THE SAXONS AND DANES

Summary

By the Saxons, Cambridge appears to have been known at various periods as Grantabrycge, Grantebrycge, Grantanbrycge, Grantebrige, Grantabric, Granthebrige, Grantebryge, Grauntebrigge; Cwatbricge, Cantbricge, Quantebridge, and Quatbrig.

It seems also to be the better opinion that Cambridge, and not the small village adjacent now called Grantchester, was the Grantaceaster of the Saxons.

695.

The monks of Ely being desirous of providing a suitable sepulchre for the body of their foundress, Saint Etheldreda, proceeded by water from Ely, till they came to a desolate city called Grantaceastir, near the walls of which place they discovered a tomb of white marble, of elegant workmanship, with which they returned to their monastery.

870.

This year the Danes ravaged this county and the adjacent parts. They are said to have destroyed the town of Cambridge.

875.

Three Danish kings (Guthrum, Oskytel, and Anwind) came from Repston, in Derbyshire, to Cambridge with a vast army, which continued here a year.

921.

This year a Danish army which was quartered here submitted themselves to King Edward the elder, to whom they swore allegiance.

955.

About this time one Ogga, of Mildenhall, gave one hide of land at Cambridge to the Monastery of Ely.

973.

The Monastery of Ely, was about this period, endowed, with a well built farm, 100 acres of land and a fishery, at Cambridge.