Gunhild of Wessex facts for kids

Gunhild of Wessex was a daughter of Harold Godwinson, who was a king of England. Her mother was most likely Edyth Swannesha, a wealthy woman. Gunhild lived during an important time in English history, from about 1066 to 1093.

Gunhild's Early Life and Education

After her father, King Harold, died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Gunhild stayed in England. She went to Wilton Abbey for her education. Wilton Abbey was a famous learning center. Many noble women, both English and Norman, studied there. For example, Matilda of Scotland and her sister Mary were educated at Wilton.

A Miraculous Healing

While Gunhild was still living at Wilton as an adult, she began to lose her eyesight. Saint Wulfstan heard about her condition. He was visiting the area at the time. Saint Wulfstan made the sign of the cross over her eyes. After this, Gunhild was healed and could see again.

Gunhild's Choices and Relationships

Gunhild once met Anselm of Canterbury, an important religious leader. She later wrote to him, saying she wanted to live a religious life. This meant she planned to become a nun or dedicate her life to God.

Elopement with Alan the Red

However, in 1093, Gunhild made a different choice. She left Wilton Abbey with Alan the Red. Alan the Red was a powerful and wealthy man, in his mid-fifties. There were several reasons why Gunhild might have gone with him.

One reason could be money and land. Gunhild's mother had claims to certain properties. Alan the Red had taken control of some of these lands. So, Gunhild might have been important to Alan because of her family's wealth. Other reasons could have been political connections or even love. Anselm, in a letter he wrote to Gunhild at this time, mentioned that she and Alan the Red loved each other.

Letters from Anselm

Anselm wrote to Gunhild after she left Wilton. He argued that even though she had not officially become a nun, she had said she intended to live a religious life. He believed she should return to Wilton. Gunhild reportedly replied that she had only made that promise because she was told she would become an abbess (the head of an abbey). Since that promise was not kept, she felt she was not obligated to return.

Later Life and Family

Some historians believe that Alan the Red and Gunhild had a daughter named Matilda. Matilda later married a man named Walter D'Aincourt.

Alan the Red died shortly after Gunhild went with him in 1093. After his death, Gunhild settled with his brother, Alan the Black. Alan the Black inherited his brother's large estates. Anselm wrote to Gunhild again. He tried to convince her to return to Wilton Abbey. Some historical accounts suggest that Gunhild might have married Alan the Black. She may have died before him.