*disputed*
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Birth name: Wulfþryþ of Wiltūn
Born: c. 937, Kingdom of England
Father: *Unknown*
Mother: *Unknown*
House: *Unknown*
Nationality: English
Consort of: Edgar I 'The Peaceful' *disputed*
Reign: c. 960 - c. 961 (1 year)
Coronation: N/A
Predecessor: Æthelflæd Eneda of East Anglia 'The White Duck' *disputed*
Successor: Ælfthryth of Devon
Died: 21 September 1000 (aged 73), Wilton, Wessex, Kingdom of England
Cause: *Unknown*
Burial: Wilton Abbey
Motto: N/A
Spouse(s):
- King Edgar I of the English 'The Peaceful' (m. c. 960 - c. 964) *disputed*
Children:
- With King Edgar I of the English
- Saint Edith of Wilton (c. 961 - c. 984)
Unknown.
Character:
She was known for her piety and devotion to the church, especially Wilton Abbey.
Wulfthryth was also very popular, was generous to the poor and needy, and was good friends with the king, as well as close with her daughter, Edith.
Biography:
Wulfthryth was born some time around the year 937, and likely came from a powerful noble family from Wessex, though the identity of her parents is not known for sure.
At some point in her early life, she entered into the nunnery at Wilton Abbey, where she would be famously kidnapped by King Edgar of the English, and entered into a relationship with him. The 'kidnapping' was likely a game between them rather than an actual serious capture and imprisonment, and it's possible that the two of them married around the year 960.
The couple then lived in Kent for a time, where Wulfthryth would give birth to their first and only child together, Edith. Edith was quickly sent to Wilton Abbey where her mother had been raised, while both Wulfthryth and Edgar fell under scrutiny for their relationship, especially because of Wulfthryth's position as a nun. King Edgar was viewed unfavourably and blamed for Wulfthryth having broken her religious vows. As penance for his crimes, Edgar forbade himself from wearing his crown for seven years, and gifted Wulfthryth multiple estates within Wessex.
Wulfthryth, upon renouncing her marriage to the king, returned to Wilton Abbey with her daughter, once again becoming a nun, despite having lost her virginity.
Over the next few years, Wulfthryth became a vital leader within Wilton Abbey, eventually rising through the ranks to become the Abbess. Despite having split up, she remained very good friends with King Edgar, and he held a great deal of respect for her. She completely dedicated herself to the abbey, and would save the lives of those who sought sanctuary within. She used her wealth acquired from the king to invest in the abbey's upkeep, as well as purchase relics, and donate to the poor. She became very popular during her time there, and was even rumoured to have performed miracles.
Unfortunately, her daughter would die in 984, and would be venerated as a saint shortly afterwards.
Wulfthryth passed away while still living in Wilton in 1000, though the cause of her death is not known.
Rule:
There's no certainty on whether Wulfthryth was officially recognised as queen - or even technically married to Edgar - but she did have a largely positive influence on Edgar, often acting as mediator, and protecting the poor and investing heavily in the church.
Trivia:
- N/A
Sainthood:
Canonised - N/A
Feast Days - 13 September
Shrine - Wilton Abbey
Patronage - Wilton Abbey
Quotes:
N/A
Sources & Further Reading:
Brain, J. (2022). Edgar The Peaceful. Historic UK. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Edgar-the-Peaceful/
Brown, J. C. (2021). The Birthplace of Saint Wulfthryth: An Unexamined Reference in Cambridge University Library Additional 2604. Scholar's Archive. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1748&context=rmmra
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