Harthacnut (or Harthacanute) 1040 - 1042

Harthacanute was born circa 1018. His parents were King Canute and Emma of Normandy. He ascended the Throne of Denmark 12th November 1035 and became King of England in June 1040.

Harthacanute's reign was brief but violent. He arrived with a large fleet to claim the Crown on the death of Harold Harefoot, whose body he had thrown into a marsh. Excessive taxes made him unpopular. He burned Worcester after the murder of royal tax-collectors.

He died at Lambeth, London, 8th June 1042 and was buried in Winchester Cathedral.