King Edmund II Ironside
King Edmund II (Ironside) was the son of Aethelred II the Unready and Aelfgifu, and king of England for just 7 months from April-November 1016. His reign was short and violent, which earned him the epithet ‘Ironside’, after resisting a vast Danish invasion, led by Cnut the Great and 10,000 men. Despite his valour, Edmund was eventually forced to share English rule with Cnut, after the decisive defeat at Assandun. Edmund died soon after, possibly assassinated, and was succeeded by Cnut the Great.
| Born | 989 |
| Parents | Aethelred II the Unready & Aelfgifu of York |
| Married | Ealdgyth |
| Children | 2, inc Edward the Aetheling |
| Died | 30 November 1016, London, buried at Glastonbury Abbey (27) |
| Reign | 1016 (7 months) |
| Crowned | 25 April 1016, Old St Paul’s Cathedral (26) |
| Predecessor | Aethelred II the Unready (father) |
| Successor | Cnut the Great |
| House | Wessex |
Life Events of King Edmund II Ironside
989
Edmund is born to Aethelred II the Unready and Aelfgifu of York.
1002
Edmund’s mother, Aelfgifu, dies, possibly during childbirth.
1002
Edmund’s father, Aethelred II marries Emma of Normandy, and has three more children, including Edward the Confessor.
1013
Edmund’s father, Aethelred II, flees to Normandy, leaving Edmund and his older brother Aethelstan in England. Sweyn Forkbeard seizes the throne.
1014
Edmund’s two elder brothers die, making him heir apparent. Aethelstan gives Edmund his prized sword, which has once belonged to King Offa. Sweyn Forkbeard dies, and Edmund’s father Aethelred II is reinstated.
1015
Earl Eadric, with support from Aethelred II, murders two leading Anglo-Danes, Sigeferth and Morcar. Sigeferth’s daughter, Ealdgyth, is imprisoned in a monastery. which captures the attention of Edmund.
1015
Defying his father’s orders, Edmund revolts against Aethelred II, and marries Ealdgyth. This probably strengthens his claim to the throne, and allies himself with the Danes.
1016
Aethelred II dies in April, and the citizens of London support Edmund II as king. However, the Witan and strong nobles support Cnut, the son of Sweyn Forkbeard. War breaks out between the two claimants, and Cnut the Great wins a decisive victory at the Battle of Assandun (Ashingdon, Essex).
1016
Given the respect Cnut has for Edmund, they agree to divide England, with Edmund ruling Wessex and Cnut ruling the lands north of the River Thames.
1016
Edmund II Ironside dies in November, leaving Cnut the Great to rule all of England.
Interesting Facts About King Edmund II Ironside
Epithet
Edmund II’s epithet, Ironside, was earned by his strong resistance to the enormous invasion led by Cnut the Great and 10,000 men.Split Rule
After the defeat at the Battle of Assandun, Cnut agreed to split the rule of England with Edmund, possibly out of respect. The treaty stated that when one of them dies, the other would take the whole kingdom.Step-Siblings
Edmund’s father remarried, after the death of his mother. Their marriage produced three more children, once of which was Edward the Confessor, step-brother to Edmund.
Battles Fought by King Edmund II Ironside
Battle of Assandun
In 1016, Cnut the Great and his huge invasion force, won a decisive victory over Edmund II Ironside at Ashingdon, Essex.
FAQs About the King
When was King Edmund II Ironside king?
King Edmund II Ironside was king from 23 April 1016 to 30 November 1016. He was crowned on 25 April 1016.How did King Edmund II Ironside die?
Henry of Huntingdon claimed that King Edmund II Ironside died while being stabbed on the toilet. Geoffrey of Gaimar suggests he was killed by a crossbow. Others suggest battle wounds or disease. It really is not known for sure, but murder is possible.Where did King Edmund II Ironside die?
It is uncertain, but King Edmund II Ironside likely died in Oxford or London.
Related Video To The King
The Anglo-Saxon Kings of England
