Ælfstan 38 (Male) Abbot of Old Minster, Winchester; bishop of Ramsbury, ?973-981
m/l x

Notes: Note that there were three late tenth-century bishops of the same name. It is essential to consider the cases where identification cannot be clearly made, see: Ælfstan 46. Cf. Ælfstan 41, Ælfstan 58.

Hart, ECNE, pp. 270-1.

Factoid List

Recorded Name (6)
... Ælfstanus (2)
 Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  Ep. 1, p. 378
 Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, p. 456
Ælfstan (3)
 ASC (BC)  981 C
 NewMinster.LiberVitae  Fol 16v.11.v
 NewMinster.LiberVitae  Fol 18r.16.iii
Ælfstanus (1)
 Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
Personal Information (1)
other (1)
 Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10 (guileless and very obedient man)
Office (15)
Abbot (2)
 Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, p. 456 (Abbot of Old Minster)
 Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
Bishop (13)
 ASC (BC)  981 C (Bishop in Wiltshire)
 Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  Ep. 1, pp. 376-8
 Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
 NewMinster.LiberVitae  Fol 16v.11.v (Bishop of the Church of Wilton)
 NewMinster.LiberVitae  Fol 18r.16.iii (Bishop of the Church of Wilton)
 S1216   
 Anon.EpisList3    (bishop of Ramsbury)
 Anon.EpisList5    (bishop of the church of Ramsbury)
 S795   
 S838   
 WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  ii.80.3
 WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  ii.83.1
 WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  v.252.5
Occupation (3)
Brother (1)
 NewMinster.LiberVitae  Fol 18r.16.iii
Cook (1)
 Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
Monk (1)
 WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  ii.83.1
Personal Relationship (2)
Ælfstan 38 Brother (Honorific kinship) of ~ (1)
 of Æthelwold 1: Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
~ Successor (General relationship) of Ælfstan 38 (1)
 Wulfgar 28: of Ælfstan 38: ASC (BC)  981 C
Event (21)
Assembly (3)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)
 Various.meeting at Alderbury, S1216: There was a great meeting [micel gemot] at Alderbury at which Abbot Osgar 1's purchase of 20 hides at Kingston from Ealdorman Ælfhere 10 was declared and approved.: S1216    (971 x 980)
 Æthelwold 1.consecration of Old Minster: Æthelwold 1 laid out, constructed, enriched, and then consecrated the Old Minster in the presence of Æthelred 32. Several bishops followed the king: Dunstan 1, Æthelwold 1, Ælfstan 39, Æthelgar 8, Ælfstan 38, Æscwig 3, Ælfheah 36, Æthelsige 13 and Æthulf 3. There were many other bishops as well, and nobles and ealdormen as well as the great majority of the English royal thegns (Anonymi 1599).: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  Ep. 1, pp. 376-80 (980)
Burial (1)
 Ælfstan 38. burial: His [sc. Ælfstan 38's] body lay in the minster at Abingdon.: ASC (BC)  981 C (981)
Charter confirmation (1)
 S803 - Edgar 11 granting land to Osweard 4: King Edgar 11 to Osweard 4, his propinquus and faithful minister; grant of 4 hides (mansiunculae) at South Stoke, Sussex. The old landbook had been lost in a fire.: S803    (975)
Charter-witnessing (11)
 S786 - Edgar 11 granting privileges and restoring land to Pershore 1: King Edgar 11 to Pershore 1 Abbey; grant of privileges and restoration of land at Pershore, and of 10 hides (mansi) at Bricklehampton, 10 at Comberton, 5 at Pensham in Pershore St Andrew, 16 at Eckington, 10 at Birlingham, 10 at Defford, 10 at Strensham, 10 at Besford, land at Cromban (? Croombe Perry in Pirton), 10 hides at Severn Stoke, 10 hides at Pirton, 4 at Wadborough in Pershore Holy Cross, 3 at Chevington ibid., 3 at Broughton ibid., 10 at Peopleton, 10 at Snodsbury, 7 at Naunton Beauchamp, 4 at Abberton, 5 at Wihtlafestune (? North Piddle), 5 at Flyford, 5 at Grafton Flyford, 5 at Dormston, 5 at Martin Hussingtree, 3 at Broughton Hackett, 2 at Libbery in Grafton Flyford, 30 at Longdon, 7 at Powick, 3 at Beornothesleahe (Leigh), all in Worcs.; 3 at Acton Beauchamp, Herefords.; 40 at South Stoke (i.e. Hawkesbury), Hillesley, Tresham, Kilcott, Oldbury on the Hill, Didmarton, Badminton and Hawkesbury Upton, 10 at Dyrham, 5 at Longney, 6 at Lydney, 6 at Wyegate, all in Gloucs.; 5 at Beoley, 5 at Yardley, Worcs.; 10 at Sture (Alderminster, Warwicks.); 20 at Broadway, Worcs.; 5 at Coltune; 10 at Childs Wickham, Gloucs.; sites for vats at Middlewich and Netherwich in Droitwich, furnaces at Witton in Droitwich and 1.5 hides at Horton in Hampton Lovett, Worcs., and 3 iugera with meadow at Worcester: S786    (972)
