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Harold Harefoot's regency in England

Type Event Region Europe Time 1035–1037

After Cnut the Great's death in 1035, his illegitimate son Harold Harefoot became regent with English magnates' support, eventually claiming the thro…

Timeline

  1. 1035Oxford · OxfordshireAfter Cnut's death, the Witenagemot at Oxford elected Harold Harefoot regent to govern England on behalf of Harthacnut. Harold, Cnut's illegitimate son, was supported by great English nobles such as Leofric, putting him at odds with Queen Emma.
  2. 1036–1037Winchester · HampshireDuring his regency Harold gradually sidelined Emma's faction; in 1036 Emma's second son Alfred was captured and killed on his way to England. By 1037 Harold was generally recognized as king in England, no longer ruling as regent, and Harthacnut's claim as legitimate heir was effectively denied.

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