Ælfwynn (Ælfwina) of Wessex, Queen of Mercia (918-19)

   Research Notes:

The dominion of Mercia descended to Ethelfleda's daughter and heiress, Aelfwynn (A.D. 920). Chroniclers have noticed the right of Aelfwynn so precisely as to leave no doubt concerning her claim; and this fact is of considerable value in showing that, contrary to the practice of other Teutonic nations, the sovereign authority amongst the Anglo-Saxons might descend to a female; or, according to the Anglo-Saxon expression, which the French have adopted, "fall to the spindle side".

In this instance, however, the weaker heir was compelled to yield to a more powerful opponent, and one from whom no enmity could have been feared. Aelfwynn was conducted as a captive into Mercia by her uncle Edward, who was engaged in successful warfare against the Danes; and we do not hear anything more concerning her in history. She seems to have lived the rest of her life in a nunnery.

[Her capture] was apparently resented and may have led to revolt in 921. Edward appears to have taken notice of this as he gave Mercia to his son Athelstan at his death.

Aelfwynn is not known to have married.

She should not be confused with Aelfwynn, wife of Athelstan Half-King.

   Marriage Information:

Ælfwynn married Edulph of Mercia, son of Leofric II of Mercia and Unknown. (Edulph of Mercia was born about 905 in Mercia, England.)