Aelfric Modercope

Aelfric Moderscope was an thegn from East Anglia.

"Aelfric" is an English name and "Modercope" is a Danish nickname. This would exemplify the time when there was a strong Anglo-Danish movement and three successive Danish kings had held the throne until Edward the Confessor succeeded in 1042. Aelfric had a strong connection at court, but his role and status are unusual. There is a theory that Aelfric was the dapifer (steward) to Emma of Normandy, who died in 1042, which would potentially explain his position.

Queen Emma was a pivotal figure in English history. She was child bride to Aethelred the Unready. On his death and after the successful invasion by Cnut (Canute) was married by him to help legitimize his claim to the throne. Two of her sons succeeded to the throne - Harthacnut ruled 1040 - 1042 and Edward the Confessor (son of Aethelred the Unready) 1042 - 1066. She was also the beginning of the connection that led to the Norman invasion of 1066.

Aelfric is credited as the first person to record the name of 'Lodne' or Loddon, a small town in South Norfolk. This he did in his will.

References

* [http://www.loddon.org.uk/Loddon_Alfric.htm Aelfric Modercope]