Harthacnut Coins

The exact birth date of Harthacnut is unknown, but he is believed to have been born in 1018. When King Cnut died in 1035, Harthacnut succeeded him to the throne of Denmark as Cnut III. Given the political turmoil in Denmark at the time, he was unable to come to England, and his half-brother Harold was instead named King.

When it became clear Harold was fatally ill Harthacnut returned to England in 1040 and claimed the throne for himself. His short reign was unpopular, with taxes raised to increase the size of England's Navy.

Harthacnut had suffered from ill health, but died suddenly at a wedding in Lambeth on June 8th, 1042. He was succeeded by Edward the Confessor in England, and Magnus I in Denmark.