Aethelflaed and Aethelred
I can describe how Aethelflaed strengthened Mercia alongside her husband Aethelred.
Aethelflaed and Aethelred
I can describe how Aethelflaed strengthened Mercia alongside her husband Aethelred.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After Alfred’s treaty with Guthrum, he controlled much of Mercia but made himself their overlord instead of their king.
- Alfred married his daughter, Aethelflaed to Mercia’s most powerful man: Aethelred.
- Aethelflaed was heavily involved in rebuilding Mercia following Viking occupation by building burhs.
- Her rule was strengthened by her piety; she built a priory at Gloucester which housed the recaptured bones of St Oswald.
- By 902, her older husband was sick and Aethelflaed defeated Vikings at Chester in 907.
Common misconception
Pupils may not realise the significant leading role Aethelflaed had during this time.
Aethelflaed was thought to have been a strong, independent and well-educated woman. She had learnt a great deal about military leadership and strategy by watching her father King Alfred.
Keywords
Overlord - an overlord is a person of great power or authority
Burh - a burh is an Anglo-Saxon fortification or fortified settlement
Saint - a saint is a holy person who has died and been officially recognised and honoured by the Christian church
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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