Page "Eric Bloodaxe" Paragraph 36

The witness lists of Anglo-Saxon charters, which reveal when or not Wulfstan attended Eadred's court, in his own right or as a diplomat intermediating between two kings, have been used to provide a chronological framework for Wulfstan's swerving loyalties.

Between 938 and 941, that is roughly between the Battle of Brunanburh ( 937 ) and the recovery of the Five Boroughs ( 942 ), the archbishop did not attest any royal charters, but he began to do so during or after the negotiations of 942.

What the charters reveal for Eirik's first reign is less clear-cut, but intermittent absence may explain gaps in the record for Wulfstan's attestations in the turbulent years 947 – 948.

Unfortunately, the critical period between 950 and 954 has produced comparatively few charters ( owing perhaps to Eadred's deteriorating health ), but what little there is may be instructive.

Wulfstan is still seen at court in 950, but of the five charters which were issued in 951, not one was attested by him, which once again may imply his backing of Amlaíb.

Eirik's reign ( 952 – 954 ) is more obscure.

We do know, however, that in 952, the same year that Eirik began his second term at York, Wulfstan was arrested and stood on trial in Iudanbyrig ( unknown ) on account of several unspecified allegations which had been repeatedly brought before Eadred.

Of the few charters surviving for 953, Wulfstan attests one and by 955, after Eirik's death, he was restored to office, but now with Dorcester rather than York as his episcopal seat.

Clare Downham suggests that during this period, Wulfstan may have been pressurized by King Eadred into relinquishing his support of Eirik.