Welcome to the second edition of 'Flash Facts' - this time focusing on the unique Somerset town of Glastonbury. Home to the atmospheric Glastonbury Tor and historic Abbey, this quirky town, less than an hour's drive south from Bath, is one of the most interesting places to visit on a South West England itinerary. The legends it holds within the stories passed down centuries, has resulted in a town where the smell of incense flows around the high street from spiritual small shops, and where the historic ruins are just waiting for their stories to be told to new visitors. I hope you enjoy this article and learn something new about Glastonbury, in this latest edition of 'Flash Facts'...
1. Located on the 'Somerset Levels' - a vast flood plain in this South West England county of Somerset, Glastonbury is a unique 'dry point' within. This means that the settlement of Glastonbury is in a biome of flood-free ground, despite being in a large area of wetlands on 'the Levels'.
2. Glastonbury Abbey was once one of the most powerful monasteries in England; it was damaged by fire in the 10th century after being founded in the 8th century. Fire damage in 1184 saw reconstruction take place, before the Abbey's peak period in terms of prominence, wealth and influence in the area, was during the 14th century.
3. 'The Dissolution of the Monasteries' brought about the downfall of Glastonbury Abbey; Richard Whiting (the last abbot of the Abbey) was hung, drawn and quartered atop Glastonbury Tor in 1539. This happened under the brutal reign of King Henry VIII (eighth) - he made huge changes to the religious make-up of Great Britain in this era, which contributed to the island we see here today.
4. Glastonbury is twinned with the famous Ethiopian town of Lalibela, which is well-known for its rock cut monolithic churches. This is a huge place of pilgrimage for Christians, one of Ethiopia's holiest places, and also attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world.
5. The world-renowned Glastonbury Festival, actually takes place in nearby fields to the village of Pilton. Glastonbury is within 8 miles of Pilton, and thus this festival is known as 'Glastonbury'. It's attracted some of the world's most famous musicians over the years since it's induction in 1970... like the Wurzels!
6. At the aforementioned, legendary Glastonbury Abbey, it was believed that the tombs of King Arthur and Guinevere were discovered in the year 1191. Medieval monks contributed to the legends regarding King Arthur, after they determined that Glastonbury was the Isle of Avalon (prominent in Arthurian legend as the place where King Arthur went after his last battle).
7. Glastonbury Tor is also steeped in legends... one of the most prominent there is to do with 'the Holy Grail' - believed to have been brought by Jesus' uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. It's said that Jesus visited Glastonbury as a boy, alongside his uncle. This legend derives from Joseph being a tin merchant - therefore travelling to the South West of England for valuable metal.
8. The 360 degree view at the summit of Glastonbury Tor is one of the finest lookouts in all of Somerset; the hill rises 158 metres (518 foot) high above the Somerset Levels.
9. Glastonbury Tor has not always been a lonely tower overlooking Glastonbury - it's simply all that remains of the 14th century Saint Michael Church. This church replaced one that was damaged from an earthquake, whilst centuries before, it's believed the Romans utilised this hilltop.
10. There's so much more mystic surrounding Glastonbury than the Christian legends alluded to above - there are a lot of Celtic and Pagan links to Glastonbury too meaning that it's importance dates way back before the time of the Abbey and Tor construction. It's believed in Celtic folklore that Avalon was an isle of enchantment - the meeting place of the dead. This rooted from the large lake known as "Ynys-witrin" (the Island of Glass) that used to exist at the base of the Tor mound.
With its unique heritage rooted in historic legends, Glastonbury stands as a place of pilgrimage for the spiritual and the seekers. It's iconic Tor is a Somerset landmark and offers splendid views over the 'West Country'. Meanwhile, Glastonbury Abbey's history is rich and offers a educational visit with its links to key period's of British history, such as 'the Dissolution of the Monasteries'. A visit to Glastonbury can make a fascinating day-trip, or a fleeting pit-stop in order to enjoy the panoramic Tor views en-route to the nearby City of Wells. I hope you've enjoyed this edition of 'Flash Facts' focused on Glastonbury.
By Aaron Woodruff
Lessons & Joys of Travel
05/08/2024
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