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The 'St. Brice's Day massacre' was the killing of all Danes in England, as ordered by the English king Ethelred, on November 13, 1002. This eventually led to the invasion of England by the Danes under Sweyn I in 1003, as his sister Gunhilde was amongst those murdered. The massacre is described in the chronicle of John of Wallingford.
At the time, England suffered from repeated attacks by the Danes, and constant fear of invasion. England paid tribute to the Danes to prevent invasion. Frustration and, possibly, promises of support from Normandy, led Ethelred to decree the mass murder.
The name ''St. Brice'' apparently refers to bishop Bricius of Tours, whose memorial day is November 13.

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★ A Brief History Of The Anglo-Danes