Aethelflaed was the daughter of Alfred the Great and sister of Edward "the Elder," king of Wessex (ruled 899-924). She joined her husband Aethelred, king of Mercia, in fighting against Danish invaders.  In 911 Aethelred was killed in battle with the Danes, and Aethelflaed became the political and military ruler of the Mercians. She built fortresses in western Mercia as defense against invading and occupying Danes. Aethelflaed led her forces against the Danes at Derby and captured it, and then defeated them at Leicester. Aethelflaed even invaded Wales.

In 918, the Danes in York offered their allegiance to Aethelflaed as protection against Norwegians in Ireland. Aethelflaed died that year. She was succeeded by her daughter Aelfwyn, but Edward, who already controlled Wessex, seized the kingdom of Mercia from her and thus solidified his control over most of England.

Edward's son, Aethestan, who ruled 924-939, was educated at the court of Aethelred and Aethelflaed.

Aelfthryth 945-1000
Elfrida, Elfthryth
queen - married to King Edgar "the Peaceable," stepmother of Edward "the Martyr" and mother of King Ethelred (Aethelred) II "the Unready"

Her father was Earl of Devon, Ordgar. She married Edgar who died in 975, and was his second wife. Aelfthryth is sometimes credited with organizing, or being part of, a 978 assassination of her stepson Edward "the Martyr" so that her 10-year-old son Ethelred II "the Unready"  could succeed.

Her daughter, Aethelfleda or Ethelfleda, was abbess at Romsey.

Another woman by the name of Aelfthryth was the daughter of King Alfred "the Great" and wife of Baldwin II, Count of Flanders and Artois. This Aelfthryth lived from about 877-929.

Saint Edith of Wilton 961- September 16, 984
Eadgyth, Ediva
nun