Note 977 — Chapter IX · THE REIGN OF EADWARD FROM THE RETURN OF GODWINE TO THE DEATH OF EADWARD THE ÆTHELING.[921] 1052–1057.
Reading edition
Chron. Ab. “And seo landfyrd com ufenon, and trymedon hig be þam strande.” Flor. Wig. “Venit et pedestris exercitus, ac se per oram fluvii ordinatim disponens, spissam terribilemque fecit testudinem.” “Pedestris exercitus” is only accidentally an accurate rendering of “landfyrd.” Doubtless they were on foot, but the force of the word is that the popular levies, the militia of the shires round London, came unbidden to support Godwine. The King had only his housecarls and any troops that may have come from the north.