stour.]

[Footnote 519: The Nen.]

[Footnote 520: Boston Deep.]

[Footnote 521: In the map given by Bertram these people are called the Coritani. They seem to have inhabited Lincoln, Leicester, and Nottingham.]

[Footnote 522: Calyddon means coverts or thickets.]

[Footnote 523: B. iii. ch. 10, where, speaking of Caesar, he says, "Caledonias sequutus in sylvas."]

[Footnote 524: Leicester.]

[Footnote 525: Lincoln.]

[Footnote 526: Trent.]

[Footnote 527: The Humber.]

[Footnote 528: The Mersey.]

[Footnote 529: Part of the East Riding of York.]

[Footnote 530: Spurn Head.]

[Footnote 531: Flamborough Head.]

[Footnote 532: Broughton on Humber.]

[Footnote 533: Near Bridlington Bay.]

[Footnote 534: Their territory stretched from the bounds of the Parisii northward to the Tine, and from the Humber and Don to the mountains of Lancashire, Westmoreland and Cumberland.]

[Footnote 535: Lanchester.]

[Footnote 536: Binchester.]

[Footnote 537: Slack.]

[Footnote 538: Catteric.]

[Footnote 539: Galgacum, uncertain.]

[Footnote 540: Ilkley.]

[Footnote 541: Aldborough.]

[Footnote 542: York.]

[Footnote 543: Probably from the Ure, which receives the name of Ouse above York, on its junction with the Nid.]

[Footnote 544: Trent.]

[Footnote 545: To the Voluntii belonged the western part of Lancashire; and to the Sistuntii, the west of Westmoreland and Cumberland as far as the wall.]

[Footnote 546: Hence, in Sec. 31, they are called one people.]

[Footnote 547: Ribchester.]

[Footnote 548: Blackrode.]

[Footnote 549: Carlisle.]

[Footnote 550: The wall of Severus. The exact site of the barrier erected by Severus against the northern tribes, has furnished matter of dispute to many of our antiquaries. The researches of others, particularly Horsley, have, however, set this question at rest. From their information, joined to the scanty evidence of history, it has been proved that three walls or ramparts were erected by the Romans at different times, to secure the northern frontier of their dominions in Britain.

The first was a rampart of earth, from the Solway Frith to the Tine, raised by Hadrian about the year 120; but its form and construction have not been satisfactorily ascertained. It was, however, evidently nothing more than a line intended to obstruct the passage of an enemy between the stations which constituted the real defences of the frontier.

The second was raised by Lollius Urbicus under the reign of Antoninus Pius, about 140, between the Friths of Forth and Clyde. This was likewise of earth, though perhaps faced with stone, and, like that of Hadrian, seems to have been intended as a line connecting the chain of stations, which formed a new barrier on the advance of the Roman arms. In the course of both these was a military road communicating from station to station.

The last and most important is that begun by Severus, after his expedition against the Caledonians, about 208. It runs nearly over the same ground as that of Hadrian; but is a complete and well combined system of fortification. From an examination of its remains it appears to have been built of stone, fifteen feet high and nine thick. It had parapet and ditch, a military road, and was defended by eighteen greater stations placed at intervals of three to six miles; eighty-three castles at intervals of six to eight furlongs, and, as it is imagined, a considerable number of turrets placed at shorter distances.

Either from superior sagacity or superior information, Richard clearly distinguishes these three walls, which so much puzzled later writers, though it must be confessed that in other places he has suffered himself to be led into some errors in regard to their situation, and the persons by whom they were erected.--See b. ii. ch. 1, sect. 22, 27, 36, 37; ch. 2, sect. 17, 23. For a detailed account of these works the reader is referred to _Horsley's Britannia Romana_; _Warburton's Account of the Roman Wall_; _Hutchinson's Northumberland_; _Roy's Military Antiquities_; _Hutton's Account of the Roman Wall_.]

[Footnote 551: These were the Helvetii, whose emigration is mentioned in _Caes. Comm. de Bell. Gal. lib._ i. We have not discovered from what authority Richard draws his account of their emigration to Ireland.]

