Changing rulers in the 11th century
I can explain how England came to be ruled by Vikings as well as Anglo-Saxons in the 11th century.
Changing rulers in the 11th century
I can explain how England came to be ruled by Vikings as well as Anglo-Saxons in the 11th century.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Athelstan’s reign did not see the end of the Vikings in England, with continued raids and uprisings in Northumbria.
- In 1013, Sweyn Forkbeard captured the whole of England before dying.
- This left his son Canute to successfully contest the throne of England with an Anglo-Saxon, Edmund Ironside.
- Canute became King of England, Norway and Denmark, creating a huge North Sea empire which English trade benefited from.
- His son Harthacnut succeeded him in 1035 and ruled for seven years until an Anglo-Saxon, Edward, took the throne.
Common misconception
Pupils may think Ethelred's reign was completely unsuccessful.
Although Ethelred made some poor decisions during his reign, evidence from his charters and coins suggest that Ethelred’s government was more effective than was once believed.
Keywords
Reign - to reign means to rule as a monarch and be the King or Queen
Tribute - tribute was payment made often by one ruler to another
Contest - to contest something, you fight for a position of power
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
to rule as monarch, the King or Queen
payment made, often by one ruler to another
fight for a position of power