What time this custome generally expired in that Nation, we discern no assured period; whether it ceased before Christianity, or upon their Conversion, by _Ansgurius_ the Gaul in the time of _Ludovicus Pius_ the Son of _Charles_ the Great, according to good computes; or whether it might not be used by some persons, while for a hundred and eighty years Paganisme and Christianity were promiscuously embraced among them, there is no assured conclusion. About which times the _Danes_ were busie in _England_, and particularly infested this Countrey: Where many Castles and strong holds were built by them, or against them, and great number of names and Families still derived from them. But since this custome was probably disused before their Invasion or Conquest, and the _Romanes_ confessedly practised the same, since their possession of this Island, the most assured account will fall upon the _Romanes_, or _Brittains Romanized_. However certain it is, that Urnes conceived of no _Romane_ Original, are often digged up both in _Norway_ and _Denmark_, handsomely described, and graphically represented by the Learned Physician _Wormius_,[32] And in some parts of _Denmark_ in no ordinary number, as stands delivered by Authors exactly describing those Countreys.[33] And they contained not only bones, but many other substances in them, as Knives, peeces of Iron, Brass and Wood, and one of _Norway_ a brasse guilded Jewes harp. [32] Olai Wormii monumenta et Antiquitat. Dan. [33] Adolphus Cyprius in Annal. Sleswic. urnis adeo abundabat collis, _etc._ Nor were they confused or carelesse in disposing the noblest sort, while they placed large stones in circle about the Urnes, or bodies which they interred: Somewhat answerable unto the Monument of _Rollrich_ stones in _England_,[34] or sepulcral Monument probably erected by _Rollo_, who after conquered _Normandy_. Where 'tis not improbable somewhat might be discovered. Mean while to what Nation or person belonged that large Urne found at _Ashburie_,[35] containing mighty bones, and a Buckler; what those large Urnes found at little _Massingham_,[36] or why the _Anglesea_ Urnes are placed with their mouths downwards, remains yet undiscovered. [34] _In Oxfordshire_; Cambden. [35] _In Cheshire_, Twinus de rebus Albionicis. [36] _In Norfolk_, Hollingshead. CHAPTER III