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Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset

Glastonbury Abbey, founded in the seventh century, dates to the earliest days of Saxon England' s conversion from pagan customs to Christianity. Parts of the original seventh century stone building survive in the west end of the present nave. The church was then enlarged by abbot of Glastonbury, Dunstan, who was made Archbishop of Canterbury in 961. Further building took place after the Norman invasion in 1066, and after an extensive fire in 1184. The abbey was finally destroyed during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries, between 1536 and 1541.

Many stories have attached themselves to Glastonbury Abbey. Glastonbury is the centre of many myths and legends concerning the Holy Grail. This was a cup or plate used by Christ during the last supper and supposedly possessed of magical power. Joseph of Arimethea, who the Bible describes as giving up his own grave for Christ, was said to have brought the Grail to Britain, and to have planted the Glastonbury Thorn. There are also tales of King Arthur who did much famous searching for the Grail. These legends show a complicated mix of Christian and pagan symbolism, from trees, long an object of worship, to cups once offered to gods. Glastonbury dates from the time when pagan traditions gave way to Christianity. The new religion smoothed its path by assimilating many of the old ways, rather than attempting the hopeless task of suppressing them. This assimilation is clear in the mixed traditions in stories associated with Glastonbury. Even the placing of an important Christian building at Glastonbury reflects a continuation of older traditions. Near Glastonbury, rising high above the Somerset Levels is Glastonbury Tor. This hill rising above the landscape was likely to have been a prehistoric religious site, judging from stories associated with it. Since Glastonbury was probably already a religious centre it made sense for the new religion to build its own shrine close to that of its competitor.

 

 

Glastonbury Tor

Costumed guides give information about the abbey, March to October, every day.

Opening Times: The Abbey is open every day except Christmas Day.

 

9am - 6pm March, April and May.

9am - 4pm January, February and December.

9am - 9pm June, July and August.

9am - 5pm September, October and November.

Last admission is thirty minutes before closing.

Address: Glastonbury Abbey, The Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9EL

Directions: Glastonbury Abbey is in Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset. Click here for an interactive map centred on Glastonbury Abbey.

Access: Level access is possible to almost all of the site. Two wheelchairs are available for visitor use, and adapted toilet facilities are provided. For visitors with sight problems there are large print leaflets and an audio tape guide specifically designed for the visually impaired. For visitors with hearing problems there are hearing loops in the ticket office and shop.

Contact:

telephone: 01458 832267

fax: 01458 836117

e-mail: info@glastonburyabbey.com

web site: http://www.glastonburyabbey.com

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