Aethelwold became Bishop of Winchester in 963 and together with Archbishop Dunstan began the reform of monastic practices. The pair were supported by King Edgar and were able to push through many reforms. The purpose of the reforms was to put an end to the decline of monastic life which had been caused by the many Viking raids and the preference of secular clergy. Unlike Dunstan who preferred a more tactful approach Aethelwold's methods of reform were very dramatic including removing those who would not take the full monastic vows and baning wives from the monasteries. After reforms were put in place in Abingdon, Winchester and the south east, the bishop toured England pushing through his demands and restoring monasteries that had been abandoned during the Viking attacks. One of these was Ely that had been destroyed by the Danes. Aethelwold established the Benedictine rule at the abbey.

 Aethelwold (Bishop of Winchester) ( - d.984)