Harthacnut, "Deadly Cnut" 1040-1042

Following the war of independence with Magnus of Norway Harthacnut agreed a treaty between the two Kings which provided for either to claim the territories of the other upon their death without an heir apparent.

As soon as Harthacnut was made aware that, to Magnus, this included England he denounced the treaty. In a seemingly over political move, not uncommon in these times, he called Ethelred II's remaining son, Edward back to England where he designated him as his heir. This action blocked any Norwegian thought of securing the throne of England.

In a death befitting a Viking perhaps, Harthacnut met his end by drinking himself to death in Lambeth in the summer of 1042. He was unmarried, with no children.