It was Dunstan’s great achievement to restore monasteries in England with a structure and a spirituality that would last for many hundreds of years. The monastic way of life defined by Dunstan was distinguished by close dependence on the royal family for protection and support and so protected monasteries from the territorial and other ambitions of local lords. Learning also flourished in these monasteries thanks to Dunstan.

Church reforms inspired by Dunstan included observance of marriage laws and those of fasting and abstinence. He also made all priests take up some craft work. He influenced civil laws especially those relating to payment of tithes and other church taxes. For theology, especially his view of Christ as the focus of prayer gave him great energy and inspiration. Because of his personal skills, he is patron of goldsmiths, jewellers and locksmiths.