Harthacnut

Harthacnut became king of England after the death of his half-brother Harold Harefoot. He arrived from Denmark with a fleet and was accepted by the English nobility.

Harthacnut imposed a heavy tax (heregeld) to pay for his fleet. This led to a revolt in Worcester, where two of his tax collectors were killed. Harthacnut burned the city in retaliation.

Harthacnut invited his half-brother Edward (later Edward the Confessor) to return from Normandy and made him his heir. This ensured a peaceful succession after Harthacnut's death.

Harthacnut died at Lambeth on June 8, 1042, while drinking at a wedding feast. His death ended Danish rule in England and led to the restoration of the Anglo-Saxon line under Edward the Confessor.