Alfred Aetheling
c. 1012 - 1036
House: House of Wessex
Alfred Aetheling was the youngest son of King Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy, born around 1012. He was part of a royal family that included his brother, Edward the Confessor. During the siege of London in 1013, Alfred and his family sought refuge in Normandy as the Danes attacked.
After the death of King Æthelred in 1016, England fell under Danish rule, and Alfred returned to Normandy. In 1035, following the death of King Canute, Alfred attempted to reclaim the English throne by landing in Sussex with a Norman mercenary force. However, he was captured and blinded by Earl Godwin of Wessex, leading to his untimely death.
Alfred Aetheling died in 1036 at the age of 23 or 24, shortly after being blinded. His brother Edward eventually restored the House of Wessex to the English throne in 1042.
Notable events
- c. 1012Born to King Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy.
- 1013Family took refuge in Normandy during the Danish siege of London.
- 1014Æthelred regained the throne of England.
- 1016Æthelred died; England was conquered by Canute of Denmark.
- 1035Canute died, leading to a power struggle in England.
- 1035Alfred attempted to return to England with a Norman mercenary guard.
- 1035Captured and blinded by Earl Godwin of Wessex.
- 1036Died shortly after being blinded.
- 1042Edward the Confessor restored the House of Wessex to the throne.
- Post-1036Harthacnut prosecuted Earl Godwin for the crime against Alfred.
Other details
Death: Died at age 23 or 24 after being blinded by Earl Godwin.
Children: 0
Parents: Æthelred the Unready, Emma of Normandy