St. Dunstan - The Man

We perhaps overlook the importance and influence of Dunstan who, indeed, some justifiably believe has better credentials to be the patron saint of England than George and should bear the epithet 'great' like Alfred, who died just ten years before Dunstan was born. Although Dunstan only took holy orders in 943, at the relative late age of 34, his influence in the ecclesiastical sphere of England was profound. Bearing the king's commission, he revived and revitalised organised monasticism throughout England. As Abbot of Glastonbury he laid the foundations for that abbey to become one of the richest and most influential in the land. In addition, other abbeys were founded or re-founded like Malmesbury, Westminster, Bath and Exeter and, with their foundation, a new era of scholarship began.

Eventually Dunstan became Archbishop of Canterbury, where his reputation as an able administrator, scholar and gentle teacher continued.

However, it must be remembered that in those days someone like Dunstan, who held a high office in the church, also had a profound influence in civil matters. Dunstan was very much the principal advisor to the Wessex kings and, in partnership with King Edgar, carried out a thorough reform of both church and state in England. One tangible result of the partnership is to be found in the coronation rite of English sovereigns which derives from the rite compiled by Dunstan for the sacring of Edgar as king of all England. Yet Dunstan's work as abbot, primate and statesman does not encompass the talents of this many faceted man. He was renowned as scholar, teacher, musician, illuminator and metal worker and a contemporary was moved to write that when Dunstan sang at the alter 'he seemed to be talking with the Lord face to face'.

Such, in brief, was the man whom Baltonsborough can claim was born in the village on the spot where the present stone stands as a lasting memorial to its greatest son and to one of England's greatest men.

For more information on the Beehive cottage see "BALTONSBOROUGH - The Past behind the Present* by Louise F. Clapp
Details of this book to be found on the A taste of Baltonsborough page.

Notes contributed by the Reverend Brian Gillett on St. Dunstan.