144 HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

CHATII.

94S.

, of which he immediately expired. This eventhappened in the year 946, and in the sixth year 1of the king’s reign. Edmund left male-issue,but so young , that they were incapable of go-verning the kingdom; and his brother, Edred*was promoted to the throne.

E D R E D.

THE reign of this prince, as those of hispredecessors, was disturbed by the rebellions andincursions of the Northumbrian Danes , who , jthough frequently quelled, were never entirelysubdued, nor had ever paid a sincere allegianceto the crown of England. The succession of anew king seemed to them a favourable opportunityfor shaking off the yoke; but on Edred’s appear-ance with an army, they made him their wontedsubmissions; and the king, having wasted thecountry with fire and sword , as a punishmentof their rebellion, obliged them to renew theiroaths of allegiance; and he straight retired withhis forces. The obedience of the Danes lastedno longer than the present terror. Provoked atthe devastations of Edred , and even reduced bynecessity to subsist on plunder , they broke intoa new rebellion, and were again subdued: Butthe king, now instructed by experience, tookgreater precautions against their future revolt.

He fixed English garrisons in their most con-siderable towns; and placed over them an Englishgovernor , who might watch all their motions,

and