Canute was crowned king of England in 1017 and because he was a Viking king, ruler of Denmark, he was able to protect England against the devastating Viking raids it had suffered for 100 years. As a Christian king, and as part of his self-promotion as a peaceful ‘English’ king, he also made many generous gifts to the church. By bringing 20 years of peace and allowing trade and art to flourish he paved the way for the nation of England we recognise today.