Following the death of Sweyn Forkbeard, his son, Cnut (or Canute), emerged as a formidable leader of the Danish forces. Cnut had already proved himself as a capable military commander and had earned the loyalty of many of his father's warriors. He began his campaign to reclaim the English throne in 1015, and his military acumen soon became apparent.

Cnut's campaign was not merely a fight for land or power; it was deeply personal. He sought to avenge his father's death and claim the throne that he believed was rightfully his. In 1015, Cnut launched an invasion of England, initially concentrating his forces on the southwestern coast. He secured key alliances with important Anglo-Saxon nobles who were disillusioned with Æthelred’s rule, which only bolstered his position. Æthelred’s inability to effectively deal with the Danish threat again became evident, and many of his subjects began to question his leadership.

The Battle of Ashingdon

The critical turning point in the Danish conquest of England came in October 1016, when Cnut and Æthelred’s son, Edmund Ironside, met on the battlefield at Ashingdon (near modern-day Essex). Edmund, who had been named king by the Anglo-Saxon nobles after his father Æthelred’s death in 1016, led an army to resist the Danish invasion. The Battle of Ashingdon was a bloody and hard-fought conflict, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Despite a valiant effort by Edmund and his forces, the battle ended in a decisive victory for Cnut. The aftermath of Ashingdon marked the end of serious Anglo-Saxon resistance, as it became clear that the Danish forces were far stronger than anything the Anglo-Saxons could muster at the time. With this victory, Cnut was able to claim the throne of England, though Edmund Ironside continued to resist.

The Treaty of Olney and the Death of Edmund Ironside

After the Battle of Ashingdon, Cnut and Edmund Ironside agreed to a treaty known as the Treaty of Olney, which effectively divided England between the two rulers. Cnut would rule the northern and western parts of the kingdom, while Edmund would retain control over the south and the east. However, the treaty did not last long. Edmund Ironside died under mysterious circumstances in 1016, likely the victim of foul play orchestrated by Cnut. With Edmund’s death, Cnut was able to claim the entire English throne. shutdown123