Æthelflæd: Lady of the Mercians

Æthelflæd (c. 870-918) is one of the most remarkable women in medieval Britain, but the fragmentary records of her career are a striking example of the erasure of women’s history. Eldest child of Alfred the Great, she governed the ancient kingdom of the Mercians for 32 years, the last eight as sole ruler. She founded cities, built fortresses and even led her troops into battle against the Danes, playing a crucial role in the creation of the kingdom of the English that emerged in the 920s under her foster son Athelstan. In this riveting illustrated talk, historian and broadcaster Professor Michael Wood explores the life, times and legacy of the Lady of the Mercians.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

I have spent decades admiring Michael Wood. In my childhood, his zeal for the classical world showed me not just the fascination of history, but also the joy of knowledge itself.

[@kevinmccarthy8746]

I am a great admirer of Michael Wood.

[@ianmedford4855]

Remember the documentary series he did on people like Eric Bloodaxe, Aethstan, Offa, etc... the one where he's maybe 25 or so and wearing bell bottoms and the whole 9? Still some of the best documentaries I've ever seen.

[@petersharman8013]

He has produced some fantastic documentaries over the years.

[@sarah3796]

That is beautiful

[@MrVvulf]

@@ianmedford4855 That's where I first experienced Michael's work also. The series was called "In Search of the Dark Ages". When I saw the thumbnail and realized it was him I knew I'd have to watch this video. I also thought, "gee, he looks so much older", while simultaneously vowing to avoid seeing MYSELF in the mirror for a day or so.

[@BigMrFirebird]

Excellent presentation, as usual, by Michael Wood. He is to English history, what David Attenborough is, to natural history.

[@kc3718]

his ' In search of ...'' series seem like a beacon in credible documentaries at a time when poorly researched programmes seem only illuminate the modern condition and naught about the past.

[@AdonaiSaxon01]

@@kc3718exactly lots of medieval documentaries suck not going to lie

[@ladydiva295]

Michael Wood is the only historian I trust. So knowledgable and an excellent communicator. I remember watching him with my mum on television when I was a teenager in the 70s. He made English history fascinating.

[@charlesfenton2063]

Not just English history but European Myth as well.

[@acadianr2leger]

I could listen to professor Micheal Wood talk all day…

[@JohnEBoy66]

Michael Wood is simply THE greatest historian, presenter and translator of old English. His charisma, knowledge, passion and humanity shine through. He should be knighted.

[@geoffw8565]

Michael Wood from the late 70's onwards totally accelerated my love of history and especially Anglo Saxon history. Nobody does it better !

[@madmike178]

Thank you so very much! She passed away on this day 1104 years ago, that is a short list of folks people talk about so long after they have left us. God willing I shall survive the beer I will drink for her!

[@basilthrush3537]

What a remarkable presentation. Absolute joy to hear Michael Wood on this subject in much more detail than his TV series of many years ago. Crazy that so people have seen this presentation on such a fascinating subject. BBC, please commission him for another series!!!

[@Sam-cz2bz]

Micheal Wood is a legend

[@joslynaarons6885]

His voice and manner of speaking is also most enjoyable. I could listen to Mr. Wood 24 hours straight. I have for many years. He has a way of mesmerizing the listener even if subject is not appetizing. He makes all so memorable. Thank you Michael Wood

[@johnernst7740]

A superb presentation about a Great woman by a master historian and communicator. Thanks for this gift BL.

[@clairestaffieri4398]

This man tell SUCH a great story. I love listening to you Michael Wood !!!

[@davepangolin4996]

Michael Wood is the most underused historical presenter on TV. Dan Snow is the most overused I’ll say no more

[@alanbstard4]

exactly

[@helenamcginty4920]

Hmmm. Who you know....

[@hobhood7118]

Michael wood was the dan snow of the 80s and 90s. He has now got old. Being good looking helped him then and helps dan snow now. Thats a reality of tv.

[@charity2275]

I like it that Michael Wood doesn't thrash the air with his hands continually like SOME historical narrators when speaking. He's calm, easy to watch and listen to.

[@proudhon100]

@@hobhood7118 So, why is Dianne Abbott on tv so much?

[@elirien4264]

I've loved Micheal Wood ever since I stumbled upon a documentary film of his on PBS.

