 Ælfwine is expressly identified as a son ("bearn") of Ælfric, but in his speech, he is made to identify himself as a grandson of Ealhhelm ("wis ealdorman") as well as a kinsman ("mæge") of Byrhtnoth.The next ealdorman known to have been given responsibilities in Mercia is Leofwine (d. 1016), who received the office in 994.It has been suggested that in the interim when the position of ealdorman remained vacant, Æthelsige, a king's thegn, may have been given "some position in Mercia".