Page 39 - Alfred the Great And His Legacy

Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians

• After her husband died, she led her own armies on expeditions against the Welsh &

Vikings that she had herself planned. She also repelled Viking invasions from Brittany

& Northumbria, becoming renowned as a competent war-leader.

• In 917 she sent an army to capture Derby from the Vikings; a victory described by
historians as her greatest triumph.

• In 918 she gained possession of Leicester & the Vikings surrendered without a fight.

• Shortly afterwards the Viking leaders of York offered her their loyalty, but she died
on 12 June 918 before she could take advantage of the offer.

• She was succeeded by her daughter, Aelfwynn, but her brother Edward took

personal control of Mercia & carried Aelfwynn off to Wessex.