Webster, in the year 1817, anxious to test the truth of the popular belief on the subject, caused excavations to be made in the northern part of the abbey grounds, and there, in the very place indicated, discovered the most satisfactory evidence that could be required. Sunk below the general level of the ground, and filled up with earth and rubbish, he disclosed what was originally the undercroft or subterraneous chapel beneath the east end of the church, with the foundations of the massive columns by which the vaulting of its roof had been upheld, and two flights of steps which had led upwards to the north and south aisles of the church. In the easternmost recess of this crypt are considerable remains of an altar, and this must be regarded as the representative of the exact locus in quo, which hangs in the air a few feet above, where upon the floor of the choir once stood the high altar itself.
But to conclude the narrative of this eventful day. The fighting continued some time after Harold was known to have fallen, even when the sun had set upon the awful scene. Amidst the gloom of that October evening, either rampant with victory or mad with revenge, they still fought on—only distinguishing foes from friends by their language—until the thickening darkness and the exhaustion of their strength compelled them to desist. Never was discomfiture more complete, or triumph more decided. The majority of those Saxons who escaped from the field, made their way to London; but many others betook themselves to the neighbouring woods, some to bind up their wounds and bewail the sad issue of the day, others to lay themselves down and die.
Solum devictis nox et fuga profuit Anglis
Densi per latebras et tegimen nemoris."—Carmen, 559-60.
The battle was over; the people-elected Harold—more deserving of our pity for his misfortunes than of admiration for any kingly right or regal qualification that he possessed—was dead; a greater and wiser, if not a better, monarch had virtually, though not actually, by holy chrism and solemn benediction, ascended the throne. William had conquered and won the land! An old and decayed, and corrupt dynasty had ceased to be; a greater and nobler people had come to
