Although the partisans of the secular priests were not a few, nor of the lowest class, yet they were unable to withstand the current of the popular desire, strengthened by the authority of a potent and respected monarch.

However, there was a seed of discontent sown on this occasion, which grew up afterwards to the mutual destruction of all the parties.

During the whole reign of Edgar, as he had secured the most popular part of the clergy, and with them the people, in his interests, there was no internal disturbance; there was no foreign war, because this prince was always ready for war.

But he principally owed his security to the care he took of his naval power, which was much greater and better regulated than that of any English monarch before him.

He had three fleets always equipped, one of which annually sailed round the island.