 S794a - Edgar 11 granting land to Ælfhelm 8: King Edgar 11 to Ælfhelm 8, his minister; grant of 9 hides (mansiunculae) at Brickendon, Herts., comprising 6 at Ælesforda and 3 at Elrices rig: S794a    (974)
 S795 - Edgar 11 granting land to Ælfhere 11: King Edgar 11 to Ælfhere 11, his faithful minister; grant of 3 hides (mansae) at Nymed (Woolfin in Down St Mary, Devon): S795    (974)
 S796 - Edgar 11 restoring land to Ælfric 48: King Edgar 11 to Ælfric 48, abbot of Malmesbury; restoration of 10 hides (manentes) at Eastcourt in Crudwell, Wilts. The land had been forfeited by Æthelnoth 29.: S796    (974)
 S799 - Edgar 11 granting land to Wulfthryth 6: King Edgar 11 to Wulfthryth 6, abbess, and Wilton 1 Abbey; confirmation of privileges and land including land at Chalke, Wilts.: S799    (974)
 S803 - Edgar 11 granting land to Osweard 4: King Edgar 11 to Osweard 4, his propinquus and faithful minister; grant of 4 hides (mansiunculae) at South Stoke, Sussex. The old landbook had been lost in a fire.: S803    (975)
 S804 - Edgar 11 granting land to Winchester, Old Minster: King Edgar 11 to Winchester, Old Minster; grant of land at Bleadon, Somerset: S804    (975)
 S805 - Edgar 11 granting land to Mangoda 1: King Edgar 11 to Mangoda 1, his faithful minister; grant of 5 hides (cassati) at Hampstead, Middx.: S805    (972)
 S807 - Edgar 11 granting land to Winchester minsters: King Edgar 11 to Winchester, Old Minster 1, Winchester, New Minster 1, and Nunnaminster 1; grant of land in Winchester: S807    (963 x 970)
 S820 - Edgar 11 granting land to Winchester, Old Minster: King Edgar 11 to Winchester, Old Minster; grant of 45 hides (cassati) at Crondall, Hants. : S820    (973 x 974)
 S838 - Æthelred 32 granting land to Tavistock, St Mary’s: King Æthelred 32 to Tavistock, St Mary's 1 Abbey, Devon; grant of privileges, including free election of a new abbot: S838    (981)
Church/monastery/minster foundation/dedication/restoration (1)
 Æthelwold 1.consecration of Old Minster: Æthelwold 1 laid out, constructed, enriched, and then consecrated the Old Minster in the presence of Æthelred 32. Several bishops followed the king: Dunstan 1, Æthelwold 1, Ælfstan 39, Æthelgar 8, Ælfstan 38, Æscwig 3, Ælfheah 36, Æthelsige 13 and Æthulf 3. There were many other bishops as well, and nobles and ealdormen as well as the great majority of the English royal thegns (Anonymi 1599).: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  Ep. 1, pp. 376-80 (980)
Compensation (2)
 Various.settlement of dispute between Rochester 1 and Beorhtwaru 1 S1457: The title deeds to Snodland, Kent which had been given to the monastery by Æscwynn 1, Ælfric 80's mother, were stolen by the priests and given for money to Ælfric 80. Following his death the church petitioned his widow [Beorhtwaru 1] and the king for their return. This was granted at London along with compensation for their theft which included land at Bromley and at Fawkham, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
 Various.witness to Rochester 1 transaction S1457: Account of the acquisition by the bishop of Rochester, on behalf of St Andrew's church, of land at Bromley and Fawkham, Kent, in compensation for the theft of the title-deeds of Snodland, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
Confirmation of land/privileges (2)
 S799 - Edgar 11 granting land to Wulfthryth 6: King Edgar 11 to Wulfthryth 6, abbess, and Wilton 1 Abbey; confirmation of privileges and land including land at Chalke, Wilts.: S799    (974)
 Various.meeting at Alderbury, S1216: There was a great meeting [micel gemot] at Alderbury at which Abbot Osgar 1's purchase of 20 hides at Kingston from Ealdorman Ælfhere 10 was declared and approved.: S1216    (971 x 980)
Death/dying (1)
 Ælfstan 38.death: In that same year Ælfstan 38 passed away.: ASC (BC)  981 C (981)
