who came to power in 1035, only 16 ships were kept in service.

Harold's half-brother Harthacnut, who succeeded him in 1040 and arrived with a fleet from Denmark, dramatically increased the tax burden to pay for 60 or 62 ships in the first year of his rule in England, but reduced this force to 32 ships in 1041. This tax increase provoked violent unrest.

Under Edward the Confessor, who came to the throne in 1042, the standing force was further reduced

1.Previous
3.Next