Saint Dunstan

NAME Saint Dunstan

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Saint Dunstan is famous for his role as a key figure in the English Benedictine Reform, his service as Archbishop of Canterbury, and his influence in English politics during the 10th century. He was also a skilled craftsman, musician, and scholar.

BIRTH Born c909 AD in Baltonsborough, Somerset, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Dunstan was born into a noble Saxon family. His parents were Heorstan, a Wessex nobleman, and Cynethryth, who was said to be related to the royal family.

CHILDHOOD Dunstan grew up in Glastonbury, where he was known for his intelligence and artistic talents. As a young boy, he studied under the Irish monks who then occupied the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.

EDUCATION  He received his early education at Glastonbury Abbey, a renowned center of learning during that era. Under the tutelage of Irish monks who occupied the abbey's remnants, Dunstan benefited from an environment that attracted scholars from distant lands, including Ireland. Even in his youth, Dunstan's intellectual prowess and dedication to learning were evident. He displayed remarkable mastery in various artistic crafts, particularly metalworking, and his musical talents, especially his skill with the harp, were apparent from an early age. 

CAREER RECORD Entered the household of his uncle, Archbishop Athelm of Canterbury

925 Joined the court of King Athelstan

c. 940s Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey (c. 940s)

955-957 Exiled in Flanders

957 Bishop of Worcester 

958 Bishop of London  held simultaneously with Worcester)

959-988 Archbishop of Canterbury 

He served as an influential advisor to Kings Edmund, Eadred, Edgar, and Edward the Martyr.

975 After King Edward the Martyr’s murder in 975, Dunstan lost political influence and retired to Canterbury, where he devoted his remaining years to prayer and worship. 

He was canonized as a saint after his death and remains one of the most significant figures in English ecclesiastical history.

APPEARANCE He was described as tall and thin, with a scholarly and ascetic look, befitting a monk and intellectual.

Later in life, Dunstan developed a skin condition that dramatically altered his appearance: He was covered in swellings, which some believed to be leprosy. These swellings may have been a result of blood poisoning, possibly caused by being beaten and thrown into a cesspool by his enemies at court The condition was described as "unsightly," and it confirmed Dunstan in his religious vocation and desire for isolation. (1)

Probable self-portrait of St Dunstan

FASHION He wore simple monastic robes in keeping with his Benedictine vows. However, as a skilled metalsmith, he is sometimes depicted wearing ornate bishop’s vestments adorned with intricate designs.

CHARACTER Dunstan was devout, disciplined, and highly intelligent. He was known for his strong sense of justice, often standing up against corruption and immorality. Despite his austere lifestyle, he had a lively mind and artistic flair.

SPEAKING VOICE He was a persuasive and eloquent speaker, known for delivering sermons with authority and clarity. His ability to communicate effectively made him an influential figure in both religious and royal courts.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Dunstan was known for his wit and sharp mind. One famous legend claims that he once grabbed the Devil by the nose with his blacksmith’s tongs when the fiend tried to tempt him. This story reflects both Dunstan’s reputation for holiness and his sense of humour.

RELATIONSHIPS Dunstan was a close advisor to several English kings, including Edmund I, Eadred, and Edgar the Peaceful. However, his strict moral stance and reformist zeal made him enemies at court, leading to his exile in Flanders. He later returned and became a key figure in the English Church.

MONEY AND FAME Despite his high status as Archbishop of Canterbury, Dunstan lived modestly. He resisted corruption and worked to reform the church, insisting on a disciplined monastic life. His influence, however, made him one of the most powerful men in England for nearly three decades. Dunstan  is now celebrated as a saint.

FOOD AND DRINK Dunstan's activities provide insight into the dietary habits of 10th-century England. Notably, he was known to brew beer from barley, with the intention of selling it, suggesting that beer was a staple beverage of the period. F

 As a high-ranking ecclesiastical figure, first as an abbot and later as Archbishop of Canterbury, Dunstan would have enjoyed access to a range of foods typical of monastic life. These would have included staples such as bread, a variety of vegetables, and fish. While meat consumption might have been restricted due to religious observances, it was likely available on occasion. 

His monastic reforms emphasized self-discipline, including in matters of diet.

MUSIC AND ARTS Music was another significant passion for Dunstan, as he was an accomplished harp player and composer of hymns. He also demonstrated a keen interest in the technical aspects of music, experimenting with bell design and forging. Dunstan's artistic abilities were further evidenced by his probable authorship of the famous drawing of Christ with a kneeling monk in the Glastonbury Classbook, and his skill in creating outline drawings, a style that became a hallmark of Anglo-Saxon art.

Dunstan playing his harp as the Devil is paying a visit

LITERATURE Dunstan was well-read and played a crucial role in preserving and promoting learning in England. He encouraged the study of Latin and religious texts and was instrumental in the education of future church leaders.

