The sacred banners of St.Cuthbert of Durham, St.Peter of York, St.John of Beverley, and St.Wilfrid of Ripon hung from a pole fixed in a four-wheeled car which stood in the centre of the host.

The first onset of David's host was a terrible one.

"I who wear no armour," shouted the chief of the Galwegians, "will go as far this day as any one with breastplate of mail"; his men charged with wild shouts of "Albin, Albin," and were followed by the Norman knighthood of the Lowlands.

But their repulse was complete; the fierce hordes dashed in vain against the close English ranks around the Standard, and the whole army fled in confusion to Carlisle.
[Sidenote: Seizure of the Bishops] Weak indeed as Stephen was, the administrative organization of Henry still did its work.

Roger remained justiciar, his son was chancellor, his nephew Nigel, the Bishop of Ely, was treasurer.