Glastonbury Maker of Myths Part 2. King Arthur, The Holy Grail, Chalice Well, The Holy Thorn, Britain's first Christian Church, Glastonbury Tor, Bride's Mound and the Glastonbury Zodiac.

The Holy Thorn and Tor

Glastonbury and the Quest for the Holy Grail Part 2.

Welcome to part two of my guide to Glastonbury in Somerset England. In part one,  I looked at the modern town itself and how it has become a centre for alternative lifestyles and philosophies, and how it affected me as a young man and why I came to fall in love with its special atmosphere. In this instalment, I will investigate the myths and legends of Glastonbury that grow from its unique history and environment.

The Myths of Glastonbury: A Rich Tapestry of Legend and Lore.

Glastonbury is steeped in myth and legend, a place where history and folklore intertwine. As a spiritual hub, Glastonbury attracts pilgrims, historians, and curious visitors drawn by its rich tapestry of stories that span centuries. These myths are not confined to abstract ideas but are deeply embedded in the physical landscape, with places like Glastonbury Abbey, the Chalice Well, Glastonbury Tor, Bride’s Mound, and the Holy Thorn tree acting as focal points for the mystical narratives that define the town's identity.

Glastonbury Abbey: The Legendary Resting Place of King Arthur

Glastonbury Abbey is perhaps the most iconic site in Glastonbury, both for its historical significance and its legendary associations. Founded in the 7th century, the abbey was one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England until its dissolution in 1539 under King Henry VIII. However, one piece of history cements its place in the mythic imagination the connection to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.

How Glastonbury became associated with Arthur.

Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain (c 1136) contains the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table who united Britain during the Dark Ages around the 5th and 6th centuries and drove off the Saxons, Angles and Pict invaders. He is associated with several sites in Britain, particularly in Cornwall and Somerset. Geoffrey claimed that Arthur was taken to the mystical Isle of Avalon to die, although the whereabouts of mythic Avalon were not known the once fen and sea surrounded Glastonbury fits the description. Other medieval writers writing in French linked Avalon with the Holy Grail. The legend describes him as never really dying but as “the once and future king”, in mystic magical slumber awaiting the day of England’s great peril to rise again. The Arthurian myths live on in popular culture from Walt Disney to Monty Python and Alan Garner’s wonderful children’s book The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. As one of Britain’s few mythic heroes, the Arthurian legends are popular and here are many other examples.

From the very beginnings of the Arthurian Chronicle tradition and Romance literature in the 12th century King Arthur is linked with Glastonbury. In the Life of Gildas written around the middle of the 12th century by Caradoc of Llancarfan at the bidding of the Glastonbury monks, the mythic tale of Guinevere's abduction appears for the very first time. Melwas, the king of the Summerland, holds her captive at Glastonbury leading to a stand-off with King Arthur, who has gathered the armies of Devon and Cornwall. The issue is resolved by Gildas, then abbot of Glastonbury, and in return Arthur grants lands to the Abbey.

 In 1191 Glastonbury’s monks announced that they had found a lead cross in a grave with two bodies, that of a tall man and a woman with long blond hair still attached. The cross was inscribed “Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur, with Guinevere his second wife, on the isle of Avalon…" The cross is now lost. It has been argued that this claim was likely a strategic move by the monks to attract pilgrims and secure funding for the abbey's reconstruction after a devastating fire in 1184.

 King Arthur is also associated with the Iron Age hillfort of South Cadbury, located 12 miles south-east of Glastonbury, and known as ‘Cadbury Camelot’. The 16th-century antiquary, John Leland, claimed that Arthur’s court lived at Cadbury. Folklore associated with the hillfort that Arthur was asleep under the hill and would rise again when Britain was in danger gained new popularity around the time of World War II. Cadbury hillfort was excavated in the 1960s and extensive evidence was found of high-status, possibly royal, occupation in the period immediately after the departure of the Romans. There was evidence of a large timber hall and pottery imported from the eastern Mediterranean, dated to the 5th or 6th century. Similar evidence has recently been identified at Glastonbury Abbey, suggesting the two sites were of similar status and occupied at the same time.

