Aelfgifu Collection

Edwy and Elgiva, (mid 19th century). Creator: J Rogers
Edwy and Elgiva, (mid 19th century)

King Eadwig and Queen Aelfgifu, marriage annulled by Dunstan
Edwy or Eadwig, King of England and his wife Elgiva or Aelfgifu - their marriage is annulled against their will by Archbishop Dunstan, probably for political reasons

Edwy or Eadwig, King of England, and Queen Elgiva
Edwy or Eadwig (?-959), King of England, and his wife Elgiva (Aelfgifu)

Edwy and Elgiva, n.d. Creator: Clarkson Stanfield
Edwy and Elgiva, n.d

Edwy or Eadwig (?-959), King of England, and his wife Elgiva (Aelfgifu)

Elgiva seized by order of Archbishop Odo, 1847. Creator: John Everett Millais
Elgiva seized by order of Archbishop Odo, 1847

EMMA ( - 1052)
BRITISH ROYALTY Married to 1. Ethelred the Unready 2. Cnut Mother of Edward (Confessor) Tried by ordeal at Winchester Date: - 1052

Edwy dragged by Dunstan from the presence of Elgiva, c1890. Creator: Unknown
Edwy dragged by Dunstan from the presence of Elgiva, c1890

Dunstan dragging King Edwy from his Consort Queen Ethelgiva on his Coronation Day, 1773

Cruelty of Dunstan to Edwy & Elgiva, 1838. Edwy (d.959), King of England from 955

Edwy and Elgiva, (19th century). Artist: J Rogers
Edwy and Elgiva, (19th century). Queen Elgiva seized by order of Archbishop Odo, and Dunstan inciting Edgar to rebel against his brother

Law / Trial by Ordeal / Emma
Emma ( - 1052) aka Aelfgifu, widow of Cnut, proves her innocence by walking over red-hot plow- shares. Tried by Ordeal at Winchester

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"Aelfgifu: The Tragic Queen Caught in a Web of Politics and Power" In the mid-19th century, artist J Rogers captured the poignant tale of Aelfgifu, also known as Elgiva, alongside King Edwy or Eadwig. Their marriage was one filled with turmoil and heartbreak. During their reign in 955, Archbishop Dunstan's supporters annulled their union against their will. Political motivations were cited as the reason behind this decision, pointing to the fact that they were third cousins. It was a devastating blow for Aelfgifu and Edwy, who had hoped for a life together. The struggles faced by this ill-fated couple did not end there. In 1847, Aelfgifu was seized by order of Archbishop Odo. This event was immortalized by John Everett Millais' artwork which depicted her anguish and captivity. A glimpse into history reveals further mistreatment suffered by Aelfgifu at the hands of Dunstan himself. In various depictions from different eras such as c1890 and 1773, she is seen being forcibly separated from Edwy on his coronation day – an act that showcased Dunstan's cruelty towards them both. Even after these trials, Aelfgifu's story does not conclude without mentioning another significant figure - Emma. Known only by her name until her death in 1052, Emma played a role intertwined with law and trial by ordeal during this tumultuous period. As we reflect upon these historical events surrounding Aelfgifu's life, it becomes evident that she became entangled in a complex web of power dynamics driven by political agendas rather than genuine concern for her happiness. Let us remember Queen Aelfgifu as more than just a pawn in others' games but as someone whose resilience shines through despite enduring unimaginable hardships during her time alongside King Edwy.