The Legendary Glastonbury Abbey

There are rare places in the world where the romance of legends merge with real historical events to produce a pleasantly unsettling effect. The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey in England is one such location. Today, Glastonbury Abbey stands as a stark stone skeleton of its former self, though I highly recommend a visit. To walk among the ruins toys with the imagination of even the most pragmatic souls.

At Glastonbury Abbey, my more fanciful side felt the ground resonating with the harmony and discord of past lives. The crumbling walls could spin tales of saints, sinners and mighty magnates who walked their rooms.

Five hundred years ago, Glastonbury was England's leading abbey. The ruins conceal a wealth of history and legend, for the abby was once the burial place of King Arthur and his consort Guinevere. Few historical figures can match the reverance and hero-worship of King Arthur. His name is synonomous with unbridled courage and valor. King Arthur represents not just one legend, but a group of stories in which honorable men accomplish good deeds and triumph over evil.

None of the walls standing in this century are older an 1184. The partial walls you see today belong to the rebuilding effort after a devastating fire in May of 1184. By 1539, the abbey was dissolved and the buildings stripped of their stone. However, historians have records indicating a house of worship has stood at this site continuously snce the year 166. Take note of that date!

"King" Arthur was most likely a British general of the early 6th century. Amazing tales of Arthur spread far beyond the borders of his small kingdom, until all of Europe knew about his skill and bravery. His popularity was evidenced by the fact that stories of him were among the first works printed and brought into general circulation.