iography
Aelfric is the eldest son of Wadda - the king's reeve in Cestrescire, and his Danish wife Gundhild. His youth was spent at his fathers hall in Cedde (Cheadle), a small village in the Hamestan (Macclesfield) hundred. Aelfric had a successful military career in his early twenties before inheriting the bulk of the families' lands (but not the position of Shire reeve) on his father's death in 933. His position in Cestrescire was enhanced in 936 by his marriage to Eadgyth, heiress to substantial lands in the south of the shire.

In 937 Aelfric fought with distinction in King Athelstan's army which destroyed a combined force of Vikings, Scots and Britons at the Battle of Brunnanburh, personally slaying a Viking Jarl. He was subsequently raised to the rank of Eolderman of Cestrescire after the death in battle of Edwin.