Dunstan was a dedicated scholar, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning. In his later years, he applied his scholarly skills to correcting books in the cathedral library and actively engaged in teaching boys at the cathedral school, further demonstrating his dedication to education.

NATURE Living as a hermit, Dunstan was deeply connected to the natural world. His time in solitude at Glastonbury allowed him to observe and appreciate nature in a way that shaped his spiritual life.

PETS Monastic life often involved caring for animals such as cats, which helped control rodents in abbeys.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Dunstan was a highly skilled craftsman, particularly in metalworking, where he excelled in silversmithing, crafting bells for churches, and creating vessels for religious use. His talents extended beyond metalwork, encompassing illumination, the intricate decoration of manuscripts, and scribal work.  

SCIENCE AND MATHS Dunstan was an accomplished craftsman and metalworker, which required a solid understanding of mathematics and engineering. His contributions to church construction and artistic metalwork showcased his technical knowledge.

PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY Dunstan’s philosophy wasn’t about abstract debates or theological meandering—it was about getting things done. He wanted a pure, disciplined Church. He wanted people to take their faith seriously. And if that meant nagging, fasting, or even grabbing the Devil by the nose with a pair of blacksmith’s tongs (yes, that happened), then so be it.

Dunstan was a driving force behind monastic reform in England. Influenced by the Benedictine movement he witnessed in Flanders, he introduced a stricter observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. He also played a central role in shaping the English coronation ceremony, reinforcing the connection between kingship and divine authority.

CLERICAL CAREER Now, if you’re imagining Saint Dunstan as some frail, bearded chap wafting around in a cloud of incense, humming Gregorian chants and generally being rather vague about life, then I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong man. No, Dunstan was a serious sort—ferociously committed to tidying up the Church, steering monks in the direction of actual monastic behavior, and ensuring that priests kept their hands firmly to themselves (and not in the collection plate). His life was an exhausting blend of prayer, politics, and persistent nagging of the English clergy.

Dunstan had a vision for English monasteries, and unfortunately for the monks of the time, it didn’t include leisurely meals, warm beds, or suspiciously well-fed “hermit” lifestyles. He insisted on:

(a) Following the Rule of St. Benedict—which, to put it mildly, was not a barrel of laughs. Less feasting, more fasting. Less gossiping, more chanting.

(b) Celibacy for the clergy—an idea that was greeted with all the enthusiasm of a wasp at a picnic.

(c) Discipline and self-sacrifice—because, obviously, being a monk was supposed to be hard work, not an extended spa retreat with occasional praying.

He enforced these reforms with the kind of determination normally reserved for people trying to return a faulty product without a receipt.

Dunstan had some firm ideas about how people ought to approach God, which included:

(a) Proper prayer and penance—not the rushed, muttered variety but the sort that required genuine effort, preferably at an inconvenient time of day.

(b) Applying monastic discipline to everyone—not just monks, but ordinary people too, which was about as popular as it sounds.

(c) Attending Mass properly—not sneaking in halfway through or dozing off mid-sermon.

Dunstan had grand plans for the entire Church. He had some particularly strong views on:

(a) Simony (selling church positions)—which, incredibly, was something people actually needed to be told not to do.

(b) Nepotism—meaning bishops should be appointed based on piety, not because they were someone’s cousin twice removed.

(c) Clerical celibacy—yes, again. It really was a sticking point.

It’s fair to say his reforms didn’t always make him popular, but then again, that’s never been a requirement for sainthood.

Dunstan, despite all his strictness, did have a soft spot for education. He made sure that:

(a) Theology and music were properly taught—because there’s nothing quite like a well-trained choir to make a Mass feel official.

(b) Religious texts were preserved and corrected—which involved a lot of painstaking copying by hand, as medieval monks had not yet discovered the joys of Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V.

Theological manuscript from Glastonbury Abbey:Abbot Dunstan ordered the writing of this book.

(c) Young people were properly educated—which, in those days, meant Latin, chanting, and an inordinate amount of kneeling.

Dunstan’s sense of justice extended beyond the Church, much to the dismay of anyone hoping for a quiet life. He believed in:

(a) Justice for all—not just the wealthy, which was an unsettling idea for the wealthy.

(b) Supporting the king’s law—provided the king was behaving himself. If not, Dunstan was more than willing to step in with a pointed remark and a disapproving stare.

(c) Fasting and spiritual discipline for the people—because why should monks have all the fun?

POLITICS Dunstan was a central figure in 10th-century English politics, serving as an advisor to multiple kings, including Edmund I, Eadred, and Edgar the Peaceful. His influence extended beyond religious matters, as he played a crucial role in stabilizing the kingdom through his support of monastic and church reforms. 

His most significant political contribution was orchestrating the coronation ceremony of King Edgar in 973, which set the precedent for all future English coronations. However, his political power waned after King Edward the Martyr was murdered in 975, and he was forced to step down as Archbishop of Canterbury.

