Aelgifu of Northampton

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Aelgifu (also called Ælfgifu or Aelfgifu or Elgifu or Aelfgitha) was the concubine of Canute the Great in the 11th century.

Aelfgifu was the daughter of Ælfhelm, Ealdorman of York, who was killed by King Ethelred the Unready. At some time during the Danish Conquest of England, Aelgifu became the mistress of Canute the Great. She bore him two sons, Sweyn Knutsson and Harold Harefoot.

Later, in 1017 Canute the Great, married Ethelred's widow, Emma of Normandy, when Ethelred was deposed. His relations with Aelfgifu after the marriage are uncertain, probably she was sent to Denmark. Either way, she remained in his favour and went with her son Sweyn to rule over Norway in Canute's name during 1030-1035. Both Aelfgifu and Sweyn were duly hated by the Norse, due to her harsh rule and high taxation. They were driven out of Norway, and Sweyn died before returning to England.

Aelfgifu returned to England after Canute's death and helped her son Harold Harefoot gain the English throne. It is uncertain when she died.