King Canute Viking Warrior & English King by Charlie Hay, Diane Lomax, Val and David Bryant
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King Canute Viking Warrior & English King by Charlie Hay, Diane Lomax, Val and David Bryant published in 2016 by Knutsford Heritage Centre Registered charity no 1076917
ŠKnutsford Heritage Centre 2016 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by means without the permission of Knutsford Heritage Centre
Design and print by:
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According to centuries-old tradition, Knutsford takes its name from the point where the Viking army led by Prince Canute of Denmark crossed the River Lily in his advance across England some time in 1015 or 1016. Cunetesford later became known as Knutsford. It is now one thousand years since Canute became the first King of England and Knutsford is proud to take a lead in the celebrations to mark this millennium. A host of special events will take place as part of Knutsford’s 2016 Canute Millennial presented by Knutsford Heritage Centre and supported by Knutsford Town Council.
Viking Warrior & English King Exhibition This souvenir book was written in association with The Viking Warrior & English King exhibition at Knutsford Heritage Centre. This tells the story of Canute and the Vikings in England and depicts how Knutsford has proclaimed its association with Canute through the years. We would like to acknowledge the generous support and assistance of Knutsford Town Council, David Rymill the Archivist to Hampshire Record Office and Winchester Cathedral, Russ and Liz Scott of Traders, Invaders & Raiders re-enactment group.
CONTENTS Foreword
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by Christian Wewer, DL RI Honorary Consul for Denmark
Introduction
King Canute and Knutsford
Chapter 1: The Viking World
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Viking Expansion and Conquest Maps
Chapter 2: Canute’s Time
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Viking & Saxon kings The Life of King Canute The Legend of Canute
Chapter 3: Canute’s World Viking Society and Dane Law Viking Religious Beliefs Vikings at Home
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King Canute Timeline Viking Weapons Viking Longboats Viking Jewellery Viking Coinage
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Chapter 4: Canute’s Legacy in Knutsford Today
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King Canute Town Features
Top 10 Facts About King Canute
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Knutsford Events 2016
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Knutsford Heritage Centre
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References
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Acknowledgements & sponsors
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Foreword
Christian Wewer DL R1, Honorary Consul for Denmark
One thousand years ago a Danish Prince called Canute became the King of All England; he travelled North West to link up with the Vikings who had settled in Dublin and Chester and to open up trade routes across the Irish Sea. At some stage during these travels, or when he marched against the king of Scotland, Canute crossed the river Lily at Knutsford and thereby gave prominence to the town and forged links which have lasted to the present day. I have had the privilege of being the Honorary Consul for Denmark for Manchester and the North West for the past 27 years and I can therefore confirm that the above links forged in 1016 by Canute’s crossing at Knutsford still resonate today and are stronger than ever. The Millennium Celebration events which Knutsford Heritage Centre have produced and coordinated are splendid, imaginative and fitting tributes to the events that took place one thousand years ago. The Knutsford Heritage Centre is managed and run by enthusiastic and committed volunteers who are to be congratulated on their hard work in realising these events and celebrations and I am grateful to be included as a participant and representative of the Danish element. I would like particularly to highlight Knutsford Heritage Centre’s aim to develop a lasting legacy from this year by fostering a close link with Roskilde museum in Denmark, (which houses the finest examples of preserved Viking ships), and launching a legacy appeal with Cheshire Scouts to fund Roskilde to build 4 long boats to be brought over to Knutsford and used by the scouts and other groups. I would urge Millennium Celebrators to support this initiative. I sincerely wish Knutsford Heritage Centre, Knutsford Town Council and all participants, success, fun and enjoyment in this year of celebration and best wishes for continued collaboration into the next millennium.
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Image courtesy of Hampshire Record OfficeŠ
Introduction King Canute and Knutsford Knutsford has a rich heritage tracing back over one thousand years. It is mentioned in the historic Domesday Book of 1086 under a name which, for many, has provided a tantalising link to the great Danish king, Canute; it was named Cunetesford. Legend has it that in 1016 Canute passed through Knutsford with his army on the march northwards, against the king of Scotland and prince of Cumberland. He is said to have forded the River Lily, or perhaps the Birkin, creating a muddy crossing across the river through the low-lying marsh. Whether this legendary link is more fiction than fact, as there is no documented evidence that Canute ever came to this part of the country, Knutsford wholeheartedly embraces its nearnamesake. This year the town celebrates the one thousandth anniversary of Canute being named as the king of England.
