Harthacnut was the son of Cnut and his wife, Emma. From 1028 he was joint ruler of Denmark and, when his father died in 1035, had to remain there to deal with a threat from the Norwegian Magnus Olafson. This delay gave his half-brother, Harold, the opportunity to secure the whole English kingdom for himself.
In 1039 Harthacnut sailed with ten ships to join his mother, Emma, in Bruges. He assembled an invasion fleet of 62 ships, but they proved unnecessary as Harold died the following March. Harthacnut received envoys from England offering him the kingdom and he landed at Sandwich on 17 June 1040.
Harthacnut’s reign was a period of very high taxation, mainly to pay for his standing fleet of 32 ships. He could also be ruthless when angered. When two housecarls collecting taxes in Worcester were killed, Harthacnut ordered the burning of the city and a slaughter of its inhabitants. Most of the people escaped but the city was looted and destroyed.
In 1041 Harthacnut sent for his half-brother, Edward, and named him as heir. Although he was not much older than 20, he may have already been ill at this point. Harthacnut collapsed and died on 8 June 1042 after drinking at a wedding feast in Lambeth. He was buried next to his father in the Old Minster at Winchester and Edward succeeded to the kingdom.
Essential Facts
Harthacnut was the son of Cnut and Emma of Normandy.
Harthacnut became king of England following the death of his half-brother, Harold I.
Harthacnut was succeeded as king of England by his half-brother, Edward the Confessor.
Timeline
17 March 1040 – Death of Harold I.
17 June 1040 – Harthacnut became king of England.
8 June 1042 – Death of Harthacnut.
