Conference at Worcester Cathedral explores the Anglo-Saxon world of Archbishop Wulfstan

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The 1,000th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Wulfstan, who in the 11th century advised English kings on political treatises and led policies combatting Viking attacks, is being marked in a two-day conference at Worcester Cathedral.

Taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 March 2023 in the Old Palace, once the residence of the Bishops of Worcester, Archbishop Wulfstan and his Anglo-Saxon World will feature talks from eight internationally renowned scholars.

Archbishop Wulfstan, a political advisor to King Æthelred the Unready, led policies combatting Viking attacks. Image: reproduced by the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, courtesy of Worcester Cathedral.

Wulfstan, Bishop of London (996–1002), Archbishop of York (1002–23), and Bishop of Worcester (1002–16), acted as a royal advisor to the Anglo-Saxon King Æthelred the Unready, and then to his Danish replacement, King Cnut, following the Viking invasion.

‘It’s difficult to overstate Archbishop Wulfstan’s importance to the history of English law, the English church, and English national identity,’ said Professor Andrew Rabin from the University of Louisville, who will be speaking at the conference.

Wulfstan drafted treatises, law codes, and wrote many Old English homilies. His sermons, which are considered some of the most original writings in the development of English prose, are notable for their hellfire warnings of Judgement Day.

Professor Katy Cubitt from the University of East Anglia, and one of the speakers, said: ‘The conference is an exciting opportunity to communicate the importance of Archbishop Wulfstan; a man who not only transformed the politics of his day, but also whose writings have shaped our understanding of the period.’

Wulfstan composed a homily which he titled *Sermo Lupi ad Anglos* (‘The Sermon of the Wolf to the English’). He commonly styled himself at *Lupus* or ‘wolf’ after the first part of his name. Image: reproduced by the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, courtesy of Worcester Cathedral.

The lectures will be held in the historic Abbot’s Kitchen in the Old Palace.

On both days, tea and coffee breaks, as well as a light lunch, will be served in the cathedral’s Great Hall. There will also be the opportunity to hear a dramatic recitation of Wulfstan’s preaching, and to tour the cathedral and medieval library.

Following a performance of Choral Evensong in the cathedral on Friday 24 March, there is an evening reception in the nave with drinks and canapes.

Tickets for the two-day conference are priced at £160 per person.

Attendees can also join the speakers for dinner on Friday 24 March in the cathedral’s Chapter House, at an additional cost of £35 per person.

For further information about the conference, and to make a booking, please email events@worcestercathedral.org.uk or visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/Wulfstan.