English Royalty. Queen consort of King Edgar the Peaceful. Also known as Aethelfrida or Aelfrith, she was the daughter of Ordgar, Ealdorman of Devon and Lady Wulfrith. She married Ethelwald, Ealdorman of East Anglia and had two sons by him. Legend says that King Edgar killed Ethelwald, perhaps with the help of Elfrida, because he desired her hand in marriage. Elfrida married Edgar as his second queen in 965. They had one son, Aethelred. After Edgar's death in 975, the throne went to his son Edward, from his first marriage to Ethelfraeda the Fair. Though Edward had the support of the church, he was opposed by Queen Elfrida. It is said Elfrida had Edward stabbed to death at Corfe Castle in 978, so her son Aethelred could take the throne. She founded Wherwell Abbey in atonement for Edward's murder, and spent the rest of her life as the Abbess. She died there at the age of about 55.
English Royalty. Queen consort of King Edgar the Peaceful. Also known as Aethelfrida or Aelfrith, she was the daughter of Ordgar, Ealdorman of Devon and Lady Wulfrith. She married Ethelwald, Ealdorman of East Anglia and had two sons by him. Legend says that King Edgar killed Ethelwald, perhaps with the help of Elfrida, because he desired her hand in marriage. Elfrida married Edgar as his second queen in 965. They had one son, Aethelred. After Edgar's death in 975, the throne went to his son Edward, from his first marriage to Ethelfraeda the Fair. Though Edward had the support of the church, he was opposed by Queen Elfrida. It is said Elfrida had Edward stabbed to death at Corfe Castle in 978, so her son Aethelred could take the throne. She founded Wherwell Abbey in atonement for Edward's murder, and spent the rest of her life as the Abbess. She died there at the age of about 55.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
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