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Chapter 1 The Viking World Viking Expansion and Conquest
Viking re-enactors
The period between 790 to 1066 AD is known as the Viking Age. During these centuries, the Vikings expanded outwards from their homes in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, raiding many European countries. Viking warriors set sail in search of new lands, slaves, gold and silver. At their height, the Vikings controlled vast swathes of land across Europe and they reached out to very unexpected places. They controlled large parts of what is now the United Kingdom between the eighth and eleventh centuries, leaving a cultural mark that still persists today in our language and in the fabric of our society. The Vikings were masters of the sea, travelling distances civilisation had not dreamt of before. Evidence of Viking expansion has even been found in what is now Canada, dating to around the year 1000, pre-dating Columbus by nearly five hundred years. It seems that several attempts were made to colonise Newfoundland, none of which persisted for very long. More successful, however, was the colonisation of Iceland, whose Viking population persists to this day. The Icelandic population still follow the Viking naming conventions and, whilst the ancient pagan Norse religion is not still literally followed, a church to the old gods has recently been constructed. Vikings made it to Greenland, reputedly led by Eric the Red after his expulsion from Iceland. Further South, Viking colonies were set up in Spain and Italy, and they had a great deal of interaction with the civilisation we now call the Byzantines, based in Constantinople, modern day Istanbul. If you know where to look, you can still find graffiti around the city in runic, the alphabet of the Vikings.
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Canute’s European and Eurasian territories
Four Kingdoms of England By 1017 Canute had conquered England which was divided into four kingdoms including Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia (including Cheshire) and Northumbria.
The four English kingdoms under King Canute’s rule
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Chapter 2 Canute’s Time Whilst there is no written record of Canute’s place and true date of birth, it is known that Canute’s father was Sweyn Forkbeard and grandfather was Harald Bluetooth. They preceded him as Kings of Denmark. Chronicles from the Middle Ages identify his mother as Gunhilda, a Polish princess.
Viking and Saxon Kings This family tree shows where Canute sits within the Viking and Saxon monarchs of England between 978 to 1066AD Æthelred the Unready = (1)Æfigifu of York (2) Emma of Normandy King 978-1013 and 1014-1016
Edward the Confessor = Edith of Wessex King of England 1042-1066
Edmund II (Ironside) Declared King of London 23 April - 30 Nov 1016
+11 other siblings
b.989 AD Wessex d. 30 Dec 1016 Injured in Battle of Ashingdon Harold Bluetooth Sweyn Forkbeard = Gunnora King of England Dec 1013 (40 days) SAXON KINGS 978-1013 Æthelred (the Unready) VIKING KING 1013 Sweyn Forkbeard (40 days) SAXON KINGS 1014-1016 Æthelred (the Unready) 1016 (Apr-Nov) Edmund II (Ironside) king of London VIKING KINGS 1016- 1035 CANUTE THE GREAT 1035-1040 Harold II (Harefoot) 1040-1042 Harthacnut SAXON KINGS 1042-1066 Edward III (the Confessor) NORMAN KINGS 1066-1087 William (the Conquerer)
Harald king of Denmark 1014
+ 5 Siblings CANUTE THE GREAT = (2) Emma of Normandy m. 1017 Æfigifu of Northampton
King at Southampton 1016 King of All England 6 Jan 1017 - 1035 after Edmund Ironside died b.990 AD Denmark d.12 Dec 1035 Shaftsbury Buried Winchester Cathedral
Harthacnut King of Denmark 1035-42 King of England 1040-42
Harold Harefoot King of England 1035-40
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Gunhilda of Denmark = Henry king of Germany
Svein Knutson
King Canute & the legend of the tide
The Life of King Canute After his subjugation of Earl Uhtred of Northumbria and his coronation as King of England in Southampton in 1016, Canute’s reign was initially quite harsh. He gave large swathes of English-owned land to Danish nobles, aggressively put down rebellions in some areas and, after a lengthy siege of London in 1016, all of England north of the Thames was brought under Canute’s rule. This aggression did not last long, however, and soon Canute was able to control England far more peacefully. He even made sure most of his advisors were English, rather than Danish. He was recognised as a successful ruler at the time, as well as an active supporter of the church. His support of the church showed diplomacy as much as it did piety. This is particularly apparent from his journey in 1027 to Rome to witness the coronation of Conrad II as the emperor to the Holy Roman Empire. His accounts of his conversations with the new emperor focus on his requests for greater political stability and safety for his subjects in Europe and England. King Canute faced various challenges in Scandinavia, Europe and occasionally the British Isles. He was shown to be a strategically accomplished and flexible leader. His methods ranged from negotiation, economic undermining, English-backed military, political intervention and political marriage, in the case of Emma of Normandy. Upon his death in 1035, Canute was succeeded by his son Harthacnut, who briefly reigned as Canute III before quickly losing power and influence. King Canute died in Shaftsbury on the 12th November, and was interred in Winchester Cathedral, together with Emma, his wife, and their son, Harthacnut. - 10 -