[@MrTorleon]

Michael Wood and I are contemporaries - and like Michael, I also became a medieval historian. I have followed his career with pleasure and enjoyment, attended a number of his lectures and bought many of his books. Few historians have Michael`s capacity for intellectual insight, imaginative skill at observing connections, understanding and vocalizing Old English and Latin text, together with presenting those findings to a general but interested audience with modesty, enthusiasm and an uncanny attention to detail. Together with other academics like the wonderful social historian Janina Ramirez ( Femina ) Michael is ensuring the lost lives of the early medieval women are at last being brought back into the light. Wonderful in every way - thank you :)

[@pauldayus]

As a Mercian myself I'm disgusted at how little I know of her. Thank you so much for this 👌🏽

[@gwynwellliver4489]

Wonderful! So glad I found this. The digitization of records has opened up the field of historical research in a way I couldn't imagine when I was a college student in the 80's and was talked out of a history major. Thank you to Michael Wood for being a path on my road to discover the rabbit holes of history for my own enjoyment.

[@borderlord]

I am currently watching ,for the first time,Professor Wood's "In Search of the Dark Ages" documentary on KZbin.. the sou d is a bit off so I'm going to buy the DVD and the book that has just been revised and updated! Why has this man not been knighted yet? Arise Sir Michael Wood! Thank you for all your clear,enthralling and entertaining explanations of British history and world history! You are a treasure of Britain!

[@KoniB.]

What an absolute treat, listening to Prof Wood. In the middle of the great state of Texas, I love continuing learning on my relatives. And to the Professor,Tahrah!

[@chemicalcowpoke307]

Wood is great! Loved his docus on India and China. I vote for an redux of searching for the dark ages.

[@starrycrown]

What a great presentation! Thank you, Professor Wood!

[@marcuscall8537]

Thank you to Michael Wood’s for this amazing lecture. Making me sad for graduating university as moments like this had to be put behind me for life when I did. But KZbin has remedied this feeling. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched the “in search of” series made in the early 80’s. Once a year I go through all of them. If you haven’t watched them, please do yourself a favor a view them. If I can have 1 question answered it’s this, Why haven’t you made future programs like the Dark Ages ‘In Search of’, series with the BBC since then? Each one made in the past is a treasure in itself, I can’t help but want more. thank you for being you Michael, even though when you speak old English I often think you’re going to be sick 🤢 before realizing what you’re saying.

[@jimfranchetto3278]

Excellent as always, thank you Prof. Wood.

[@dgetzin]

This is where COVID had brought us .. even Michael Wood reduced to crinkling an earbud mic on his collar. He is delivering it through all that like the pro he is. Excellent content.

[@betttrbeth]

I used to videotape David Wood shows because I love history and art. I’m happy to be able to see him online now any time I want.

[@BtronCalgary]

I could study for the rest of my life and Mr. Wood has already forgotten more about history than I will ever learn.

[@monicacall7532]

Michael Wood is without a doubt the best British historian/TV presenter of them all. He truly makes history come alive. I’ve been reading his books and watching his documentaries (thanks to PBS broadcasting them in the US back before KZbin) since the 1980’s when I was fresh out of college and was missing serious intellectual stimulation. As an American who has a good deal of English ancestry I have found that Wood’s work has helped me to understand and appreciate my ancestors better than anyone else. What a precious gift that is! Thank you! I agree with another commenter that Wood ought to do a new series about the fascinating women in British history who aren’t Boudicca, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth I, Jane Austen and Victoria. For centuries only the stories of great and influential men have been told. It’s now time for the ladies to get the recognition that they so richly deserve. Michael Wood would definitely be my first choice to write about and present these histories.

[@helenhunter4540]

Monica Call. I repeat what I said in my first comment: leave women's history to us feminists. Men's history would be more honestly told by feminists too.

[@carolmckellar2791]

Monica I agree with you totally Professor Michael Wood has outstanding knowledge of Anglo Saxon history. He makes the history come alive to me. I have been researching my own family history and it seems we have some connection to King Edmund Ironside through his son Edward. Oh yes and I am a traditional feminist who's favourite English Queen apart from our late Great Queen Elizabeth the second is Eleanor of Aquitaine. Best wishes to you and yours xx.

[@k.s.3748]

Well researched, I love seeing the primary sources!

[@Tyler.i.81]

Michael Woods is a legend

[@kevwhufc8640]

I love listening to him speaking the old saxon English, English Latin, and post Norman french English Latin. I love the way that he explains everything for ignorant people like myself. I love the late Roman, and early middle late Saxon eras . Listening to him makes me realise how little i know , But i love learning , there are few people i can listen to and take seriously, but he's old school keeps it real ..

