Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey is considered the first Christian Sanctuary in the British Isles. It was founded by monks around 700 A.D. The monks it profitable to encourage a connection between Glastonbury and the mythical island of Avalon, King Arthur's last resting place.

In the year 1191 A.D., the remains of a knight in armor and his lady were found on the site. They were identified as that of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and the legend was revitalized.

The abbey was left in ruins after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, leaving behind some magnificent ruins.

The impressive ruins of the Choir section of the Norman abbey.

The interior of the abbey looking from the High Altar, through the Choir to the Nave beyond the arches.

The high arched doorway of the Nave.

The Holy Thorn said to have been grown from a cutting from the staff of St Joseph of Arimathea who had visited the abbey in AD60. The tree, an English Hawthorn, astonishingly still flowers at Christmas as well as in May.

A view of the smaller yet no less impressive Lady Chapel. It is situated at the south end of the Abbey.

The entrance to the Lady Chapel.

The interior of the Lady Chapel. This section is in relatively better shape than the rest of the abbey. The stairs at the far end lead up to the Nave of the abbey.

Overlooking the abbey is Glastonbury Tor with the remains of a 14th century church at its summit. The Tor, being situated in what was once flat marshlands can be seen for miles. It too is embroiled in Arthurian legend. The Holy Grail, the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper is said to be buried somewhere at the base of the hill.