Aethelred the Unready

King of England ( 978 - 1013 and 1014 - 1016 ). Became king following the death of his half brother Edward, later to be given the title martyr. The name unready is derived from the redeless or lacking in council. His weak leadership was partly responsible for the renewed Danish invasions. He was not prepared to fight but paid them off with danegeld. This happened on at least five occasions where the price became higher and higher. He finally ordered all Danes to be slaughtered on St Brice's day 1002. This action prompted the invasion by Sweyn Forkbeard in 1013 which instigated his departure to France. He returned after Sweyn's death in 1014 and resumed as king. He died in 1016