Eadgifu of Kent

Eadgifu of Kent, sometimes known as Edgiva or Ediva, was born on or before 903 and lived until on or after 966. She was the third wife of Edward the Elder, King of Wessex, and the daughter of Sigehelm, Ealdorman of Kent. Her marriage to Edward around 919 resulted in two sons, Edmund I and Eadred, both of whom later became Kings of England, and two daughters, Saint Eadburh of Winchester and Eadgifu. After Edward’s death, she continued to be a significant figure during the reigns of her sons.

Eadgifu was engaged in a legal dispute over land at Cooling in Kent, which was resolved in her favor by King Edward. She vanished from the court during King Æthelstan’s reign but returned to prominence under her sons, where she was influential and attested many charters. Following her younger son Eadred’s death, she faced land confiscation by her grandson King Eadwig but later regained some properties under King Edgar. Eadgifu’s last known public act was witnessing a charter in 966. She supported churchmen and was a benefactor of churches.