Ælfflæd of Whitby was a 7th-century Northumbrian nun and abbess who served the community at Whitby Abbey. As the daughter of King Oswiu, she was raised by the abbess Hilda and eventually succeeded her, initially ruling alongside her mother, Eanflæd, before becoming the sole leader. Beyond her religious duties, she was a significant political figure in the Kingdom of Northumbria. She was highly regarded for her medical expertise, particularly in surgery, and was celebrated by contemporaries for her profound piety and wisdom.