Ælfthryth, also known as Alfreda, Alfritha, Aelfnryth, or Etheldritha,[1] is a Mercian princess, saint, virgin, and recluse, venerated in both the Catholic Church and Antiochian Orthodox Church.
[1][2] Ælfthryth was "either betrothed to or loved by"[1] Æthelberht II, the king of the East Angles.
The chronicler John of Worcester, writing in the 12th century, places the blame on Ælfthryth's mother Cynethryth, the deed purportedly being committed so that her brother could ascend to the throne instead.
Medieval chroniclers such as Roger of Wendover, Matthew Paris and John Brompton have been unwilling to cast any blame on King Offa, who founded monasteries, gave land to the church and travelled on pilgrimage to Rome.
[1][2][3] Ælfthryth's sister Aelfreda also lost a husband due to their parents' political intrigue.