What is Glastonbury Abbey?:
Some believe that Glastonbury Abbey is the site of the oldest above-ground Christian church in the world, dating back as far as 63 or even 37 CE. The first recorded church to be built here was in 712 on the orders of King Ine of Wessex, but a community of monks had already been living here for some time — at least since 658, when the Saxons arrived. The age of the Glastonbury Christian community is popularly attributed to Joseph of Arimathea visiting here while in possession of the Holy Grail.
Some believe that Glastonbury Abbey is the site of the oldest above-ground Christian church in the world, dating back as far as 63 or even 37 CE. The first recorded church to be built here was in 712 on the orders of King Ine of Wessex, but a community of monks had already been living here for some time — at least since 658, when the Saxons arrived. The age of the Glastonbury Christian community is popularly attributed to Joseph of Arimathea visiting here while in possession of the Holy Grail.
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.
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.
Glastonbury Abbey and King Arthur:
The region around Glastonbury has long been associated with King Arthur and his Round Table. In 1191 monks at the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have found the tombs of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in the cemetery. The remains were reburied at the foot of the altar, but they were then lost again during the Reformation. Archaeologists have found evidence of the monks’ excavations, but whose bones they may have found is open for speculation.
The region around Glastonbury has long been associated with King Arthur and his Round Table. In 1191 monks at the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have found the tombs of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in the cemetery. The remains were reburied at the foot of the altar, but they were then lost again during the Reformation. Archaeologists have found evidence of the monks’ excavations, but whose bones they may have found is open for speculation.
Joseph of Arimathea & the Origins of British Christianity:
The origins of the Christian community in Glastonbury are unknown. Christian monks were there already in 658 when Saxon invaders arrived and that’s as far back as reliable records go. As a result, people have relied on their imagination to fill in the blanks and the most popular belief is that Joseph of Arimathea brought Christianity to England and founded a Christian community in Glastonbury. There is no evidence of such a trip or of a Christian community that old, though.
The origins of the Christian community in Glastonbury are unknown. Christian monks were there already in 658 when Saxon invaders arrived and that’s as far back as reliable records go. As a result, people have relied on their imagination to fill in the blanks and the most popular belief is that Joseph of Arimathea brought Christianity to England and founded a Christian community in Glastonbury. There is no evidence of such a trip or of a Christian community that old, though.
What is Glastonbury Tor?:
A tor is a Celtic word for a “conical hill” and in ancient times the Glastonbury Tor was surrounded by a fen, which is a type of wetland which was flooded over in ancient times. Because of this, it is thought by some that the Glastonbury Tor could at times appear to be an island and thus was the origin of the stories of a legendary island named Avalon. At the top of Glastonbury Tor stands St. Michael’s Tower, all that remains of a medieval church.
A tor is a Celtic word for a “conical hill” and in ancient times the Glastonbury Tor was surrounded by a fen, which is a type of wetland which was flooded over in ancient times. Because of this, it is thought by some that the Glastonbury Tor could at times appear to be an island and thus was the origin of the stories of a legendary island named Avalon. At the top of Glastonbury Tor stands St. Michael’s Tower, all that remains of a medieval church.
What is the Chalice Well?:
At the base of Glastonbury Tor is a well which appears to have been in constant use for at least 2,000 years — not reducing even in drought. Legend has it that on this spot Joseph of Arimathea struck his staff, causing the spring to appear. He is also supposed to have buried the Holy Grail here and because the waters flow through it, they acquire a reddish color from the blood of Christ. The truth is that the waters are red because of iron oxide in the soil.
At the base of Glastonbury Tor is a well which appears to have been in constant use for at least 2,000 years — not reducing even in drought. Legend has it that on this spot Joseph of Arimathea struck his staff, causing the spring to appear. He is also supposed to have buried the Holy Grail here and because the waters flow through it, they acquire a reddish color from the blood of Christ. The truth is that the waters are red because of iron oxide in the soil.
End of Glastonbury Abbey:
Archaeological excavations suggest Christian structures dating to the 5th century and the site may have been sacred to pagans before that. While the origins of Glastonbury Abbey are shrouded in mystery, the end is not: Henry VIII dissolved the abbey in 1539 and hung the last abbot, Richard Whiting. After being owned by the crown briefly, it was sold to and kept in private hands to be used as a quarry until little remained. In 1908 the Church of England bought it and preserve it today.
Archaeological excavations suggest Christian structures dating to the 5th century and the site may have been sacred to pagans before that. While the origins of Glastonbury Abbey are shrouded in mystery, the end is not: Henry VIII dissolved the abbey in 1539 and hung the last abbot, Richard Whiting. After being owned by the crown briefly, it was sold to and kept in private hands to be used as a quarry until little remained. In 1908 the Church of England bought it and preserve it today.
