Emma of Normandy Family Tree (985-1052)

Emma of Normandy Family Tree showing:
parents
siblings
partners 
children 

Short Biography

Emma of Normandy was born in 985, the daughter of Robert Duke of Normandy. She married King Aethelred the Unready in 1002 as part of a treaty of mutual agreement between England and Normandy. The couple had three children, Edward, Alfred and Godgifu.

In 1014, King Sweyn Forkbeard conquered England and became King. Emma, Aethelred and their children fled to Emma’s relatives in Normandy. Sweyn died in February 1014 and the Witan of England refused to accept Sweyn’s son, Canute, as King. Instead they asked Aethelred to return as King. When Aethelred died in 1016 his eldest son from his first marriage, Edmund Ironside, became King.

Canute was not happy being passed over and decided to fight for the country. He succeeded in conquering the north but Edmund held out in London and a truce was reached. However, when Edmund died unexpectedly in November 1016, Canute took control of the country.

Emma sent her children to Normandy when Canute became King, but she remained in England and married Canute. She and Canute had two children, Harthacnut and Gunhilda. Canute was also King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden earning him the epithet Great.

When Canute died in 1035 he nominated his son by Emma, Harthacnut, to become King. However, Harthacnut was unable to leave Denmark due to unrest in the country. At this point Emma’s children by her first marriage, Edward and Alfred, planned to visit England. Alfred landed on the south coast and was met by Earl Godwin who seized him, had him blinded and sent him to the Isle of Ely where he died of his injuries. Edward returned to Normandy and Emma exiled herself to Flanders. In 1040, Harold, Canute’s son by his first marriage, seized the throne. When he died in 1042, Harthacnut was able to return to England and he was crowned King.

Emma returned to England where she remained until her death on 6th March 1052. She was burried in Winchester Cathedral. 

Published Mar 28, 2017 @ 4:31 pm – Updated – Apr 4, 2024 @ 12:00 pm