King Canute, Crosswords and Questions
ask a historian - your questions to Gareth Russell about his new book!
Hello Fellow History Lovers and Happy New Year!
When Edward the Confessor died on 5th January 1066 Harold Godwinson, the half English half-Danish principal nobleman in the kingdom was crowned as the new king only a day later. Was this the move of an over mighty upstart? The story begins back in the reign of England’s Danish king, Canute (1016-1035) and his elevation of Godwine of Wessex. Canute also became king to Denmark in 1018 and over the next few years Godwine would accompany him on expeditions to help him keep control there. He demonstrated loyalty and bravery, so much so that he was the only Englishman to survive Canute’s nobility replacement program in England to become Earl of Wessex. His rise continued and he become very powerful and rich, second only to the king himself and trusted with heading up the kingdom when Canute was abroad in his other domains.
Earl Godwin married Canute’s sister-in-law, Gytha Thorkelsdottir, and they had 11 children including Harold and Tostig, the brothers who would battle against each other at Stamford Bridge in 1066, and Edith, who married Edward the Confessor.
Canute’s elevation of the Godwin family laid the groundwork for Harold Godwinson (note the Danish name and naming convention) to succeed to the throne in 1066. I talked about that, and the other factors at play in the run up to 1066, in episode #1 of ‘British History Live,’ earlier this week. Click in the thumbnail above to watch, or listen to the episode on the podcast here (click below), on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Also this week:
Join me for the next British History Live show as I discuss the day that changed Anne Boleyn’s fate.
HALF PRICE TICKETS to Hampton Court Palace.
Answers to the History Crossword set in the last newsletter.
Put your questions to historian Gareth Russell about his upcoming book ‘Queen James’.
Get a shout out on my new live by setting me a topic to explain in 3 minutes!
In case you missed last time, this is what we covered:
A fun, history crossword (I’ll share the answers next week).
New British History Live show starts 6th January!
The Wars of the Roses Online History Festival - Talk Titles revealed.
Reminder of how to express your interest in Anne Boleyn and Royal Scotland tours 2026.
Click here to read last week’s newsletter.
British History Live | Next Show
Join me on Monday 20th January at 6:30pm UK time as I discuss the day that changed Anne Boleyn’s fate.
I will be looking at the events of 29th January 1536. As Katherine of Aragon was laid to rest as Dowager Princess of Wales at Peterborough Cathedral, Anne Boleyn miscarried. I will explore Katherine's banishment, death, funeral and how, just as Anne thought her position was at its strongest and most secure, it all began to fall apart. I’d love for you to join me live. You can set a reminder by clicking on the button below. If you can’t make it live, it will be available on the ‘live’ tab on the British History Youtube channel and on the podcast. A Substack message will go out when it is available.
Before I move on to letting you know how you can submit your questions for Gareth Russell, I have another opportunity for you to ask any history question. Paid Substack subscribers and members of the British History Patreon now get the opportunity to pose me a challenge! Ask me to clarify some burning history related question in just 3 minutes! In Patreon there is a chat thread to add your questions into. Here, please use the comment section, which is only open to paid subscribers.
3-minute explainers are a new feature of the British History Live Show! I intend to share them as standalone short videos too and if you put a topic forward you will of course get a shout out too!
What’s on | Half Price Tickets to Hampton Court Palace
For a limited time only tickets to Hampton Court Palace are half price! The palace are currently advertising half-price tickets for visits taken between now and the 7th February.
Crossword Answers!
I hope you enjoyed the fun history crossword over the break. Here are the answers!
Ask Gareth Russell…
Soon I will be requesting questions for historian Gareth Russell ready for my forthcoming interview with him about his latest book ‘Queen James. The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King.’
UK Release Date: 27th February 2025. The book will be released later in the year in different parts of the world but you can pre-order it now from Blackwells for shipping worldwide. Click on the banner below.
See you all next time - have fun!
Philippa 💜