Ælfflæd 2 (Female) Abbess of Whitby, d.714
m/l vii

Notes: BDDAB, pp. 5-6; BEASE, p. 6; CDNB 1:909; DNB 16:316 = 6:316; Alan Thacker, ?Ælfflæd (654?714)?, ODNB.

Factoid List

Recorded Name (13)
... Aelffledam (1)
 Bede.HE  iii.24
Aelbfled (1)
 Bede.HE  iv.26
Aelffleda (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
Aelflaeda (1)
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  43 (p. 88)
Aelfleda (5)
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  59
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  60 (p. 128)
 Anon.VitGregorii  18
Elffleda (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
Elfled (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
Elfleda (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  24
Ælfled (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23 cap.
Personal Information (16)
intellectual (2)
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  59 (very wise virgin)
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  60 (p. 132) (very wise virgin)
moral (6)
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6 (virgin)
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10 (most faithful)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23 (virgin)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  24 (most reverend virgin)
 Anon.VitGregorii  18 (most religious)
 Bede.HE  iv.26 (devoted to God)
other (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21 (servant)
piety (3)
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6 (handmaiden of God)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23 (venerable handmaiden of Christ)
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  60 (p. 128) (always the consoler of the whole kingdom and the best counsellor)
reputation (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23 (venerable)
saintly status (2)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34 (sanctissima)
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  43 (p. 88) (holy virgin)
stated health (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23 (she was stricken by a serious sickness and seemed almost to have reached the point of death)
Education (1)
 wise woman and learned in the Holy Scriptures: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  24
Office (10)
Abbess (10)
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  24
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  43 (p. 88)
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  59
 Stephen.VitWilfridi  60
 Bede.HE  iv.26
Occupation (10)
Nun (8)
 Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
 Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  29
 Bede.HE  iii.24
 Bede.HE  iii.24
 Bede.HE  iv.26
 Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
Teacher (2)
 Bede.HE  iii.24
 Bede.HE  iv.26
Status (4)
Noble (1)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
Royal person (3)
 Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
 Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Bede.HE  iv.26
Personal Relationship (18)
~ Beloved (General relationship) of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Cuthbert 1: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
~ Brother (Consanguineal kinship) of Ælfflæd 2 (4)
 Aldfrith 1: of Ælfflæd 2: Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6
 Ecgfrith 4: of Ælfflæd 2: Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6
 Ecgfrith 4: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  24
 Ecgfrith 4: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
Ælfflæd 2 Daughter (Consanguineal kinship) of ~ (4)
 of Oswiu 1: Stephen.VitWilfridi  59
 of Eanflæd 1: Anon.VitGregorii  18
 of Oswiu 1: Bede.HE  iii.24
 of Oswiu 1: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.116.2
~ Grandfather (Consanguineal kinship) of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Edwin 2: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.HE  iii.24
~ Helper (General relationship) of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Trumwine 1: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.HE  iv.26
~ Lord (General relationship) of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Cuthbert 1: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
~ Mother (Consanguineal kinship) of Ælfflæd 2 (2)
 Eanflæd 1: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Eanflæd 1: of Ælfflæd 2: Bede.HE  iv.26
~ Nephew, brother’s son (Consanguineal kinship) of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Osred 1: of Ælfflæd 2: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.3
Ælfflæd 2 Sister (Consanguineal kinship) of ~ (2)
 of Ecgfrith 4: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  27
 of Aldfrith 1: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.3
Ælfflæd 2 Successor (General relationship) of ~ (1)
 of Hild 1: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.3
Event (28)
Absolution (1)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
Appointment/consecration/elevation/ordination of bishop (1)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
Appointment/consecration/elevation/ordination of king (1)
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
Bequeathing/will-making (2)
 Aldfrith 1.deathbed will: On falling ill, Aldfrith 1 vowed to respond to the wishes of Wilfrid and of the Apostolic See if he got better; if not he ordered in the presence of witnesses that his heir should reach a settlement with Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  59, 60