[@kathrynjordan8782]

AEthelflaed: Lady of the Mercians is in my family tree on my maternal great grandmother's father's side of the family and great grandfather's side of the family. This is a remarkable presentation of AEthelflaed: Lady of the Mercians. I do enjoy learning more about early British history.

[@michaelmccomb2594]

Is that possible, considering we don’t know of any of her grandchildren?

[@kathrynjordan8782]

@@michaelmccomb2594 all I can say is that she is in my family tree.

[@michaelmccomb2594]

@@kathrynjordan8782 may I ask how?

[@denisedring6149]

My ancestor too

[@michaelmccomb2594]

@@denisedring6149 how can she be if her only daughter didn’t have any children that we know of? Iam really confused here.

[@vania2010100]

I’m Brazilian and very interested in English history.

[@jackreacher5667]

Have always enjoyed Michael Woods and his TV programmes especially his "In Search of " series, very atmospheric if perhaps a little dated, but they made you think and appreciate our shared history.. I think a lot of interest is being shown in this era thanks to people like Bernard Cornwall and TV Programmes like "Vikings and Uwtred of Babenberg". This part of English history is so overlooked by the English who prefer the Romans, Tudors etc which always seams a shame to me, as these people are the bedrock of the "English speaking nations" which has made the world a richer place for there input and culture in world history.

[@michaelstamper5604]

"In search of......" was what brought history to life for me. Michael's presentation was more like a news correspondent than a history teacher and it made me realise that history is the tale of real people doing real things, not just lists of names and dates in dusty old books. Wonderful stuff.

[@2gpowell]

Great documentary! I am a descendant of King Alfred through the Plantagenet kings. I live in the backwoods like a peasant!

[@xxjones]

Hi cousin, I am a descendant too ... born and raised in Austria!

[@2gpowell]

@@xxjones My great-grandparents came to the US in 1900 from Austria.

[@2gpowell]

​@@xxjones Hello cousin! That is awesome to here!

[@mikeakachorlton]

I'm as woke as the next person - and a long-time admirer of Aethelflaed - but the lack of documentation on her life is not really down to misogyny as Wood seems to be implying in his introduction, but to... lack of documentation from this time period! I have just watched his 'In Search Of...' programme on Offa, one of THE most celebrated kings of his period, where Wood indicates how frustrating it is that we know so little about him; and our knowledge of Alfred is greatly helped by that one main document from Assa. So Aethelflaed is just another of the most important characters of the dark ages who has had little in the way of written sources passed down to us.

[@si4632]

all that time working at the woke bbc rubbed off on him a bit 🤣

[@MrVvulf]

1:01:40 The sources I've seen say that she's buried at St. Oswald's Priory in Gloucester (shown in video at 28:45 or so), originally dedicated to St. Peter, but renamed in honor of Oswald in 909. The building was an exact copy of the Old Minster from Alfred's city of Winchester. Just wanted to clarify in case anyone intends to visit her grave while in Gloucestershire. The St. Peter's Church in Gloucester wasn't build until 1860.

[@edwesterdale-music]

Thank you for this wonderful lecture!

[@du2lx]

Colorful history and insights of Sir Michael Wood .. Long live the queen from the Philippine islands

[@mrk24107]

Brilliant presentation, very much enjoyed. Thank you.

[@davissae]

I love tales of English history 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@thomasberrey3774]

He is the best, Michael Wood is in the stratum with Ken Burns. Alexander the Great is a Masterpiece!

[@BinkyTheElf1]

I admire Michael Wood not least for his enthusiasm, fuelled by facts and open to possibilities (based on the evidence & lively imagination). He’s one of the great popularizers of history of the last and this century. Unlike too many academics, married to their “school” or ideology, Wood makes history exciting, engaging, and he reminds me why I love history so much. Neil Oliver is the Scottish Michael Wood, at least for me.

[@CTechAstronomy]

For anyone wondering, the viking illustration from 10:04 is called "Ely looted and burned by the Danes" by Allan Stewart (1865-1951) and the book that Michael Wood is referring to is called Children's Tales of English Minsters by Elizabeth Grierson (1909).

[@jaypeters5224]

Great info, thank you!

[@danpoole4915]

Not only a fan of Michael, but I love the British Library. I also love the Python reference (libraians)!

[@MLE750]

The more I look at British history and English history in particular the richer and more fascinating it becomes. It becomes more and more difficult to define what 'being English' is.

[@peterrandall9523]

Fantastic. So much more to be discovered in manuscript as well.

