1000-1049 Cnut

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1001. This year there was great commotion in England in consequence of an invasion by the Danes, who spread terror and devastation wheresoever they went, plundering and burning and desolating the country with such rapidity, that they advanced in one march as far as the town of Alton [Note. Not clear whether this is Alton, Hampshire]; where the people of Hampshire came against them, and fought with them. There was slain Ethelwerd, high-steward of the king (age 35), and Leofric of Whitchurch, and Leofwin, high-steward of the king, and Wulfhere, a bishop's thane, and Godwin of Worthy, son of Bishop Elfsy; and of all the men who were engaged with them eighty-one. Of the Danes there was slain a much greater number, though they remained in possession of the field of battle. Thence they proceeded westward, until they came into Devonshire; where Paley came to meet them with the ships which he was able to collect; for he had shaken off his allegiance to King Ethelred, against all the vows of truth and fidelity which he had given him, as well as the presents which the king had bestowed on him in houses and gold and silver. And they burned Teignton, and also many other goodly towns that we cannot name; and then peace was there concluded with them. And they proceeded thence towards Exmouth, Devon, so that they marched at once till they came to Pin-hoo; where Cole, high-steward of the king, and Edsy, reve of the king, came against them with the army that they could collect. But they were there put to flight, and there were many slain, and the Danes had possession of the field of battle. And the next morning they burned the village of Pin-hoo, and of Clist, and also many goodly towns that we cannot name. Then they returned eastward again, till they came to the Isle of Wight [Map]. The next morning they burned the town of Waltham, Essex, and many other small towns; soon after which the people treated with them, and they made peace.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This year came the aforesaid army, after Easter, into East Anglia; and went up at Ipswich, Suffolk [Map], marching continually till they came where they understood Ulfcytel was with his army. This was on the day called the first of the Ascension of our Lord [5th May 1010]. The East-Angles soon fled. Cambridgeshire stood firm against them. There was slain Athelstan, the king's relative, and Oswy, and his son, and Wulfric, son of Leofwin, and Edwy, brother of Efy, and many other good thanes, and a multitude of the people. Thurkytel Myrehead first began the flight; and the Danes remained masters of the field of slaughter. There were they horsed; and afterwards took possession of East-Anglia, where they plundered and burned three months; and then proceeded further into the wild fens, slaying both men and cattle, and burning throughout the fens. Thetford, Norfolk [Map] also they burned, and Cambridge [Map]; and afterwards went back southward into the Thames; and the horsemen rode towards the ships.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1012. This year came Earldorman Eadric Streona, and all the oldest counsellors of England, clerk and laity, to London before Easter, which was then on the ides of April; and there they abode, over Easter, until all the tribute was paid, which was 48,000 pounds. Then on the Saturday was the army much stirred against the bishop; because he would not promise them any fee, and forbade that any man should give anything for him. They were also much drunken; for there was wine brought them from the south. Then took they the bishop (age 59), and led him to their hustings, on the eve of the Sunday after Easter, which was the thirteenth before the calends of May; and there they then shamefully killed him. They overwhelmed him with bones and horns of oxen; and one of them smote him with an axe-iron on the head; so that he sunk downwards with the blow; and his holy blood fell on the earth, whilst his sacred soul was sent to the realm of God. The corpse in the morning was carried to London; and the bishops, Ednoth and Elfhun, and the citizens, received him with all honour, and buried him in St. Paul's minster [Map]; where God now showeth this holy martyr's miracles. When the tribute was paid, and the peace-oaths were sworn, then dispersed the army as widely as it was before collected. Then submitted to the king five and forty of the ships of the enemy; and promised him, that they would defend this land, and he should feed and clothe them.

On 3rd February 1014 Sweyn "Forkbeard" King of Denmark, Norway and England (age 54) died. His son Harald succeeded King of Denmark. There was a dispute as to who succeeded to the Kingdom of England with some supporting King Æthelred II of England (age 48) and some King Cnut of England (age 19).

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1014. This year King Sweyne (age 54) ended his days at Candlemas, the third day before the nones of February; and the same year Elfwy, Bishop of York, was consecrated in London, on the festival of St. Juliana. The fleet all chose Knute (age 19) for king; whereupon advised all the counsellors of England, clergy and laity, that they should send after King Ethelred (age 48); saying, that no sovereign was dearer to them than their natural lord, if he would govern them better than he did before. Then sent the king hither his son Edward, with his messengers; who had orders to greet all his people, saying that he would be their faithful lord-would better each of those things that they disliked-and that each of the things should be forgiven which had been either done or said against him; provided they all unanimously, without treachery, turned to him. Then was full friendship established, in word and in deed and in compact, on either side. And every Danish king they proclaimed an outlaw for ever from England. Then came King Ethelred home, in Lent, to his own people; and he was gladly received by them all. Meanwhile, after the death of Sweyne, sat Knute with his army in Gainsborough [Map] until Easter; and it was agreed between him and the people of Lindsey, that they should supply him with horses, and afterwards go out all together and plunder. But King Ethelred with his full force came to Lindsey before they were ready; and they plundered and burned, and slew all the men that they could reach. Knute, the son of Sweyne, went out with his fleet (so were the wretched people deluded by him), and proceeded southward until he came to Sandwich, Kent [Map]. There he landed the hostages that were given to his father, and cut off their hands and ears and their noses. Besides all these evils, the king ordered a tribute to the army that lay at Greenwich, Kent [Map], of 21,000 pounds.

