Canute (bottom right), c.995-1035. Illuminated manuscript, Liber Vitae, 1031
  • Canute was born in 995 AD in Denmark. His grandfather, Harald Bluetooth was the king of Denmark and his maternal grandfather Mieszko I was the King of Poland.
  • At the time of his birth, his father Sweyn Forkbeard was the King of Norway and Denmark (and briefly King of England).
  • In 1015, Canute launched his invasion of England and by October 1016, his invasion was complete with the capture of London after a treaty with Edmund, King of England.
  • Canute had two wives, Elfgifu of Northampton and Emma of Normandy. His son –