Time of the Wolf

c950–90

Probably born around the middle of the 10th century, Wulfstan becomes a monk at a time when the Benedictine reform movement is strengthening the power of the church.

990s

Wulfstan gains a reputation as an eloquent writer and preacher. While Viking raids grow in intensity, he composes apocalyptic sermons about the coming of the Antichrist.

996

Wulfstan becomes bishop of London, named in his correspondence as Lupus episcopus: ‘ the Wolf bishop’.

1002

He is raised to the bishopric of Worcester and archbishopric of York, held in plurality – the north is an unstable, borderland region, and it is usual to combine York with a see in the south.

1008

By 1008 he is drafting lawcodes and public legislation for King Æthelred, including the famous penitential code of 1009, commanding all the English to three days’ penance to earn God’s forgiveness and his aid against the Danes.

1009–16

Wulfstan writes and redrafts the Sermon of the Wolf to the English over the years of Danish invasion and conquest, preaching and circulating it.

1016–18

He after Cnut’s conquest in 1016. At the Council of Oxford in 1018, he is involved in making public peace between Danes and English.

performs a diplomatic role 1018

Wulfstan dedicates a church to the souls of the slain on the site of Cnut’s decisive victory at Assandun (either Ashdon or Ashingdon) in Essex.

1020–21

Wulfstan draws up King Cnut’s great new lawcode for the English.

1023

Wulfstan dies at York, and is buried at Ely in Cambridgeshire.