Dunstan
ST., an Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastic; born in Glastonbury in 925. As a youth he was remarkable for his learning and his skill in music, painting, carving, and working in metals. He entered the Benedictine order, became an anchorite at Glastonbury, and in 945 was made abbot by King Edmund. After the death of Edmund, Edred, the next king, made him his prime minister and principal director in civil and ecclesiastical affairs. In the reign of Edwy he was banished, but was recalled by Edgar, and made Archbishop of Canterbury. He was again deprived of power on the accession of Ethelred in 978. He did much to improve education and to raise the standing and character of the priesthood. He ing died in Canterbury in 988.