Frithugyth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frithugyth |
|
|---|---|
| Queen consort of Wessex | |
| Tenure | c. 726–740 |
| Spouse | Æthelheard of Wessex |
Frithugyth was a queen in early England. She was the wife of Æthelheard of Wessex, who was the King of Wessex from about 726 to 740. Frithugyth was known for her actions as queen, including giving land to the church and making a long journey.
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Who Was Queen Frithugyth?
Frithugyth became Queen of Wessex when she married King Æthelheard. This happened around the year 729 or even earlier. We know this because she is mentioned as "Queen Frithugyth" in an important document from that time. These documents are called charters.
Her Role as Queen
Queens in early England often played an important role. Like the queen before her, Æthelburg of Wessex, Frithugyth was mentioned in many charters. These documents recorded important decisions and gifts of land.
Frithugyth didn't just watch her husband give land away. She also made her own gifts. Historians believe these records are true. They say it would be strange to make up a queen giving gifts if it didn't really happen.
Giving to the Church
One of Frithugyth's most important gifts was a large piece of land at Taunton. She gave this land to Winchester Cathedral in 737. Giving land to the church was a common way for powerful people to show their faith and support religious institutions.
Later kings, like Æthelwulf of Wessex, Æthelstan of England, and Eadred of England, added more land to this gift. They often mentioned Frithugyth's original donation when they did so. This shows her gift was remembered and respected for a long time.
Journey to Rome
In 737, Frithugyth went on a special journey. She traveled all the way to Rome, a very important city for Christians. This kind of journey is called a pilgrimage. She went with Forthhere, who was the Bishop of Sherborne at the time. The old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us about this trip. It doesn't give us many details, but it shows she was an active and religious queen.
Life After the King
King Æthelheard, Frithugyth's husband, died in 740. After his death, Cuthred became the new king. We don't know if Frithugyth lived for long after her husband passed away. We also don't know if Frithugyth and Æthelheard had any children.
