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==Life==
Dunstan was born of a Wessex noble family at Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury, England. The date of his birth is unknown and has been in dispute, but may have been around 909. He was educated by Irish [[monk]]s from the [[abbey]] at Glastonbury. While a youth he was sent to the court of King Athelstan. About 934, Dunstan was [[tonsure]]d a [[monk]] and [[ordination|ordain]]ed a [[priest]] by his Uncle, St Alphege, who was [[Bishop]] of Winchester. He lived for a time as a hermit at Glastonbury. In 943, King Edmund called him to the royal court and appointed him [[abbot]] of Glastonbury. At the abbey he moved to re-establish a monastic life under the [[Rule of St. Benedict|Rules of St Benedict]]. Under his leadership the abbey was rebuilt and prospered, becoming a center of learning. At the same time Dunstan helped revitalize nearby [[monastery|monasteries]].
After King Edmund was murdered and [[Edred of England|Edred]] became king, Dunstan became his advisor, and began a reformation of all the monasteries in Edred’s kingdom. In time Dunstan became involved in the West Saxon politics and developed enemies when he censured Edred’s nephew Edwy for his scandalous lifestyle. In 955, Edwy succeeded Edred on the throne, and Edwy quickly took his revenge on Dunstan by confiscating his property and sending him into exile.