Whether or not the story is true, the association of Glastonbury with Arthurian legend has endured, with the abbey grounds continuing to be a site of fascination for those drawn to the stories of Camelot and Avalon. The spot where Arthur was discovered is still marked today within the abbey grounds.

The Chalice Well: The Fount of Eternal Mysteries.

“The island valley of Avalon, where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow.”

Alfred Lord Tennyson.

At the foot of Glastonbury Tor lies the Chalice Well, a natural spring that has been flowing for at least two thousand years. The well is deeply entwined with Christian and Arthurian mythology, making it one of the most revered sites in Glastonbury.

One of the most famous legends surrounding the Chalice Well is that it is the hiding place of the Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper and which according to a medieval French tale Joseph of Arimathea brought to Britain. According to the legend, he buried the Grail at the base of the Tor, and the waters of the Chalice Well Spring  issue forth from where it lies, stained red with the blood of Christ. This legend is likely inspired by the reddish hue of the chalybeate well's waters, caused by its high content of iron salts. Archaeologist Raleigh Radford considered the well shaft to be 12th century using stones from the abbey that was destroyed in the fire of 1184. The well shaft has a subterranean corbelled chamber situated above it that is also 12th century. A later 18th century chamber was built off this using “ancient measurements used by Christians and Egyptians.” In 1961, investigations  found an ancient yew stump, several dozen flints of Mesolithic and Palaeolithic origins, shards of Iron Age, Roman and medieval pottery suggesting human activity around the well since antiquity.

The well is also considered a symbol of the divine feminine, representing the womb of the Earth and the nurturing aspect of nature. Many visitors to the Chalice Well Gardens come to drink its waters, which are believed to have healing properties, or simply to meditate in the serene and sacred atmosphere.

The Chalice Well Trust is an organization centred around the Chalice Well. The Trust was established to preserve the well and its surrounding gardens, and it serves as a place of peace, healing, and spiritual reflection. The history of the Chalice Well Trust and its members is deeply intertwined with the esoteric and spiritual traditions of Glastonbury where it is often referred to as the “Blood Well.”

Founding of the Chalice Well Trust.

The Chalice Well Trust was founded in 1959 by Wellesley Tudor Pole, a mystic, spiritual seeker, and author who played a crucial role in the preservation of the well and its gardens. Tudor Pole was deeply involved in the spiritualist movement of the early 20th century, and he saw the Chalice Well as a site of great spiritual importance—a place that could serve as a sanctuary for those seeking peace and spiritual renewal. The Chalice Well Trust continues to this day preserving the special atmosphere of the well and gardens.

Picture by Mike Jefferies photography, the best photogropher of Glastonbury.

Glastonbury Tor: A Beacon of Mystical Power

 Glastonbury Tor is perhaps the most iconic natural feature of the area, a steep hill that rises prominently from the Somerset Levels and is topped by the tower of St. Michael's Church, a remnant of a 14th-century chapel. The Tor has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, revered both as a spiritual centre and as a site of great mythological significance.

As we have already explored, one of the most enduring legends associated with Glastonbury and its Tor is its identification as the Isle of Avalon. Avalon was the mythical island referred to above, where King Arthur was taken to be healed after his final battle. In early medieval texts, Avalon is described as a paradise, a place of eternal youth and healing, often associated with otherworldly beings such as fairies or the Celtic goddess Morgaine (Morgan le Fay). Another legend holds that the Tor was once the home of Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairies as well as a Celtic god of the underworld and the leader of the Wild Hunt, a spectral group of hunters that roams the skies. This connection to the underworld further cements the Tor's status as a place where the boundaries between worlds are thin, a place where one might glimpse the mysteries of the otherworld.

Photo by Mike Jefferies

The Tor, with its commanding view over the landscape and its mysterious terraces, which some like Geoffrey Ashe believe are the remnants of an ancient labyrinth, others that major Ley Lines – mystic conduits of power that link ancient sites in straight lines – run through the Tor. Dowsers such as Sig Longren claim the Tor is a powerful geomantic site that distributes subtle energy into the landscape.  Yet more people claim to have seen zig zagging bright lights and triangular UFOs from the Tor. In the 1960s one report of a flying saucer hovering above the Tor came from a local Police officer. Whatever we believe about the mysteries of the Tor, one thing is for certain, it  has long been seen as a liminal space, a bridge between the earthly and the divine, the mundane and the esoteric.

