 The 12th-century historian William of Malmesbury, who seems unaware of any pre-existing minster, claims that one Æthelweard ("Egelwardus"), whom he describes as "ealdorman of Dorset", had founded the abbey of Pershore in the time of King Edgar.Similarly, Osbert's "Life" of Eadburh of Winchester alleges that one "Alwardus", who is styled "comes" and "consul", was responsible for the refoundation.Both authors also attribute to him a role in the translation of some of the saint's relics to Pershore.