Harold I

9.9

King of England from 1035 to 1040 who took the throne in 1037 and was a son of Canute

proper noun

: Harold I

Harold I ruled England for a short and turbulent period after Canute's death.

Examples

Some historians debate whether Harold I was rightfully the king or merely a usurper.
King Harold I ruled England for only five years.
After the death of Harold I, the throne passed to Harthacanute.
Did Harold I really seize the throne in 1037?
Harold I ruled England from 1035 to 1040, during a time of great instability.
After Harold I took the crown, he faced numerous challenges from rival factions.
Historians often discuss the controversial reign of Harold I, the son of Canute.

Synonyms

Harefoot

vsHarold I

1 9.9

King of England from 1035 to 1040 who was the son of Canute

is the identical historical figure named in a different form

Harold Harefoot

vsHarold I

1 9.9

A king of England from 1035 to 1040, son of Canute, whose right to rule is doubtful

is focused on seizure of power and exact reign years instead

King Harold I

vsHarold I

9.3

A king of England from 1035 to 1040 who took the throne in 1037

is the same ruler but often written with another title form

Surface Forms

Harold I main

Morphology

Harold + I

This is a proper name: knowing the constituent 'Harold' (a personal name) and 'I' (the numeral one) does not allow a B1 learner to infer the historical meaning 'King of England from 1035 to 1040' or the regnal status. Proper names and regnal numerals are largely lexicalized/historical facts that require prior exposure, so the meaning is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Harold I comes from old words here meaning 'army' and weald meaning 'ruler', so picture a leader standing with soldiers. He was the son of Canute who seized the throne in 1037 and ruled England for a short, troubled time, so the name fits a king who led by force.