Ethelred the Unready
King Ethelred II, with the unfortunate epithet of ‘the Unready', was King of England twice; his first reign being 978 – 1013, and his second in 1014 – 1016.
His title of "Unready" is not derived from the modern understanding of the word, but instead represents the Old English "unraed" meaning "poorly advised". Ethelred in Old English meant "well advised", hence Ethelred the Unready was intended as a pun – Well Advised the Poorly Advised.
Gold coins from this period do exist, the Mancus coin being an example, but they are extremely rare. Much more common are silver coins, which are most often Pennies. Over 1,000 years old, these Ethelred the Unready coins are a treasured piece of English history, and would make a find addition to any numismatic collection.
Ethelred II was the son of King Edgar the Peaceful, and Queen Elfthryth. When his father died the crown passed to his older brother Edward the Martyr, and eventually to Ethelred in 978. Supporters of Ethelred's claim assassinated Edward, but aged just 12, historian's agree Ethelred had little awareness or involvement in this.
Danish invasions plagued Ethelred's reign and he was eventually deposed in 1013 by Sweyn Forkbeard. Ethelred was forced to flee to Normandy for a short period. Sweyn died a year later, and Ethelred was able to return as King in 1014.
Ruling for another two years, Ethelred eventually died in 1016. Ethelred's son – Edmund Ironside – succeeded him as King, but only for a few months. Further invasions led to the eventual rule of King Cnut.
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