On 23rd April 1016 King Æthelred II of England (age 50) died. His son Edmund (age 26) succeeded I King of England although tthe Witan meeting at Southampton chose King Cnut of England (age 21).

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After this, King Knute (age 21) appointed Eric earl over Northumbria, as Utred was; and then went southward another way, all by west, till the whole army came, before Easter, to the ships. Meantime Edmund Etheling (age 26) went to London to his father (age 50): and after Easter went King Knute with all his ships toward London; but it happened that King Ethelred died ere the ships came. He ended his days on St. George's day [23rd April 1016]; having held his kingdom in much tribulation and difficulty as long as his life continued.

Hammaburgensis Eecclesiae Pontificum by Adam of Bremen. For three years, therefore, Cnut attacked Britain. Æthelred (age 50)³⁹, king of the English, besieged in London, died [23rd April 1016], losing his life along with his kingdom. And by the just judgment of God, who, after his brother had been brought to completion through martyrdom, allowed him for thirty-eight years to stain the scepter with blood, he thus paid for his fratricide, leaving behind a small son named Edward, whom he had fathered with his wife Emma.

Triennium ergo Chnut Britanniam oppugnavit. Adelrad, rex Anglorum, apud Lundonam obsessus obiit, simul cum regno amittens vitam. Et iusto iudicio Dei, qui fratre per martyrium consummato 38 annis sceptrum sanguine polluit. Is parricidium taliter expiavit, relinquens filium parvulum nomine Edwardum, quem suscepit ab Imma uxore.

Note 39. Edgar, the most powerful king of the English, had a legitimate son, Edward, a most holy man. His stepmother was Afelrud, who, having killed her step-king, made her own son king.

Edgar, potentissimus rex Anglorum, a legitima filium habuit Edwardum, virum sanctissimum. Cuius noverca Afelrud fuit, quae regem privignum occidens, filium suum eundem in regem posuit.

After 23rd April 1016 King Edmund "Ironside" I of England (age 26) was crowned I King of England by Archbishop Ælfstan aka Lyfing. His reign lasted seven months.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1016. After his decease, all the peers that were in London, and the citizens, chose Edmund king (age 26); who bravely defended his kingdom while his time was. Then came the ships to Greenwich, Kent [Map], about the gang-days, and within a short interval went to London; where they sunk a deep ditch on the south side, and dragged their ships to the west side of the bridge. Afterwards they trenched the city without, so that no man could go in or out, and often fought against it: but the citizens bravely withstood them. King Edmund had ere this gone out, and invaded the West-Saxons, who all submitted to him; and soon afterward he fought with the enemy at Pen near Gillingham.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. [25th June 1016] A second battle he fought, after midsummer, at Sherston, Wiltshire [Map]; where much slaughter was made on either side, and the leaders themselves came together in the fight. Earldorman Eadric Streona and Aylmer the darling were assisting the army against King Edmund. Then collected he his force the third time, and went to London, all by north of the Thames, and so out through Clayhanger, and relieved the citizens, driving the enemy to their ships.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. After 23rd June 1016. It was within two nights after that the king (age 26) went over at Brentford [Map]; where he fought with the enemy, and put them to flight: but there many of the English were drowned, from their own carelessness; who went before the main army with a design to plunder. After this the king went into Wessex, and collected his army; but the enemy soon returned to London, and beset the city without, and fought strongly against it both by water and land. But the almighty God delivered them.

Around August 1017 King Cnut of England (age 22) and Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 32) were married. She the daughter of Richard "Fearless" Normandy I Duke Normandy and Gunnora Countess Ponthieu. He the son of Sweyn "Forkbeard" King of Denmark, Norway and England.

History of the Dukes of Normandy by William of Jumieges. The king [Cnut], having been victorious, returned to his ships with his men. Then, moving forward with swift confidence, he besieged London. Within the city King Æthelred lay gravely ill, and as his bodily sickness worsened, he soon departed this life [on 23rd April 1016.]. King Cnut, therefore, when he heard of the king's death, taking counsel with his faithful followers and providing for the future, after a few days had the queen Emma brought out of the city and lawfully united her to himself in Christian marriage¹, giving to the whole army, in gold and silver, the value corresponding to her person.

Rex vero victor effectus, ad naves suas cum suis est reversus. Hinc celeri se movens fiducia, Lundoniam circumdat obsidione. Quam intra urbem Eldredus rex graviter ægrotavit, et, crudescente morbo corporis, non multo post hominem exivit. Rex igitur Chunutus, audita morte regis, consultu fidelium suoruin præcavens in futurum, Emmam reginam abstractam ab urbe post aliquot dies sibi junxit christiano more, dans pro illa cuncto exercitui in auro et argento pensum illius corporis.

