  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
  |
 |
 |
|
|
Back |
|
Pre 1500 |
 |
Aethelflaed |
Aethelflaed c879-918 |
|
|
Aethelflaed won battles against the Vikings, and captured parts of Wales and Northumbria. Soon she became one of the most powerful people in England. She was eventually buried in Gloucester, a town she had transformed. |
The "Lady of Mercia", Anglo-Saxon Warrior Queen
Aethelflaed was the daughter of King Alfred the Great, and the ruler of West Mercia. She ran the kingdom for many years. As part of her war against the Vikings she needed to protect Gloucester against attack. She rebuilt the Roman walls, and devised a street plan that still survives today. Aethelflaed built several churches in her new stronghold, but was most fond of St. Oswald's priory. She gave them the bones of Saint Oswald, important Christian relics captured from the Danes, and enough treasure for it to be called "The Golden Minster".
Gloucester People > Then > Pre 1500 > Aethelflaed