Egbert, king of Wessex, at length subduing the other princes of the Heptarchy, united the whole country under one monarchy, and became himself the first king of England, in the year 827 after Christ. I will give you a chronological list of the kings of England, not that I wish you to learn it at present, but because it will be useful to refer to when you are reading the history. Some knowledge of dates is desirable, as it enables you to ascertain the periods when any particular events occurred, and under whose reign. The Danes made frequent incursions into England during the time of the Saxons, and caused great devastation in the country. Alfred, the most excellent prince mentioned in history, was obliged, owing to these barbarians, to abandon his throne and retire to an obscure cottage, where, however, he occupied his time in forming the best plans for his own re-establishment, and the restoration of tranquility to his distracted country: his wise measures were successful and for some time the Danes were entirely quelled, but they soon renewed their usual predatory warfare, and Canute became king of England. SAXON KINGS OF ENGLAND. 800 Egbert 838 Ethelwolf 857 Ethelbald 860 Ethelbert 866 Ethelred 871 Alfred the Great 901 Edward the Elder 925 Athelston 941 Edmund 946 Edred 955 Edwy 959 Edgar 975 Edward the Martyr 978 Ethelred II 1016 Edmund II, or Ironside. DANISH KINGS. 1017 Canute 1035 Harold 1039 Hardicanute 1041 Edward the Confessor 1065 Harold II. William the first (commonly called the Conqueror,) Duke of Normandy, invaded England with a powerful army, and slew Harold at the battle of Hastings. This victory is called the Conquest; it was gained on the 14th of October, 1066. NORMAN LINE. Kings names. Began to reign. Reigned years. William I 1066 20 Duke of Normandy William II 1087 12 Son to the Conqueror Henry I 1100 35 Brother to William II Stephen 1135 18 Grandson to the Conqueror by his daughter Adela, who married the Earl of Blois. LINE OF PLANTAGENET.