Sweyn Forkbeard the First Viking King of England
King Sweyn Forkbeard was the son of Harald Bluetooth and Gyrid, and proclaimed king of England for just 40 days from Christmas 1013-February 1014. He was never crowned. A vicious and dangerous Viking, Sweyn led a life of violence, not only against his father, but also the English. His brutality and revenge for his sister’s murder, enabled him to capture London, forcing Aethelred II to flee. But his reign did not last long, as he died a few weeks later falling off his horse at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.
| Born | 960 |
| Parents | Harald Bluetooth Gormsson & Gyrid |
| Married | Gunhilde |
| Children | 8, inc Cnut the Great |
| Died | 3 February 1014, possibly buried at Roskilde Cathedral (53) |
| Reign | 1013 - 1014 (3 months) |
| Crowned | No, but proclaimed king on 25 December 1013 |
| Predecessor | Aethelred II the Unready |
| Successor | Aethelred II the Unready |
| House | Denmark |
Life Events of Sweyn Forkbeard
960
Sweyn is born to Harald Bluetooth Gormsson and Gyrid.
968
Sweyn and his ally, Palnatoke attacked Sweyn’s father, Harald and deposed him. Sweyn becomes king of Denmark.
994
Sweyn Forkbeard and Olaf Tryggvason attack the English coast from East Anglia to Hampshire. He attempts to besiege London, but withdraws. Aethelred II gives him £16,000 (Danegeld) to leave.
995
Sweyn begins his feud with Olaf I of Norway, after Olaf’s accession to the Norwegian throne.
997
Viking raids continue, this time they attack villages in Devon. King Aethelred II creates the Wantage Code, which was for the Danish five boroughs. It endorsed local law on the lands, including penalties for breach of peace, regulations and removal of condemned thieves. Today's common law originated from this code.
998
The Viking raids spread from Devon right across southern England. Aethelred II struggles to do anything about it, often arriving too late to engage the Vikings.
999
The Vikings meet some local resistance in Kent, but without outside support, the Kentish people cannot hold back the raids.
1000
Sweyn and his allies, king Olaf Skötkonung of Sweden and Norwegian Erik, earl of Lade, defeat Olaf I of Norway at the Battle of Svolder. Sweyn becomes virtual ruler of Norway, but shares the sovereignty.
1002
Aethelred II pays another large sum of £24,000, in hope that Sweyn Forkbeard will leave.
1002
On 13 November, Aethelred II desperately orders the St Brice's Day Massacre, where every Dane in England is to be killed. Sweyn Forkbeard's sister, Gunhilde, was one of the many victims.
1003
Sweyn Forkbeard attacks Exeter, and continues east to Wiltshire, Hampshire and East Anglia, sacking villages on route in retaliation for the St Brice’s Day Massacre.
1013
Sweyn Forkbeard settles on the Humber, and secures submission of Northumbria and the Danelaw. He marches to Wessex. English resistance collapses, and morale hits rock bottom. Faith in the Aethelred II's leadership disappears, who locks himself away in London. At Christmas, Sweyn Forkbeard is recognised king of England. Aethelred II has no choice but to flee to the Isle of Wight, and then on to Normandy.
1014
After only 3 months as king, Sweyn Forkbeard dies unexpectedly on 3 November, falling from his horse at Gainsborough. He is buried at York, but later exhumed and reburied in Denmark.
Interesting Facts About King Sweyn Forkbeard
Epithet
Sweyn was known as Forkbeard due to his long beard. His other names were Svend Tveskaeg (Danish), and Svein Tjugeskjegg (Norwegian).Viking king of England
Sweyn Forkbeard was the first Viking to be named king of England.Fame
Sweyn Forkbeard was famous for his conquests, his beard and his immaculate hair, even in battle.Heir
Sweyn Forkbeard’s son was the famous Cnut the Great.
Battles Fought by King Sweyn Forkbeard
Battle of Svolder
In 1000, Sweyn and his allies, king Olaf Skötkonung of Sweden and Norwegian Erik, earl of Lade, defeat Olaf I of Norway.
FAQs About the King
How did Sweyn Forkbeard die?
It is thought that he died from falling off his horse. However, some say he died of a stroke (apoplexy) instead.Who was the first Viking king of England?
Sweyn Forkbeard. His son Cnut the great is arguably more famous, but Sweyn was the first Viking king of England.Was Sweyn Forkbeard crowned in England?
No, Sweyn Forkbeard was never crowned in England.
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The Danish Kings of England