[Footnote 552: Caracalla.]

[Footnote 553: The Gadeni appear to have occupied the midland parts from the wall probably as far as the Forth.]

[Footnote 554: Uncertain.]

[Footnote 555: The Ottadini stretched along the eastern coast, from the wall as far as the Frith of Forth, and were bounded on the west by the Gadeni.]

[Footnote 556: Ribchester.]

[Footnote 557: Tweed.]

[Footnote 558: The Coquet.]

[Footnote 559: The North and South Tine.]

[Footnote 560: The Selgovae appear to have occupied all the shire of Dumfries, and part of Kirkudbright.]

[Footnote 561: Drumlanrig, or Kirkudbright.]

[Footnote 562: Uncertain.]

[Footnote 563: Birrenswork Hill.]

[Footnote 564: Nith.]

[Footnote 565: The Dee.]

[Footnote 566: The Eden.]

[Footnote 567: The Novantes held the south-western district of Scotland, from the Dee to the Mull of Galloway; that is, the west of Kirkudbright and Wigtown, and part of the Carrick division of Ayr.]

[Footnote 568: Rens of Galloway. It is not, however, more than eighteen miles from the nearest part of Ireland.]

[Footnote 569: By an error in the geographical or astronomical observations preserved by Ptolemy, the latitudes north of this point appear to have been mistaken for the longitudes, and consequently this part of Britain is thrown to the east.]

[Footnote 570: Wigtown, _Horsley_. Whithern, _Stukeley_, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 571: The Luce.]

[Footnote 572: Cree, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 573: Dee.]

[Footnote 574: The Lothers.]

[Footnote 575: Paisley, or Renfrew, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 576: Friths of Forth and Clyde.]

[Footnote 577: These people inhabited the principal part of what are called the Lowlands. Their territories beyond the Isthmus evidently stretched as far as the Grampians, consisting of great part of Ayr, all Renfrew and Lanark, a considerable part of Stirling, and perhaps Linlithgow.]

[Footnote 578: See page 448.]

[Footnote 579: Tay.]

[Footnote 580: It may perhaps appear superfluous to refer the antiquary to Roy's masterly Commentary on the campaigns of Agricola in this part of Britain; but it will scarcely be deemed so to observe, that we see few instances in which military and local knowledge are so well applied to the elucidation of antiquities.]

[Footnote 581: The Horestii occupied Clackmannan and Kinross, and part of Perth as far as the Tay. To them belonged likewise all the country stretching from the Grampians to Loch Lomond.]

[Footnote 582: Uncertain.]

[Footnote 583: Ardoch.]

[Footnote 584: Dealgin Ross.]

[Footnote 585: The Vecturones occupied the eastern part of Perth, Forfar, Kincardin, and part of Aberdeen.]

[Footnote 586: Bertha, or Old Perth.]

[Footnote 587: South Esk.]

[Footnote 588: Tine.]

[Footnote 589: The Taixali held the eastern coast of Aberdeen, apparently as far as Kinnaird Head.]

[Footnote 590: Probably Old Aberdeen.]

[Footnote 591: Dee.]

[Footnote 592: Ithan.]

[Footnote 593: Kinnaird Head.]

[Footnote 594: The Vacomagi were spread over an extensive region west of the Taixali and north of the Grampians, comprising a considerable part of Aberdeen, all Banff, Murray, Elgin, and Nairn, with the north-east of Inverness.]

[Footnote 595: On the Spey.]

[Footnote 596: Brae Mar Castle.]

[Footnote 597: Uncertain, but near the Ness; perhaps Inverness or Bonness.]

[Footnote 598: Burgh Head.]

[Footnote 599: Murray Frith.]

[Footnote 600: Spey.]

[Footnote 601: Dovern.]

[Footnote 602: The Damnii Albani may have been a remnant of the Damnii, who, after the erection of the wall, being cut off from the rest of their tribe, were gradually circumscribed by the neighbouring people, to Braidalbane, and a small part of the west of Perth and east of Argyle.]

