He succeeded to the throne aged 10 following the death of his father and subsequent murder of his half-brother [Edward the Martyr]?. His nickname "The Unready" does not mean that he was ill-prepared, but derives from the Anglo-Saxon unraede meaning "without counsel''.
He married [Emma of Normandy]? in 1002.
He attempted to buy off the Vikings by payment of what was to become known as Danegeld?; he had little choice in the matter since he was unable to place any trust in his generals.
In 1013, Ethelred fled to Normandy, seeking protection by his brother-in-law, Robert of Normandy, when England was over-run by [Svein Haraldsson]? of Denmark and his forces. He returned in February, 1014, following the death of Svein Haraldsson, but died himself in London in 1016.
See also: United Kingdom/Monarchs
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