Canute

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King of England

In office
1016-1035
Preceded by  |  Edmund Ironside
Succeeded by  |  Harold Harefoot

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Died  |  November 12, 1035
Kingdom of England

Canute (c. 980/990 - 1035) was the Danish monarch who became King of England by conquest in 1016, reigning until he died in 1035. He is chiefly remembered for the legend that he ordered his throne to be taken down to the beach where he sat on it and tried to order the tide to stop coming in, thereby getting his feet wet. Although often cited as an example of royal stupidity and arrogance, in fact, this was a display of his piety. He wished to demonstrate that only God has the power to control the world, and that even kings were not omnipotent.

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English Monarchs

Pre Norman conquest|

Offa • Egbert • Ethelwulf • Ethelbald • Ethelbert • Ethelred I • Alfred the Great • Edward the Elder • Elfward • Athelstan • Edmund I • Edred • Edwy the Fair • Edgar • Edward the Martyr • Ethelred the Unready • Edmund Ironside • Sweyn Forkbeard • Canute • Harold Harefoot • Harthacanute • Edward the Confessor • Harold Godwinson • Edgar the Atheling

Post Norman conquest|

William I • William II • Henry I • Stephen (King of England) • Matilda • Henry II • Richard I • John • Henry III • Edward I • Edward II • Edward III • Richard II • Henry IV • Henry V • Henry VI • Edward IV • Edward V • Richard III • Henry VII • Henry VIII • Edward VI • Jane • Mary I • Elizabeth I • James I • Charles I • Oliver Cromwell • Richard Cromwell • Charles II • James II • William III • Mary II • Anne