A large naval force was accordingly collected, and a formidable descent made upon the English coast.
Now Edmund, according to the story, was a humane and gentle-minded man, much more interested in deeds of benevolence and of piety than in warlike undertakings and exploits, and he was very far from being well prepared to meet this formidable foe.

In fact, he sought refuge in a retired residence called Heglesdune.

The Danes, having taken some Saxons captive in a city which they had sacked and destroyed, compelled them to make known the place of the king's retreat.

Hinquar, the captain of the Danes, sent him a summons to come and surrender both himself and all the treasures of his kingdom.

Edmund refused.
Hinquar then laid siege to the palace, and surrounded it; and, finally, his soldiers, breaking in, put Edmund's attendants to death, and brought Edmund himself, bound, into Hinquar's presence.
Hinquar decided that the unfortunate captive should die.