Harold Harefoot

Harold Harefoot d. 1040, king of the English (1037-40), illegitimate son of Canute and Ælfgifu of Northampton. On his father's death (1035) he disputed the succession of his half brother Harthacanute to the English throne. A compromise was reached (1036) by which Harold would be regent while Harthacanute would remain in Denmark, but in 1037 Ælfgifu succeeded in having her son recognized as king. His brief reign was one of bloodshed and confusion, and he died as Harthacanute was preparing to invade England and claim his throne.

Harold I (c. 1016–40), king of England (c. 1035–40), known as ‘Harefoot’, was a son of Cnut, by Ælfgifu of Northampton, his first wife. In 1035, on Cnut's death, he claimed the throne of England in opposition to his half‐brother Harthacnut, whose mother was Emma, Cnut's second wife. Since the sons were young, the probability is that they were pawns in the hands of formidable mothers. By 1037 he had established himself as king of the whole realm. Harthacnut prepared to invade but Harold's death at Oxford in 1040 allowed a peaceful succession.

Harold I (d.1040) (Harold Harefoot) Danish king and ruler of England (1035–40). An illegitimate son of Canute II, he claimed the throne, ruling as regent (1035–37). Elected king at Oxford, he disposed of his rival, Alfred the Aethling, and displaced the heir, his half-brother, Hardecanute.