Æþelred

Æðelred, also known as Æthelred, was an English king who ruled from 978 until his death in 1016. He was the son of King Edgar and was crowned king at the age of 16. Æðelred's reign was marked by both significant achievements and challenges. He is known for his efforts to strengthen the English monarchy and his role in the events leading to the Norman Conquest.

Æðelred's reign began with a period of relative stability, but it was soon disrupted by the Viking invasions. In 991, the Vikings, led by Sweyn Forkbeard, invaded England and deposed Æðelred, replacing him with his brother, Æthelstan. Sweyn Forkbeard was crowned King of England in 995, but he was later killed in battle in 1014. His son, Cnut, then became king, but he was also killed in battle in 1035.

Æðelred's reign was also marked by his efforts to strengthen the English monarchy. He worked to consolidate his power and to establish a more centralized government. He also sought to improve relations with the Church, which had been strained during the reign of his father, Edgar.

Æðelred's reign ended in 1016, when he was killed in battle against the Danish king, Cnut. His death marked the beginning of the end of the Anglo-Saxon period in England and the beginning of the Norman Conquest. Æðelred is remembered as a king who worked to strengthen the English monarchy and to improve relations with the Church, but whose reign was also marked by the Viking invasions and the eventual Norman Conquest.