Ælfwaru facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ælfwaru
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|
|---|---|
| Born | unknown |
| Died | 27 February 1007 |
| Known for | Patronage of Ramsey Abbey and Ely Abbey |
| Spouse(s) | unknown |
| Parent(s) | Æthelstan Mannessune |
Ælfwaru was an important Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who lived a long time ago. She died on February 27, 1007. She was known for giving her lands to churches and abbeys. These included places like Ely Abbey and Ramsey Abbey. Historians in the 1100s wrote about her gifts. They copied details from old documents called cyrographs. Sadly, Ælfwaru's original document is lost. Her father, Æthelstan Mannessune, had four children. Ælfwaru had two brothers, Eadnoth and Godric. She also had a sister named Ælfwyn.
Who Was Ælfwaru?
We do not know much about Ælfwaru's early family. But modern historians have created a likely family tree for her. They believe she was one of two daughters of Æthelstan Mannessune. He passed away in the year 986. Her sister was Ælfwyn, who became the abbess of Chatteris nunnery. If this is true, then Ælfwaru's brothers were St Eadnoth and Godric. Eadnoth was the first abbot of Ramsey Abbey. He died in 1016. Godric passed away in 1013.
When Did Ælfwaru Die?
It is believed that Ælfwaru died on February 27. Records show this date for her death. A book called Liber Benefactorum Ecclesiae Ramesiensis states the year was 1007. So, she likely died on February 27, 1007.
Ælfwaru's Gifts
One old book, called Liber Eliensis, tells us about Ælfwaru's generous gifts. It says she gave lands to Ely Abbey. These lands included places like Bridgham, Hingham, Weeting, and Rattlesden. She also gave them land in Mundford and Thetford. Plus, she gave them fishing areas near the marshes.
Ælfwaru also gave lands to Chatteris nunnery. These lands were in Over and Barley. Her sister, Ælfwyn, was the leader of this nunnery. The fishing areas she gave are very interesting. They help link Ælfwaru from Liber Eliensis to the Ælfwaru who was the daughter of Æthelstan Mannessune. Her father had divided his lands among his family. This included a fishing spot. He shared it with his wife, his sons, and his two daughters.
The name Ælfwaru has two parts from old English. Ælf- means "Elf-" or "magical being." -waru means "guardian of" a certain place.
