Cnut the great of Denmark, England and Norway

- King of Denmark (AD 1018-1035), England (AD 1016-1035) and Norway (AD 1028-1030).

Cnut (c. AD 996-1035) was the son of King Svein Forkbeard (AD 960-1014) and took part at an early age in his father’s Viking expeditions to England. After Svein’s death in AD 1014, Cnut remained in England as leader of the Danish army. Two years later, on the death of the English king Ethelred, he became sole King of England.

Meanwhile, his brother was King Harold II of Denmark, but when he died in AD 1018, Cnut was also crowned king of Denmark. He succeeded in retaining power in both countries and for a time also controlled parts of Norway and Sweden. On his death in AD 1035 the Danish throne went to his son Hardicanute and the English to another son, Harold Harefoot, who ruled England until AD 1040. 

Cnut and his sister, Estrid, were in many ways the link in the relationship between the four main characters in the Battle of England: Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinson, William the Conqueror and Svein Estridsson.

Fact:
Birth: 996
Dead: 1035
Buried: Winchester Cathedral
King: Denmark 1018 - 1035
         England 1016 - 1035
         Norway 1028 - 1030       
Parents: Svein Forkbeard and Gunhild
Spouse: Emma of Normandy
Children: Svein Alfivasen (with Ælgifu)
              Harald Harefod (with Ælgifu)
              Hardeknut (with Emma)
              Gunhild (with Emma)

Louise Kæmpe Henriksen