King Edmund Ironside

Edmund Ironside, born around 990, was the son of King Æthelred the Unready and Ælfgifu of York. He became King of the English on 23 April 1016, following his father's death. Edmund's reign involved efforts to resist the Danish invasion led by Cnut. His epithet 'Ironside' was attributed to his valor in battle.

During his early life, Edmund was involved in the political and military struggles of his time. After the death of his elder brother Æthelstan in 1014, Edmund became the heir apparent. He married Ealdgyth, the widow of Sigeferth, to consolidate his power in the East Midlands. This marriage was conducted without his father's consent.

In 1015, Cnut returned to England, leading to a series of battles between Edmund and the Danes. Edmund fought five battles, culminating in his defeat at the Battle of Assandun on 18 October 1016. Following this defeat, a peace agreement was reached, dividing the kingdom between Edmund, who took Wessex, and Cnut, who took the rest of England.

Edmund Ironside died on 30 November 1016, probably in London, and was buried at Glastonbury Abbey. After his death, Cnut became the king of all England.