Note 1. The Economium Emmae Reginae i.e. In Praise of Queen Emma, gives a somewhat more romantic account of the marriage: "When therefore all other things had been duly ordered, nothing was lacking to the king save a most noble consort. He therefore commanded that she be sought everywhere, that when she were found, he might lawfully win her and make her the partner of his realm. Accordingly, search was made through kingdoms and cities, and a royal bride was sought; but though sought far and wide, at length, and hardly, was one found worthy of him. And this imperial bride was discovered on the borders of Gaul, especially in the Norman land, most noble both by lineage and by wealth, yet above all distinguished by the charm of her beauty and prudence, the wisest of all women of her time, in short, a renowned queen. Because of such excellence she was greatly desired by the king, and the more for this reason, that she was born of a conquering race, which had won for itself a part of Gaul against the will of the French and their prince. Why dwell on this at length? Envoys were sent to the lady; royal gifts were sent; and entreating words were sent as well. But she refused, saying that she would never become the wife of Cnut, unless he would swear by oath that he would never cause the son of any other wife to reign after him, but only the son she herself might bear him, if God should grant him one. For the king was said to have had sons by another woman; wherefore she, prudently providing for her own, with wise foresight ordained what would turn to their advantage. The word of the maiden pleased the king, and the oath being taken, the will of the maiden likewise pleased the king; and so, thanks be to God, the lady Emma, most noble among women, became the bride of the most mighty king Cnut. Then Gaul rejoiced, and the land of the English rejoiced also, when such a glory was carried across the seas. Gaul rejoiced, I say, that she had brought forth one so worthy of so great a king; and the land of the English rejoiced that it had received her into its cities. O event a thousand times desired, at length brought to pass by the favoring grace of the Savior! For this it was which both nations had long and fervently desired, that such greatness should be joined to such greatness, and worth to worth, in the marital bond that would at last still the tumults of war. For what greater or more to be desired thing could be hoped for, than that the ruinous and unprofitable toils of war should be ended by the calm tranquility of peace, when now one side, now the other, by the changing chances of battle, had conquered, yet not without great harm to themselves?"

In 1017 King Cnut of England (age 22) was crowned King of England by Archbishop Ælfstan aka Lyfing.

In 1018 the Battle of Carham aka Coldstream was fought between the combined forces Malcolm I King Alba and Owen "The Bald" Strathclyde against Eadwulf "Cudel" Northumbria Earl Bernicia who was defeated. The outcome of the battle was to fix the Scottish border at the River Tweed.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1026. This year went King Knute (age 31) to Denmark with a fleet to the holm by the holy river; where against him came Ulf and Eglaf, with a very large force both by land and sea, from Sweden. There were very many men lost on the side of King Knute, both of Danish and English; and the Swedes had possession of the field of battle.

In 1030 King Olaf "Stout" II of Norway (age 35) was killed at Stiklestad during the Battle of Stiklestad.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1035. Robert, duke of Normandy (age 35), died, and was succeeded by his son William the Bastard (age 7), then a minor.

History of the Dukes of Normandy by William of Jumieges. Then the duke, unwilling [to leave], devout, and beloved of God, after worshiping Christ with inward sobbing sighs, and after visiting the holy places of the Saints, turned back on his blessed journey and returned to the city of Nicaea. There he was seized by bodily illness, and in the year 1035 from the Lord's Incarnation, following the path appointed for all mankind, he fell asleep at the summons of the divine call, with the angels rejoicing, on the sixth day before the Nones of July [2nd July 1035].

Porro, invitus dux, pius et Deo amabilis, adorato Christo cum internorum singultuum suspiriis, et peragratis Sanctorum locis, felicissimum convertens iter, ad Nicænam regressus est urbem. In qua correptus ægrimonia corporis, millesimo tricesimo quinto ab Incarnatione Domini anno, viam petens universi generis humani, gaudentibus angelis, divinæ vocationis jussu in fine occubuit VI Nonas Julii.

On 2nd July 1035 Robert "Magnificent" Normandy I Duke Normandy (age 35) died at Nicaea. His son William (age 7) succeeded II Duke Normandy.

On 12th November 1035 King Cnut of England (age 40) died at Shaftesbury, Dorset. His son Harold (age 19) succeeded King of England.

