Sweyn Forkbeard Ruled Forty Days

Sweyn Forkbeard became England's first Viking king after his forces plundered, burned, and devastated large areas of the country. His 1013 invasion forced London and the English nobility to submit, while King Aethelred the Unready fled to Normandy. Sweyn was proclaimed king on Christmas Day but died suddenly only 40 days later. English nobles then recalled Aethelred, who returned from exile and reclaimed his throne.

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