SCANDAL Dunstan's time in the royal court was not without controversy. Early in his career, he was accused of sorcery and black magic, likely due to his skills in metalwork and music. These accusations led to his temporary exile. He also clashed with powerful nobles and corrupt clergy, making enemies who sought to undermine his influence. Despite these challenges, his reputation for piety and integrity endured.

MILITARY RECORD  Dunstan's political and religious influence helped strengthen the kingdom. He played a vital role in King Edgar’s reign, promoting a unified and peaceful England at a time when Viking invasions and internal conflicts threatened stability. His emphasis on monastic reform also contributed to a stronger and more disciplined society.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Dunstan's childhood was  punctuated by significant health challenges. He experienced a near-fatal illness from which he made a remarkable recovery. Later, he developed a skin disease, which he feared was leprosy, a condition that profoundly influenced his decision to embrace monastic life.  Despite this, he remained active well into old age, dedicating himself to religious duties even in his final years.

HOMES  In 943, Dunstan took Holy Orders and soon after withdrew from court life to become a hermit. He built a tiny cell against the old church of St. Mary at Glastonbury, just five feet long and two and a half feet deep.

 As his influence grew, he resided at various monastic communities and royal courts. His final years were spent in Canterbury, where he lived in relative seclusion following his retirement as Archbishop.

TRAVEL In 955, Dunstan fled England due to a conflict with King Eadwig. He crossed the English Channel to Flanders, where he was unfamiliar with the language and customs. Count Arnulf I of Flanders received Dunstan with honor and lodged him at the Abbey of Mont Blandin, near Ghent This exile was brief, lasting less than two years, as Dunstan was recalled to England before the end of 957

During his exile in Flanders, Dunstan observed the Benedictine reform movement. This experience deeply influenced his later monastic reforms in England. 

As the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Dunstan journeyed to Rome in 960 to receive the pallium (a symbol of his authority as archbishop) from Pope John XII. 

He also traveled throughout England, overseeing church rebuilding projects and spreading religious teachings.

DEATH In the twilight of his life, Saint Dunstan dedicated himself entirely to spiritual pursuits, adhering to a rigorous monastic schedule and participating in daily Mass. 

On Ascension Day 988, Dunstan delivered three sermons during Mass, radiating an extraordinary presence. He then prophetically announced his imminent demise and designated the location for his burial. 

Following Ascension Day, his health rapidly declined. On the morning of May 19th, he gathered the clergy for a final Mass, received the sacraments of Extreme Unction and Viaticum, and then passed away. His reported last words were a biblical quote, "He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: He hath given food to them that fear Him." 

Dunstan was initially interred within Canterbury Cathedral, his tomb positioned before the steps leading to the altar, a location central to the daily divine office. In 1074, subsequent to a fire that damaged the cathedral, his remains were relocated to the north side of the high altar. 

Today, a stone marking his burial place remains visible near the high altar in Canterbury Cathedral, serving as a lasting testament to his legacy.

Dunstan became a saint shortly after his death in 988. He was formally canonized in 1029 That same year, at the Synod of Winchester, St Dunstan's feast was ordered to be kept solemnly throughout England. Until Thomas Becket's fame overshadowed him, Dunstan was the most beloved saint of the English people.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Saint Dunstan may not be a household name in the media today, but over the centuries, he has made some memorable appearances in folklore, literature, art, and even modern culture. His image—part saint, part blacksmith, part Devil-wrangler—has made for some rather striking stories.

Dunstan's most famous media-worthy moment comes from the legend of Saint Dunstan and the Devil. According to this much-loved tale, the saint was quietly working at his blacksmith’s forge when the Devil appeared, attempting to tempt him into sin. Instead of falling for it, Dunstan grabbed the Devil by the nose with a pair of red-hot tongs and refused to let go until the fiend begged for mercy.

This story became so well-known that it influenced English superstitions, particularly the belief that hanging a horseshoe over a doorway wards off evil—supposedly because Dunstan nailed one to the Devil’s hoof and made him swear never to enter a house where one was displayed.

Medieval manuscripts and church frescoes often depict Dunstan in action, either hammering away at his forge or gleefully tweaking the Devil’s nose with his tongs. These images reinforced his reputation as a practical, no-nonsense saint—one who didn’t just pray away evil but actively fought it off with tools at hand.

Dunstan makes occasional appearances in historical and religious writings, particularly those concerning the monastic reforms of 10th-century England. Chroniclers such as Osbern of Canterbury (11th century) and William of Malmesbury (12th century) helped cement his legend.

While Dunstan hasn’t become a major figure in pop culture, his legend occasionally resurfaces in historical documentaries and educational programs about medieval England. His tale is exactly the kind of thing that might appear in a BBC history special, complete with a dramatic reenactment of him grabbing the Devil with a pair of pliers.

ACHIEVEMENTS He revitalized English monasticism through the Benedictine Reform.

He served as a highly influential advisor to several English kings.

He restored and strengthened the Church in England.

He served as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Source (1) Londoncabtours