King Harthacnut of Denmark and England (age 17) succeeded King of Denmark.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1035. This year died King Knute (age 40) at Shaftesbury, Dorset, on the second day before the ides of November; and he is buried at Winchester Old Minster in the old minster. He was king over all England very near twenty winters. Soon after his decease, there was a council of all the nobles at Oxford; wherein Earl Leofric, and almost all the thanes north of the Thames, and the naval men in London, chose Harold (age 19) to be governor of all England, for himself and his brother Hardacnute (age 17), who was in Denmark. Earl Godwin (age 34), and all the eldest men in Wessex, withstood it as long as they could; but they could do nothing against it. It was then resolved that Elfgiva (age 45), the mother of Hardacnute [Note. Aelfgifu Northumbria is the mother of Harold "Harefoot" King England, Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 50) is the mother of King Harthacnut of Denmark and England], should remain at Winchester with the household of the king her son. They held all Wessex in hand, and Earl Godwin was their chief man. Some men said of Harold, that he was the son of King Knute and of Elfgive the daughter of Alderman Elfelm; but it was thought very incredible by many men. He was, nevertheless, full king over all England. Harold himself said that he was the son of Knute and of Elfgive the Hampshire lady; though it was not true; but he sent and ordered to be taken from her all the best treasure that she could not hold, which King Knute possessed; and she nevertheless abode there continually within the city as long as she could.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. [12th November 1035] Canute (age 40), king of England, before his death, gave the kingdom of Norway to Sweyn, who was reported to be his son by Elfgiva of Northampton (age 45) [Note. Possibly a mistake for Northumberland?], the daughter of Alfhelm the ealdorman, and the noble lady Wulfruna. Some, however, asserted that this Elfgiva desired to have a son by the king, but as she could not, she caused the new-born child of a certain priest to be brought to her, and made the king fully believe that she had just borne him a son. He also gave the kingdom of Denmark to Hardicanute (age 17), his son by the queen Elfgiva (age 50). Afterwards, the same year, he departed this life at Shaftesbury on Wednesday, the second of the ides [the 12th] of November; but he was buried at Winchester in the Old Minster, with due honours. After his burial the queen Elfgiva took up her abode there. Harold (age 19) also said that he was the son of king Canute and Elfgiva of Northampton, although that is far from certain; for some say that he was the son of a cobbler, and that Elfgiva had acted with regard to him as she had done in the case of Sweyn: for our part, as there are doubts on the subject, we cannot settle with any certainty the parentage of either. Harold, however, assuming the royal dignity, sent his guards in the utmost haste to Winchester, and tyrannically seized the largest and best part of the treasure and wealth which king Canute had bequeathed to queen Elfgiva, and having thus robbed her, permitted her to continue her residence at Winchester. He then, with the consent of many of the higher orders of England, began to reign as though he was the lawful heir; but he had not the same power as Canute, because the arrival of Hardicanute, the more rightful heir, was looked for. Hence, shortly afterwards, the kingdom was divided by lot, Harold getting the northern, and Hardicanute the southern portion.

In 1036 Ælfred Ætheling Wessex (age 31) returned to England where he and his men were met by Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex (age 35) at Guildford, Surrey [Map]; ostensibly friendly. The following day, however, Godwin Godwinson 1st Earl Kent, Earl Wessex 1001-1053's men attacked Aelfred's men murdering most of them. Aelfred was taken to Ely [Map] where he was blinded and died shortly thereafter.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1036. This year came hither Alfred the innocent etheling (age 31), son of King Ethelred, and wished to visit his mother (age 51), who abode at Winchester: but Earl Godwin (age 35), and other men who had much power in this land, did not suffer it; because such conduct was very agreeable to Harold (age 20), though it was unjust.

Him did Godwin let, and in prison set. His friends, who did not fly, they slew promiscuously. And those they did not sell, like slaughter'd cattle fell! Whilst some they spared to bind, only to wander blind! Some ham-strung, helpless stood, whilst others they pursued. A deed more dreary none in this our land was done, since Englishmen gave place to hordes of Danish race. But repose we must in God our trust, that blithe as day with Christ live they, who guiltless died- their country's pride! The prince with courage met each cruel evil yet; till 'twas decreed, they should him lead, all bound, as he was then, to Ely-bury fen. But soon their royal prize bereft they of his eyes! Then to the monks they brought their captive; where he sought a refuge from his foes till life's sad evening close. His body ordered then these good and holy men, according to his worth, low in the sacred earth, to the steeple full-nigh, in the south aile to lie of the transept west- his soul with Christ doth rest.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1036. At the same time he dispersed some of his attendants, others he put in fetters and afterwards deprived of their sight, some he scalped and tortured, amputated their hands and feet and heavily mulcted [extracted money]: many he ordered to be sold, and put to death six hundred of them at Guildford, Surrey [Map] with various torments: but we trust that the souls of those, who, guilty of no crime, had their bodies so cruelly slaughtered in the fields, are now rejoicing with the saints in paradise. On hearing of this, queen Elgiva (age 51) sent back her son Edward (age 33), who had remained with her, in all haste to Normandy. Then, by order of Godwin (age 35) and others, Alfred (age 31) was conducted, heavily chained, to the Isle of Ely [Map]; but as soon as the ship touched the land, his eyes were most barbarously plucked out while he was on board, and in this state he was taken to the monastery [Map] and handed over to the custody of the monks. There he shortly afterwards died, and his body was buried, with due honours, in the south porch at the west end of the church [Map]; but his spirit is in the enjoyment of the delights of paradise.

