Dunstan the Reformer

by H. W. Roberts

Born of a noble Saxon family, near Glastonbury, in Somerset, England, Dunstan was educated at the Abbey there.

He was probably born about 909, dying in 988.

He was a highly-educated and prominent citizen, counted among the highest dignitaries of Church and State.

He served in a number of capacities under various kings, holding positions of prominence and power, and was showered with many worldly honours.

He was once Abbot of Glastonbury, twice Archbishop of Canterbury (having had a period in exile), once Bishop of Worcester, a Royal Treasurer, and an adviser and confidante of kings. A king-maker, he was a statesman of the highest order, especially in that he negotiated a lasting peace between the various races which had settled in the land. He was also an illuminator, skilled in the decorative script which was the primary art form of the day, a much-admired musician, and metal-worker.

After Alfred’s day, the Church had been overcome by pride, and many of its leaders and the led fell into corrupt ways. Roman influence had crept into both religious and civil affairs, and abuses abounded. In 950, Dunstan began a major work of reform with salutary effect on both Church and State, a work which continued unabated for twenty years.

He introduced such far-reaching reforms that, with the support of men of faith and good will, and in an atmosphere of reforming zeal, Papal abuses were stopped. As a result, Church, State, and Civil Society were all greatly blessed, and the land prospered.

Dunstan was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. A manuscript bearing his autograph in an elegant hand can be found in the cathedral library.

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