[Footnote 603: The Attacotti occupied a considerable part of Argyle, as far as Lochfyn.]

[Footnote 604: Loch Lomond.]

[Footnote 605: Dumbarton. It was afterwards called Theodosia.]

[Footnote 606: It must be confessed that the information preserved by Richard, in regard to this remote part of our island, is extremely obscure, and that his descriptions will only assist us in guessing at the situation of the different tribes. Perhaps this can scarcely be deemed extraordinary, when we consider how imperfectly the interior of this country is known even at present.]

[Footnote 607: The country of the proper Caledonians was the central part of Inverness and Ross.]

[Footnote 608: The Cantae seem to have held Cromarty and East Ross.]

[Footnote 609: Frith of Cromartie, _Stukeley_. Loth R. _Roy._]

[Footnote 610: Tarbet Ness, _Stukeley_. Ord Head, Caithness, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 611: Frith of Dornoch, _Stukeley_.]

[Footnote 612: The Logi seem to have held the south-east of Strathnavern, and north-east of Sutherland.]

[Footnote 613: All, _Stukeley_. Shiel, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 614: The Carnabii inhabited part of Caithness, the north of Ross, and central part of Sutherland.]

[Footnote 615: Ness or Noss Head, _Stukeley_.]

[Footnote 616: The Catini held part of Caithness and the east of Sutherland.]

[Footnote 617: The Mertae held the country comprised between the Catini and Carnabii.]

[Footnote 618: Dunnet Head, _Stukeley_. Duncansby Head, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 619: Navern.]

[Footnote 620: The Carnonacae seem to have held the detached portion of Cromarty, situated near Loch Broom, and a small part on the border of Sutherland.]

[Footnote 621: Cape Wrath.]

[Footnote 622: Loch Broom.]

[Footnote 623: The Cerones held the north-west part of Ross;--the Creones south-west of Ross and Inverness, and a part of Argyle.]

[Footnote 624: Shiel, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 625: Loch Loch, _Stukeley_. Linnhe Loch, _Roy_.]

[Footnote 626: Lochfyn.]

[Footnote 627: The Epidii probably occupied the Western part of Argyle, as far as the Mull of Cantyr, and were bounded on one side by the sea and on the other by Lochfyn.]

CHAP. VII.

The different parts of Britain having been cursorily examined according to my original design, it seems necessary, before I proceed to a description of the islands, to attend to a doubt suggested by a certain person.[628] "Where," asks he, "are the vestiges of those cities and names which you commemorate? There are none." This question may be answered by another: Where are now the Assyrians, Parthians, Sarmatians, Celtiberians? None will be bold enough to deny the existence of those nations. Are there not also at this time many countries and cities bearing the same names as they did two or three thousand years ago? Judea, Italy, Gaul, Britain, are as clearly known now as in former times; Londinium is still styled in the common language, with a slight change of sound, London. The negligence and inattention of our ancestors in omitting to collect and preserve such documents as might have been serviceable in this particular, are not deserving of heavy censure, for scarcely any but those in holy orders employed themselves in writing books, and such even esteemed it inconsistent with their sacred office to engage in such profane labours. I rather think I may without danger, and without offence, transmit to posterity that information which I have drawn from a careful examination and accurate scrutiny of ancient records concerning the state of this kingdom in former periods. The good abbat, indeed, had nearly inspired me with other sentiments, by thus seeming to address me: Are you ignorant how short a time is allotted us in this world; that the greatest exertions cannot exempt us from the appellation of unprofitable servants; and that all our studies should be directed to the purpose of being useful to others? Of what service are these things, but to delude the world with unmeaning trifles? To these remarks I answer with propriety. Is then every honest gratification forbidden? Do not such narratives exhibit proofs of Divine Providence? Does it not hence appear, that an evangelical sermon concerning the death and merits of Christ enlightened and subdued a world overrun with Gentile superstitions? To the reply, that such things are properly treated of in systems of chronology, I rejoin: Nor is it too much to know that our ancestors were not, as some assert, Autochthones, sprung from the earth; but that God opened the book of nature to display his omnipotence, such as it is described in the writings of Moses. When the abbat answered, that works which were intended merely to acquire reputation for their authors from posterity, should be committed to the flames, I confess with gratitude that I repented of this undertaking. The remainder of the work is therefore only a chronological abridgment, which I present to the reader, whom I commend to the goodness and protection of God; and at the same time request, that he will pray for me to our holy Father, who is merciful and inclined to forgiveness.

