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Biography
Biography
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Harold (Harefoot, King of England 1037-1040)

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 Borncirca 1015   Born At
 Died17 March 1040  Buried At
 FatherCanute (King of England 1016-1035)  MotherAelfgifu (of Northampton)
SucceededCanute (King of England 1016-1035)Preceded Harthacnut (King of England 1040-1042)
 Royal House Denmark Titles include King of England from 1037 to 1040
 Borncirca 1015 / 
 Died17 March 1040 / 
arold was the son of Canute and his first wife Aelfgifu. When Canute died in November of 1035 Harthacanute was declared heir to the English throne. Harthacanute was also the son of Canute but by his second wife Emma. Harthacanute was in Denmark when Canute died and could not return to England because his claim to the (Danish/Norwegian ?) throne was being contested by Magnus I of Norway. Harthacanute appointed his mother Emma and Harold Harefoot as regents to look after the affairs of England.

As King

Harthacanute was delayed from returning to England and a dispute between Emma and Harold began as to who should rule the country. Earl Godwin sided with Harold and in 1036 Harold was proclaimed as sole Regent. At this point Emma called to her sons in Normandy for assistance. Albert, one of her sons arrived in England and was promptly murdered possibly by the Earl Godwin. Emma took refuge in Bruges. Harold died in March of 1040, and the death may not have been natural. In June of the same year, Harthacanute landed in England with a suitably large fleet and claimed back the English throne.


Related Episodes

Viking Invasions (click here)

Viking Invasions (click here)

Siblings (incl. half-siblings)

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Fantasy image of Swein
Swein
Fantasy image of Harthacnut (King of England 1040-1042)
Harthacnut (King of England 1040-1042)
Fantasy image of Gunhildr
Gunhildr

Parents

Fantasy image of Canute (King of England 1016-1035)
Canute (King of England 1016-1035)
Fantasy image of Aelfgifu (of Northampton)
Aelfgifu (of Northampton)
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Family Tree Details

Father:Canute (King of England 1016-1035) (b.995? - d.1035)
Mother:Aelfgifu (of Northampton) (b.990? - d.1040)
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 Harold (Harefoot, King of England 1037-1040) (b.1015? - d.1040)
 Harold (Harefoot, King of England 1037-1040) (b.1015? - d.1040)

See Also

    People

    • Canute (King of England 1016-1035)
    • Emma (of Normandy, Wife of Aethelred)
    • Alfred (Aetheling)
    • Harthacnut (King of England 1040-1042)
    • Magnus (I, King of Norway)
    • Aelfgifu (of Northampton)
    • A .. Z List of Medieval People

    Timeline

    1035(Age: 20yrs)
    Nov 12
    Canute dies

    King Canute died at Shaftesbury leaving the rule of the country in dispute between Harthacnut (the son of Emma) and Harold Harefoot (the son of Aelfgifu). The Earls of Northumbria and Mercia supported Harold's claim while Earl Godwin supported Harthacanute's. Canute's body was taken to Winchester to be buried. Harthacnut was in Denmark at the time of his father's death and was unable to travel to England because of invasion threats.

    1036(Age: 21yrs)
    ...
    Harold declared regent of England

    With Harthacnut still in Denmark a meeting was held at Oxford that chose Harold to act as regent of England.

    1037(Age: 22yrs)
    Dec
    Harold Harefoot becomes king

    Harold Harefoot was proclaimed king of England and Emma was exiled to Bruges. Earl Godwin may have given Harold his support.

    1040(Age: 25yrs)
    Mar 17
    Harold Harefoot dies

    Harold died at Oxford leaving the English throne open for Hathacanute to claim.

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      • Canute (King of England 1016-1035)
      • Emma (of Normandy, Wife of Aethelred)
      • Alfred (Aetheling)
      • Harthacnut (King of England 1040-1042)
      • Magnus (I, King of Norway)
      • Aelfgifu (of Northampton)
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