Image courtesy of © Hampshire Record Office
The Legend of King Canute In addition to the centuries-old tradition which links the naming of Knutsford to Canute, the more famous legend relates to Canute and how he commanded the incoming tide. In his time, so respected was King Canute that his courtiers and those around him began to think he was capable of anything. They would call him the greatest man that ever lived, and claimed to him, “nothing in this world dares to disobey you.” Canute tired of their foolishness and sycophancy, and decided to teach them a lesson in reality and humility. Standing by the seashore with his entourage, he said, “you say I am the greatest man in the world? You say all things obey me?” “Absolutely,” they said. “The world bows before you and gives you honour.” Irritated, he said, “I notice the tide is coming in. Do you think it will stop if I gave the command?” His officers dared not say no. They said, “give the order, O great king, and it will obey.” “Very well”, said Canute, who turned to the sea and commanded it to cease its retreat. As the waves rose around his feet, Canute cursed the waves and bellowed at them to obey him. Still the tide moved in, as it always does, and the sea remained unconquered. Canute turned back to his entourage. “Well my friends, it seems I do not quite have so much power as you would have me believe.” Because the tide did not turn Canute was able to demonstrate to his fawning courtiers that although he was king, only God was all powerful. Some say that soon afterward, Canute took off his crown, never to wear it again.
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Chapter 3 Canute’s World Viking Society Viking society, whilst not strictly segregated, certainly had recognisable social classes. It was possible to move between these social groups, although that was not particularly common. At the top were the Jarls, pronounced ‘yarl’, which is the origin of the English word, earl. These were the nobles, the leaders and the closest thing to government for many. By the standards of their time, they lived lavishly, but excess could be dangerous. The power and legitimacy of the nobility was often influenced heavily by their popularity among the local population. The freemen, landowners and general backbone of Viking civilian society were called the Karls. They were the tradesmen, the farmers, the smiths and others. At the bottom of the Viking social ladder were the slaves, known as thralls (in Danish, the træl). These people were either born into servitude, or they were pressed into it as a result of unpaid debt, raiding of their homelands, or as punishment for crime. It was possible for them to earn their freedom, although how often this happened is difficult to tell.
Dane Law Dane Law is the historical name given to that part of England in which the laws of the Danes held sway, dominating those of the Anglo-Saxons. At its height, the influence of Dane Law in England was enormous, and its territory stretched from Northumberland to London and across to the North West coast. It increased in influence between the ninth and eleventh centuries, and was ultimately critically undermined in 1066, not by the continuous English rebellions, but by the Norman invasion to the South. - 12 -
Viking battledress
Bosham Church, West Sussex. Canute previously built a church on this site, thought to be the burial place of his young daughter who tragically drowned.
Viking Religious Beliefs When considering the religious and spiritual life of Vikings, we could be forgiven for immediately thinking of Odin and his pantheon, including his son, the famous Thor. So deeply engrained are these cultural tropes, that they still lend their names to the majority of our days. The origins of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are Tiw’s Day, Odin’s day, Thor’s day and Frigga’s day, respectively. In reality, by the time of King Canute, Viking society was becoming extensively Christianised, especially in Denmark. This Christianisation was marked formally by the Jelling Monument Stones in Denmark, erected by order of King Harald Bluetooth (King Canute’s grandfather) in memory of his parents Gorm and Thyra, who unified and Christianised Denmark. These stones display the oldest image of Christ in Scandinavia. Christian belief became increasingly entrenched in Viking society over the next two centuries, but not without incident. There was a significant Pagan backlash against Christianity in 11th century Sweden, but by the 12th century the country had become Christian. - 13 -
Vikings at Home VIKING WOMEN & CHILDREN Viking women were independent. While the men were away on expeditions they looked after the family and farms. They spent part of their day spinning wool or flax and weaving on a simple weighted loom, to create clothes for families to wear.
