Alfred the Atheling

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Alfred the Atheling (c.1008–c.1037) was a younger son of Æthelred by Emma, daughter of the count of Normandy. Her second marriage, to Cnut, dispossessed the sons by her first marriage and they were brought up in Normandy. In 1035, on the death of Cnut, Alfred made an ill-judged visit to England. He was captured by Earl Godwine, blinded, and died in Ely. His elder brother Edward succeeded to the throne in 1042. Alfred's murder was quoted by Norman supporters in 1066 in justification for the deposition of Harold, son of Godwine.

J. A. Cannon

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