| Born | 967 | Born at | |  | | Died | 23 Apr 1016 | Buried at | Old St. Paul's Cathedral | | Royal House | Wessex | | | Titles Include: King of England
Athelred (Ethelred) 'The Unready' was King of the English from 978 to 1016. The term 'Unready' was probably a misinterpretation of the word 'un-raed' which meant 'lack of council'. It appears that Athelred was not able to make any decisions on his own and relied on the Witan council heavily. Atheltred's reign was dominated by the many Viking raids on England. Under the leadership of Olaf Trygvasson and Swein Fork-Beard Vikings attacked the south and east coasts of England. Unable to defeat the Vikings by force Athelred instead came to an agreement with them paying them money and providing lodging as long as they stopped the attacks. These payments were known as Danegeld. Athelred had first married Aelfgifu then in 1002 he married Emma the daughter of Richard I Duke of Normandy. Athelred's hope that by marrying into Emma's family they could provide assistance against the Vikings. Athelred also had many Danes living in England killed to prevent them assisting the invading Vikings. Finally, in 1013, the Vikings invaded England forcing the Athelred and his family into exile in Normandy. From September of 1013 until his death in February 1014, Swein Fork-Beard of Denmark is acknowledged as King of all England. Swein's son Canute was elected King of England by the Danes but the Witan council elected Athelred. Athelred sent a delegation from Normandy, including his son Edward (the Confessor), to England to discuss his return. Canute returned to Denmark to enforce his control there and in March of 1014 Athelred returned to England to resume his reign. Canute had not given up his fight for control of England and in April 1016 he returned to England to overthrow Athelred but the Saxon King died in the same month. Edmund Ironside, Athelred's eldest son, was chosen to be king by the Londoners but elsewhere others chose Canute.
(Author's Note: This map is experimental and subject to change)
Selection of references used:
1. Magnus Magnusson,Vikings!,
2. Peter Potter,Data Donation,
3. Frank Barlow,Edward the Confessor,
4. David Bates,William the Conqueror,
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ATHELRED (II The Unready, King of the English 978-1013, 1014-1016) (b.967 - d.1016)
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