King Ethelred

Also known as: Ethelred / Ethelred Etheling · Role: king · First appears: A.D. 971–981

In 978, Ethelred Etheling succeeded his brother Edward son of Edgar and was consecrated king at Kingston; the consecration is recorded under both 978 and 979. In 1000, his army laid waste nearly all of Cumberland. The next year, Paley broke his allegiance to Ethelred in Devonshire, despite vows and gifts of houses, gold and silver. In 1002, Ethelred ordered the killing of all Danes in England. He also sent Alderman Leofsy to make peace with the fleet in return for food and tribute, then banished him after Leofsy slew the king’s high-steward Eafy.

In 1013, with Thurkill beside him, Ethelred resisted King Sweyne at the city, but about midwinter he left England and went over sea to Richard. He returned in Lent 1014 and was gladly received by his people; together they made a compact and proclaimed Danish kings outlaws from England. In 1015, Edmund son of Ethelred took a woman as his wife against the king’s will; in 1016 he went to London to his father. Ethelred died before King Knute’s ships reached London. In 1017, Knute ordered Ethelred’s widow, Richard’s daughter, brought to him as wife.

Ethelred was also the father of Alfred son of Ethelred and Edward son of Ethelred. In 1052, Emma died; she was the mother of Edward and Hardacnute and the relict of Ethelred and Knute. That year Edward abolished the tribute Ethelred had imposed.