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Year 1 - History

Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia

Ireland, Scotland and England

Unit Summary

This unit helps students understand the distant past, where customs, appearances, and practices differed greatly from today. It introduces key figures from British history and shares classic stories that have been retold through generations, becoming part of community heritage.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the early life of Aethelflaed and her return to court following the Viking invasion of Wessex.

Key Notes

  • Aethelflaed was the daughter of Alfred, a king of a place in Britain called Wessex.
  • Aethelflaed lived in Britain at a time when her people, the Anglo-Saxons, were under attack from the Vikings.
  • The Vikings had travelled across the sea to settle in Britain, and they were willing to fight for their new lands.
  • As Aethelflaed grew up, the Vikings took more and more land, almost capturing Alfred and his family.
  • When Aethelflaed was around the age of 16, her father Alfred won a big victory against the Vikings and made peace.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Anglo-Saxons: the Anglo-Saxons were the people who lived in Britain at the time of Aethelflaed and Alfred
  • court: the place where a ruler spends time ruling is known as their court
  • Vikings: the Vikings were raiders from Scandinavia who attacked and settled in Britain at the time of Aethelflaed and Alfred
  • victory: when someone or a group of people win something it is called a victory

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Anglo-Saxons only had one king in Britain.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Aethelflaed was the daughter of Alfred, a king of a place in Britain called Wessex. Aethelflaed lived in Britain at a time when her people, the Anglo-Saxons, were under attack from the Vikings.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Anglo-Saxons'

the Anglo-Saxons were the people who lived in Britain at the time of Aethelflaed and Alfred.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Anglo-Saxons only had one king in Britain. Correction: The Anglo-Saxons had different kingdoms in Britain, each with its own king.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 History guide library.