Medieval Kings and Queens

Kings and queens have ruled Britain since the Romans. Some were very successful, powerful warriors in their own right, expanding their kingdom and governing their subjects with authority. But others were quite the opposite!

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King Aethelred II the Unready

King Aethelred II (Æthelred or ‘Noble Council’) ('the Unready') was the younger son of Edgar the Peaceful and Aelfthryth, and king of England from 978-1013 and again from 1014-1016. Persistent Viking attacks, poor council and a lack of military ability plagued Aethelred II's reign. He lost the support of those around him, and the morale of the country. He was ultimately acceded by the Viking, Sweyn Forkbeard, who happened to die 3 months later. To which, Aethelred II was recalled to conditionally rule for 2 more years, until his death.

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