Visit Glastonbury: History, Myths And Legends, Glastonbury, England

Today Glastonbury is best known for the music festival that has taken place over the last 50 years. However, tourists also visit Glastonbury for its ancient abbey and long history. And for the myths and legends that surround the town and its mysterious Tor.

Even from a distance, Glastonbury looks intriguing. A steep hill, topped by a ruined tower, rises from the flat - and often misty - surroundings of the Somerset Levels. This is Glastonbury Tor: an Iron Age hillfort, entrance to the underworld, and possible guardian of the Holy Grail. And the tower is the remains of St Michael’s Church, a medieval structure built on the site of an earlier church, and of an even earlier place of pagan worship.

The town clusters around the foot of the hill. Historically it was dominated by its Abbey, and the pilgrims who came to visit it. Visitors can explore the town and its historical features, including churches, alms houses and wells, by following the circular Millennium Trail that begins at the Town Hall.

Glastonbury Abbey is said to be the oldest Christian foundation in England. Its origins certainly go back at least to the early 7th century, although the current building dates from the 11th century. It became a very wealthy Benedictine monastery, and continued to flourish until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1539. The buildings fell into ruin, but the Church of England re-acquired the site in 1908. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).