5th March 1039 at the battle of Battle of Rhyd y groes Edwine Mercia was killed by the Welsh.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1039. Brihtmar, bishop of Lichfield, died, and was succeeded by Wulfsy. The Welsh slew [Battle of Rhyd y Groes] Edwin, earl Leofric's brother, with Turkill and Ælfgeat, son of Eatsy, two noble king's thanes, and many others at the same time. Hardicanute (age 21), king of Denmark, sailed to Flanders, on a visit to his mother, Elfgiva (age 54).

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 5th March 1039. The Welsh slew Edwin, brother of Earl Leofric, and Thurkil, and Elfget, and many good men with them.

On 29th May 1040 Renauld I Count of Nevers (age 35) was killed at the Battle of Seignelay against Robert I Duke Burgundy (age 29). His son William (age 10) succeeded Count Nevers.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 12th November 1041. They arrived there [Worcester [Map]] on the second of the ides [the 12th] of November, and beginning their work of destruction through the city and province continued it for four days; but very few of the citizens or provincials were taken or slain, because, having notice of their coming, the people fled in all directions. A great number of the citizens took refuge in a small island, called Beverege, situated in the middle of the river Severn, and having fortified it, defended themselves so stoutly against their enemies that they obtained terms of peace, and were allowed free liberty to return home. On the fifth day, the city having been burnt, every one marched off loaded with plunder, and the king's wrath was satisfied. Soon afterwards, Edward (age 38), son of Ethelred the late king of England, came over from Normandy, where he had been an exile many years, and being honourably received by his brother¹, king Hardicanute (age 23), remained at his court.

Note 1. Half-brother. Both sons of Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 56).

On 8th June 1042 King Harthacnut of Denmark and England (age 24) died. His half brother Edward (age 39) succeeded King of England.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 8th June 1042. This year died King Hardacnute (age 24) at Lambeth, as he stood drinking: he fell suddenly to the earth with a tremendous struggle; but those who were nigh at hand took him up; and he spoke not a word afterwards, but expired on the sixth day before the ides of June. He was king over all England two years wanting ten nights; and he is buried in the old minster at Winchester with King Knute his father. And his mother for his soul gave to the new minster the head of St. Valentine the Martyr: and ere he was buried all people chose Edward (age 39) for king in London. And they received him as their king, as was natural; and he reigned as long as God granted him. All that year was the season very severe in many and various respects: both from the inclemency of the weather, and the loss of the fruits of the earth. More cattle died this year than any man ever remembered, either from various diseases, or from the severity of the weather. At this same time died Elfsinus, Abbot of Peterborough; and they chose Arnwy, a monk, for their abbot; because he was a very good and benevolent man.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1042. Hardicanute (age 24), king of England, while he was present at a joyous feast given at a place called Lambeth, Surrey [Map], by Osgod Clapa, a man of great wealth, on occasion of his giving the hand of his daughter Githa in marriage to Tovi, surnamed Prudan, a noble and powerful Dane,—and carousing, full of health and merriment, with the bride and some others, fell down, by a sad mischance, while in the act of drinking, and continued speechless until Tuesday the sixth of the ides [the 8th] of June, when he expired. He was carried to Winchester and buried near his father Canute. His brother Edward (age 39) was proclaimed king at London, chiefly by the exertions of earl Godwin (age 41), and Living, bishop of Worcester. Edward was the son of Ethelred, who was the son of Edgar, who was the son of Edmund, who was the son of Edward the Elder, who was the son of Alfred.

On 3rd April 1043 King Edward "The Confessor" of England (age 40) was crowned King of England at Winchester Cathedral [Map] by Archbishop Eadsige.

Chronicon ex Chronicis by Florence and John of Worcester. 1043. Edward (age 40) was anointed king at Winchester on the first day of Easter, being the third of the nones [the 3rd] of April, by Eadsige, archbishop of Canterbury, Jilric, archbishop of York, and nearly all the bishops of England. In the same year, fourteen days before the feast-day of St. Andrew the apostle [16th November], the king went suddenly and unexpectedly from the city of Gloucester to Winchester, accompanied by the earls Godwin (age 42), Leofric, and Siward (age 33); and by their advice took from his mother (age 58) all the gold, silver, jewels, precious stones, and other valuables she possessed, because she had been less liberal to him than he expected, and had treated him harshly both before and after he was king. Notwithstanding, he gave orders for her being supplied with all necessaries, and ordered her to remain there quiet.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 3rd April 1043. This year was Edward (age 40) consecrated king at Winchester [Map], early on Easter-day, with much pomp. Then was Easter on the third day before the nones of April. Archbishop Edsy consecrated him, and before all people well admonished him. And Stigand the priest was consecrated bishop over the East Angles. And this year, fourteen nights before the mass of St. Andrew, it was advised the king, that he and Earl Leofric and Earl Godwin (age 42) and Earl Siward (age 33) with their retinue, should ride from Gloucester to Winchester unawares upon the lady (age 58); and they deprived her of all the treasures that she had; which were immense; because she was formerly very hard upon the king her son, and did less for him than he wished before he was king, and also since: but they suffered her to remain there afterwards. And soon after this the king determined to invest all the land that his mother had in her hands, and took from her all that she had in gold and in silver and in numberless things; because she formerly held it too fast against him. Soon after this Stigand was deprived of his bishopric; and they took all that he had into their hands for the king, because he was highest the counsel of his mother; and she acted as he advised, as men supposed.

