Edmund Ironside

Edmund Ironside d. 1016, king of the English (1016), son of Æthelred the Unready. Contrary to the wishes of his father, he married (1015) the widow of Siferth, a Danish thane, and was accepted as ruler of the Five Boroughs of the Danelaw . When Canute invaded England in 1015, Emund led the fighting against him. However, the people apparently felt that he was a rebel against his father, for he found it hard to gain a following without his father's aid. At Æthelred's death (Apr., 1016) Edmund was proclaimed king in London, but most of the nobles gave their support to Canute. Edmund continued the struggle with great courage (which earned him the appellation Ironside) and considerable success until he was defeated in the disastrous battle of Assandun (Oct. 18, 1016). He and Canute agreed to partition the country, but Edmund died the following month.

Edmund II (Ironside) (c.993–1016) King of Wessex. He was the son of ETHELRED II, who had temporarily (1013–14) lost his throne to Sweyn I of Denmark. Edmund's succession was challenged by Sweyn's son CANUTE. Over a period of eight months (1016) they fought six major battles. Defeated at Ashingdon in Essex (October 1016), Edmund agreed to rule southern England and Canute the remainder, either survivor succeeding to the whole country. Edmund died in the following month and Canute became overall ruler.

Ironside nickname of Edmund II, king of England (c.998–1016); the name is noted in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as given him for his bravery.