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
Burial (1)
 Ælfflæd 2-Oswiu 1-Eanflæd 1-Edwin 2.burial at Whitby: Ælfflæd 2 was buried at Whitby together with her parents (Oswiu 1 and Eanflæd 1) and Edwin 2.: Bede.HE  iii.24
Church/monastery/minster foundation/dedication/restoration (2)
 Cuthbert 1.dedication of church at Ovington: Cuthbert 1 dedicated a church there. They all sang mass.: Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
 Oswiu 1.granting land for 12 monasteries and giving Ælfflæd 2 to Christ: King Oswiu 1, in return for victory [at the Battle of Winwæd], made an offering to God of 12 properties for the construction of monasteries and his daughter, Ælfflæd 2, to be consecrated in perpetual virginity.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
Confession (1)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
Correspondence (1)
 Wilfrid 2.reconciliation with Theodore 1: Theodore 1 and Wilfrid 2 were reconciled in a peace treaty. At Wilfrid 2's urging Theodore 1 sent letters to various people urging reconciliation between them and Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  43
Council-meeting, ecclesiastical (3)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
 Wilfrid 2.synod held near River Nidd: Beorhtwald 6 called a synod in accordance with the precept of the Apostolic See to consider Wilfrid 2's case. Reconciliation was made with Wilfrid 2, and Ripon and Hexham with their revenues were returned to him. : Stephen.VitWilfridi  60
Death/dying (3)
 Cuthbert 1.vision of Hadwald 1’s soul: While Cuthbert 1 was sitting at dinner, he was suddenly transported away and his shaking hand dropped the knife. When Ælfflæd 2 asked what was happening, he said that one of her monks was being borne to heaven.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
 Ælfflæd 2.death: At about the age of sixty Ælfflæd 2 died: Bede.HE  iii.24
Disputing/dispute-settling (1)
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
Dreaming/seeing vision/revelation (2)
 Cuthbert 1.vision of Hadwald 1’s soul: While Cuthbert 1 was sitting at dinner, he was suddenly transported away and his shaking hand dropped the knife. When Ælfflæd 2 asked what was happening, he said that one of her monks was being borne to heaven.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
 Cuthbert 1.vision of soul of Hadwald 1: While Cuthbert 1 was having his meal, he suddenly stopped eating. When he was asked what he was contemplating, he finally replied that he had seen the soul of a holy man being carried by the angels.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
Eating (2)
 Cuthbert 1.vision of Hadwald 1’s soul: While Cuthbert 1 was sitting at dinner, he was suddenly transported away and his shaking hand dropped the knife. When Ælfflæd 2 asked what was happening, he said that one of her monks was being borne to heaven.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
 Cuthbert 1.vision of soul of Hadwald 1: While Cuthbert 1 was having his meal, he suddenly stopped eating. When he was asked what he was contemplating, he finally replied that he had seen the soul of a holy man being carried by the angels.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
Embassy (1)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
Enquiry (1)
 Ælfflæd 2.enquiry on identity of dead brother: Ælfflæd 2 sent a messenger (Anonymous 23) to all her people. She finally learnt the truth on the following day and reported it to Cuthbert 1 as he was celebrating mass.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
Feasting/banqueting (1)
 Cuthbert 1.vision of soul of Hadwald 1: While Cuthbert 1 was sitting feasting with Ælfflæd 2, he had a vision and saw the soul of a brother (Hadwald 1) from Ælfflæd 2's monastery being carried to heaven.: Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
Grant and Gift (3)
 Oswiu 1.fulfilment of his vow: After the victory against Penda 1, Oswiu 1 gave his daughter (Ælfflæd 2) to be consecrated to God. He also gave 12 small estates for the foundation of monasteries.: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Oswiu 1.granting land for 12 monasteries and giving Ælfflæd 2 to Christ: King Oswiu 1, in return for victory [at the Battle of Winwæd], made an offering to God of 12 properties for the construction of monasteries and his daughter, Ælfflæd 2, to be consecrated in perpetual virginity.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
Healing (2)
 Cuthbert 1.healing of Anonymous 55: When Anonymous 55 was suffering from an intolerable pain in the head, Ælfflæd 2 went to visit her and gave her the linen girdle she had received from Cuthbert 1. Anonymous 55 had it bound around her head and on the same day the pain departed.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
 Cuthbert 1.healing of Ælfflæd 2: When Ælfflæd 2 was ill, she wished she had something belonging to Cuthbert 1 in order to be speedily healed. Not long afterwards there came one (Anonymous 54) who brought her a linen girdle which he had sent. She girded herself with it and in the morning she was able to stand erect and on the third day she was entirely restored to health.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
Illness/demonic seizure/madness (3)
 Aldfrith 1.deathbed will: On falling ill, Aldfrith 1 vowed to respond to the wishes of Wilfrid and of the Apostolic See if he got better; if not he ordered in the presence of witnesses that his heir should reach a settlement with Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  59, 60