Food Vikings lived in long-houses. They knew how to mill corn, cooked meals in a cauldron over an open fire, and ate off wooden platters and bowls.
Drinking vessels. Leather water bottle for carrying water, and a horn used for drinking.
Cauldron used over an open fire.
Milling corn was done by hand using two small millstones one set above the other, the upper one being turned by a handle. It must have been fairly hard work to do this.
Viking style leather shoes.
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Viking style locks and keys
Traditional Viking noble dress
SPINNING, WEAVING & DYEING
Early Viking style linen press
Viking women would have used natural dyes such as woad, madder, indigo and weld to colour their spun fibres.
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KING CANUTE TIMELINE 995 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1020 1021 1022 1023
Canute born c.995 in Norway Canute marries Ælfgifu of Northampton, London Æthelred in Normandy (Jan-Lent). Swein Forkbeard dies (3 Feb) Canute chosen leader by the Viking fleet. Æthelred returns to England. Canute returns to Denmark. Æthelred pays £21000 to Thorkells fleet. Æthelstan the ætheling dies (June) Edmund Ironside takes control of the Midlands. Canute invades Wessex. Eadric Streona deserts Æthelred. Æthelred dies. Edmund Ironside chosen king at London. Canute chosen king at Southampton. Battle of Ashingdon (18 October; English victory). Peace of ‘Olney’ and division of kingdom. Edmund Ironside dies (30 November). CANUTE BECOMES KING OF ENGLAND. Harold Harefoot born. Canute crowned at London by Archbishop Lyfing (6 Jan). England divided into four earldoms. Canute marries Emma, Æthelred’s widow (July). Eadric Streona executed. Tribute of £72000 (+£10500 from London). Canute reduces fleet to 40 ships. Agreement at Oxford between Danes and English. HarthaCanute born. Canute’s letter to English subjects (from Denmark). Thorkell becomes regent. Lyfing, archbishop of Canterbury dies (12 June) and is succeeded by Æthelnoth (13 November). Consecration of minister at Assandum. Godwine becomes earl of Wessex. Thorkell outlawed (Nov.) Canute takes fleet to Wihtland Canute and Thorkell reconciled. Archbishop Wulfstan of York dies (28 May). Translation of Archbishop Ætheleah’s relics from London to Canterbury (8-11 June) - 16 -
Winchester Cathedral, Canute’s burial place
1027
1035 1036 1037 1038 1039 1040 1041
1043
Canute visits Rome for coronation of Conrad II as emperor (March-April). Second letter to English subjects (on return journey). Expedition to Scotland; submission of Scots to Canute. Canute DIES (12 Nov.). HARTHACNUT becomes king. Harold Harefoot becomes regent. ’Invasion’ of the ætheling Alfred (?and his brother Edward). Alfred is blinded and dies at Ely. Harold Harefoot becomes king. Emma exciled to Bruges (autumn). Archbishop Æthelnoth of Canterbury dies Harthacnut joins Emma at Bruges Harold Harefoot dies (17 March). Harthacnut takes up kingship (June). £21099 paid to fleet. Edward the ætheling (the Confessor) arrives in England and is accepted as HarthaCanute’s heir. Harthacnut dies (8 June). Edward the Confessor becomes king. - 17 -
Viking Weapons Viking weapons included an axe, shield, spear, sword, and a bow and arrow, which were their prized possessions. Vikings had axes, both large and small, sometimes with decorative engraving. They could be quite lethal weapons. Viking society had three classes, slaves, freemen and nobles. Most of the hard labour was done by slaves. Many had been captured during the war. Freemen were farmers, traders, craftsmen, warriors and landowners.
Viking with a plain metal helmet and a very large axe.
