which, accordingly, happened to be the case. For, having laid waste part of Cleveland, he suddenly ravaged Heorternisse, and thence making a fierce incursion upon the lands of Saint Cuthbert,40 deprived all of the whole of their property, and some even of their lives. In addition to this, he consumed the church of Saint Peter the Apostle, at Wearmouth, with flames which were kindled by his men in his own presence ; other churches also he burned to the ground, together with those who had taken refuge in them. While riding near the banks of the river, and from an elevated spot looking down upon the cruelties inflicted by his men upon the wretched English, and satiating his mind and his eyes with this sight of horror, word was brought to him that the Clito Edgar and his sisters, comely young women of royal blood, with many others, very wealthy fugitives from their country, had taken refuge in that harbour. On this, after interchanging courtesies with them, he kindly addressed them when they came, and gave to them and all their attendants, with the strongest assurances of peace, an asylum in his dominions for as long a period as they should think fit. Amid these depredations inflicted by the Scots, earl Cospatric, who, as already mentioned, had purchased the earldom of Northumbria of king William for a sum of money, having obtained the aid of some active allies, ravaged Cumberland with dreadful havoc ; and then, having laid waste the country with fire and sword, returned with a large quantity of spoil, and shut himself and his followers within the strong fortifications of Bebbanburgh ;41 whence frequently sallying forth, he greatly weakened the enemy's strength. At this period Cumberland was subject to king Malcolm; not by rightful possession, but in consequence of having been subjugated by force. Malcolm, on hearing what Cospatric had done (while ho was still looking at the church of Saint Peter burning amid the flames kindled by his own men), could hardly contain himself for anger, and commanded his men no longer to spare any individual of the English nation, but either to strike them to the earth and slay them, or, making them prisoners, carry them off, doomed to the yoke of perpetual slavery. The troops having received this sanction, it was dreadful even to 40 In the north of Northumberland. 41 Bamborough. 146 ANNALS OF ROGER BE HOVEDEN. A.n. 1070.