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Set in 36 acres of parkland at the heart of Glastonbury, the Abbey is steeped in 2000 years of history and legend.  Now it is being vividly brought to life with the help of actors who play the parts of monks and a kitchen maid.  The performance takes place in the Abbot's Kitchen, creating an authentic medieval environment.

The actors tell tales from the time of the Abbey about how the monks lived, the church services they attended and the food and drink available to them.  It was at the Abbey in 1191 that the monks (sought and) found the remains of King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere, and their bones were reburied in 1278 inside the Abbey church.  They remained there until the Abbey was vandalised after the dissolution, and no-one has seen or heard of them since.

As legend has it, the first Christian sanctuary in Britain it was visited by Joseph of Arimathea, Saint David and Saint Patrick.

Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea’s staff, and others are convinced that King Arthur really was buried there.

Whatever one believes, the facts are that the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey are magnificent and the grounds are a haven provide a spot of peace and tranquillity .

For more information, visit the official Glastonbury Abbey website at:
www.glastonburyabbey.com

(Copy adapted with permission from Western Daily Press)

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