Note 1148 — Chapter IX · THE REIGN OF EADWARD FROM THE RETURN OF GODWINE TO THE DEATH OF EADWARD THE ÆTHELING.[921] 1052–1057. (continued 2)

“Butan ælcan gylte,” Chron. Ab. “Forneh butan gylte,” Chron. Wig. “Sine culpâ,” Florence. Just as in the case of the ballad charging Godwine with the murder of Ælfred (vol. i. p. 546), these differences look very much as if the Worcester writer had seen the Abingdon text, and had altered a passage which might be construed into a representation of Harold as a false accuser. One can hardly conceive any other motive for the change. And care on such a point seems to show that Harold had some hand in the accusation, whether true or false. It is singular however that Henry of Huntingdon, who is generally most bitter against Harold, should be the writer who expresses the most distinct conviction of the guilt of Ælfgar (M. H. B. 760 D); “Eodem anno Algarus consul Cestriæ [a confusion of his present and later offices] exsulatus est, quia de proditione Regis in consilio convictus fuerat.” On the other hand, a later writer, John of Peterborough (1055), commits himself to the banishment being done both “sine caussâ” and “per Haroldi consilium.”