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A finely decorated Viking sword and sheath
Viking Longboats One of the keys to the Vikings’ success was their mastery of the sea. They covered vast distances and were able to raid coastal areas with lightning speed. They went where no Europeans had gone before and made homes in the most unlikely places. This domination of the waves was due to their defining technology: the longboat. Viking longboats were large, open, clinker-built rowing boats with overlapping planks, pointed at each end, with a figurehead at bow and stern. The high prow stopped the ship from nose-diving in rough water. The smallest were just a few metres long with four oars. Seafaring boats known as ‘knarrs’ were much longer and powered across the ocean by sail. The Gokstad boat excavated in Norway in 1880 in the Oslo Fjord had 32 shields on each side. Often dubbed “dragon ships”, they were extremely versatile craft. Their shallow hull allowed great speed due to lessened drag, and also enabled them to land on most shores and to easily get back to sea, like a giant canoe. Whilst being extremely technically advanced for their time, they did not serve well as naval battleships, and were used more for troop transport. When naval warfare did occur, they could be secured in parallel to enable boarding action. Their origins can be traced back to the fourth century, and they remained in service well into the fifteenth century when they were, somewhat sadly, superseded by the more advanced tall ships of the era. The age of the dragon ships, a millennium long, was ended.
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Decorative clasp
Urnes art style brooch
Wrist bangle
Beaded necklace Decorative cup
Viking Jewellery Vikings were very fond of jewellery. Both men and women wore brooches, necklaces, arm bands, wrist bangles and rings. Metalworkers were highly skilled at creating these. Wearing gold and silver was a sign of wealth. Bronze was not as bright and so less expensive. Poorer Vikings carved plainer brooches from bone. Coloured glass, jet and amber were also used to create necklaces and pendants. - 20 -
Men’s head brooch
Canute’s Coinage QUATREFOIL 1017-1024 The first chronologically is the quatrefoil showing a left facing head of the king with a quatrefoil on the reverse and a long armed voided cross. This type was in circulation up to about 1024.
POINTED HELMET 1024-1030 This design replaced the quaterfoil. This new issue it is thought was made at the feast of Michaelmas in September, which conforms to the beginning of the financial year for Saxons and Vikings. The king appears dressed for war in a conical helmet which is contemporary and is holding a bauble sceptre.
BAREHEAD SHORT CROSS 1030 The third design appears after the pointed helmet design. The sceptred king is curiously bareheaded, which may have some link with stories of him hanging his crown on the altar at Winchester. The reverse side has a short armed cross with an amulet.
Finished die stamped coin. The die face would be made out of steel
Stamping a new coin on a coin die
Viking Coinage During Canute’s reign the Viking coinage system was the most superior in Europe. Even the lands of the Holy Roman Emperors did not produce so many or of such quality. The moneyers (coin makers) in this period were not technically royal servants, but they held a licence from Canute, and probably paid handsomely for the priviledge. The king controlled the flow of money with reasonable effectiveness, by holding a monopoly on the iron dies used to stamp the soft silver. These new coins carried legends naming the king, moneyer, and later, the mint of origin. They were made in various weights within the range 1.00 - 1.70 grams. In Canute’s reign in England there were three types: the Quatrefoil, Pointed Helmet and the Short Cross. - 21 -
Adverts
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Chapter 4 Canute’s Legacy in Knutsford Today Over the years a number of Knutsford businesses have embraced the connection of the town to King Canute and they developed logos, letter headings, adverts and branding featuring the Viking King.
KNUTSFORD TOWN COUNCIL COAT OF ARMS The centre of the Coat of Arms of Knutsford Town Council features a crown and a river, a symbolic representation of King Canute fording the River Lily.
Caldwells letter heading features King Canute inside the letter ‘C’.
JOSEPH GIDMAN Gidman’s was an early Knutsford firm working in Brook Street producing bottled water and ales. Their advert features King Canute trying to hold back the sea. They also used a Canute logo on their mineral bottles. They supplied mineral water in glass bottles as well as pottery.
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GASKELL TOWER The Gaskell Tower and Old Knutsford Urban District Offices, now the Belle Epoque, has a number of inscriptions carved into the stonework. One of the pillars has an inscription ‘Canute 1017’, the year he became King of England. Below is added ‘Hardicanute1 039’. Har[tha]canute a later king was one of King Canute’s sons.
