Background
Harold I was born in c. 1016, the illegitimate son of Cnut, King of Denmark and England, and Ælfgifu of Northampton.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Harold Harefoot
Edit Profile
also known as
Harold I
Career
On the death of his father in 1035, Harold I claimed the crown of England in opposition to Canute's legitimate son, Hardicanute. His claims were supported by Leofric, earl of Mercia, and the north; those of Hardicanute by his mother, Queen Emma, Godwine, earl of the West-Saxons and the south. Eventually Harold was temporarily elected regent, pending a final settlement on Hardicanute's return from Denmark. Hardicanute, however, tarried, and meanwhile Harold's party increased rapidly. In 1037 he was definitely elected king, and banished Emma from the kingdom. The only events of his brief reign are ineffectual inroads of the Welsh and Scots. Hardicanute was preparing to invade England in support of his claims when Harold died at Oxford on the 17th of March 1040.
Achievements
Connections
Harold may have had a wife, Ælfgifu, and a son, Ælfwine, who became a monk on the continent when he was older - his monastic name was Alboin.
- Father:
- Cnut the Great
- Mother:
- Ælfgifu of Northampton
- Spouse:
- Ælfgifu
- Half-brother:
- He was King of Denmark from 1035 to 1042 and King of England from 1040 to 1042.
He was King of Denmark, England and Norway; together often referred to as the North Sea Empire.
She was the first wife of King Cnut of England and Denmark.
References
-
Born
-
Died
March 17, 1040 (aged 24) -
Resting place
St. Clement Danes, Westminster, England, United Kingdom -
Nationality
British -
Ethnicity