 As a young boy , Dunstan studied under the Irish monks who then occupied the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey . Accounts tell of his youthful optimism and of his vision of the abbey being restored . While still a boy , Dunstan was stricken with a near @-@ fatal illness and effected a seemingly miraculous recovery . Even as a child , he was noted for his devotion to learning and for his mastery of many kinds of artistic craftsmanship . With his parent 's consent he was tonsured , received minor orders and served in the ancient church of St Mary . He became so well known for his devotion to learning that he is said to have been summoned by his uncle Athelm , the Archbishop of Canterbury , to enter his service . He was later appointed to the court of King Athelstan . 