Bride’s Mound: The Forgotten Shrine.

Less well-known than the Tor or the Abbey, Bride’s Mound is another site of significant mythological and spiritual importance in Glastonbury. Situated on the western outskirts of the town, Bride’s Mound is thought to have been a small Christian chapel or hermitage, possibly dedicated to St. Bridget (or Brigid), an Irish saint with deep connections to earlier Celtic goddess traditions.

Brigid is a figure who straddles the boundary between pagan and Christian traditions, revered both as a goddess of fire, healing, and fertility and as a Christian saint who founded monasteries and performed miracles. Bride’s Mound is believed to have been a place of pilgrimage in the early medieval period, where travellers would stop to pray to St. Bridget before entering Glastonbury. Some legends suggest that the site was associated with an earlier, pre-Christian cult dedicated to the goddess Brigid, making it a place where ancient and more recent spiritual traditions intersect.

The First Christian Church and The Holy Thorn: A Living Legend.

Another key part of the legend is the aforementioned Joseph of Arimathea, who, as we have explored above, was said to have visited Glastonbury first with the young Christ, his nephew, then later after the crucifixion bringing the cup containing the blood of Christ, The Holy Grail which he buried under Chalice Hill. Legend also says he also founded the first Christian church in Britain at Glastonbury. It is said that he built a simple structure made of wattle and daub on the site where Glastonbury Abbey now stands. This humble church is considered by some to be the first Christian church not just in Britain but in the entire Western world. According to medieval accounts, the early Christian missionaries established this church as a sacred site, which later became Glastonbury Abbey. By the time of the Saxons and Normans, the abbey grew into one of the most important and wealthy religious centers in England. The ancient records of Glastonbury Abbey refer to a structure called the "Old Church" (Vetusta Ecclesia), which was described as being built in honor of the Virgin Mary. This church became a major pilgrimage site during the medieval period, attracting thousands of worshippers seeking to connect with the holy origins of Christianity in Britain.

The Glastonbury Holy Thorn is one of the most famous trees in England, not only for its unique botanical origins but also for the rich tapestry of myths that surround it. According to legend, the original thorn tree sprang from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, who, upon arriving in Glastonbury, thrust his staff into the ground on Wearyall Hill, where it miraculously took root and blossomed.

What makes the Holy Thorn particularly special is that it is a variety of hawthorn that blooms twice a year—in winter and in spring. The winter blossoming, around Christmas, is seen as a miraculous sign and has been the subject of much wonder over the centuries. For many, the tree symbolizes the enduring presence of Christianity in Britain, and a sprig from the Holy Thorn is traditionally sent to the monarch each Christmas. Despite suffering damage over the years, including an act of vandalism in 2010 that destroyed much of the original tree, cuttings from the Holy Thorn have been planted throughout Glastonbury, ensuring that the legend lives on.

The Glastonbury Zodiac.

The Glastonbury Zodiac, also known as the "Temple of the Stars," is a mystical and esoteric concept that suggests the landscape around Glastonbury, Somerset, forms a vast terrestrial zodiac. This idea argues that natural and man-made features in the landscape—such as hills, rivers, paths, and ancient sites—outline the shapes of the twelve astrological signs, with each sign covering several square miles.

Origins and Development.

The concept of the Glastonbury Zodiac was first introduced in the 1930s by Katherine Maltwood, an artist, writer, and mystic. While studying the landscape around Glastonbury, Maltwood claimed to have discovered a series of giant figures in the land that corresponded to the signs of the zodiac. These figures, she believed, were not merely natural formations but were intentionally created by ancient peoples, possibly dating back to the pre-Celtic period. Maltwood's theory was largely inspired by her interest in astrology, mythology, and the mystical traditions of Glastonbury, which has, as we have seen,  long been associated with legends of King Arthur, the Holy Grail, and other spiritual traditions. She believed that the Glastonbury Zodiac was a sacred landscape, possibly linked to ancient religious practices, and that it served as a cosmic map or a ceremonial site reflecting the heavens on earth.

