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Glastonbury Abbey ruins. Photo by Matt Hucke.

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Glastonbury Abbey

Glastonbury Abbey was a monastery in the middle ages. Located in Glastonbury, Somerset in England, it is probably the most associated with legends and myths.

The actual year of its establishment is not certain but most historians have settled on the 8^th century for its foundation. It was enlarged in the 10th century.

The abbey’s history is shrouded in legend and myth. Its very first foundation is tied to Joseph of Arimathea in AD 60. Most of it now lays in ruins, with the only surviving building being the Abbot Kitchen.

It has an interesting history and is a unique site to visit for tourists. Here are the top 10 amazing facts about Glastonbury Abbey!

1. Glastonbury Abbey was allegedgly founded by Joseph of Arimathea

According to Christian legend, Joseph of Arimathea visited Britain around 60 AD. He arrived with his companions at the island of Avalon and built a church in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Abbey got reconstructed and enlarged as it passed hands through the Saxons and the Normans over the centuries. Abbot Dunstan enlarged the abbey in the 10^th century.

The account of Joseph of Arimathea being the first to found it is also tied to the Holy Grail stories by Robert De Boron.

Joseph is said to have  been the legendary keeper of the Holy Grail, which is sometimes described as a cup or dish with divine powers. It is a common feature in Arthurian literature.

2. The Abbey is associated with the legend of King Arthur

Painting illustrating the death of King Arthur. A boat is arriving to take the dying King to Avalon after the Battle of Camlann. Photo by John Garrick.

King Arthur is a  legendary British King who fought the Saxons during the 5^th and 6^th centuries. Glastonbury Abbey is considered to be the mythical island Avalon, where King Arthur’s magical sword was made.

The island is also where he went to recover from his injuries after the Battle of Camlann. Interestingly, Avalon Island is the same island where Joseph of Arimathea built a church according to legend!

3. It was the richest monastery during the Saxon times

At around 1086, the abbey was the richest monastery in all of England! It had silver and gold chests, and numerous lands attached to it. Later during the dissolution of monasteries, it was looted of its treasures.

Its last abbot was hanged and one of the suspected reasons for his execution was refusing to give up where the treasure was kept.

During the 14^th century, it was the second richest monastery, after Winchester Cathedral.

4. Glastonbury Abbey is linked to the burial place of King Arthur

King Arthur’s tomb site at the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. Photo by Moriori.

It is not surprising for such a claim to suffice, considering its legendary ties to the Arthurian legend. In 1191, some monks claimed to have found two dead bodies in a hollowed-out log near the Lady Chapel.

They stated to have found a cross inscribed; ” Here lies buried King Arthur and his wife Guinevere.” Although historians have questioned the veracity of this claim, the two bodies were reburied in a black marble tomb in the presence of King Edward 1.

Some historians opine that the monks could have coined this discovery to attract more pilgrims especially after a fire destroyed much of the abbey. The visits could raise funds to rebuild it.

5. Glastonbury Abbey was seized during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539

The dissolution  of monasteries happened between 1536 and 1541. King Henry VIII ordered the disbandment of monasteries in England, and convents.

Property belonging to the monasteries was seized and sold off. Much of the income expropriated was used to fund the King’s military campaigns. Thomas Cromwell, the King’s chief minister oversaw the dissolution.

 In 1539, Glastonbury Abbey was seized by the Crown and most of its treasures and assets expropriated. Abbot Richard Whiting of Glastonbury resisted Abbey’s surrender to the Crown.

He was captured, tried, and hanged by order of Thomas Cromwell. He was the last abbot of Glastonbury.

6. It is a burial place of several Kings and abbots

Site of King Arthur’s tomb at Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury, Somerset, UK. Photo by NotFromUtrecht. Wikimedia Commons.

The most significant one is probably that of King Arthur and his wife Guinevere. Other burials include King Edmund I and II, Edgar the Peaceful, Sir Humphrey Stafford, 1^st Earl of Devon, Richard Beere (a Benedictine abbot of Glastonbury), and the Eardolman of Mercia.

Many abbots of the Abbey were also buried there, including the last abbot, Richard Whiting.

7. Its only surviving building is the Abbot Kitchen

Abbot’s Kitchen, Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset. Photo by Tony Grist. Wikimedia Commons.

It is the best-preserved medieval kitchen in England. The Abbot kitchen was built by the abbot of Glastonbury, John de Breynton in the early 14^th century.

It has four large and magnificent arched fireplaces at its corners. There are also smoke outlets on its roof. It is the only Abbey building that remains intact.

8. The holy thorn was discovered at Glastonbury Abbey

A holy thorn. There are several in Glastonbury. The original is in the Abbey grounds. Photo by Michael Ely.

It is also called the Glastonbury thorn. It is an unusual variety of the hawthorn rose species, characterized by the ability to flower twice a year!

This flower is also tied  to legend. It is said that when Joseph of Arimathea arrived in Britain, he came to Avalon island and rested for the night.

He put his staff in the ground and a stalk had grown out of it in the morning. This is what became the thorn.

It has been propagated over the years and, interestingly, its unusual trait has survived. The custom of sending a branch of the holy thorn to the Queen on Christmas was initiated by James Montagne, the Bishop of Bath and Wells during King James I reign.

9. It had a magnificent library

It has a unique collection of manuscripts detailing ancient England history and early Christian texts. Many of these were destroyed by a fire in 1184.

The dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 also affected the library collection. Only about 40 manuscripts survived.

10. The abbey ruins  are open to the public

It is a scheduled ancient monument maintained by Historic England. It has a rich history and legendary ties, making it an interesting site to explore. It attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe for its myths, heritage, and spiritual enrichment.

The Abbot kitchen, one of the best-preserved medieval kitchens in Europe, and the holy thorn are quite a catch. Concerts and theatre performances are held at the Abbey, filling the place with great energy and fun.