[@charlesbukowski9836]

Mike you are a legend

[@johnshoemakerjr5840]

Thank you sir for the story.The history of Great Britain seems full of strong women rulers from Boudica to Queens Elizabeth and Victoria plus the current Queen and Margaret Thatcher. My favorite is my ancestor Lady Devorgilla MacDowell Balliol,Queen Dowager of Scotland and cofounder of Balliol College at Oxford University in 1263. J.R.S.,Jr.,Esq. B'ham,Alabama, USA.

[@josephcollins6033]

THANK YOU!!!! I love Dr, Morris.

[@dianecarter5984]

Loved it

[@ginawu5302]

I LOVE his voice🤩🤩🤩

[@hilariapdx]

Thank you!

[@rde4017]

Why hasn't Michael been knighted yet?

[@edwesterdale-music]

Earl Michael Wood has an even better ring to me. ;-)

[@mortalclown3812]

He's an OBE.

[@MICROCLEAN100]

Thank to you!

[@user-wg3wj6ur9z]

ROTFL this babe is on my family tree, no cap. No doubt tens of thousands of others today are also related to her.

[@Vorrin5]

Was listening to him speak and thought someone was drawing with markers while he talked, but I looked and it's actually the microphone part of his headphones rubbing on his collar. It's a bit distracting, unfortunately.

[@coniwatson9512]

Wonderful . Where can I find more of his lectures

[@mortalclown3812]

Google him.

[@CasselGerard]

What is that irritating shaker noise? What a shame because this is truly interesting and wonderful in every other way.

[@fuferito]

I'm guessing neither one noticed Michael Wood's mic was brushing on his sweater throughout the talk.

[@Anaris10]

Was there any chance she was related to King Penda's line?.

[@Cate7451]

❤

[@Tyler.i.81]

I wonder what's lying under Tamworth it would be interesting to find the old settlement of mercian Tamworth maybe it was just the castle.

[@dawnvickerstaff9148]

Since it was such a fluke that we know about Aethelflaed could it be that there are other women out there that did equally remarkable things that were never recorded? Hmmm, could it be that women are as interesting as men after all?

[@helenhunter4540]

Dawn Vickerstaff. Yes, isn't it amazing how few women we know about, Queens or servants, in "our own" history? Could male politicians, scholars and others have been hiding them and LYING TO US? NO!!!!

[@helenhunter4540]

And as for being "as interesting as men", EVERYONE who has to fight to live in a patriarchy (most of us) is much more interesting and admirable than the few, the loud, the murderous who have been, and still are, in charge.

[@fuferito]

As a lifelong admirer of Michael Wood's, I'm a bit confused at his throwaway statement, “erasure of women's history.” There is no evidence of this at all where Æthelflæd is concerned. Quite the opposite, in fact. Michael Wood has presented us kings, over the years, such as Arthur and Offa, where virtually no written account remains. This in spite of the fact that Offa was king and that the Great Dyke is attributed to him. It happens, unfortunately, that documentary accounts vanish from history. Æthelflæd is a great figure much cherished and remembered in her time and by later chroniclers, regardless of her gender. Presenting evidence of a person who lived 1100 years ago is already challenging in itself without the need to adopt easy, trendy _hot button_ terms, especially since Æthelflæd wouldn't approve as she was no victim.

[@edwesterdale-music]

He says that because only her death and position as the King's sister are mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (he says this around 1:10:20) produced in Wessex. It's a fair point and, to his credit, he doesn't labour it in a fluent and fascinating lecture. However, it's undoubtedly true that women are underrepresented in the historical record. What a tragedy that we don't know more about Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great!

[@MrVvulf]

@@edwesterdale-music Indeed. How many people know that the greatest pirate empire that ever existed was organized and run by a woman? Her name was Zheng Yi Sao.

[@helenhunter4540]

fuferito. If you were serious about this, you could find the evidence for erasure of women from history by reading any of the many feminist historians who have been writing since the 1970s. You could even start with Mary Beard, who wrote before them.

[@helenhunter4540]

fuferito. And as for calling Aethelflaed "no victim", you show your opinion already.

[@ericbrown1101]

It is true that she was somewhat suppressed from Saxon chronicles, which focus on her brother. Much more detail seems to come from Irish and Welsh texts that speak of her in remarkably glowing terms.

