Æthelwine, Ealdorman of East Anglia facts for kids

Æthelwine was a very important nobleman in England during the late 900s. He was known as an "ealdorman" of East Anglia. An ealdorman was a powerful leader, similar to a governor, who managed a large area for the king. Æthelwine was a close friend of God, according to some monks. He helped start Ramsey Abbey in 969.

Who Was Æthelwine?

A Powerful Family

Æthelwine was the son of Æthelstan Half-King, another very important leader. His brother, Æthelwald, became an ealdorman before him in 956. Æthelwine likely took over this important role around 962. He supported churches and monasteries, including the New Minster in Winchester and Ramsey Abbey.

Supporting the King

After King Edgar died, Æthelwine became a strong supporter of Edgar's oldest son, Edward. Edward later became known as Edward the Martyr. This put Æthelwine against Edward's stepmother, Queen Ælfthryth, and another powerful leader named Ælfhere.

During Edward's short time as king, there were some disagreements about monasteries. Æthelwine was seen as a strong supporter of the monks. However, some records suggest he might have taken advantage of the king's weak government. He took land from the monks of Ely, a nearby church.

A Leading Figure

After Ælfhere died in 983, Æthelwine became the most important non-royal person at the court of the young King Æthelred. King Æthelred was still very young at this time. Æthelwine's death in 992 probably marked the beginning of Æthelred's own rule, where he made more decisions himself.

His Death

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record, tells us about Æthelwine's death in 992. Another writer, Byrhtferth, gives more details. He says that Æthelwine might have been sick for a long time. Important church leaders, like Germann and Ælfheah, were with him when he died. Ælfheah later became the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Æthelwine's body was moved to Ramsey Abbey. The monks stayed awake all night to honor him before he was buried there.

His Children

We don't know the name of Æthelwine's wife. However, we do know the names of three of his sons. One son was named Edwin. Another son, Leofric, was mentioned in a will in 986. His son Æthelweard was a warrior. He was killed fighting for King Edmund Ironside in the Battle of Ashingdon in 1016.