COUNCIL SEAL Seal of ‘The Urban District Council of Knutsford’ features King Canute fording the River Lily.
KING CANUTE TOWN FEATURES Canute Mosaic The Canute Mosaic at the top of Heritage Way was created in 1995. It was sculpted by Maggie Howarth for the Groundwork Trust and features King Canute holding back the sea. King Canute Sculpture The King Canute sculpture (below) was designed by Christine Wilcox-Baker for the Cheshire Gardens Trust show garden at RHS Tatton 2012 and was donated to the Town Council in 2014. The design was inspired by the Caldwell & Sons logo.
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CANUTE PLACE Below - Canute Place in the 1860’s Bottom - Canute Place as it is today
Left: A tree on Chelford Road has been carved with an impressive representation of King Canute.
Top 10 Facts about King Canute 1. Canute’s year of birth is usually given as 995, but it may have been as early as 980 or as late as 1000. 2. His father was Sweyn Forkbeard, King of Denmark, his grandfather was Harald Bluetooth. 3. According to a 13th century Nordic saga, Canute was “exceptionally tall and strong, and the handsomest of men, all except for his nose”. 4. His wife was Emma of Normandy, who was the widow of Ethelred the Unready. Though avowedly Christian, he was bigamously married to Ælfgifu and Emma at the same time. 5. In 1026 Canute described himself as “King of all England and Denmark and the Norwegians and of some of the Swedes.” 6. The legend of Canute raising his hand to hold back the tides was first told by Henry of Huntingdon in 1130. 7. This story is often interpreted as a vain belief in Canute’s own powers but in fact he acted to demonstrate to fawning courtiers the limitations of a king’s power. 8. Canute was buried at Winchester Cathedral and some of the remains are in chests above the choir stalls. 9. A project was announced in 2012 to examine the DNA of the bones to find which are Canute’s. 10. Knutsford, derived from Cunetesford in the Domesday Book, is the only place in the world that lays claim to the link between Canute (or Cnut or Knut) and its name. - 25 -
Knutsford Events 2016 To celebrate Canute’s Millennial, a series of special events and activities will take place throughout 2016. In additional, many events in Knutsford’s calendar will adopt the Canute theme. Take a look at these events and come and enjoy the fun and festivities. March 22nd
Canute: Viking Warrior & English King exhibition at Knutsford Heritage Centre until 30 November
May 7th 5th - 9th 30th
Knutsford Royal May Day Parade & May Pole dancing Fair on the Heath King Canute Fair, King Street by Knutsford Lions
June 3rd 18th - 19th
Knutsford Walking Tours from Knutsford Heritage Centre 2pm every Friday until 28 October, (small fee) Big Viking Weekend, Knutsford Heritage Centre
July 20th - 24th
RHS Show at Tatton Park
August 3rd 14th
National Play Day, The Moor, Knutsford Viking Sunday, Tatton Park
September 6th
Tour of Britain
October 7th - 8th 7th - 16th 13th - 20th
Knutsford Beer Festival, Egerton Youth Club Knutsford Literature Festival King Canute Knutsford Millennial Festival
December 3rd - 4th 10th
Knutsford Christmas Weekend – Lights switch on and Christmas Tree Festival Lantern Parade & Crib Service by Knutsford Town Council
Knutsford celebrate the RHS Show at Tatton Park by creating amazing displays around the town
For more information on Canute Millennial events see: knutsfordheritage.co.uk
The events listed in this publication are correct at the time of printing. Events listed may be subject to change without prior notice.