The following Itinerary is collected from certain fragments left by a Roman general. The order is changed in some instances, according to Ptolemy and others, and it is hoped, with improvement.

* * * * *

Among the Britons were formerly ninety-two cities, of which thirty-three were more celebrated and conspicuous. Two municipal,[629] Verolamium;[630] and Eboracum.[631] Nine colonial;[632] namely, Londinium[633] _Augusta_, Camalodunum[634] _Geminae Martiae_, Rhutupis,[635] ***** Thermae[636] _Aquae Solis_, Isca[637] _Secunda_, Deva[638] Getica, Glevum[639] _Claudia_, Lindum,[640] **** Camboricum[641]. **** Ten cities under the Latian law:[642] namely, Durnomagus,[643] Cataracton,[644] Cambodunum,[645] Coccium,[646] Lugubalia,[647] Ptoroton,[648] Victoria,[649] Theodosia,[650] Corinum,[651] Sorbiodunum.[652] Twelve stipendiary[653] and of lesser consequence; Venta Silurum,[654] Venta Belgarum,[655] Venta Icenorum,[656] Segontium,[657] Maridunum,[658] Ragae,[659] Cantiopolis,[660] Durinum,[661] Isca,[662] Bremenium,[663] Vindonum,[664] and Durobrivae.[665] But let no one lightly imagine that the Romans had not many others besides those above-mentioned. I have only commemorated the more celebrated. For who can doubt that they who, as conquerors of the world, were at liberty to choose, did not select places fitted for their purposes? They for the most part took up their abode in fortresses which they constructed for themselves.

(The Itinerary, which follows here in the original Latin, being a dry list of names, is omitted. See the Appendix, No. I.)

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 628: These remarks prove how much Richard rose superior to the prejudices of his age and his profession. From the tone which he assumes, it is however, evident that he found it advisable to yield to the remonstrances of his superior.]

[Footnote 629: Municipia were towns whose inhabitants possessed in general all the rights of Roman citizens, except those which could not be enjoyed without an actual residence at Rome. They followed their own laws and customs, and had the option of adopting or rejecting those of Rome.--_Rosini Antiq. Rom._ b. x. c. 23.]

[Footnote 630: St. Alban's.]

[Footnote 631: York.]

[Footnote 632: There were different kinds of colonies, each entitled to different rights and privileges; but we have no criterion to ascertain the rank occupied by those in Britain.]

[Footnote 633: London.]

[Footnote 634: Colchester.]

[Footnote 635: Richborough in Kent.]

[Footnote 636: Bath.]

[Footnote 637: Caerleon.]

[Footnote 638: Chester.]

[Footnote 639: Gloucester.]

[Footnote 640: Lincoln.]

[Footnote 641: Cambridge.]

[Footnote 642: The Latian law consisted of the privileges granted to the ancient inhabitants of Latium. These are not distinctly known; but appear principally to have been the right of following their own laws, an exemption from the edicts of the Roman praetor, and the option of adopting the laws and customs of Rome.--_Rosini._]

[Footnote 643: Castor on Nen.]

[Footnote 644: Catteric.]

[Footnote 645: Slack.]

[Footnote 646: Blackrode.]

[Footnote 647: Carlisle.]

[Footnote 648: Burgh Head, Elgin, Scotland.]

[Footnote 649: Dealgin Ross.]

[Footnote 650: Dumbarton.]

[Footnote 651: Cirencester, Gloc.]

[Footnote 652: Old Sarum.]

[Footnote 653: The stipendiary were those who paid their taxes in money, in contradistinction from those who gave a certain portion of the produce of the soil, and were called Vectigales.--_Rosini._]

[Footnote 654: Caerwent, Monmouth.]

