History 2201 - Chapter 77 & 76: Danish Rule to Norman Conquest

Vocabulary and key figures from the period of Danish rule through the Norman Conquest of England (1014-1066).

Swein Forkbeard

The ruler who conquered England and died in $1014$, leading to the brief return of Ethelred the Unready.

Ethelred the Unready

The English king who was invited back to rule after the death of Swein Forkbeard, eventually dying in $1016$.

Edmund Ironside

The son of Ethelred who fought for the throne but died in $1016$, paving the way for Cnut's rule.

Cnut (Canute)

The Danish king who ruled England from $1016$ to $1035$, divided the land into four earldoms, and became King of Norway in $1028$.

Emma of Normandy

The widow of Ethelred who married Cnut, thereby linking Danish and English successions and planting the seeds for the events of $1066$.

The Four Earldoms

The administrative divisions of England created by Cnut: Wessex, Mercia, East Anglia, and Northumbria.

Harold Harefoot

The son of a concubine who ruled England as regent and then king until his death in $1040$.

Harthacnut

The son of Cnut who ruled after Harold Harefoot and died in $1042$, ending Danish rule.

Edward the Confessor

The son of Ethelred who ruled from $1042$ to $1066$; he was characterized as pious but weak.

Earl Godwin

The powerful noble who held the real power during the reign of Edward the Confessor.

Harold Godwinson

The son of Earl Godwin who took power on the same day Edward the Confessor died, January 5, $1066$.

William the Bastard

The Duke of Normandy who claimed the English throne based on promises from Edward and Harold.

Harald Hardrada

The King of Norway who claimed the English throne through Danish treaties and invaded England in $1066$.

Halley's Comet

An astronomical event in spring $1066$ that was interpreted as a terrible omen.

Battle of Stamford Bridge

A battle on September 25, $1066$, where Harold Godwinson defeated and killed Harald Hardrada.

Battle of Hastings

The decisive conflict on October 14, $1066$, where William of Normandy defeated the English forces and Harold was killed by an arrow through the eye.

Christmas Day 1066

The date on which William the Conqueror was crowned in Westminster Abbey.

Feudalism

A social and land-ownership system introduced by William where all land belonged to the King.