Eating (1)
 Ælfstan 38.miracle of hot water: One day Æthelwold 1 saw Ælfstan 38 prepare food and, entering the kitchen, saw that he had cleaned all the vessels and the floor. Æthelwold 1 asked him to put his hand in the boiling water and draw out a morsel of food, which he did feeling no heat.: Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
Exhumation (1)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)
Forfeiture (2)
 Edgar 11.restoring land to Ælfric 48: King Edgar 11 to Ælfric 48, abbot of Malmesbury 1; restoration of 10 hides at Eastcourt. The land had been forfeited by Æthelnoth 29.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  v.252 (974)
 S796 - Edgar 11 restoring land to Ælfric 48: King Edgar 11 to Ælfric 48, abbot of Malmesbury; restoration of 10 hides (manentes) at Eastcourt in Crudwell, Wilts. The land had been forfeited by Æthelnoth 29.: S796    (974)
Grant and Gift (12)
 Edgar 11.restoring land to Ælfric 48: King Edgar 11 to Ælfric 48, abbot of Malmesbury 1; restoration of 10 hides at Eastcourt. The land had been forfeited by Æthelnoth 29.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  v.252 (974)
 S786 - Edgar 11 granting privileges and restoring land to Pershore 1: King Edgar 11 to Pershore 1 Abbey; grant of privileges and restoration of land at Pershore, and of 10 hides (mansi) at Bricklehampton, 10 at Comberton, 5 at Pensham in Pershore St Andrew, 16 at Eckington, 10 at Birlingham, 10 at Defford, 10 at Strensham, 10 at Besford, land at Cromban (? Croombe Perry in Pirton), 10 hides at Severn Stoke, 10 hides at Pirton, 4 at Wadborough in Pershore Holy Cross, 3 at Chevington ibid., 3 at Broughton ibid., 10 at Peopleton, 10 at Snodsbury, 7 at Naunton Beauchamp, 4 at Abberton, 5 at Wihtlafestune (? North Piddle), 5 at Flyford, 5 at Grafton Flyford, 5 at Dormston, 5 at Martin Hussingtree, 3 at Broughton Hackett, 2 at Libbery in Grafton Flyford, 30 at Longdon, 7 at Powick, 3 at Beornothesleahe (Leigh), all in Worcs.; 3 at Acton Beauchamp, Herefords.; 40 at South Stoke (i.e. Hawkesbury), Hillesley, Tresham, Kilcott, Oldbury on the Hill, Didmarton, Badminton and Hawkesbury Upton, 10 at Dyrham, 5 at Longney, 6 at Lydney, 6 at Wyegate, all in Gloucs.; 5 at Beoley, 5 at Yardley, Worcs.; 10 at Sture (Alderminster, Warwicks.); 20 at Broadway, Worcs.; 5 at Coltune; 10 at Childs Wickham, Gloucs.; sites for vats at Middlewich and Netherwich in Droitwich, furnaces at Witton in Droitwich and 1.5 hides at Horton in Hampton Lovett, Worcs., and 3 iugera with meadow at Worcester: S786    (972)
 S794a - Edgar 11 granting land to Ælfhelm 8: King Edgar 11 to Ælfhelm 8, his minister; grant of 9 hides (mansiunculae) at Brickendon, Herts., comprising 6 at Ælesforda and 3 at Elrices rig: S794a    (974)
 S795 - Edgar 11 granting land to Ælfhere 11: King Edgar 11 to Ælfhere 11, his faithful minister; grant of 3 hides (mansae) at Nymed (Woolfin in Down St Mary, Devon): S795    (974)
 S803 - Edgar 11 granting land to Osweard 4: King Edgar 11 to Osweard 4, his propinquus and faithful minister; grant of 4 hides (mansiunculae) at South Stoke, Sussex. The old landbook had been lost in a fire.: S803    (975)
 S804 - Edgar 11 granting land to Winchester, Old Minster: King Edgar 11 to Winchester, Old Minster; grant of land at Bleadon, Somerset: S804    (975)
 S805 - Edgar 11 granting land to Mangoda 1: King Edgar 11 to Mangoda 1, his faithful minister; grant of 5 hides (cassati) at Hampstead, Middx.: S805    (972)
 S807 - Edgar 11 granting land to Winchester minsters: King Edgar 11 to Winchester, Old Minster 1, Winchester, New Minster 1, and Nunnaminster 1; grant of land in Winchester: S807    (963 x 970)
 S820 - Edgar 11 granting land to Winchester, Old Minster: King Edgar 11 to Winchester, Old Minster; grant of 45 hides (cassati) at Crondall, Hants. : S820    (973 x 974)
 S838 - Æthelred 32 granting land to Tavistock, St Mary’s: King Æthelred 32 to Tavistock, St Mary's 1 Abbey, Devon; grant of privileges, including free election of a new abbot: S838    (981)
