Search for a person

Succession

Æthelgifu, Abbess of Shaftesbury

fl. 870s – 890s

House: Wessex

Titles: Abbess of Shaftesbury

Æthelgifu was a daughter of Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, and Ealhswith, born in 868. She was the third surviving child of their marriage. Æthelgifu dedicated her life to God, embracing a monastic lifestyle and maintaining her holy virginity. Alfred founded Shaftesbury Abbey for nuns, appointing Æthelgifu as its first abbess, where she was joined by many noble nuns.

Alfred granted Æthelgifu estates at Candover and Kingsclere, but she may not have survived him, as she does not appear to have held these estates after his death in 899. She is venerated in the Catholic Church, with her feast day on 1 January.

Notable events

  • 868
    Born as the third surviving child of Alfred the Great and Ealhswith.
  • 870s
    Dedicated her life to God, embracing monastic life and holy virginity.
  • Before 893
    Appointed as the first abbess of Shaftesbury Abbey by her father, Alfred the Great.
  • Before 893
    Joined by many noble nuns at Shaftesbury Abbey.
  • Before 893
    Shaftesbury Abbey founded by Alfred the Great for nuns.
  • Before 899
    Granted estates at Candover and Kingsclere by Alfred the Great.
  • 899
    Alfred the Great died, possibly before Æthelgifu.
  • Unknown
    Tradition suggests she adopted religious life due to ill health.
  • Unknown
    Venerated in the Catholic Church with a feast day on 1 January.
  • Unknown
    Did not appear to have held the estates after Alfred's death.

Other details

Death: Possibly died before 899; burial place unknown.

Children: 0

Parents: Alfred the Great, Ealhswith

Sources

ionicons-v5-r
Compiled from various 3rd hand sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86thelgifu,_Abbess_of_Shaftesbury