St Dunstan and music

Image: from the 9-10th century manuscript known as the Glastonbury Classbook (Oxford, Bodleian Library, Auct. F. 4. 32 (2176), f.1r) .The portrait, or icon, of Christ is understood to have been drawn by St Dunstan, of whom the kneeling monk figure may be a self-portrait.

November 22 is the feast day of St Cecilia, patron saint of music and musicians. A good day perhaps to share one of the many stories from St Dunstan's life, highlighting his skill as a musician, his lasting influence on liturgical music, and a musical miracle.

Stories of St Dunstan, 2: Dunstan the Craftsman, by Dr Eleanor Parker, A Clerk of Oxford blog

Manuscript description at Medieval Manuscripts in Oxford Libraries

Full digital facsimile at Digital Bodleian

#patronsaint