King Canute.

Unique ID: PAD2268

Description: The Dane Canute invaded England in 1015 and took control of virtually the whole country, except for the city of London. At the death of Ethelred II, in 1016, the Londoners chose Edmund II as their king, but the Witan (Anglo-Saxon parliament) had chosen Canute. A series of engagements with Edmund followed, with Canute defeating Edmund at Ashington in Essex. A treaty was made between them calling for a partition of England, which would continue in force until one of their deaths, at which time all lands would revert to the survivor. Canute had only a month to wait to become king, since Edmund II died in November of 1016. Canute's reign was a strong and effective one. He brought with him security from foreign invasion and he ruled justly and well. During his rule, the port of London continued to prosper. At his death, he was buried in Winchester Cathedral.

Creator: J. Chapman (engraver): J. Wilkes (publisher)

Date: 31 July 1802

Copyright of object: Out of Copyright

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London