Eadwig Collection

Edwy and Elgiva, (mid 19th century). Creator: J Rogers
Edwy and Elgiva, (mid 19th century). Depiction of a scene from early British history: Queen Elgiva and King Eadwig are reproved by priests, possibly Archbishop Odo and/or Saint Dunstan

King Eadwig and Queen Aelfgifu, marriage annulled by Dunstan
Edwy or Eadwig, King of England and his wife Elgiva or Aelfgifu - their marriage is annulled against their will by Archbishop Dunstan, probably for political reasons

Edwy and Elgiva, n.d. Creator: Clarkson Stanfield
Edwy and Elgiva, n.d

Edwy or Eadwig, King of England, and Queen Elgiva
Edwy or Eadwig (?-959), King of England, and his wife Elgiva (Aelfgifu). Their marriage was annulled against their will by Archbishop Dunstans supporters, for political reasons

Edwy or Eadwig (?-959), King of England, and his wife Elgiva (Aelfgifu). Their marriage was annulled against their will by Archbishop Dunstan's supporters, for political reasons

The Coronation Stone - Kingston upon Thames
circa 1910s

Edwy dragged by Dunstan from the presence of Elgiva, c1890. Creator: Unknown
Edwy dragged by Dunstan from the presence of Elgiva, c1890. Eadwig, (died 1 October 959), King of England from 955 in dispute with Archbishops Dunstan following the banquet of his coronation in

Dunstan dragging King Edwy from his Consort Queen Ethelgiva on his Coronation Day, 1773. King Edwy (died 959) is returned to the banquet following his coronation from his Consort

Cruelty of Dunstan to Edwy & Elgiva, 1838. Edwy (d.959), King of England from 955. Queen Elgiva and Dunstan (909- 988), an Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, a Bishop of Worcester

Edwy and Elgiva, (19th century). Artist: J Rogers
Edwy and Elgiva, (19th century). Queen Elgiva seized by order of Archbishop Odo, and Dunstan inciting Edgar to rebel against his brother

King Eadwig (Edwy)
KING EADWIG (or EDWY) King of England (reigned 955-959)

KINGS OF ENGLAND. Kings of England of the House of Wessex. Left to right, with reign dates: Top: Eadwig (955-959); Edgar I (959-975)

EADWIG (941?-959). King of England, 955-959. Copper engraving, English, 18th century

Eadwig rebuked by Dunstan

Eadwig rebuked by Dunstan and Odo
The new young king of England, Eadwig, is chastised by Dunstan, Abbot of Glastonbury, and Odo, Archbishop of Canterbury, for his liaison with the noblewoman Aethelgifu

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"Eadwig and Elgiva: A Tragic Love Story of Power and Politics" In the mid-19th century, artist J Rogers captured the essence and Elgiva's ill-fated relationship. This historical tale revolves around King Eadwig or Edwy, who ruled England during the 10th century alongside his beloved wife, Queen Aelfgifu. Their marriage faced a cruel twist when Archbishop Dunstan's supporters annulled it against their will for political reasons. Citing their third-cousin status as an excuse, they tore apart this couple deeply in love. The year was 955 when their world shattered. The Coronation Stone in Kingston upon Thames witnessed the grandeur of Eadwig's reign but also became a symbol of his heartache. It was here that he was dragged away from his consort Queen Ethelgiva on his coronation day by none other than Dunstan himself. Throughout history, artists have depicted this tragic event with great emotion. In one haunting image from c1890, an unknown creator portrays Edwy being forcefully separated from Elgiva against both their wishes. Another depiction from 1773 showcases Dunstan's cruelty towards them on that fateful day. Even in the 19th century, people were captivated by this heartbreaking story as J Rogers immortalized Eadwig and Elgiva through artistry once again. Their portraits on ancient coins remind us of a time long gone but not forgotten. Eadwig remains a significant figure among England's kings of Wessex lineage. His reign dates are etched into history alongside those who came before him and those who followed after. Though centuries have passed since these events unfolded, the tragic love story between Eadwig and Elgiva continues to captivate our hearts—a reminder that even power cannot always conquer true love torn apart by politics' cold hand.