Athelred was forced to pay the Danes that were camped on the Isle of Wight another large amount of money for them to leave.
Nov 13
Massacre of St Brice's day
Athelred ordered the massacre of all Danes living in England because he was fearful of them plotting against him.
1003
Wilton and its abbey attacked
Swein attacked the town of Wilton and possibly its abbey.
1006
Reading attacked by the Danes
The Danes attacked attacked and burnt the town or Reading.
Destruction of Walingford
The Danes, led by Swein, attacked and destroyed the river crossing at Wallingford.
1008
A large fleet is ordered
Athelred ordered England to build a massive fleet of ships. The people of England had to supply armour for the crew as well. It was a huge undertaking but was completed the following year.
1009
Danes repeatedly attack England
Swein Fork-Beard and Olaf Trygvasson repeatedly attacked England over several years destroying the land.
Return to timeline
People who played important roles in this time period
Swein (Fork-Beard) Swein Fork-Beard was the King of Denmark and King of England for a short period of time. Swein was also the father of Canute who also became King of England. In 988 Swein overthrew this father Harold Blue-Tooth Gormsson the King of Denmark. Swein led a large number of raids along the east and south (more...)
