|
|
Abbeys and Monasteries in Somerset
|
Glastonbury Abbey
|
|
|
Is there a place more steeped in legend and myth than Glastonbury? Probably not. Legend holds that the earliest church here was founded by St. Joseph of Arimathea in about 60AD, and that when he planted his staff in the earth a thorn tree burst forth. In the grounds of the ruined Benedictine monastery there is a thorn tree of a variety common to the Middle East which is given to bloom around Christmas time.
By the late Middle Ages Glastonbury had become the richest abbey in England, due to the heavy pilgrimage trade. It was rich enough to build an inn for well-to-do pilgrims (the George Inn, on nearby High Street, which still welcomes guests 500 years later). The best preserved building in the abbey grounds is the old Abbot's Kitchen, a curious square building which appears round due to its octagonal roof. In the abbey grounds are the reputed graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, which were conveniently discovered by the Glastonbury monks in the 12th century, when the abbey needed a financial boost. Outside the grounds are the abbey tithe barn, which now serves as a wonderful rural museum, and 4 miles away at Mere is the abbey's Fish House, were fish was salted and cured.
Glastonbury,
Somerset,
England,
BA6 9EL
Attraction Type:
Abbey
Website: Glastonbury Abbey
Email: info@glastonburyabbey.com
Phone: 01458 832 267
Fax: 01458 832 267
Location
map
Details
of Glastonbury Abbey
OS ST499 389
Heritage Highlight: The graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinivere, though historically dubious, offer a real insight into the medieval mindset.
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest
attractions and accommodation 
Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts |
|
|
|
|
| Somerset |
Wavering Cottage
Compton Bishop
Self catering cottage
Wavering cottage comprises of one twin and one single bedroom, shower room with toilet and wash basin basin and is situated in the beautiful county … more >>
Sleeps 3
More cottages in Somerset >> |
|
| Somerset |
Tudor Thatched Cottage
Williton
Self catering cottage
This property offers It has two bedrooms: one king size with
en-suite shower room and a second double. There is also a double sofa
bed … more >>
Sleeps 6
More cottages in Somerset >> |
|
| Frome (Hotel) |
Mendip House Hotel
The Mendip House Hotel is situated in 3 1/2 acres of its own landscaped gardens overlooking the Mendip Hills. The hotel is ideally located for guests to visit Bath, Wells, Longleat, Cheddar Gorge and many other places of interest. All bedrooms are spacious and well equipped with satellite TV, telephone … more >>
More hotels in Somerset >> |
|
| Taunton (Hotel) |
Travelodge Taunton
Located by junction 25 of the M5 motorway, this Travelodge provides contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions and countryside. Spacious en-suite rooms, TV in every room, tea and coffee making facilities and free parking, make Travelodges terrific value. more >>
More hotels in Somerset >> |
|
|