Æthelred the Unready

Æthelred the Unready was an Anglo-Saxon king of England who reigned from 966 to 1016. His nickname "the Unready" comes from the Old English term "unræd," meaning poorly advised or ill-prepared, not "unprepared" as it might suggest today. He faced numerous Viking invasions during his reign and struggled to maintain control of his kingdom. His attempts to buy peace through tribute were largely ineffective. Despite his challenges, he is remembered for his efforts to strengthen England, including the establishment of a more organized military and legal structure, even if his rule was marked by conflict and turmoil.