[@edconduit2166]

The text of this video speaks of “erasure” of “records of her career”. Most peer-reviewed historians would say, reluctantly, that biographies cannot be written for the Old English period. No “history” of Æthelflæd was ever written so it cannot be “erased”. Icon creation seem to be at work in Michael’s use of “creative history”. The main precedent for iconicity is Mary, the mother of Jesus. A dimly-perceived historical person is idealised by removal of possibly detracting features. The four Marian dogmas of Catholicism - perpetual virginity, mother of god, immaculate conception and assumption into heaven - allow devotees to experience affirmations and an enhanced sense of their own goodness by projective identification with the icon. Boudicca is the precedent for a woman icon in a “male-dominated” society of AD61. Although David Barnett’s (Observer, 2/4/23) sees her as a “timeless role model for feminists”, she was instrumental in the genocide of the Iceni and the near-elimination of Celts from Britain. As a general who sought battle with a 13:1 superiority and lost, causing the massacre of 200,000 of her followers, she is a nominee for the worst military leader in history. Æthelflæd is now being offered as a candidate for veneration. While one historian Ian Walker says "the accession of a female ruler in Mercia is one of the most unique [sic] events in early medieval history", another, Nick Higham, thinks medieval and modern writers have been “so captivated by her that Edward's (her brother, king of Wessex) reputation has suffered unfairly in comparison”. It is unclear what roles she took in the raid on Bardney in 909, the building of burhs in Mercia, or the capture of Derby from Danes in 917. It is not clear whether she continued to collaborate with her ailing husband, or forge her won path, perhaps with a lover. We will probably never know her biography. The status of an icon is determined by the affirmations generated for the devotees by projective identification, not the historical facts.

[@ahar7624]

How I wish the stupid BBC would put him on TV again instead of these soundbite "historians" and their gimmicks

[@jack1428]

Is someone drawing with felt tips in the background?

[@AdonaiSaxon01]

Hail England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@jenniferhosmer9180]

WHat is the name of this historian.? I have enjoyed his programs, can't think of his name

[@mortalclown3812]

Just read the video description.

[@fuferito]

Michael Wood.

[@jenniferhosmer9180]

@@fuferito Thank you!

[@THINKincessantly]

Looking like the Austrian Painter was 100% right

[@jaypeters5224]

Liking your own comments is lame

[@si4632]

🤣 almost 100% right apart from the weird paganism bit if it wasnt for that he would of won

[@PNWCagey-Dub]

I would love to watch this but the audio has scratching noises.

[@mortalclown3812]

One weeps.

[@THINKincessantly]

Yall still in favor of banning “Anglo-Saxon”?

[@jaypeters5224]

No. Never. Try and steal my heritage.

[@si4632]

If we cant get you out we will breed you out🤣

[@martinaakervik]

I really believe that all this focus on gender is disturbing for understanding personality. Even troubling for understanding the historical events. Powerful people have always been of both genders. I don’t think gender define your power.

[@grimmace9081]

go directly to the 3:00 minute mark to skip all the bvllsh|t at the start

[@Peter-lm3ic]

Thank the Lord that Michael does not speak and have attitudes like a lefty which most historians seem to be nowadays!

[@helenhunter4540]

Quite an astonishing number of astonished exclamations about the Lady doing things as if she were a real ruler. Congratulations on your restraint at NOT shouting Hurrah! when the uncle came -- no doubt with a sufficient number of goons -- to dethrone the second Lady and deposit her in a nunnery, where all such troublesome women belong. If you don't outright murder them. Leave women's history to us feminists.

[@Go-Dawgs]

Love Michael Wood, his shows taught so much! But this intro was ignored because all I saw was this Laughable eye makeup the girl had done on herself. Really....She Thought that pretty? Wow

[@jodilewis9624]

Why? Who twisted or broke your heart, to compel you to make such an odd , ugly, and untrue comment? "The girl" you refer to is the woman that Dr. Wood later calls out in appreciation for pulling together this webinar series.

[@DeidreL9]

She looks lovely. Why be cruel?

[@samwell2386]

Weirdo

[@mortalclown3812]

The shallow nature doth not recommend thee.

[@helenhunter4540]

kj. Really? All you saw was her makeup? Funny, I was LISTENING to her and didn't notice.

[@MyRealName148]

You can’t put lipstick on a pig but maybe with a little eyeshadow it’ll work…

[@helenhunter4540]

allthemedocs. That's your learned opinion? I've always thought that saying about putting lipstick on a pig a cruel one, to pigs, who are raised TO BE EATEN.

[@conroytim50]

Who's scribbling in the background?

[@si4632]

Æthelflæd 🤣

[@si4632]

what a woman