Swein Forkbeard's Invasions and the Danish Conquest of England, 991-1017: 15 (Warfare in History) - Hardcover

Howard, Ian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0851159281 ISBN 13: 9780851159287

Publisher: Boydell Press, 2003

Synopsis

New insight gained into this exciting period of English history through focusing on the activities of Swein Forkbeard and, after his death in 1014, the Danish warlord Thorkell the Tall. From the battle of Maldon in 991 during the reign of Ĉethelred (the Unready), England was invaded by Scandinavian armies of increasing size and ferocity. Swein Forkbeard, king of Denmark, played a significant part in these invasions, which culminated in the domination of England and the long reign of his son, Cnut. This analysis of the invasions demonstrates beyond doubt that Ĉthelred was no indolent and worthless king who bribed invading Vikings to goaway: his relationship with the Scandinavian armies was more complex and more interesting than has been supposed. It is equally apparent that Swein was more than a marauding Viking adventurer: he was a sophisticated politician who laid the foundations for a great northern empire which was ruled by his descendents for many years after his death. New insight into this exciting period of English history is gained by focusing on the activities of Swein Forkbeard and, after his death in 1014, the Danish warlord Thorkell the Tall, both outstanding warriors and political leaders of what is sometimes called 'the Second Viking Age'. Many factors leading to the invasions and conquest are investigated through a critical analysis of the chronology of events, an explanation of the economic background, plotting the itineraries of the Scandinavian armies, and a fresh examination ofthe sources, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the Encomium, and John of Worcester's Chronicle. IAN HOWARD has a PhD from Manchester University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. After a career in industry and commerce, he has returned to full-time research and has produced several papers covering a variety of aspects of early medieval history.

About this title

About the Author

Ian Howard has returned to medieval history after a professional career spent elsewhere. He has produced research papers on several aspects of 10th-11th century history.

Edition details

• Publisher: Boydell Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0851159281
• ISBN 13: 9780851159287
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 204