Aethelflaed of Mercia Family Tree & Biography (870-918)

 

Aethelflaed was a member of the House of Wessex and the House of Mercia. She was the eldest daughter of King Alfred the Great and married Aethelred of Mercia around 885. After the death of her husband she ruled Mercia with the title Lady of the Mercians.  

Contents

Aethelflaed of Mercia Family Tree Image
Aethelflaed of Mercia Family Tree in Table Form
Aethelflaed of Mercia Short Biography

 

Aethelflaed of Mercia Family Tree Image showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, husband and child

 

Aethelflaed of Mercia Family Tree in Table Form showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, husband and child

 

 

Aethelflaed of Mercia Short Biography

Aethelflaed was born around 870 the eldest daughter of King Alfred the Great and Ealhswith of Mercia. She married Aethelred of Mercia around 885 as part of a treaty of mutual support between Mercia and Wessex against the Vikings. They had one child, Aelfwyn who was born around 888.

After Aethelred became ill in the early 10th century, Aethelflaed took over much of the rule of Mercia. When he died in 911, she assumed the title Lady of the Mercians. She then worked with her brother, King Edward the Elder to secure Mercia and Wessex against invasion. Aethelflaed died on 12th June 918 and was buried in St Oswald’s Priory, Gloucester, next to her husband.

After her death Aethelflaed’s daughter, Aelfwyn, was recognised as Lady of the Mercians by the people of Mercia. However, King Edward saw his sister’s death as an opportunity to unite Mercia with Wessex and she was deposed.

 

Published May 19, 2024 – Updated – Dec 4 2024