Ælfflæd of Mercia facts for kids

A mention of Ælfflæd in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Ælfflæd was a princess from the ancient kingdom of Mercia. She was the daughter of Offa of Mercia, a powerful king, and his wife, Cynethryth. Ælfflæd later became a queen in the kingdom of Northumbria.

Who Was Princess Ælfflæd?

Ælfflæd grew up in Mercia, one of the most important kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon England. Her father, King Offa, was a very influential ruler. He was so powerful that he was sometimes called "King of the English."

Early Life and Family

Ælfflæd was part of a royal family. She had a brother named Ecgfrith and two sisters. We know a little about her early life from old documents called charters. These were official papers that recorded important decisions or land deals.

• In the 770s, Ælfflæd might have been present when her father, mother, and brother signed a charter.
• In 787, she definitely witnessed another charter. This document described her as virgo, which means she was unmarried at that time.

A Royal Marriage Idea

Around 789 or 790, there was a big discussion about Ælfflæd possibly marrying Charles the Younger. He was the son of Charlemagne, a very famous and powerful emperor in Europe. This proposed marriage actually caused a disagreement between King Offa and Emperor Charlemagne.

Becoming a Queen

In 792, Ælfflæd married Æthelred I of Northumbria. This wedding took place in a place called Catterick. When she married Æthelred, she was called "queen."

Queen of Northumbria

Being called "queen" at her marriage to Æthelred I has made some historians wonder if she had been married before. It's possible she was previously married to another king, perhaps one of Æthelred's predecessors. As Queen of Northumbria, Ælfflæd would have played an important role in the royal court, supporting her husband and representing the kingdom. Her time as queen lasted until 796.