[Footnote 655: Winchester.]

[Footnote 656: Castor, near Norwich.]

[Footnote 657: Caer Segont.]

[Footnote 658: Caermarthen.]

[Footnote 659: Leicester.]

[Footnote 660: Canterbury.]

[Footnote 661: Dorchester.]

[Footnote 662: Exeter.]

[Footnote 663: Riechester, Northumberland.]

[Footnote 664: Possibly Egbury camp, Hants.]

[Footnote 665: Rochester.]

CHAP. VIII.

1. Having now finished our survey of Albion, we shall describe the neighbouring country, Hibernia or Ireland, with the same brevity.

2. Hibernia is situated more westerly than any other country except England; but as it does not extend so far north, so it stretches further than England towards the south, and the Spanish province of Tarraconensis, from which it is separated by the ocean.[666]

3. The sea which flows between Britain and Hibernia is subject to storms, and according to Solinus, is navigable only during a few days in summer. Midway between the two countries is the island called Monoeda,[667] but now Manavia.

4. According to Bede, Hibernia is preferable to Britain, on account of its situation, salubrity, and serene air, insomuch that snow seldom remains more than three days, nor is it usual to make hay for the winter, or build stalls for cattle.

5. No reptile is found there, nor does it maintain a viper or serpent; for serpents frequently carried from England have died on approaching the shore. Indeed almost all things in the island are antidotes to poison. We have seen an infusion of scraped pieces of bark brought from Hibernia, given to persons bitten by serpents, which immediately deprived the poison of its force, and abated the swelling.

6. This island, according to the venerable Bede, is rich in milk and honey; nor is it without vines. It abounds with fish and birds, and affords deer and goats for the chase.

7. The inhabitants, says Mela, are more than other nations uncivilized and without virtue, and those who have a little knowledge are wholly destitute of piety. Solinus calls them an inhospitable and warlike people. The conquerors, after drinking the blood of the slain, daub their faces with the remainder. They know no distinction between right and wrong. When a woman brings forth a son, she places its first food on the point of her husband's sword, and, introducing it into the mouth of the infant, wishes according to the custom of the country, that he may die amidst arms and in battle. Those who are fond of ornaments adorn the hilts of their swords with the teeth of marine animals, which they polish to a degree of whiteness equal to ivory; for the principal glory of a man consists in the splendour of his arms.

8. Agrippa states the length of Hibernia to be six hundred miles, and the breadth three hundred. It was formerly inhabited by twenty tribes, of whom (_fourteen_[668]) lived on the coast.

9. This is the true country of the Scots, who emigrating from hence added a third nation to the Britons and Picts in Albion. But I cannot agree with Bede, who affirms that the Scots were foreigners. For, according to the testimony of other authors, I conceive they derived their origin from Britain, situated at no considerable distance, passed over from thence, and obtained a settlement in this island. It is certain that the Damnii, Voluntii, Brigantes, Cangi, and other nations, were descended from the Britons, and passed over thither after Divitiacus, or Claudius, or Ostorius, or other victorious generals had invaded their original countries. Lastly, the ancient language which resembles the old British and Gallic tongues, affords another argument, as is well known to persons skilled in both languages.[669]

10. The Deucaledonian Ocean washes the northern side of Hibernia; the Vergivian and Internal the eastern, the Cantabric the south, as the great British or Atlantic Ocean does the western. According to this order, we shall give a description of the island and the most remarkable places.

11. The Rhobogdii occupied the coast of the island next to the Deucaledonian Sea. Their metropolis was Rhobogdium. In the eastern part of their territories was situated the promontory of the same name; in the Western the Promontorium Boreum, or Northern Promontory. Their rivers were the Banna, Darabouna, Argitta, and Vidua; and towards the south, mountains separated them from the Scotti.

