The remains of an earlier building of the abbey

Steeped in Christian history since the seventh century and the site of pilgrimage for thousands over the centuries, Glastonbury Abbey is a remarkably beautiful and spiritual place. This is complemented by its ties to pagan lore, creating a point of unification between the old and new Britain: Glastonbury and Avalon are generally considered to be one and the same.

A very holy place, Glastonbury Abbey is a proposed final resting place for King Arthur. His bones, alongside those of Guenevere, were said to have been recovered by monks in 1191, along with a cross inscribed with "Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur in the Isle of Avalon." The monks placed the bones in caskets at the high altar, but the church was vandalized some years later, and the bones have not been seen since.

Monks recover the bones of Arthur

In addition, the famous Chalice Well, which runs red with the blood of Christ, runs at Glastonbury.

Some say that when the Druidic old religions were replaced by Christianity, the ancient holy place of Avalon receded into the mist and Glastonbury was erected in the same place, acknowledging the transition yet maintaining the site as spiritually charged.

Some say that the Virgin Mary is simply another incarnation of the Mother Goddess - both were worshipped in this holy place. In fact, the cult of the Virgin continues to thrive today at the site of the Lady Chapel at Glastonbury.

Thus, the site carries the same importance for spirituality both in Pagan and Christian beliefs.

See also history of the Abbey (external link)