 Cuthbert 1.healing of Anonymous 55: When Anonymous 55 was suffering from an intolerable pain in the head, Ælfflæd 2 went to visit her and gave her the linen girdle she had received from Cuthbert 1. Anonymous 55 had it bound around her head and on the same day the pain departed.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
 Cuthbert 1.healing of Ælfflæd 2: When Ælfflæd 2 was ill, she wished she had something belonging to Cuthbert 1 in order to be speedily healed. Not long afterwards there came one (Anonymous 54) who brought her a linen girdle which he had sent. She girded herself with it and in the morning she was able to stand erect and on the third day she was entirely restored to health.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
Invention/authorisation of relics (1)
 Ancient saints.found and elevated at Whitby: Recently at Whitby have been found and elevated the bodies of holy men, Bishop Trumwine 1, King Oswiu 1, and his daughter Ælfflæd 2, who ruled the monastery after Hild 1, together with the monk [Cædmon 1] who, according to Bede 1, received the gift of song from God.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.116.2
Journey (1)
 Cuthbert 1-Ælfflæd 2.meeting: Ælfflæd 2 asked Cuthbert 1 to meet her. He consented and set out in a boat. She asked him how long Ecgfrith 4 was to command his kingdom and he told her that he would die in one year's time.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
Liturgical celebration (2)
 Cuthbert 1.dedication of church at Ovington: Cuthbert 1 dedicated a church there. They all sang mass.: Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
 Ælfflæd 2.enquiry on identity of dead brother: Ælfflæd 2 sent a messenger (Anonymous 23) to all her people. She finally learnt the truth on the following day and reported it to Cuthbert 1 as he was celebrating mass.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
Meeting (2)
 Cuthbert 1-Ælfflæd 2.meeting: Ælfflæd 2 asked Cuthbert 1 to meet her. He consented and set out in a boat. She asked him how long Ecgfrith 4 was to command his kingdom and he told her that he would die in one year's time.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
Message-sending (2)
 Wilfrid 2.reconciliation with Theodore 1: Theodore 1 and Wilfrid 2 were reconciled in a peace treaty. At Wilfrid 2's urging Theodore 1 sent letters to various people urging reconciliation between them and Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  43
 Ælfflæd 2.enquiry on identity of dead brother: Ælfflæd 2 sent a messenger (Anonymous 23) to all her people. She finally learnt the truth on the following day and reported it to Cuthbert 1 as he was celebrating mass.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
Monastic life, converting to/joining/oblation (2)
 Oswiu 1.fulfilment of his vow: After the victory against Penda 1, Oswiu 1 gave his daughter (Ælfflæd 2) to be consecrated to God. He also gave 12 small estates for the foundation of monasteries.: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Oswiu 1.granting land for 12 monasteries and giving Ælfflæd 2 to Christ: King Oswiu 1, in return for victory [at the Battle of Winwæd], made an offering to God of 12 properties for the construction of monasteries and his daughter, Ælfflæd 2, to be consecrated in perpetual virginity.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
Peace agreement (1)
 Wilfrid 2.reconciliation with Theodore 1: Theodore 1 and Wilfrid 2 were reconciled in a peace treaty. At Wilfrid 2's urging Theodore 1 sent letters to various people urging reconciliation between them and Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  43
Prophecy (7)
 Cuthbert 1-Ælfflæd 2.meeting: Ælfflæd 2 asked Cuthbert 1 to meet her. He consented and set out in a boat. She asked him how long Ecgfrith 4 was to command his kingdom and he told her that he would die in one year's time.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Cuthbert 1.prophecy on heir of Ecgfrith 4: Ælfflæd 2 asked Cuthbert 1 who was to succeed Ecgfrith 4 as king. He replied that another brother of hers would become king.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Cuthbert 1.prophecy on his episcopate: Cuthbert 1 told Ælfflæd 2 that he would be bishop only for two years: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Cuthbert 1.prophecy on life of Ecgfrith 4: Being asked by Ælfflæd 2, Cuthbert 1 told her that her brother, Ecgfrith 4, would live twelve more months.: Anon.VitCuthberti  iii.6
 Cuthbert 1.vision of Hadwald 1’s soul: While Cuthbert 1 was sitting at dinner, he was suddenly transported away and his shaking hand dropped the knife. When Ælfflæd 2 asked what was happening, he said that one of her monks was being borne to heaven.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
 Cuthbert 1.vision of soul of Hadwald 1: While Cuthbert 1 was having his meal, he suddenly stopped eating. When he was asked what he was contemplating, he finally replied that he had seen the soul of a holy man being carried by the angels.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34
 Ælfflæd 2.enquiry on identity of dead brother: Ælfflæd 2 sent a messenger (Anonymous 23) to her monastery to ask which of her brethren had recently died.: Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
Reconciliation (3)
 Aldfrith 1.deathbed will: On falling ill, Aldfrith 1 vowed to respond to the wishes of Wilfrid and of the Apostolic See if he got better; if not he ordered in the presence of witnesses that his heir should reach a settlement with Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  59, 60