On 23rd January 1045 King Edward "The Confessor" of England (age 42) and Edith of Wessex Queen Consort England (age 19) were married. She by marriage Queen Consort England. The difference in their ages was 23 years. She the daughter of Godwin 1st Earl Kent and Wessex (age 44) and Gytha Countess Kent and Wessex. He the son of King Æthelred II of England and Emma aka Ælfgyfu of Normandy Queen Consort England (age 60).

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 23rd January 1045. In the same year also King Edward (age 42) took to wife Edgitha (age 19), the daughter of Earl Godwin (age 44), ten nights before Candlemas.

Estoire de Seint Aedward le Rei.

Godwin pensa par purvéance	Godwin by foresight thought
Kl en fra grant aliance	That he should make a great alliance
Par duner sa fille au roi;	In giving his daughter to the king;
Cele par la bunté de soi	She by her own goodness,	1180
Pur sun sen e sa doctrine	Through her good sense and learning
Eschisie ert ben a reine,	Might well be chosen for queen,
E partant serra bein endormi	And thus completely at rest would be
De ses murres la fame e cri.	The report and cry of his murders.
Kar mut crent le rei Aedward	For much he fears that King Edward	1185
La mort sun frère e tempre e tart,	His brother’s death sooner or later
E d'autres traisuns se venge,	And his other treasons will avenge;
E gref vengance aucun tens prenge.	And at some time will take heavy vengeance.
Par losenger e par promettre,	By flattery and by promises,
Par duns, par despendre e mectre,	By gifts, by paying and by expending,	1190
Fist tant vers cunseillur lu roi,	He did so much with the king’s councillors,
De sun desir k'aveit l’ottrei;	That he obtained his desire;
Plus pur la bunté la pucele,	More by the goodness of the maiden
Ki tant par fu c bone e bele,	Who was so good and beautiful,
Ke le pére, cunte Godwin,	Than through the father, Count Godwin,	1195
Ki tant savoit art e engin.	Who so well knew art and stratagem.
De cuntredisantz i out meint,	Of opponents he had in it many a one,
Ke Godwin fu traitre ateint,	Because Godwin was an attainted traitor;
Dutent ke li roisseus preinne	They fear that the streamlet take
La savur de la funtaine,	The flavour of its spring,	1200
Ke la fille traie du père	That the daughter draw from the father
Mau fruit de racine amére;	Evil fruit from bitter root;
Mais la pucele est tant amée	But the maiden is so beloved,
A bone e sage espruvée,	Proved to be good and wise,
Ke ne put aver fuisun	That she can have no opposition,	1205
Ki deist de li ren si ben nun.	Since nothing ought to be said of her but good.
Si est au roi espusée,	So she is married to the king1
E reine curunée;	And crowned queen;
Faites su[n]t noces richement,	The nuptials are richly solemnized,
Cum a roi e reine apent,	As befits king and queen;	1210
Asez i out chivalerie,	Enough of chivalry had they there,
Asez bache[le]rie,	Enough of youth;
Valetz de force e juvente	Knights of bravery and youth,
De juer ki mettent entente,	Who set themselves to play,
Li uns des briser ses lances,	The one to shiver their lances,	1215
Li autres de mener ces dances,	The other to conduct the dance;
Chantent, balent, e vielent,	They sing, dance, and fiddle,
Harpent, treschent, e sautelent,	Play the harp, frisk and leap;
Mut i out de riches duns	Many rich gifts had she there
Robes, jueus, e gareisuns;	Robes, jewels, and ornaments;	1220
Li drap de soie e jueus d'or	The dresses of silk and jewels of gold
Muntent a un grant tresor.	Amount to a large treasure.

Note 1. King Edward the Confessor and Edith were married on 23rd January 1045.

Vita Ædwardi Regis.

