Arthurian Local Route-Glastonbury

Glastonbury Abbey:

After exiting the Glastonbury Abbey visitor center, head straight down the main path and then turn left to enter the Lady Chapel (1). According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea and the boy Jesus built the first Christian church in England, which stood on this site. The current building was completed only a few years after the entire abbey was destroyed by fire in 1184. Notice the Romanesque architecture, evident in the rounded arches that make up the windows and doors of the building. Make sure that you see the well in the crypt, where, according to legend, St Joseph hid the Holy Grail.

Glastonbury Abbey Map Inside the Lady Chapel turn to your left to see the ruins of the nave (2) and choir (3) of the Great Church, which was completed in 1213. The Great Church underwent several periods of rebuilding and redecorating—the towers were added in 1250 and the vaulting was completed in the early 14th century. Unlike the Lady Chapel, the Great Church was built in the early Gothic style (notice that the windows and doors have pointed, instead of rounded, arches).

Cross over the footbridge inside the Lady Chapel to get to the Ancient Cemetery (4). In medieval times, important people were buried close to the Lady Chapel, since it was considered a very holy site. In 1191, the monks excavated a grave in this cemetery, which they claimed held the remains of King Arthur and Guinevere. A plaque now marks the spot.

Turn left and wander through the remains of the cloisters (5). The cloisters were almost entirely destroyed after the monastery was dissolved, and today you can only see a stone outline of the building’s foundations. After Guinevere left Arthur, she would have stayed in cloisters like the ones at Glastonbury. Continue through the cloisters to the Great Church. The choir now holds the alleged Tomb of King Arthur (6). In 1278, the remains of Arthur and Guinevere were transported to a shrine here. Although the shrine was despoiled and destroyed after the monastery’s dissolution, its remains were rediscovered during 1934 excavations.

While you are visiting the abbey, don’t forget to see the Abbot’s Kitchen (7), the most intact building on the site. Its size and splendor clearly demonstrates the wealth and power of Glastonbury Abbey.

Glastonbury Tor

The Glastonbury Tor, with St Michael’s Tower, is another site associated with Arthurian legend. Glastonbury city map Until the surrounding Somerset levels were drained for farming, they were often subject to flooding. The Tor is the reputed site of the Isle of Avalon, since it would have stood above the surrounding flood waters. According to another Arthurian legend, Guinevere was captured by Melwas, King of Summer Land, and taken to the St Michael’s Tower. Arthur and an army of his knights then rode up from the far southwest to rescue his fair queen.

To get to the Tor from High Street, turn right on Lambrook Street and follow it past the old Abbey Barn (current site of the Rural Life Museum). The road will turn into Chilkwell Street. After crossing a major intersection, follow signs for a footpath, which will lead up to the Tor. The fairly steep climb takes about 20-30 minutes.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Getting There:

From Taunton take the 29 First Bus to Glastonbury. Buses generally depart from the Rail Station Bridge every two hours. The last bus returns from Glastonbury at 16:55 (and at 20:35 on public holidays and Sundays). A FirstDay Southwest Ticket, which allows all day travel in Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall, costs £7 for adults and £5 for seniors and children. (See the First Bus website for timetables: www.firstgroup.com/

ukbus/southwest/somerset/home/index.php)

Costs and Hours of Operation:

Entrance to the Abbey costs £4.50 for adults, £4.00 for students, and £3.00 for children.

Abbey Hours:

Nov-Jan 10:00-4:30

Feb 10:00-5:30

Mar 9:30-5:30

Apr, May, Sept 9:30-6:00

Jun-Aug 9:00-6:00

Oct 9:30-5:00

Entrance to the Tor, which is open during the daylight hours, is free

Eating Out:

Heaphy’s Café

Organic restaurant/café, specializes in crepes

16 Market Place, Glastonbury

01458 837935

The Who’d A Thought It Inn

Traditional Pub Food

17 Northland Street, Glastonbury

01458 834460