THE SAXONS.

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these causes, as well as from their common interest, c h a p.to unite themselves against the ancient inhabitants. i.The resistance however, though unequal, wasstill maintained by the Britons; but became everyclay more feeble : Andthcir calamities admittedof few intervals , till they were driven intoCornwal and Wales, and received protection fromthe remote situation or inaccessible mountains ofthose countries.

The first Saxon state, after that of Kent, whichwas established in Britain , was the kingdom ofSouth-Saxony. In the year 477 *°, Ælla, a Saxonchief, brought over an army from Germany ; andlanding on the southern coast, proceeded to takepossession of the neighbouring territory. TheBritons, now armed, did not tamely abandon their'possessions; nor were they expelled, till defeatedin many battles by their warlike invaders. Themost memorable action, mentioned by historians,is that of IVlearcredes-Burn " ; where, thoughthe Saxons seem to have obtained the victory,they suffered so considerable a loss, as somewhatretarded the progress of their conquests. ButÆlla , reinforced by fresh numbers of his coun-trymen , again took the field against the Britons;and laid siege to Andred-Ceaster, which wasdefended by the garrison and inhabitants withdesperate valour 4 \ The Saxons, enraged by thB

4 ° Chron. Sax. p. 14. Ann. Beverl. p. 81.

4 Saxon Chron. A. D. 485. Flor. Wigorn,

’* Hen. Huntin. lib. 2.