 Various.settlement of dispute between Rochester 1 and Beorhtwaru 1 S1457: The title deeds to Snodland, Kent which had been given to the monastery by Æscwynn 1, Ælfric 80's mother, were stolen by the priests and given for money to Ælfric 80. Following his death the church petitioned his widow [Beorhtwaru 1] and the king for their return. This was granted at London along with compensation for their theft which included land at Bromley and at Fawkham, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
 Æthelred 32.granting land to Æthelweard 30 and Malmesbury 1: King Æthelred 32 to Abbot Æthelweard 30 and Malmesbury 1 Abbey; grant of 10 hides at Rodbourne.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  v.257 (972)
Healing (1)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)
Liturgical celebration (1)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)
Meeting (3)
 Various.meeting at Alderbury, S1216: There was a great meeting [micel gemot] at Alderbury at which Abbot Osgar 1's purchase of 20 hides at Kingston from Ealdorman Ælfhere 10 was declared and approved.: S1216    (971 x 980)
 Various.settlement of dispute between Rochester 1 and Beorhtwaru 1 S1457: The title deeds to Snodland, Kent which had been given to the monastery by Æscwynn 1, Ælfric 80's mother, were stolen by the priests and given for money to Ælfric 80. Following his death the church petitioned his widow [Beorhtwaru 1] and the king for their return. This was granted at London along with compensation for their theft which included land at Bromley and at Fawkham, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
 Various.witness to Rochester 1 transaction S1457: Account of the acquisition by the bishop of Rochester, on behalf of St Andrew's church, of land at Bromley and Fawkham, Kent, in compensation for the theft of the title-deeds of Snodland, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
Miracle (1)
 Ælfstan 38.miracle of hot water: One day Æthelwold 1 saw Ælfstan 38 prepare food and, entering the kitchen, saw that he had cleaned all the vessels and the floor. Æthelwold 1 asked him to put his hand in the boiling water and draw out a morsel of food, which he did feeling no heat.: Ælfric.VitÆthelwoldi  10
Property-buying/purchasing (1)
 Various.meeting at Alderbury, S1216: There was a great meeting [micel gemot] at Alderbury at which Abbot Osgar 1's purchase of 20 hides at Kingston from Ealdorman Ælfhere 10 was declared and approved.: S1216    (971 x 980)
Property-giving/selling (1)
 Various.settlement of dispute between Rochester 1 and Beorhtwaru 1 S1457: The title deeds to Snodland, Kent which had been given to the monastery by Æscwynn 1, Ælfric 80's mother, were stolen by the priests and given for money to Ælfric 80. Following his death the church petitioned his widow [Beorhtwaru 1] and the king for their return. This was granted at London along with compensation for their theft which included land at Bromley and at Fawkham, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
Relics-incorrupt preservation/placing in reliquary/requesting/translating (1)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)
Religious practice (1)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)
Restoration of land/property (3)
 Edgar 11.restoring land to Ælfric 48: King Edgar 11 to Ælfric 48, abbot of Malmesbury 1; restoration of 10 hides at Eastcourt. The land had been forfeited by Æthelnoth 29.: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  v.252 (974)
 S786 - Edgar 11 granting privileges and restoring land to Pershore 1: King Edgar 11 to Pershore 1 Abbey; grant of privileges and restoration of land at Pershore, and of 10 hides (mansi) at Bricklehampton, 10 at Comberton, 5 at Pensham in Pershore St Andrew, 16 at Eckington, 10 at Birlingham, 10 at Defford, 10 at Strensham, 10 at Besford, land at Cromban (? Croombe Perry in Pirton), 10 hides at Severn Stoke, 10 hides at Pirton, 4 at Wadborough in Pershore Holy Cross, 3 at Chevington ibid., 3 at Broughton ibid., 10 at Peopleton, 10 at Snodsbury, 7 at Naunton Beauchamp, 4 at Abberton, 5 at Wihtlafestune (? North Piddle), 5 at Flyford, 5 at Grafton Flyford, 5 at Dormston, 5 at Martin Hussingtree, 3 at Broughton Hackett, 2 at Libbery in Grafton Flyford, 30 at Longdon, 7 at Powick, 3 at Beornothesleahe (Leigh), all in Worcs.; 3 at Acton Beauchamp, Herefords.; 40 at South Stoke (i.e. Hawkesbury), Hillesley, Tresham, Kilcott, Oldbury on the Hill, Didmarton, Badminton and Hawkesbury Upton, 10 at Dyrham, 5 at Longney, 6 at Lydney, 6 at Wyegate, all in Gloucs.; 5 at Beoley, 5 at Yardley, Worcs.; 10 at Sture (Alderminster, Warwicks.); 20 at Broadway, Worcs.; 5 at Coltune; 10 at Childs Wickham, Gloucs.; sites for vats at Middlewich and Netherwich in Droitwich, furnaces at Witton in Droitwich and 1.5 hides at Horton in Hampton Lovett, Worcs., and 3 iugera with meadow at Worcester: S786    (972)
