Wulfstan II, Archbishop of York

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Wulfstan II, Archbishop of York (1002-1023), Bishop of London (996-1002), and Bishop of Worcester (1002-1016). Died May 28, 1023 at York.

He is not to be confused with Wulfstan I, Archbishop of York or Saint Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester.

Wulfstan was an important homilist, law-writer, ecclesiastic and political theorist. With Ælfric of Eynsham, he is one of the two major writers of the period following the Benedictine monastic reforms in England. In a series of homilies begun during his tenure as Bishop of London (996-1002), Wulfstan attained a high degree of competence in rhetorical prose, working with a distinctive rhythmical system based around alliterative pairings. While still Bishop of London, in 1002, he received an anonymous letter in Latin praising his style and eloquence.

Wulfstan wrote numerous works in Old English, the vernacular. His best known is Sermo Lupi ad Anglos. In Sermo Lupi ad Anglos (Sermon of the Wolf to the English), he proclaims the depredations of the "Danes" (who were, at that point, primarily Norwegian invaders) a scourge from God to lash the English for their sins. He calls upon them to repent their sinful ways, and also composes numerous homilies relating to the Last Days and the coming of Antichrist. Wulfstan was also the author of the "Institutes of Polity", a treatise dealing with the proper order of society.

Wulfstan was very involved in the reform of the English church, and was a powerful force for setting up the power of the bishopric of York, in particular. In addition to his religious and literary career, Wulfstan also enjoyed a lengthy and fruitful career as one of England's premier statesmen. Under both Aethelred II and Cnut, Wulfstan was primarily responsible for the drafting of English law codes relating to both secular and ecclesiastical affairs, and seems to have held a prominent and influential position at court.

Wulfstan died at York on 28 May 1023. His body was taken for burial to the monastery of Ely, in accordance with his wishes.

Religious Posts
Preceded by Aelfstan	Bishop of London 996–1002	Succeeded by Aldwin
Preceded by Ealdwulf	Bishop of Worcester 1002–1016	Succeeded by Leofsige
Preceded by Ealdwulf	Archbishop of York 1002–1023	Succeeded by Aelfric Puttoc