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King Eadwig and Queen Aelfgifu, marriage annulled by Dunstan
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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, but on the grounds of consanguinity. Date: circa 958
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Media ID 32247718
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10th Annulled Archbishop Bishop Dunstan Aelfgifu Consanguinity Eadwig Edwy Elgiva
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In this evocative image from the 10th century, King Eadwig of England (941-959) and his queen, Aelfgifu, daughter of Earl Elfgar of Mercia (926-957), stand solemnly before Archbishop Dunstan (circa 909-988). The somber expression on their faces betrays the gravity of the situation unfolding before them. The marriage between Eadwig and Aelfgifu, which had taken place around 957, was about to be annulled against their will by the powerful and influential Archbishop Dunstan. Dunstan, a key figure in English politics and religion during the late Anglo-Saxon period, was a man of great piety and learning. He had been a monk at Glastonbury Abbey before being appointed Bishop of Worcester in 942 and later Archbishop of Canterbury in 959. Dunstan's primary motivation for annulling the marriage was likely political, as he may have seen Aelfgifu as a potential threat to Eadwig's rule. However, he also cited consanguinity as a reason, as the couple were believed to be too closely related. The annulment of their marriage would have been a significant blow to Eadwig and Aelfgifu, who had likely been deeply in love. The couple's separation would have been a source of controversy and intrigue in the medieval court, with some viewing it as a justifiable move to protect the political stability of the kingdom, while others saw it as a cruel and unwarranted interference in the private lives of the king and his queen. Despite the challenges they faced, both Eadwig and Aelfgifu went on to play important roles in English history. Eadwig was succeeded by his brother Edgar the Peaceful, while Aelfgifu married Earl Byrhtnoth of Essex and later married King Æthelred II the Unready. The annulment of their marriage serves as a reminder of the complex and often tumultuous nature of medieval politics and the role that religion and personal relationships could play in shaping the course of history.
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