4.4.2

Aethelred the Unready

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Aethelred the Unready

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"Unready"

  • King Aethelred was called 'the Unready' because he did not have counsel.
    • He was unwise.
    • This nickname does not mean he was unprepared.
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Viking invasions

  • During the reign of Aethelred, Vikings started to invade and raid England again.
  • The Viking leader Sweyn Forkbeard led many Vikings to England.
    • He wanted to rule parts of England.
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St. Brice's Day Massacre

  • In 1002, King Aethelred ordered the killing of Danes living in England.
    • This was the St. Brice’s Day Massacre.
    • Sweyn Forkbeard's sister, Gunhilda, may have been one of the victims.
  • Instead of making the Vikings afraid of the English, this massacre made Viking attacks worse.

Jump to other topics

1Changes in Britain from Stone Age to Iron Age

2The Roman Empire & its Impacts on Britain

3Britain's Settlement by Anglo-saxons & Scots

4The Vikings & Anglo-Saxon Struggle for England

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