Edmund II
In 1015 Edmund married Ealdgyth, the widow of a murdered Danish thegn called Sigeferth, against his father’s wishes. This was probably in order to strengthen his right to the succession against possible opposition from Æthelred’s sons by his second wife, Emma.
Later that year, Swein Forkbeard’s second son, Cnut, raised an invasion force and landed in Kent. Edmund was successful in raising several armies in 1015 and 1016, but they were ineffective under the leadership of his father. A retreat to London was followed by the death of Æthelred on 23 April. The councillors who were present in London chose Edmund as their new king.
Edmund’s reign was met with an early success when he regained Wessex, but other battles over the next two months were inconclusive. Edmund twice relieved London from Danish sieges and, after winning a battle at Otford, forced Cnut back into Kent. He was finally defeated by Cnut at Assandun (possibly the Essex town of Ashingdon) on 18 October 1016.
Edmund and Cnut made peace at Alney in Gloucestershire. The settlement gave Wessex to Edmund while Cnut took Mercia, Northumbria and a payment for his army.
Edmund died soon after, on 30 November 1016. His death was probably caused by a battle wound or exhaustion, but later chronicles reported unfounded tales of murder. He was buried at Glastonbury Abbey. Edmund’s death left Cnut in control of the whole country, while Edmund’s sons, Edward and Edmund, left England and eventually settled in Hungary.
Essential Facts
Edmund II was the son of Æthelred II and his first wife, Ælfgifu.
Edmund II became king of England on the death of his father, Æthelred II.
Edmund II was succeeded as king of England by Cnut, son of Swein Forkbeard.
Timeline
1013-1014 – Exile in Normandy with his father, Æthelred II.
1014 – Return to England.
1015 – Invasion of England by Cnut.
23 April 1016 – Death of Æthelred II. Edmund II became king of England.
18 October 1016 – The battle of Assandun.
30 November 1016 – Death of Edmund II.
