Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ælfric (fl.1050)
ÆLFRIC (fl. 1050), archbishop-elect of Canterbury, was a kinsman of Earl Godwine. From early youth he was brought up in the monastery of Christ Church, and was much beloved by his fellow monks. He was well skilled in worldly matters and took delight in them. On the death of Archbishop Eadsige (October 1050) Ælfric was elected to the see of Canterbury by the monastic chapter of his house. In this election the clergy of the province seem to have concurred. The monks sent to Godwine, in whose earldom they were, and informed him of the canonical election of Ælfric and begged him to use his influence in behalf of his kinsman. The earl promised to do all he could in the matter. King Eadward was, however, at this time inclined to the faction which opposed the earl, and refused his request in behalf of Ælfric. In the mid-Lent meeting of the witan, in 1051, Robert of London was appointed archbishop, much to the anger of English churchmen.
[Lives of St. Edward the Confessor, ed. Luard, Rolls Ser.]