Aelfthryth of Devon Family Tree & Biography (c945-1000)

 

Aelfthryth of Devon was a member of the House of Wessex by marriage. She was the daughter of Ealdorman Ordgar of Devon. She became the second wife of King Edgar and was the mother of Aethelred the Unready. It is thought that she was responsible for the murder of her stepson, King Edward the Martyr, so that her own son could become King. 

 

Aelfthryth of Devon Family Tree Image showing:

parent, husband, children and grandchildren

 

Aelfthryth of Devon Family Tree in Table Form showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, husband, child, stepchild and grandchildren

 

 

Aelfthryth of Devon Short Biography

Aelfthryth of Devon was born around 945, the daughter of Ealdorman Ordgar of Devon. The identity of her mother is not known but she is known to have had two brothers, Ordwulf and Edulf.

She became the second wife of King Edgar around 965 and they had two children, Edmund and Aethelred. Edmund died in 972 three years before his father, King Edgar, in 975.

At the time of the death of King Edgar, his son by his first marriage, Edward, was 13 years old while Aethelred was 9 years old. Although Aelfthryth championed the succession of her son Aethelred, it was Edward that was chosen to succeed to the throne. 

On 18th March 978 King Edward decided to pay his stepmother and half-brother a visit at Corfe Castle. When he arrived he was dragged from his horse and killed. Many people blamed Aelfthryth for the murder, and historical evidence does indicate that it was her servants that carried out the deed. 

Following the death of Edward, known postumously as Edward the Martyr, Aelfthryth’s son Aethelred became King. She supported her son until he reached his majority and married around 983.

Aelfthryth died on 17th November 1000.

 

Published July 09, 2024 @ 11:55 am – Updated – Jul 9, 2024 @ 12:02 pm