Aethelred the Unready
History: KS2 National Curriculum, topic 4.4.2
Aethelred the Unready
"Unready"
- King Aethelred was called 'the Unready' because he did not have counsel.
- He was unwise.
- This nickname does not mean he was unprepared.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Aethelred the Unready
Why was King Aethelred called "the Unready"?
Who led the Vikings to England during Aethelred's reign?
What happened during the St. Brice's Day Massacre?
What did Aethelred think would happen after St. Brice’s Day Massacre?
What was the main result of the St. Brice’s Day Massacre?