on of Swegn Forkbeard. Canute had fought Edmund II tooth and nail for three years. The Witan met and declared him king. The Witan's train of thought was that if you can't beat them, join them. Canute at a meeting with the Witan's at Oxford swore to rule the country under the laws introduced by King Edgar. It was necessary however to quell unrest, which he did with brutal efficiency. Canute was a good king. He upheld the peace and was true to his oath to the Witan. This son of a Pagan was totally captivated by England. It is often said that England conquered Canute rather than the other way round. Canute was baptized and set about building churches and monasteries and promoting the faith as Edgar had done. In 1027, Canute even went to Rome on Pilgrimage where he laid a tribute to St Peter. He slowly rebuilt everything his countrymen had destroyed in the previous centuries. Canute was not only king of England but of Denmark and latterly of Norway. The legend of him stemming the flow of the tide is recounted in the life of Harold II. Canute married Emma of Normandy, Aethelred's widow, which was more for political reasons to avert any attack from Normandy. He had three sons. Two by his first wife ( mistress ) Aelfgifu and Harthacanute ( Hardicanute )by Emma. Canute died at the age of 40.