King of Denmark, England and Norway. Also known as Cnut Sweynsson or Cnut the Great. His supposed attempt to turn back the waves, was not arrogance on his part, but to show his fawning courtiers that he was human.
In 1016 he led a Viking force and laid siege to London, which was supporting Edmund Ironside. Abandoning the siege Canute's forces were driven westwards and the 1016 Battle of Brentford was fought two days later. This was won by Edmund's forces but Canute eventually won at at the Battle of Assandun and was crowned King of England by 1017.
Died Shaftesbury, Dorset.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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