Ælfwynn facts for kids

Ælfwynn was a powerful woman who ruled Mercia for a short time in the early 900s. She became the leader of Mercia after her mother, Æthelflæd, passed away on June 12, 918. Æthelflæd was known as the "Lady of the Mercians." Ælfwynn's rule was special because it was the only time in early British history that power passed from one woman to another.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a very old historical record, mentions Ælfwynn. It says she was removed from power in Mercia and taken to Wessex in December 918. This happened just a few months after she became ruler. Her uncle, Edward the Elder, who was King of the Anglo-Saxons, then took control of Mercia.

Early Life and Family

Who Were Her Parents?

Ælfwynn was the only child of Æthelred and Æthelflæd. Her parents were important rulers of Mercia. They likely got married between 882 and 887. We don't know exactly when Ælfwynn was born, but it was probably around 888.

Growing Up in Mercia

Ælfwynn's father, Æthelred, often fought alongside his father-in-law, King Alfred the Great. He also fought with his brother-in-law, Edward the Elder. By the early 900s, Æthelred's health was not good. Because of this, Æthelflæd, Ælfwynn's mother, became the main ruler of Mercia.

Historians believe Ælfwynn received an excellent education. This was likely similar to the education given to her cousin, Æthelstan. Æthelstan later became a very important king. He was sent to Æthelflæd's court to be educated.

Early Records of Ælfwynn

The first official mention of Ælfwynn is from around 904. This was a legal document, called a charter, about land near Worcester. The document stated that the land would be leased for the lives of Æthelred, Æthelflæd, and Ælfwynn. This shows she was an important part of the family's future plans. She may have also been mentioned in other documents around 903 and 915.

Her Short Reign

Becoming Ruler of Mercia

Ælfwynn's mother, Æthelflæd, died on June 12, 918. After her mother's death, Ælfwynn became the ruler of Mercia. This was a unique moment in history, as it was the first time power passed from one woman to another in the British Isles.

Why Her Rule Ended

Unlike her mother, Ælfwynn may not have had strong support from everyone. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle does not mention any opposition when King Edward decided to remove her from power. In December 918, Ælfwynn was sent to Wessex. This meant her short time as ruler of Mercia came to an end.

Some people consider Ælfwynn to be the last true ruler of Mercia. However, Mercia was not fully joined with the kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons until much later. Even after Ælfwynn, other rulers like her cousin Æthelstan and King Edgar the Peaceful held power in Mercia before becoming kings of England.

What Happened Next?

Life After Ruling

There are no clear records of what happened to Ælfwynn after she was removed from power. Many historians believe she probably joined a religious order, like becoming a nun. There is a record from 948 that mentions a religious woman named Ælfwynn. It is possible this was her.

Some historians have also suggested she might have been the Ælfwynn who married a powerful man named Æthelstan Half-King. This Ælfwynn was also the foster-mother of the future King Edgar. However, this is not certain.

An old Welsh story says that Ælfwynn was removed from power because she was secretly planning to marry a Danish king. However, most historians do not believe this story is true.

See also

In Spanish: Elfwynn para niños