King Harthacnut the Last Danish King of England
King Harthacnut was the only son of Cnut the Great and Emma of Normandy. He was usurped to the throne of England by his half-brother, Harold I Harefoot. When Harold dies a few years later, Harthacnut has him exhumed, beheaded and cast into a marsh! His short reign was most notable for tax increases during poor harvests, civil unrest and dying while toasting the health of a bride.
| Born | 1018 |
| Parents | Cnut the Great & Emma of Normandy |
| Married | No |
| Children | None |
| Died | 8 June 1042, Lambeth, London, buried at Winchester Cathedral (24) |
| Reign | 1040 - 1042 (2) |
| Crowned | 18 June 1040, Canterbury Cathedral (22) |
| Predecessor | Harold I Harefoot (half-brother) |
| Successor | Edward the Confessor (half-brother) |
| House | Denmark |
Life Events of King Harthacnut
1018
Harthacnut is born in January to Cnut the Great & Emma of Normandy. He is a half-brother to Edward the Confessor.
1023
Harthacnut is sent to rule in Denmark, by his father Cnut, under the regency of Thorkell the Tall.
1035
On the 12 November, the nobility of Mercia and Northumbria, who consist mainly of Danes, choose Harthacnut’s brother, Harold Harefoot as king. Queen Emma rallies support for Harthacnut, but he has no real chance while in Scandinavia.
1037
Harthacnut’s mother, Emma, flees to Flanders, setting up a fleet at Bruges.
1039
Harthacnut joins his mother in Bruges, with his own fleet. An invasion of England is being prepared. A delay to the invasion is caused by the threat Harthacnut has from Magnus in Norway.
1039
An agreement between the two is eventually agreed, where each would inherit each other’s kingdoms, if no heirs were present.
1040
Harthacnut’s brother, Harold, dies. Harthacnut is crowned king on the 18 June at Canterbury.
1041
To pursue his ambition to protect both England and Denmark, he begins building a vast fleet. He raises taxation to pay for the work, while civil unrest and riots follow. Tax collectors are murdered in Worcester, and Harthacnut sends in his troops to crush the rebels.
1041
Earl Eadwulf of Northumbria, head of the Bamburgh seat, and his rebels are also dealt with and Eadwulf himself is beheaded. Eadwulf held more power in the north, than the king, so his death may have been an elimination of a potential threat to the crown.
1042
On the 8 June 1042 at a wedding in Lambeth, king Harthacnut dies suddenly while toasting the bride, who is the daughter of the thegn, Osgod Clapa. Sources suggest an alcoholic-induced stroke was the likely cause. Alternatively, a diabetic or epileptic fit is another potential cause of death. Some mention poison too! He is succeeded by his half-brother, Edward the Confessor.
Interesting Facts About King Harthacnut
Kingship
Harthacnut was king of Denmark (1028-1042) as well as king of England (1040-1042).Name
Harthacnut’s name means “tough knot”.Death
Harthacnut’s death is one of the most known stories told about the king. He died while toasting the bride Gytha, daughter of Osgod Clapa, at her wedding.
“He died as he stood at his drink, and he suddenly fell to the earth with an awful convulsion; and those who were close by took hold of him, and he spoke no words afterwards”
FAQs About the King
How did King Harthacnut die?
King Harthacnut probably died of a stroke, potentially brought about my excessive drinking. Other potential causes could be a fit of some kind or even poison.Who was the last Danish king of England?
Harthacnut was the last of the three Danish kings of England. The other two being Cnut the Great and Harold I Harefoot.
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The Danish Kings of England
