It could be that Cnut took two journeys to Rome or that the date of the letter was interpreted incorrectly at some point, for example roman numerals being written incorrectly. However there are other sources of evidence to suggest that Cnut did travel to Rome in 1027. For example, Lawson writes that there is a document, which describes the dues paid to the royal treasury at Pavia at this time and it refers to Englishmen who visited and made agreements with king of the Lombards. Lawson argues (Lawson, 1993, p.203-204) that whilst Cnut is not named, this is strong evidence that Cnut's journey did take place at this time and happened as he writes in his letter because the events are so similar. .
The letter provides a lot of information on Cnut's reign. It explains his troubles in Scandinavia and his dealings in Rome. It also shows his concerns for England and its inhabitants while he was abroad. The letter also provides information as to his dealings with the Pope and the German Emperor in Rome. Cnut obviously knew the importance of trade because he made negotiations in Rome for reduced tolls on the English who were visiting Rome. His letter shows that he was successful in his negotiations. Cnut had been the first king to make such a trip and this signals the confidence Cnut possessed in his kingship and in his position within the Christian church. After some of the years previous to his reign in which England was very unsettled, Cnut must have had a lot of confidence in the stability of the country to leave it under a different government. The letter shows that Cnut was a Christian king concerned for the welfare of his people, for example in part eight of the letter he states "all the things which I demanded for the benefit of my people". Whilst attending the coronation he secured reductions in tolls for English traders and pilgrims. He seems to have negotiated well.
The information from Florence and William is that the bearer of the letter was Lyfing, the Abbot of Tavistock who went with Cnut to Rome.
