Edward the Elder did marry his sister, but it is important to understand the historical context and the reasons behind this union. In the early medieval period, political alliances were often forged through strategic marriages, and the marriage between Edward and his sister Æthelflæd was one such example.
After the death of their father, King Alfred the Great, in 899, Edward succeeded him as the King of Wessex. However, at that time, England was still divided into several kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia, which were frequently under attack from Viking invaders.
In order to strengthen their position and protect their lands from Viking incursions, Edward and Æthelflæd formed a powerful partnership. Æthelflæd, as Lady of the Mercians, held significant authority and control over the Mercian territories, and she proved to be a formidable ruler in her own right.
The marriage between Edward and Æthelflæd was likely a political arrangement aimed at solidifying their alliance and consolidating their power. It was not uncommon for marriages between close relatives to occur in medieval times, especially among royalty, as it helped to maintain bloodlines and ensure the continuity of power within the family.
It is worth noting that the marriage between Edward and Æthelflæd was not their first. Edward had previously been married to Ecgwynn, with whom he had several children. After Ecgwynn’s death, he married Ælfflæd, who was also the mother of his children.
The marriage between Edward and his sister Æthelflæd likely took place sometime in the early 10th century, but the exact details are not well-documented. It is important to understand that the concept of incest, as we perceive it today, was not viewed in the same way during medieval times. Marriages between close relatives, including siblings, were not uncommon, especially among the nobility.
Edward and Æthelflæd’s partnership was highly successful in their efforts to combat Viking invasions. They coordinated their military campaigns and successfully reclaimed Viking-occupied territories, particularly in the southern parts of England. Their joint rule played a crucial role in the eventual unification of England under one crown.
Edward the Elder was eventually succeeded by his son, Æthelstan, who further expanded and solidified the Kingdom of England. Æthelflæd, on the other hand, continued to rule as Lady of the Mercians until her death in 918. Both Edward and Æthelflæd were eventually buried in New Minster, Winchester, and later their remains were translated to Hyde Abbey.
Edward the Elder did marry his sister Æthelflæd, but this union should be understood in the context of medieval politics and the need to forge strong alliances. The marriage played a crucial role in their joint efforts to defend their lands against Viking invasions and ultimately contributed to the unification of England.