Early English Queens, 850–1000: Potestas Reginae

This book explores the development of queenship in England between 850 and 1000, focusing on the lives of three remarkable women: Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, and the West Saxon consorts Eadgifu and Ælfthryth. It provides a comprehensive biography-led examination of the queens' role, from bed companion to institutional office, and offers valuable insights into the role women played in the first 150 years of the West Saxon dynasty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The period 850–1000 is a crucial juncture in the development of English queenship. Following the Viking invasions, the kings of Wessex expanded their dominance over neighboring regions, ultimately consolidating their rule as the kings of England. Alongside this overarching narrative of political transformation, this book delves into the lesser-known story of the royal women who played pivotal roles in this era. The lives of three remarkable women—Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, and the West Saxon consorts Eadgifu and Ælfthryth—are at the heart of this narrative, which is re-told through a meticulous analysis and reevaluation of primary sources. These biographies serve as a foundation for a detailed examination of the agency and advocacy of all women who held queenly office in England between 850 and 1000, as well as their legacies and reception by subsequent generations.

Early English Queens, 850–1000 provides valuable insights into the roles played by women during the first 150 years of the West Saxon dynasty. It offers a captivating narrative that will captivate students and scholars of early medieval England and royal studies alike.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367760939