12. On the coast between the northern and Venicnian Promontory, and as far as the mouth of the Rhebeus, dwelt the Venicnii. To them the contiguous islands owe their name. Their capital was Rheba. The Nagnatae dwelt below the Rhebeus as far as the Libnius, and their celebrated metropolis was called after them. The Auterii lived in a recess of the bay of Ausoba, towards the south, and their chief city was named after them. The Concangii occupied the lower part of the same region, near the southern confines of which flowed the river Senus, a noble river, on which was situated their chief city Macobicum. Hibernia in this part being contracted, terminates in a narrow point. The Velatorii inhabited the country near the southern promontory by the river Senus; their metropolis was Regia, and their river Durius. The Lucani were situated where the river Ibernus flows into the ocean.

13. The southern side of the island stretched from the Promontorium Austriacum, or Southern Promontory, to the Sacred Promontory. Here lived the Ibernii, whose metropolis was Rhufina. Next was the river Dobona, and the people called Vodiae, whose promontory of the same name lies opposite to the Promontorium Antivestaeum in England, at about the distance of one hundred and forty-five miles. Not far from thence is the river Dabrona, the boundary of the Brigantes, who have also the river Briga for their limit, and whose chief city is called Brigantia.

14. The part of this island which reaches from the Sacred Promontory as far as Rhobogdium is called the Eastern. The Menapii, inhabiting the Sacred Promontory, had their chief city upon the river Modona called by the same name. From this part to Menapia[670] in Dimetia, the distance, according to Pliny, is thirty miles. One of these countries, but which is uncertain, gave birth to Carausius. Beyond these people the Cauci had their metropolis Dunum [Down]; and the river Oboca washed their boundaries. Both these nations were undoubtedly of Teutonic origin; but it is not known at what precise time their ancestors first passed over, though most probably a little while before Caesar's arrival in Britain.

15. Beyond these were the Eblanae, whose chief city was Mediolanum, upon the river Loebius. More to the north was Lebarum, the city of the Voluntii, whose rivers were Vinderus and Buvinda. The Damnii occupied the part of the island lying above these people, and contiguous to the Rhobogdii. Their chief city was Dunum [Down], where St. Patrick, St. Columba, and St. Bridget are supposed to be buried in one tomb.

16. It remains now to give some account of those people who lived in the interior parts. The Coriondii bordered upon the Cauci and Menapii, above the Brigantes; the Scotti possessed the remaining part of the island, which from them took the name of Scotia. Among many of their cities, the remembrance of two only has reached our times: the one Rheba, on the lake and river Rhebeus; the other Ibernia, situated at the east side of the river Senus.

17. I cannot omit mentioning in this place that the Damnii, Voluntii, Brigantes, and Cangiani were all nations of British origin, who being either molested by neighbouring enemies, or unable to pay the heavy tribute exacted of them, gradually passed over into this country in search of new settlements. With respect to the Menapii, Cauci, and some other people, it has been before remarked that many things occur which cannot safely be relied upon. Tacitus relates that Hibernia was more frequented by foreigners than Albion. But in that case, the ancients would undoubtedly have left us a more ample and credible account of this island. While I am writing a description of Hibernia, it seems right to add, that it was reduced under the Roman power, not by arms, but by fear: and moreover, that Ptolemy, in his second map of Europe, and other celebrated geographers, have erred in placing it at too great a distance from Britain, and from the northern part of the province Secunda, as appears from their books and maps.

18. North of Hibernia are the Hebudes, five[671] in number, the inhabitants of which know not the use of corn, but live on fish and milk. They are all, according to Solinus, subject to one chief, for they are only divided from each other by narrow straits. The chief possessed no peculiar property but was maintained by general contribution: he was bound by certain laws; and lest avarice should seduce him from equity, he learned justice from poverty, having no house nor property, and being maintained at the public expense. He had no wife; but took by turns any woman for whom he felt an inclination, and hence had neither a wish nor hope for children. Some persons have written concerning these Hebudes, that during winter darkness continues for the space of thirty days? but Caesar upon diligent inquiry found this assertion untrue, and only discovered by certain water-measures of time that the nights were shorter here than in Gaul.

19. The Orcades, according to some accounts, are distant from the Hebudes seven days and nights' sail; but this is erroneous. They are thirty in number, and contiguous to each other. They were uninhabited, without wood, and abounded with reeds: several were formed only of sand and rocks, as may be collected from Solinus and others.

20. Thule, the last of the British isles, is placed by Mela opposite to[672] the coast of the Belgae. It has been celebrated in Greek and Roman verse. Thus the Mantuan Homer says,--

"Et tibi serviat ultima Thule."

Here are no nights during the solstice when the sun passes the sign of Cancer; and on the other hand, in the winter there are no days, as Pliny asserts. These circumstances are supposed to happen for six whole months. The inhabitants, as Solinus affirms, in the beginning of the spring live among their cattle upon herbs, then upon milk, and lay up fruits against the winter. They have their women in common without marriages. Thule, according to the same author, abounds in fruits. At the distance of a day's sail from Thule the sea is difficult to pass through, and frozen; it is by some called Cronium. From Thule to Caledonia is two days' sail.

21. The isle of Thanatos[673] is bounded by a narrow channel, and separated from the continent of Britain by a small estuary called the Wantsum.[674] It is rich in pasture and corn. According to Isiodorus, its soil is not only salubrious to itself, but to others, for no snakes live in it, and the earth being carried to a distance destroys them. It is not far distant from Rhutupis.[675]

22. The isle of Vecta,[676] conquered by Vespasian, is thirty miles in length, on the side next to the Belgae, from east to west, and twelve from north to south. In the eastern part it is six miles, in the western three, from the above-mentioned southern shore of Britain.

23. Besides the isles just specified, there were VII Acmodae,[677] Ricnea,[677A] Silimnus,[677B] Andros,[677C] Sigdiles,[677D] XL Vindilios,[677E] Sarna,[678] Caesarea,[679] and Cassiterides.[680]

24. The island Sena, opposite the Ossismican[681] coast, is according to Mela famous for the oracle of the Gallic deity, of whom the priestesses, sanctified by perpetual virginity, are said to have been nine in number. The Gauls call them Senae, and suppose them gifted with singular powers; that they raise the winds and the seas with incantations, change themselves into what animals they please, and cure disorders which in other places yield to no remedy; that they have the knowledge of future events, and prophesy. They are not favourable except to mariners, and only to such as go thither for the purpose of consulting them.

25. The rest of the isles of smaller size and consequence which lie round Albion will be better perceived and known by the inspection of the annexed map[682] than from any description. Here, therefore, we stop, and anxiously commend our labours to the favour and judgment of the benevolent reader.

The first book of the geographical Commentary on the situation of Britain, and those stations which the Romans erected in that island, is happily finished, through the assistance of God, by the hand of Richard, servant of Christ and monk of Westminster. Thanks be to God!

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 666: As we have neither the assistance of an Itinerary to guide us in our researches, nor a local knowledge of Ireland, we have not attempted to specify the situation of the ancient states and cities in that island.]

[Footnote 667: Man.]

[Footnote 668: In the original is an error in the numerals, the number afterwards specified is fourteen.]

[Footnote 669: Nearly one-third of the words in the Irish tongue are the same as the modern Welsh, and many idioms and modes of speech are common to both languages.]

[Footnote 670: St. David's.]

[Footnote 671: The Hebudes amount to more than five. From hence it may perhaps be inferred that the Roman fleet in their voyage of discovery did not reach these seas, though they coasted the northern part of Scotland, for the Orcades are rightly numbered.]

[Footnote 672: Littori apposita, Richard. From the sense in which this phrase is generally used in geography, it might be rendered _under the same meridian_.]

[Footnote 673: Thanet.]

[Footnote 674: See Bede's Eccles. Hist. p. 37, note.]

[Footnote 675: Richborough.]

[Footnote 676: Wight.]

[Footnotes 677-677E: No geographer has hitherto attempted to ascertain the modern names of these islands.]

[Footnote 678: Guernsey.]

[Footnote 679: Jersey.]

[Footnote 680: Scilly Isles.]

[Footnote 681: From a tribe of the Veneti called Ossismii, who inhabited part of Bretagne.]

[Footnote 682: The map being no longer of any use, has been omitted in this edition.]