york00orns

92 YORK.
works. That which Wilfrid had restored and beautified
had suffered greatly from a fire, and appears to
have been re-edified and probably much enlarged at
this time. Alcuin describes it somewhat minutely,
mentioning the grandeur of its
height, the solidity of
its piers and arches, the number of its aisles, the
translucent beauty of its windows, and the rich adornment
of its thirty altars.
Years passed on, and Albert in his turn sought to
be relieved from the labour and anxiety inseparable
from his various duties, which had now become a
weighty burden. He appointed Eanbald, a muchloved
pupil, as coadjutor bishop, cum jure successmiis,
apparently, and officiated at his consecration. He
then retired to a monastic cell, where he spent two
years and two months before he was called away.
Ten days only before his death he came forth from it
to assist in the solemn dedication of the Minster,
whose renovation he had begun whilst yet archbishop.
He died at York on the 8th November, 781 or 782.
The nomination of Eanbald was confirmed by his
reception of the pall, which was transmitted from
Rome by the hands of Alcuin, who undertook a
journey thither for the purpose of obtaining it. The
work of the school of York went on, and for a time
it had the advantage of Alcuin's vigilant and careful
superintendence. But anarchy prevailed in Northumbria,
and the sanctuary at Lindisfarne was desolated
by the Danes. Alcuin left York, and was gladly
welcomed by Charlemagne, who was now anxious
for the spread of learning in his dominions. That
great potentate became himself a pupil of the great