English Monarch. House of Wessex. Son of Æthelred II 'The Unready' and his first wife, Elfgifu. He married Ealdgyth around August 1015. In April 1016, Edmund led the defense of the city of London against the invading Canute, and was proclaimed king by the city inhabitants. He was crowned King of England that same month at St. Paul's Cathedral. Unfortunately, the Witan meeting in council chose Canute as King, possibly fearing the rule of the son of the inept Æthelred. After a series of inconclusive battles for the throne, in which Edmund performed brilliantly and earned the nickname "Ironside," he defeated the Danish forces at Oxford, but was then routed by Canute's forces at Ashingdon. The two monarchs met on an island in the Severn near Deerhurst and it was agreed that Edmund should rule Wessex and Canute would rule the land North of the Thames, including London splitting the kingdom. It was also agreed that whoever survived the other would take control of the whole realm. On November 30, 1016, Edmund was murdered at Oxford by Edric, Earl of Mercia and the whole kingdom passed to Canute.
English Monarch. House of Wessex. Son of Æthelred II 'The Unready' and his first wife, Elfgifu. He married Ealdgyth around August 1015. In April 1016, Edmund led the defense of the city of London against the invading Canute, and was proclaimed king by the city inhabitants. He was crowned King of England that same month at St. Paul's Cathedral. Unfortunately, the Witan meeting in council chose Canute as King, possibly fearing the rule of the son of the inept Æthelred. After a series of inconclusive battles for the throne, in which Edmund performed brilliantly and earned the nickname "Ironside," he defeated the Danish forces at Oxford, but was then routed by Canute's forces at Ashingdon. The two monarchs met on an island in the Severn near Deerhurst and it was agreed that Edmund should rule Wessex and Canute would rule the land North of the Thames, including London splitting the kingdom. It was also agreed that whoever survived the other would take control of the whole realm. On November 30, 1016, Edmund was murdered at Oxford by Edric, Earl of Mercia and the whole kingdom passed to Canute.
Bio by: Iola
Gravesite Details
King Edmund II was buried near his GF King Edgar at Glastonbury Abbey. However, the Abbey was destroyed during Dissolution of the Monasteries in C16th, hence any remains of a monument or crypt may have been plundered, hence burial location unclear.
Family Members
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