Æthelflæd led the Kingdom of Mercia and had several victories over the Vikings
When her for of old, Wessex. greatness, father Æthelflæd she was Alfred, At married around became was destined a baby to 16 King the years Lord of the Mercians and so placed next to the seat of power of a neighbouring Anglo-Saxon kingdom. In her 20s, she helped to build a string of fortifications and patronise churches; in her 30s, she took up the mantle of ruling in place of her indisposed husband and defeated the Vikings in battle; and in her 40s, on her husband’s death, Æthelflæd was chosen to lead above all male contenders.
Vikings were the biggest threat to the Anglo-Saxons in Æthelflæd’s lifetime
GETTY IMAGES X1, STAINED GLASS WINDOW IMAGE COURTSEY OF ST ANDREWS CHURCH/CHURCHDOWN X1