![]() ![]() Not only was it a centre for pilgrimage, but it also encouraged medieval craftsmen, such as goldsmiths, limners and scriveners, to set up their businesses here.Īll this was to change in the 16th century, when monasteries such as the one found in Glastonbury fell victim to King Henry VIII's religious reforms. The economy of the town was heavily dependent on the abbey. At that time, Glastonbury Abbey was second in wealth only to Westminster Abbey in London. There had been a market here since 1189 and most of the town's population probably lived around a market place that was situated to the north-west of the monastic precincts. The story goes that, in an attempt to raise money from pilgrims to rebuild it, the monks excavated and unearthed the bodies of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.ĭuring the Middle Ages, Glastonbury was a busy market town. In 1184, a massive fire raged through its buildings, destroying many monastic treasures. Unfortunately, such grandeur was to be short-lived. By 1086, it was recorded as being the richest monastery in the country. New, much grander buildings were added to the abbey and a new Norman abbot was appointed. Under the Normans, Glastonbury saw many changes during this period of history. The abbey gained much wealth, so that by the time William the Conqueror arrived, it owned a considerable amount of land. Their king put up a stone church, which forms the west end of the nave of Glastonbury Abbey. What is known, however, is that the Saxons conquered the county of Somerset in the 7th century AD. Some believe that Arthur was buried on the Tor, which was then the Isle of Avalon and surrounded by the flooded Somerset Levels. Arthur may have lived around the early 6th century AD. Indeed, a nearby fort at South Cadbury is thought to have been the site of his castle at Camelot. In the second legend, Glastonbury's earliest history is closely linked with that of King Arthur. The mystery of the Holy Grail remains just that, although some believe it to be still buried beneath Glastonbury Tor, in what is known today as the Chalice Well. He is said to have established England's first church at Glastonbury, thus founding the town. On his arrival, Joseph stuck a thorn staff into the ground, which burst into bloom. One legend has it that Joseph brought the Holy Grail to Britain and was granted land by its local ruler. ![]() Even its earliest origins are subject to much debate. The small Somerset town of Glastonbury is surrounded by myths and legends. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |