Harold Harefoot

Harold Harefoot, or Harold I (c. 1015 – 17 March 1040), was King of England from 1035 to 1040. He was son of Canute the Great, King of England, Denmark, Norway, and some of Sweden, by his wife, Aelgifu of Northampton. There was scepticism about his being Canute's son.The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 1035/40, M. Swanton translation (1996).

Upon Canute's death on 12 November 1035, Harold's younger half-brother Harthacanute, the son of Canute and his queen, Emma of Normandy, was the legitimate heir to the thrones of both Denmark and England. He was unable to travel to his coronation because Denmark was threatend from an invasion by King Magnus I of Norway and King Anund Jacob of Sweden. Therefore, he was installed temporarily as regent though Godwin, the Earl of Wessex and the Queen was against the idea.

Harold died at Oxford on 17 March 1040, just as Harthacanute was preparing a Danish invasion force. He was buried at the abbey of Westminster.

References

 Other websites 
 Harold Harefoot At Find A Grave

Category:1010s births
Category:1040 deaths
Category:11th century in England