NOTE I.

EARLY ENGLISH WRITERS.

(See p. 37.)

In the seventh century, a desire of learning began to be generally diffused among the Anglo-Saxons. Their most eminent scholars were Gildas, Bede, Asser, and Alcuin; their most popular poets, the bards Coodmon and Aldhelm.

NOTE J.

BEDE, THE HISTORIAN.

(See p. 37.)

Of this fact, a brighter example cannot be adduced than that of the venerable Bede. Both ancient and modern authors have bestowed the highest encomiums upon the learning of this extraordinary man.

His works are many, but the most valuable is his Ecclesiastical History of the Anglo-Saxons, consisting of five books, from whence the more perfect part of our early national history is derived. He was born in 672, and died at the age of 63.

NOTE K.

ASSER, BISHOP OF SHERBORNE, KING ALFRED'S BIOGRAPHER.

(See p. 38.)

The merits of Alfred are supported by a degree of evidence which seldom attends the character of ancient days. He had the advantage of possessing a literary friend in Asser, Bishop of Sherborne, who wrote some biographical sketches of his great master's life and manners. He was contemporary with Alfred, and the most authentic historian of that king.-See S. Turner's Anglo-Saxons, vol. i. p. 193.

NOTE L.

INFLUENCE OF QUEEN JUDITH OVER HER SON.

(See p. 39.)

"Alfred returning to Queen Judith, eagerly enquired if she actually intended to give the book to the person who would soonest learn to read His mother, repeating the promise with a smile of joy at the question, the young prince

it.

took the book, found out an instructor, and learned to read. When his modesty had crowned his wishes with success, he recited its contents to her."-Asser, p. 17.

NOTE M.

LITERARY PRODUCTIONS OF ALFRED THE GREAT.

(See p. 40.)

Of the books which this king translated, the principal are, the General History of Orosius,' -the Anglo-Saxon History of Bede,' the Treatises of Boetius de Consolatione Philosophiæ,' and the Pastoralis Cura of Gregory.' He is also said to have translated into his native tongue many portions of the Bible; and, William of Malmsbury asserts, a great part likewise of the Roman compositions. His fondness for poetry continued with him through life. Sharon Turner, vol. ii. p. 286.

NOTE N.

MATILDA, CONSORT OF KING STEPHEN.

(See p. 45.)

A contemporary historian, who was connected by blood both with the English and Normans, thus quaintly eulogises this princess :-"A woman made for the proportion of both fortunes; in adversity not dejected-in prosperity not elated: while her husband was at liberty, a woman ;during his durance, as it were a man; acting his part for him when he was restrained from acting it himself—not looking that fortune should fall into her lap, but industrious to procure it."-William of Malmsbury, fol. 107.

NOTE O.

ST. KATHERINE'S HOSPITAL.

(See p. 46.)

St. Katherine's Hospital, as originally founded, was built on the banks of the Thames, adjoining the Tower, but it having been found expedient to

take down the ancient church to form the new St. Katherine's Docks, the establishment was removed to the Regent's Park, where the newlyerected buildings, and the very elegant abode appropriated to the master, forms a most striking object.

By a reservation in the reign of Eleanor, wife of King Edward the First, who was a great benefactress to this charity; the patronage was vested in the Queens Consort of England, and her most gracious majesty, Queen Adelaide, is the thirtieth royal patroness who in succession have enjoyed the privileges thus early secured to them.-Pennant's London, p. 84.

NOTE P.

FIRMNESS OF THE EMPRESS MATILDA, MOTHER OF KING HENRY THE FIRST.

(See p. 48.)

Matilda's foresight induced her at the commencement of her son's reign to dissuade him from exalting Beckett to the prelacy; and thirteen months elapsed before the archbishop could secure his appointment to the vacant see. In after years, when the struggle