Tunc florent, splendent, tune gaudent Anglica regna;	Then England’s realms flourish, gleam, and rejoice;
Suadebant proceres uxorem ducere regni,	The nobles urge the king to take a wife,
Ut soboles regis regalia sceptra tenerct.	So that the king’s offspring may hold the royal sceptre.
Rex stupet et sibimet metuit, timet omnia cautus,	The king is astonished and fears even for himself; cautious, he fears all things,
Præcavet insidias Sirenum, pocula Circes;	He guards against the snares of the Sirens, the cups of Circe.	180
Undique concutitur; magnates ducere suadent,	On every side he is shaken; the magnates urge him to marry.
Propositi dissuadet honos; sed cedere tandem	His sense of honour argues against the plan; yet at last
Cogitur, invitus assentit; quæritur ergo	He is compelled to yield—unwillingly he gives assent.
Per mare, per terras, regi generosa propago,	And so, across sea and land, a noble lineage is sought for the king.
Quæ proba regina, quæ tanto conjuge digna	One who might become a virtuous queen, one worthy of so great a husband.	185
Fiat. Commendat rex vitam, se quoque, Christo,	The king entrusts his life, and himself as well, to Christ,
Qui Joseph, et Judith, Susannam vincere fecit	Who enabled Joseph, Judith, and Susanna
Admotas faculas Veneris que libidinis ignes.	To overcome the kindled torches of Venus and the fires of lust.
Conjugium celebrant; producitur inclita virgo,	The marriage is celebrated1; forth is led the noble maiden,
Filia Godwini, quæ nomine fertur Editha.	The daughter of Godwin, who is said to bear the name Edith.	190
Penelopen' gremio facie gerit illa Lacænam;	In her bearing she displayed Penelope’s modest virtue;
Lilia nupta rosis vultus pinxere favorem.	In her face she bore the beauty of a Spartan woman.
Nec tamen inferior decoravit gratia formam,	Yet grace did not adorn her form less fully
Partibus in reliquis, æquo sed compta decore;	In her other parts, but she was fashioned with balanced beauty.
Nil meliorari quod posset jure reliquit,	She left nothing that could rightly be improved;	195
Cujus honor, species, virtus, et cætera summa	Her honour, beauty, virtue, and all her other excellences
Describi nequeunt, sed ut aptius eloquar illam,	Cannot be described; but to speak of her more fittingly,
Edwardo similis fulgebat in his et in illis:	She shone as Edward’s equal in these things and in those.
Hanc solam Christus soli decreverat aptam:	Christ alone had decreed her alone to be fitting for him.
Tironi proprio mores infantia cœpit.	From her earliest years, childhood began to shape her character for her own calling.	200
Quos divinus odor perflans dulcedine cœli	These qualities a divine fragrance, breathing the sweetness of heaven,
Inspiravit, et erexit, firmavit, et auxit.	Inspired, uplifted, strengthened, and increased.

Note 1. The marriage of King Edward the Confessor and Queen Edith was celebrated on 23rd January 1045.

History of the Dukes of Normandy by William of Jumieges. Fierce and skilled in deceit, Godwin, was at that time the most powerful earl in England, and held a great part of the kingdom of the English, which he had claimed by the nobility of his parents or seized by force or deceit. Edward, therefore, fearing that he might be harmed by the power of so great a man, by his usual craftiness, by the counsel of the Normans, whose loyal support sustained him, graciously forgave him the undeserved destruction of his brother Alfred. And so that firm love might remain between them continually, he [Edward] took his daughter Edith¹ in name as his wife in name only. For in truth, as they say, both preserved perpetual virginity. Edward was a good man, gentle and humble, pleasant and patient, merciful, a protector of the poor, and a rightful restorer of the ancient English laws. Many times he saw divine mysteries and pronounced prophecies which were afterward proven by the course of events. He ruled the kingdom of the English happily for nearly twenty-three years.

Ferox dolique commentor Goduinus eo tempore comes in Anglia potentissimus erat, et magnam regni Anglorum partem fortiter tenebat, quam ex parentum nobilitate, seu vi vel fraudulentia vindicaverat. Edwardus itaque metuens tanti viri potentia lædi, dolove solito, Northmannorum consultu, quorum fido vigebat solatio, indignam Aluredi fratris sui pernicien ei benigniter indulsit. Ac ut inter eos firmus amor jugiter maneret, Editham filiam ejus Duxorem nomine tenus duxit. Nam revera, ut dicunt, ambo perpetuam virginitatem conservaverunt. Edwardus nempe vir bonus erat, mitis et humilis, jucundus et longanimis, clemens, pauperum tutor et Anglicarum legum legitimus restituor. Multoties divina mysteria vidit et vaticinia quæ rerum eventu postmodum comprobata sunt, deprompsit, regnumque Anglorum fere 23 annis feliciter rexit.

Note 1. Edward married Edith, daughter of Earl Godwin 1045. There was no issue from the marriage. The following two sources give two differing perspectives on the union:

Estoire de Seint Aedward le Rei:

"Godwin by foresight thought

That he should make a great alliance

In giving his daughter to the king;

She by her own goodness,

Through her good sense and learning

Might well be chosen for queen,

And thus completely at rest would be

The report and cry of his murders.

For much he fears that King Edward

His brother's death sooner or later

And his other treasons will avenge;

And at some time will take heavy vengeance.

By flattery and by promises,

By gifts, by paying and by expending,

He did so much with the king’s councillors,

That he obtained his desire;

More by the goodness of the maiden

Who was so good and beautiful,

Than through the father, Count Godwin,

Who so well knew art and stratagem.

Of opponents he had in it many a one,

Because Godwin was an attainted traitor;

They fear that the streamlet take

The flavour of its spring,

That the daughter draw from the father

Evil fruit from bitter root;

But the maiden is so beloved,

Proved to be good and wise,

That she can have no opposition,

Since nothing ought to be said of her but good.

So she is married to the king

And crowned queen;"

Vita Ædwardi Regis:

"And so, across sea and land, a noble lineage is sought for the king.

One who might become a virtuous queen, one worthy of so great a husband.

