HAROLD I. (d. 1040), surnamed Harefoot, the illegitimate son of Canute, king of England, and Aelf gif u of Northampton. On the death of his father in 1035, he claimed the crown of Eng land in opposition to Canute's legitimate son, Hardicanute. His claims were supported by Leofric, earl of Mercia, and the north. Eventually Harold was temporarily elected regent, pending a final settlement on Hardicanute's return from Denmark. In 1037 he was definitely elected king, and banished Emma mother of Hardi canute. The only events of his reign are ineffectual inroads of the Welsh and Scots. Harold died at Oxford on March so, 1040.