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Knutsford Heritage Centre
Knutsford Heritage Centre Knutsford Heritage Centre is a registered charity, run entirely by volunteers. It exists to conserve and promote the history and cultural wealth of a town that is fast becoming a wellestablished visitor destination. The centre is funded by private and corporate donations and supported by Knutsford Town Council and Monckton Properties, part of the Tatton Estate. Explore Heritage and History The narrow entrance alley on King Street opens to reveal a restored timber framed building dating back to the seventeenth century. This once housed a forge and was a tinsmith and general ironmongers. Now it is home to the Heritage Centre, with diverse collections and artefacts providing a fascinating insight to the town’s rich heritage. Beyond the cottage gardened courtyard, a second historic building houses the main exhibition space and the Knutsford Millennial Tapestry. This famous triptych which portrays the town was completed in 2003 and is the collective needlework of 3,000 members of the local community. The three tapestry panels have a combined area of more than 173 square feet. - 27 -
Cottage Garden, Knutsford Heritage Centre
Exhibitions, events, walks and talks In addition to regular exhibitions and events, the centre offers a programme of guided walks and talks, exploring the town’s unique and special aspects. During the summer ‘turn up and go’ walks take place on Friday afternoon (small fee applies). Group talks or walking tours take place throughout the year and should be pre-booked. For more information about walks and talks, please contact the centre or visit knutsfordheritage.co.uk Volunteers Our volunteers are at the heart of the centre’s success and we are always looking for new faces to join our growing band. If you have time or expertise to give, we’d love to hear from you. For more information, please get in touch with the centre, call in or phone 01565 650506. Knutsford Heritage Centre 90A King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6ED Telephone: 01565 650 506 Email: info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk Web: knutsfordheritage.co.uk
Knutsford Knutsford has a fantastic array of quality restaurants and bars. Known as the “gastro capital” of Cheshire’s Peak District, you will also find this thriving market town has a super collection of stylish boutiques mixed in with antique dealers and chic contemporary galleries. Knutsford is surrounded by historic houses and stately homes including Tabley House and Dunham Massey. It sits on the doorstep of the historic country estate, Tatton Park. This includes a Tudor Old Hall, Neo-Classical Mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens as well as 1000 acres of deer park and a rare-breed farm. Tatton Park is a leisurely stroll from Knutsford Town Centre, and offers something for all the family. - 28 -
Moor Pool, Knutsford
References Cnut England’s Viking King 1016-1035: M K Lawson 2011, ISBN 978-07524-6069-7 Cnut Emperor of the North: M J Trow 2005, ISBN 0-7509-3387-9 The Vikings: James Graham-Campbell & Dafydd Kidd 1980, 0-7141-1352-0 Danish King Buriels in Winchester, Chapter 12, Cnut and his family: Martin Biddle & Birtle-Kjolby Vikings Eyewitness Books: Susan M Margeson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7566-5829-8 An Illustrated History of England: John Burke 1974, ISBN 0-00-211359-7 Oxford Illustrated History of Britain: Edited by Kenneth O Morgan 1984 Cheshire History 2003-2004 No 43, pages 28-49: Stephen Matthews, ISBN 0-00-141869-6 Scandanavian settlements in West Cheshire, Stretching the Boundaries – Dan Robinson Canute and his Empire – G N Garmonsway The Dorothea Coke Memorial Lecture in North Studies, pages 3-28 – UCL 28 October 1963 Winchester Curiosities – David Hillam 2011, The History Press, ISBN 978-07509-4890-6 Celtic Warrington & Other Mysteries, Book Two, East to South – Mark Olly 1999 Winchester from Prehistoric to the Present – Tom Beaumont James, ISBN 978-07524-3742-2 - 29 -
Archway of former Royal George Hotel, depicting George & Dragon
Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the generous assistance and sponsorship of the following organisations, companies and individuals. Without such wonderful support the Canute Millennial would not have been possible. The list continues to grow. Thank you all.
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Knutsford Town Council Booths Supermarket Blue Apple Design Blue Funnel Cheshire East Council Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund Monckton Properties, part of the Tatton Estate David Rymill, archivist to Hampshire Record Office and Winchester Cathedral Russ & Liz Scott, our Viking Friends from Traders, Invaders & Raiders Re-enactment Group Sally Aspin, Tim Claydon Butler and Fred McDowell Knutsford Bloom, Clare & Illingworth, Pulse of Perfumery, Jack Rabbit’s
Copyright Knutsford Heritage Centre 2016. The information contained in this publication is correct at the time of printing. Events listed may be subject to change without prior notice. The Canute Millennial trademark is the copyright of Knutsford Heritage Centre. - 30 -
Gaskell Tower, Knutsford
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Knutsford Celebrates Canute, King of England and King of the Anglo-Scandinavian North Sea Empire
Knutsford Heritage Centre 90A King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6ED Telephone: 01565 650 506 Email: info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1076917 knutsfordheritage.co.uk