Aethelflaed's forgotten history
I can explain why Aetheflaed's story has often been forgotten and how in recent years historians have tried to retell it.
Aethelflaed's forgotten history
I can explain why Aetheflaed's story has often been forgotten and how in recent years historians have tried to retell it.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Despite fighting the Vikings and uniting the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Aetheflaed's story has often been forgotten.
- One possible reason for this is because her brother Edward wanted to make sure that Mercia stayed loyal to him.
- Edward wanted Mercia to submit to him, and not stay loyal to his sister's memory.
- It is likely that Edward made sure that the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentioned a lot about him instead of Aethelflaed.
- Michael Wood is one historian who has tried to tell Aethelflaed's story because it is the story of England's beginning.
Keywords
Loyal - to be loyal means to give or show firm and constant support to a person or place
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle - the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a historical document that contains a collection of annals
Annals - annals are a record of events year by year
Prejudice - prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all leaders are recorded in history.
Female leaders, like Aethelflaed, are often written out of history as there was prejudice towards women. Despite Aethelflaed's success and the respect she gained, she was likely erased from history so it did not undermine male leaders at the time.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The areas of Britain given to the Vikings were known as the...
Q2.Aethelflaed and Edward’s father was…
Q3.Which battle was the first one that Aethelflaed and Edward fought together?
Q4.Edward was Aethelflaed’s….
Q5.What did Edward and Aethelflaed build to protect their towns?
Q6.By the time of Aethelflaed’s death in 918 CE, which city remained as the only Viking stronghold?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the definition.
a record of events year by year
giving or showing firm and constant support to a person
preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience