For a time these repulsed every effort of the Danes, but gradually their numbers were lessened until at last fourteen only remained.

Their names have come down to us.

Besides Edmund and Egbert there were Hermanfroi, Herivee, Herilard, Odoacre, Herric, Arnold, Sohie, Gerbert, Elvidon, Havderad, Ermard, and Gossuin.

These resisted so valiantly that the Danes, after losing large numbers in the vain attempt to storm the walls, brought up a wagonful of grain; this they rolled forward to the gate of the tower and set it on fire.
The flames rapidly spread from the gates to the walls, which were all of wood, and soon the whole were a sheet of flames.

The little band of defenders retreated on to the end of the bridge, and there, when the flames had sufficiently abated to allow them to pass, the Northmen attacked them.