Treaty of Olney

Timeline

1. 1016England · EnglandAfter the disastrous defeat at Assandun, Edmund Ironside could not continue full-scale war, and Cnut faced supply problems and an unstable rear. Through noble intermediaries the two sides opened peace talks, seeking a political partition instead of endless military attrition.
2. 1016Olney · BuckinghamshireThe two met at Olney on the Thames and concluded a treaty. Edmund retained the kingdom of Wessex, while Cnut received Mercia and all territory north of the Thames. They also agreed to recognize each other as brothers, not to attack each other, and provided that if one died without heirs, the other would inherit his lands in full.
3. 1016Oxford · OxfordshireAbout a week after the treaty, Edmund Ironside died suddenly near Oxford, the cause still uncertain. Under the Olney succession clause, Cnut became sole king of all England, recognized by the Wessex nobles as well. The partition arrangement thus ended, paving the way for Cnut's coronation in 1017.