Sweyn I

Sweyn I, in Danish, Svend I, called Sweyn Forkbeard (960?-1014), king of Denmark (985?-1014).

He made an expedition against England in 994 and extorted a large amount of tribute money. Following a massacre of Danes in England in 1002, he conducted a further series of raids and in 1013 led an invasion with the object of effecting a permanent conquest. The fall of London and the flight of the English king Ethelred II to Normandy (Normandie) early in 1014 made Sweyn master of the country. After his death the throne of England eventually passed (1016) to his son Canute II.

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