The Zodiac Figures

The Glastonbury Zodiac is said to encompass an area of approximately ten miles in diameter, centred around Glastonbury. Each of the twelve zodiac signs is represented by a large figure or symbol, which is identified through a combination of topographical features and ancient earthworks. The signs and their corresponding locations are as follows:

    Aries (The Ram): Located near the village of Street, this figure is said to be outlined by a combination of hills and old tracks.

    Taurus (The Bull): The Taurus figure is associated with the area around the Polden Hills and is believed to be depicted by field boundaries and natural ridges.

    Gemini (The Twins): The Gemini figure is thought to be represented by two parallel lines or tracks near the village of Butleigh.

    Cancer (The Crab): The Cancer symbol is linked to the River Brue, which forms a curved shape reminiscent of a crab’s claw.

    Leo (The Lion): Leo is perhaps the most famous figure in the Glastonbury Zodiac, with the lion shape purportedly defined by a combination of ridges, hills, and roads near the village of Dinder.

    Virgo (The Virgin): The Virgo figure is associated with the area around the village of Compton Dundon, where Maltwood identified the shape of a reclining woman.

    Libra (The Scales): The Libra symbol is more abstract, with its shape suggested by the balancing of natural features and landforms near Baltonsborough.

    Scorpio (The Scorpion): Scorpio is represented by a scorpion-like shape formed by the twists and turns of the River Brue, near the village of Somerton.

    Sagittarius (The Archer): The Sagittarius figure is linked to the area around the village of Dundon Hill, with the shape of the archer depicted by a combination of natural and man-made features.

    Capricorn (The Goat): Capricorn is associated with the area near the village of West Pennard, where field boundaries and natural ridges create the shape of a goat.

    Aquarius (The Water Bearer): The Aquarius figure is thought to be represented by the watercourses and drainage ditches near the village of Meare.

    Pisces (The Fishes): The Pisces symbol is associated with the area near Glastonbury Tor and Wearyall Hill, where the shapes of two fish are believed to be outlined by paths and natural formations.

Interpretations and Controversy

The Glastonbury Zodiac has been a subject of much debate and scepticism. While some view it as a genuine ancient creation, perhaps linked to the Druids or other prehistoric peoples, others consider it a modern construct, a result of imaginative interpretation rather than historical fact. Critics argue that the landscape features identified by Maltwood, and others are natural or coincidental and that the figures can only be seen by those already predisposed to believe in their existence.

Despite the controversy, the Glastonbury Zodiac has become an integral part of the mystical and esoteric lore of Glastonbury. It is often linked to other spiritual and mystical traditions in the area, including the Arthurian legends, the Holy Grail, and the idea of Glastonbury as a centre of spiritual power.

Modern Influence

Today, the Glastonbury Zodiac continues to inspire interest among those drawn to the mystical and the esoteric. It is featured in various books, guided tours, and discussions about the spiritual significance of the Glastonbury landscape. The idea of the zodiac has also influenced modern Pagan and New Age practices, with some viewing it as a tool for understanding the relationship between the earth, the cosmos, and human spirituality.

Whether seen as an ancient sacred landscape or a product of modern imagination, the Glastonbury Zodiac remains a fascinating part of Glastonbury’s rich tapestry of myth and legend, reflecting the enduring allure of this mystical corner of England.

Conclusion

Glastonbury is a town where myth and history are inseparable, each place within its bounds steeped in stories that have been passed down through the generations. From the hallowed grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, said to be the site of the first Christian Church and the final resting place of King Arthur, to the mysterious waters of the Chalice Well, believed to be the hiding place of the Holy Grail, or the surrounding vast Glastonbury Zodiac. Each site contributes to the town's unique spiritual and mythological landscape. Glastonbury Tor stands as a beacon of mystical power, Bride’s Mound as a reminder of forgotten traditions, and the Holy Thorn as a living testament to the town's sacred heritage. Together, these places form a rich tapestry of legend and lore that continues to draw people to Glastonbury in search of the ancient mysteries and myths  that still linger in the air like the scent of incense, subtly woven into the fabric of time, whispering stories of the past with each gentle zephyr of sweet air.

Alexander Peach, Belitung, September 2024