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
 Wilfrid 2.synod held near River Nidd: Beorhtwald 6 called a synod in accordance with the precept of the Apostolic See to consider Wilfrid 2's case. Reconciliation was made with Wilfrid 2, and Ripon and Hexham with their revenues were returned to him. : Stephen.VitWilfridi  60
Relics-incorrupt preservation/placing in reliquary/requesting/translating (1)
 Ancient saints.found and elevated at Whitby: Recently at Whitby have been found and elevated the bodies of holy men, Bishop Trumwine 1, King Oswiu 1, and his daughter Ælfflæd 2, who ruled the monastery after Hild 1, together with the monk [Cædmon 1] who, according to Bede 1, received the gift of song from God.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.116.2
Reporting (1)
 Ælfflæd 2.enquiry on identity of dead brother: Ælfflæd 2 sent a messenger (Anonymous 23) to all her people. She finally learnt the truth on the following day and reported it to Cuthbert 1 as he was celebrating mass.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
Restoration of land/property (3)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
 Wilfrid 2.synod held near River Nidd: Beorhtwald 6 called a synod in accordance with the precept of the Apostolic See to consider Wilfrid 2's case. Reconciliation was made with Wilfrid 2, and Ripon and Hexham with their revenues were returned to him. : Stephen.VitWilfridi  60
Restoration to bishopric (2)
 Theodore 1.restoring bishopric to Wilfrid 2: Theodore 1 was nearing his death, and feeling remorse for his sin against Wilfrid 2 he summoned both him and Bishop Eorcenwald 1 to London. He confessed his sins before the two bishops, asking Wilfrid 2 to forgive him and to accept his archbishopric in his place. Wilfrid 2 would not agree to take over the archbishopric without a decision in a higher council. Theodore 1 did everything to ensure that Wilfrid 2 receives his bishopric back, sending envoys to Aldfrith 1 king of the Northumbrians, Ecgfrith 4's successor, to his sister Ælfflæd 2 abbess of Whitby, and to Æthelred 2 king of the Mercians. When Aldfrith 1, who had known Wilfrid 2 well in the past, received the archbishop's letter, he granted him the monastery at Hexham and then, on the decision of his council, the bishopric of York and the monastery of Ripon.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.103.1-104.1
 Wilfrid 2.council in Northumbria: When Osred 1 son of Aldfrith 1 was given his proper place on the throne, the most loyal and influential of his magnates, Beorhtfrith 3, agreed on the prompting of Archbishop Beorhtwald 6 to hold a council in Northumbria, so that Wilfrid 2's just cause might be brought to a peaceable conclusion at last. At this meeting, in accordance with the pope's [John 17] command, the bishops [from Anonymi 388] were given the choice either to yield Wilfrid 2 his part of the see, or to go to Rome to uphold their case. Anyone who thought fit not to comply would be excommunicate. The bishops made objections as was their wont, but the blessed Ælfflæd 2, sister of Aldfrith 1 and Hild 1's successor as abbess of Whitby, settled the matter by referring to her brother's deathbed request to have Wilfrid 2 restored. Beorhtfrith 3 also suggested that they should obey the pope's commands. The grave bishops hurried to embrace each other, and they preserved lifelong concord. Wilfrid 2 was given back control of two monasteries, Ripon and Hexham.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iii.109.2-6
Treaty (1)
 Wilfrid 2.reconciliation with Theodore 1: Theodore 1 and Wilfrid 2 were reconciled in a peace treaty. At Wilfrid 2's urging Theodore 1 sent letters to various people urging reconciliation between them and Wilfrid 2.: Stephen.VitWilfridi  43
Visit (2)
 Cuthbert 1-Ælfflæd 2.meeting: Ælfflæd 2 asked Cuthbert 1 to meet her. He consented and set out in a boat. She asked him how long Ecgfrith 4 was to command his kingdom and he told her that he would die in one year's time.: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  21
 Cuthbert 1.healing of Anonymous 55: When Anonymous 55 was suffering from an intolerable pain in the head, Ælfflæd 2 went to visit her and gave her the linen girdle she had received from Cuthbert 1. Anonymous 55 had it bound around her head and on the same day the pain departed.: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  23
Vowing celibacy/chastity/virginity/poverty (1)
 Oswiu 1.granting land for 12 monasteries and giving Ælfflæd 2 to Christ: King Oswiu 1, in return for victory [at the Battle of Winwæd], made an offering to God of 12 properties for the construction of monasteries and his daughter, Ælfflæd 2, to be consecrated in perpetual virginity.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
Factoids linked indirectly to Ælfflæd 2 (6)
Authorship (1)
Theodore 1:  Author of letters to Ælfflæd 2 commending her to make peace with Wilfrid 2 (Letter): Stephen.VitWilfridi  43
Occupation (5)
Brother of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Hadwald 1: Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
Messenger of Ælfflæd 2 (2)
 Anonymous 23: Anon.VitCuthberti  iv.10
 Anonymous 23: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
Monk of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Hadwald 1: Bede.VitCuthbertiMetr  31
Shepherd of Ælfflæd 2 (1)
 Hadwald 1: Bede.VitCuthbertiPr  34