There are very few adherents to this theory, for, such an act on the part of a monk, unless inspired by the King’s enemy, would have been motiveless and contrary to the prevailing spirit in the hospitable monasteries. Among other ancient customs still prevalent in Swineshead are the daily curfew at 8 p.m. and the cutting of a large cross in the turf on the spot where death by violence has befallen any one. An interesting Danish encampment near the town, and known as Manwarings, is 60 yards in diameter and surrounded by a double fosse. BURY ST EDMUNDS (_Mitred Benedictine_) _c._ 637, Monastery founded in Beodericsworth by Sigberct, King of the East Angles--903, King Edmund the Martyr buried in the church--925, Church receives benefactions from King Athelstan, King Edmund, son of Edward the Elder, and King Edwy--1020, Benedictine monks introduced in place of secular priests by Canute--1021, A new church built by Aldwius, Bishop of East Anglia--1032, Consecrated in honour of Christ, the Blessed Mary and St Edwin--1065, Edward the Confessor visits the abbey in the guise of a pilgrim, greatly enriches the house, and grants to the abbot and monks the right of coining within the monastery--1071, Pope Alexander II. grants to the abbot and his successors episcopal jurisdiction--1081, The church and town of Bury declared to be exempt from the Bishop’s jurisdiction--_c._ 1097, The newly erected church pulled down by Abbot Baldwin, who builds another of hewn stone. 11--, Henry I. visits the abbey and offers his crown before St Edmund’s shrine--1214, King John receives hospitality from the monks--1327, The burgesses of Bury gain forcible possession of the monastery and for several months harass the community; the king’s judges put an end to these disgraceful riots in December; a claim of £140,000 lodged against the townspeople by the monastery, which is defrayed by Edward III.--1447, Henry VI. and Queen Margaret visit the abbey--Humphrey Duke of Gloucester arrested and foully murdered by Suffolk during the Royal visitation--1465, Abbey suffers great destruction from fire--15--, Dissolved. Annual revenue, £1659, 13s. 11d. The history of the abbey of Bury St Edmunds, although veiled in much legendary and mythical lore, tells nevertheless in its actual history of the progress of civilisation and of the enlightenment of the human mind. Sigberct, King of the East Angles, is said to have founded the first monastery at Beodericsworth (a town known to the Romans, ancient Britons, Saxons and Danes), and to have subsequently laid aside his royal dignity by joining the brotherhood which he had established. Following his example of religious devotion, Edmund, last King of the East Angles, sacrificed not only his crown but his life in defence of the Christian faith, for he was beheaded by the Danes at Eglesdene in 870.