 S796 - Edgar 11 restoring land to Ælfric 48: King Edgar 11 to Ælfric 48, abbot of Malmesbury; restoration of 10 hides (manentes) at Eastcourt in Crudwell, Wilts. The land had been forfeited by Æthelnoth 29.: S796    (974)
Seizure of charter (2)
 Various.settlement of dispute between Rochester 1 and Beorhtwaru 1 S1457: The title deeds to Snodland, Kent which had been given to the monastery by Æscwynn 1, Ælfric 80's mother, were stolen by the priests and given for money to Ælfric 80. Following his death the church petitioned his widow [Beorhtwaru 1] and the king for their return. This was granted at London along with compensation for their theft which included land at Bromley and at Fawkham, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
 Various.witness to Rochester 1 transaction S1457: Account of the acquisition by the bishop of Rochester, on behalf of St Andrew's church, of land at Bromley and Fawkham, Kent, in compensation for the theft of the title-deeds of Snodland, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
Theft/attempted theft (2)
 Various.settlement of dispute between Rochester 1 and Beorhtwaru 1 S1457: The title deeds to Snodland, Kent which had been given to the monastery by Æscwynn 1, Ælfric 80's mother, were stolen by the priests and given for money to Ælfric 80. Following his death the church petitioned his widow [Beorhtwaru 1] and the king for their return. This was granted at London along with compensation for their theft which included land at Bromley and at Fawkham, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
 Various.witness to Rochester 1 transaction S1457: Account of the acquisition by the bishop of Rochester, on behalf of St Andrew's church, of land at Bromley and Fawkham, Kent, in compensation for the theft of the title-deeds of Snodland, Kent.: S1457    (980 x 987)
Tomb-making/opening (1)
 Swithhun 5.translation: After the blind woman (Anonymous 593) had been cured at the tomb of Swithhun 5, Æthelwold 1 gave orders for the shrine to be lifted. The shrine was removed and then tents were put up so that people would not rush upon the saint and so that the enclosure was only accessible to a few attendants. After the completion of Vespers, the first procession of monks began, in chants, to praise Swithhun 5. In the night, many of the faithful prepared twinkling lamps and went to see the saint. On Saturday 15 July Æthelwold 1 was present along with Ælfstan 38 (Abbot of the Old Minster) and with Æthelgar 8 (Abbot of the New Minster) and they were all dressed in holy vestments and accompanied by the communities from both the Old and New Minsters. Both communities advanced bearing candles and burning Sabaean incense. Æthelwold 1 chanted and everyone echoed his words. After the crowd had been removed from around the body of Swithhun 5, a few people entered the tents which enclosed the holy tomb. While all present were chanting the psalms in order, the first to excavate the earth was Æthelwold 1. When the mass of the lid had been removed with three poles, the tomb was laid open and they at once found the treasure whose discovery had been predicted to the smith (Anonymous 526). When the body was brought forth into the light, a wonderful odour filled the entire town. With apprehension they touched the precious body, washed it and wrapped it in a clean shroud and enclosed it in a new shrine and placed it on a feretory. When the body had been translated, Æthelwold 1 began a hymn. After this the doors were opened and the entire host entered and Æthelwold 1 celebrated mass at the saint's head. All the bells were ringing and the noise of the bells and the voices of men resounded together.: Wulfstan.NarrMetrSwithuno  i.5, pp. 454-60 (971)