English Royalty, queen consort of King Eadwig the Fair. Also known as Aelfgiva or Elgiva. Very little of Aelfgifu's life is known for certain, although there are a few clues from which historians have drawn presumable conclusions. She was the daughter of Aethelgifu, a prominant noblewoman of very high standing. Her father is unknown, but she is presumed to be a descendant of King Aethelred I and King Aethelwulf of Wessex. Early writings allege that during the banquet following King Eadwig's coronation, the king was found in his chamber, "in debauch" with a high-ranking lady. The lady is presumed to be Aelfgifu. At an unknown date around 955, they were married. The union caused a terrible scandal in 10th century England as the two were closely related, although exactly how closely is not known for certain. The marriage was dissolved in 958 by Archbishop Oda on the grounds that it was within the forbidden degrees of consanguinity. This action may very well have been politically motivated rather than religious. King Eadwig died the following year. Aelfgifu does not seem to have suffered as a result of the scandalous marriage. In fact she appears to have become a wealthy woman and land-owner in her own right, in good standing with King Edgar and the court. A will attributed to Aelfgifu around 970 bequeathed a large sum in estates, livestock, and jewels to King Edgar and his family, as well as substantial sums in gold to prominent bishops, abbots, and various churches and abbeys.
English Royalty, queen consort of King Eadwig the Fair. Also known as Aelfgiva or Elgiva. Very little of Aelfgifu's life is known for certain, although there are a few clues from which historians have drawn presumable conclusions. She was the daughter of Aethelgifu, a prominant noblewoman of very high standing. Her father is unknown, but she is presumed to be a descendant of King Aethelred I and King Aethelwulf of Wessex. Early writings allege that during the banquet following King Eadwig's coronation, the king was found in his chamber, "in debauch" with a high-ranking lady. The lady is presumed to be Aelfgifu. At an unknown date around 955, they were married. The union caused a terrible scandal in 10th century England as the two were closely related, although exactly how closely is not known for certain. The marriage was dissolved in 958 by Archbishop Oda on the grounds that it was within the forbidden degrees of consanguinity. This action may very well have been politically motivated rather than religious. King Eadwig died the following year. Aelfgifu does not seem to have suffered as a result of the scandalous marriage. In fact she appears to have become a wealthy woman and land-owner in her own right, in good standing with King Edgar and the court. A will attributed to Aelfgifu around 970 bequeathed a large sum in estates, livestock, and jewels to King Edgar and his family, as well as substantial sums in gold to prominent bishops, abbots, and various churches and abbeys.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Aelfgifu of England memorials in:
Advertisement
