arold I, (d. 1040), surnamed Harefoot,
king of England, was the younger of Canute’s two sons by his
first wife, Alfgiva. On the death of Canute in 1035, the witan
bestowed upon Harold all the provinces n. of the Thames. In 1037
Wessex also submitted to Harold. [World Wide Illustrated
Encyclopedia, 1935]
Harold I (of England), called Harold Harefoot (died 1040), king of England (1037-40), illegitimate son of Canute II, king of Denmark, Norway, and England. On his father's death in 1035, Harold claimed the English crown, despite Canute's designation of Hardecanute, Harold's legitimate half brother, as the successor. The English witenagemot (royal council) settled the rival claims by giving Mercia and Northumbria to Harold, and Wessex to Hardecanute. Hardecanute remained in Denmark, however, and Wessex gave its allegiance to Harold, who became king of all England in 1037. His reign was oppressive and was marked by continual struggle with Hardecanute. [Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia]
Additional information: Britannia.com
