Aethelwold (c 904-984)was a powerful ecclesiastic who played an important part in reviving monasticism in England. Born into a noble family, he was educated in the household of King Athelstan, and ordained on the same day as St Dunstan.
Around 941 Aethelwold joined the Benedictine monastery at Glastonbury, eager to restore learning and discipline. Yet, though he became prior, it was Dunstan who, thanks to the patronage of King Edmund, was appointed abbot in 945.
Soon afterwards Aethelwold sought permission from Edmund’s successor, King Eadred, to study monastic practice on the continent.
The King, though, sent him to restore the derelict monastery at Abingdon. Aethelwold turned it into a model Benedictine community, and built a new church.
