Edmund II of England

Edmund II or Eadmund II (c. 988/993 ? November 30, 1016), king of England from April 23 to November 30, 1016, was surnamed "Ironside" for his efforts to fend off the Danish invasion led by King Canute Sveinsson.

Royal and military history

Upon the death of Ethelred II, who had earlier been stricken ill, on April 23, 1016, with little support from the Londinian nobility, Edmund succeeded to the throne. Canute, however, enjoyed greater support throughout England, especially from the Southampton nobility.

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When Edmund forcefully recovered Wessex from Canute?s previous invasion in 1015, Canute responded by laying siege to London; however, Edmund?s defense was successful. Despite the victory, conflict continued until Edmund was defeated, but not killed, on October 18 by Canute at Ashington in Essex. The two kings negotiated a peace in which Edmund kept Wessex while Canute held the lands north of the River Thames. In addition, they agreed that if one of them should perish, territories belonging to the deceased would be ceded to the living.

Related Topics:
Siege - London - October 18 - Ashington - Essex - River Thames

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