Ruins of Glastonbury Abbey

Photo of the Ruins of Glastonbury Abbey

The current ruins of Glastonbury Abbey are all that remain after a fire destroyed the monastery complex in 1184. In addition to the physical structures, the fire also destroyed the abbey’s treasures and relics which were the primary source of the monks’ income, not to mention prestige. The loss of relics led to a loss of needed pilgrims, creating an acute need for something to boost their profile again.