Discovery of Lost Saint Thurstan Shakes Historical Understanding

English Heritage's uncovering of a 15th-century manuscript entry provides conclusive evidence of Archbishop Thurstan's sainthood, previously disputed by historians.

• English Heritage historian Dr. Michael Carter discovered a 15th-century manuscript entry listing Archbishop Thurstan as a saint, overturning previous beliefs about his sainthood.
• The manuscript, found in King’s College Cambridge archives, includes Thurstan in a calendar of saints’ feast days, indicating his significant religious status during the medieval period.
• Thurstan, Archbishop of York from 1114 to 1140, was a key figure in the foundation of northern England’s monasteries and played a crucial role in defending against Scottish invasions.
• Following his death, signs of sainthood such as an incorrupt body and a sweet-smelling grave were reported, further supporting his sanctity.
• The discovery adds a new dimension to the understanding of Thurstan’s legacy and his place in the religious culture of the medieval north.

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