Edmund Ironside

MedievalEmperorEngland990 — 1016

English king who fought Cnut the Great to a draw.

Compare Edmund Ironside with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

990

Died

1016

Country

England

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)20

Political (20%)28

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)38

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score41.6

Edmund Ironside — Complete Timeline

1016 AD

Battle of PenselwoodWar◆ Major

Edmund Ironside defeated Cnut the Great at Penselwood in Somerset. This victory was part of a series of battles as Edmund fought to defend his claim to the English throne after his father Ethelred's death.

BattleVictoryCivil War

Impact: national

Battle of SherstonWar

Edmund fought Cnut to a draw at Sherston in Wiltshire. The battle was indecisive, with both sides suffering heavy casualties, and neither gaining a strategic advantage.

BattleStalemateCivil War

Impact: national

Battle of AssandunWar◆ Major

Cnut decisively defeated Edmund at Assandun (possibly Ashingdon in Essex). The defeat forced Edmund to negotiate a partition of England with Cnut.

BattleDefeatCivil War

Impact: nationaldestructive

Treaty of OlneyPolitical Action◆ Major

Edmund and Cnut agreed to divide England: Edmund ruled Wessex, Cnut ruled the rest. The treaty also stipulated that if one died, the other would inherit the entire kingdom.

TreatyPartitionPeace

Impact: national

Death of Edmund IronsidePolitical Action◆ Major

Edmund died on November 30, 1016, shortly after the Treaty of Olney. His death allowed Cnut to become sole king of England, ending Anglo-Saxon resistance.

DeathSuccessionEnd of Resistance

Impact: nationaltragic