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Aelfthryth of Devon part 5: Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Queen Aelfthryth raised her grandchildren and tended to the Benedictine abbeys. Though history has narrowed her to a wicked stepmother, Elfrida has an impressive legacy and played in important role in shaping...
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Aelfthryth of Devon part 2: Becoming Queen
King Edgar's reign is relatively understudied in English history, but it included some notable events such as increasing support for the English Benedictine reform and the introduction of a standardized coinage system. Learn about the...
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Aelfthryth of Devon part 3: Brief Reign and Murder of King Edward
The reign of King Edward was cut short by his murder. History has blamed his stepmother, Elfrida, for the murder but is there proof to support that accusation? This video provides a historical context for the events leading up to the...
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Aelfthryth of Devon part 1: Early Life and Marriages
Learn about Queen Aelfthryth's path to becoming England's first Crown Queen consort, alongside King Edgar in 973. Explore some myths and historical facts about Aelfthryth (aka Elfrida)'s life and family, including her possible...
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Aelfthryth of Devon part 4: Tumultuous Reign of King Aethelred
King Ethelred was the half-brother and successor of the murdered KingEdward, who was murdered. He was only 10 years old when he became king, and his mother, Elfrida, acted as regent until he came of age. Ethelred worked hard to establish...
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Aethelflaed part 2: Teen Years and Education of an Anglo-Saxon Noblewoman
Aethelflaed's early teen years were spent in Wessex during a time of relative peace. She had the time and luxury of continuing her studies. What was education like for young Anglo-Saxon nobels? Learn what royal women and girls were...
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Aethelflaed part 3: Marriage to Aethelred, Ruler of Mercia
Around 886, Alfred took London, reverting it back to Saxon hands. He quickly handed London to Lord Aethelraed of Mercia, perhaps as a wedding gift. Aethelraed and Aethelflaed were married around 886. The couple poured their money and...
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Aethelflaed part 7: Military Strategy and Leadership
Learn how Aethelflaed balanced violence and diplomacy to bring all of England back under united, Anglo-Saxon rule. Did Aethelflaed fight in battle? Or did she direct from behind the lines? How did Aethelflaed and her forces capture Derby...
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Aethelflaed part 4: Life as a Mother and Queen of Mercia
What were the duties of a Anglo-Saxon royal women? Learn what role these women played in social, domestic, and legal affairs in their lands. In addition to the usual responsibilities, in the early 900s, Aethelflaed took on more of the...
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Aethelflaed part 5: A Diplomatic Leader for Mercia
In 902, an army of Danes crossed into Mercia. Rather than battle, Aethelflaed and Aethelred chose a diplomatic solution, giving the Danes a bit of land to live and work and avoiding an armed conflict. Aethelred died soon after. The...
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Aethelflaed part 1: Lady of the Mercians Early Life
Aethelflaed was the eldest daughter of Albert the Great. Though Anglo-Saxon women held little political power at the time, Aethelflaed went on to become a queen and a legend. Learn what her early life was like and how she would have...
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Aethelflaed part 8: Legacy and Influence on Later Rulers
In June of 918, Aethelflaed died suddenly at 48 years old. There is dispute as to whether her brother Edward immediately took over as ruler of Mercia or whether her daughter, Aelfwynn ruled for a while. Eventually, Edward's son...
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Aethelflaed part 6: the True Story of Judith and Holofernes?
Aethelflaed quickly began shoring up the defenses of her kingdom, restoring strategically located fortresses. Understand how Aethelflaed worked with her brother Edward to defend their kingdoms with an offensive strategy. Did...