The king entrusts his life, and himself as well, to Christ,

Who enabled Joseph, Judith, and Susanna

To overcome the kindled torches of Venus and the fires of lust.

The marriage is celebrated; forth is led the noble maiden,

The daughter of Godwin, who is said to bear the name Edith.

In her bearing she displayed Penelope's modest virtue;

In her face she bore the beauty of a Spartan woman.

Yet grace did not adorn her form less fully

In her other parts, but she was fashioned with balanced beauty.

She left nothing that could rightly be improved;

Her honour, beauty, virtue, and all her other excellences

Cannot be described; but to speak of her more fittingly,

She shone as Edward's equal in these things and in those.

Christ alone had decreed her alone to be fitting for him.

From her earliest years, childhood began to shape her character for her own calling.

These qualities a divine fragrance, breathing the sweetness of heaven,

Inspired, uplifted, strengthened, and increased."

In 1047 King William "Conqueror" I of England (age 19), supported by King Henry I of France (age 38), defeated a rebel army led by William's cousin Guy Ivrea (age 22) who opposed William's succession as Duke of Normandy at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes in Caen, Calvados, Basse Normandie.

Hamon Dentatus was killed.

History of the Dukes of Normandy by William of Jumieges. Then at last the king, remembering the favour which had once been shown to him by the duke's father, assembled the forces of the Franks, and entering the county of Hiémois, came to Val-ès-Dunes [in summer 1047], where he encountered an innumerable army of armed men, fiercely intent on battle, with drawn swords. The king and the duke, not at all terrified by their savage assault, joined battle by the mutual charge of their soldiers, and at once destroyed them with such slaughter that those whom the sword did not slay were, by the fear of God pressing upon them, swallowed by the river Orne as they fled. A fortunate battle indeed, in which on one single day the strongholds of the insolent and the dwellings of the wicked fell.

Tunc tandem rex memor beneficii quod a patre ejus sibi quondam impensum fuerat, vires Francorum simul coegit, et Oximensem comitatum aggressus, Valedunas venit, ubi innumerabilium infectissimo armatorum animo exercitum strictis gladiis prælium sibi intentantem offendit. Quorum efferos impetus rex cum duce minime perhorrescens, facto alternatim militum concursu bellum commisit, tantaque eos illico strage delevit, ut quos gladius non exstinxit, Deo formidinem inferente, fugientes fluvius Olnæ absorberet. Felix namque pugna, in qua die sub una corruerunt protervorum castella et facinorosorum domicilia.

Wace's Roman de Rou, Edgar Taylor translation, 1837: "Then the troops were to be seen moving with their captains; and there was no rich man or baron there who had not by his side his gonfanon, or other enseigne, round which his men might rally; and cognizances or tokens, and shields painted in various guises. There was great stir over the field; horses were to be seen curvetting, the pikes were raised, the lances brandished, and shields and helmets glistened. As they gallop, they cry their various war cries: those of France cry, MONTJOIE! the sound whereof is pleasant to them. William cries, DEX AIE! which is the signal of Normandy; and Renouf cries loudly, SAINT SEVER, SIRE SAINT SEVOIR; and Dam as-denz goes crying out, SAINT AMANT! SIRE SAINT AMANTU! Great clamour arose in their onset; all the earth quaked and trembled; knights were pricking along, some retiring, others coming up; the bold spurring forward, the cowards shrinking and trembling. Against the King of France and the Frenchmen came up the body of the Costentinese; each party closing with the other, and clashing with levelled lances. When the lances broke and failed, then they assailed each other with swords. Hand to hand they fight, as champions in the lists, when two knights are matched; striking and beating each other down in many ways; wrestling and pushing and triumphing whenever any one yields. Each would be ashamed to flee, each tries to keep the field, each one boasts of his prowess with his fellow; Costentinese and French thus contending with each other. Great is the clamour and hard the strife; the swords are drawn, the lances clash. Many were the vassals to be seen there fighting, Serjeants and knights overthrowing one another. The king himself was struck and beat down off his horse. A Norman whom no one knew had come up among them; he thought that if the king should fall, his army would soon be dispersed; so he struck at him ' de travers/ and overthrew him, and if his hauberk had not been very good, in my opinion he would have been killed. On this account the men of that country said, and yet say, jeering, 'From Costentin came the lance, That struck down the King of France', and if their knight had got clear away, they might well pass with their jeer. But when he tried to go off, and his horse had begun its course, a knight came pricking, and hit him, striking him with such violence as to stretch him out at full length. And he soon fared still worse than even that; for as he recovered himself, and would have mounted his horse, and had laid his hand on the saddle bow, the throng increased around, and bore him from the saddle, throwing him down; and the horses trod him underfoot, so that they left him there for dead. There was great press to raise the king up, and they soon remounted him. He had fallen among his men, and was no way hurt nor injured : so he arose up nimbly and boldly; never more so. As soon as he was on horseback, many were the vassals who were again to be seen striking with lance and sword; Frenchmen assaulting Normans, and Normans turning, dispersing, and moving off the field: and the king shewed himself every where in order to encourage his men, as he had been seen to fall."