Harold Harefoot (r. 1035-1040)

Harold Harefoot was the son of Canute and his first wife, Elfgifu. The brothers began by sharing the kingdom of England after their father's death - Harold Harefoot becoming king in Mercia and Northumbria, and Harthacanute king of Wessex. During the absence of Hardicanute in Denmark, his other kingdom, Harold Harefoot became effective sole ruler in 1037. On his death in 1040, the kingdom of England fell to Hardicanute alone.

 

Harold Harefoot's position in the genealogical roll of the Kings of England © The British Library Board, Royal 14 B. VI membrane

Related content

Media pack

Royal Archives: A guide to the collections

The Royal Archives were first established in 1914, during the early years of the reign of King George V. The need for an archive for the papers of the Royal Family and the...

Media pack

Royal Archives: How to use the collections

The Royal Archives is the private archive of the Royal Family, and has housed the private papers of the monarchy from 1914, as well as significant historic material including...

Encyclopedia

The Tudors

Encyclopedia

The Yorkists

Encyclopedia

The Lancastrians

Encyclopedia

The Plantagenets

Encyclopedia

The Angevins

Encyclopedia

The Normans

Encyclopedia

Edwy (r.955-959)

Encyclopedia

Edred (r. 946-55)