Original: Harthacnut was a harsh and unpopular ruler : to pay for his fleet , he severely increased the rate of taxation , and in 1041 the people of Worcester killed two of Harthacnut 's housecarls who had been collecting the tax , prompting an attack by Harthacnut in which the city was burned .
Simplified: Harthacanute was a harsh and unpopular ruler : to pay for his ships , he greatly increased the rate of taxation . In 1041 the people of Worcester killed two of Harthacanute 's men who had been collecting the tax .