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Activities Attractions Glastonbury Abbey
Activities Attractions Glastonbury Abbey
Somerset Guide
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Glastonbury Abbey | |||||||
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Category:
Attractions,
Area:
Mendip
Town:
Glastonbury
Convenient for: Central Somerset
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Gallery - Click the images to enlarge
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Description
About Glastonbury Abbey : The abbey is set amid 36 acres of beautiful and peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury, and is steeped in 2000 years of history and legends. It was here in 1191 that the monks sought and found the remains of King Arthur, and their bones were reburied in 1278, inside the Abbey church. It is also traditionally the first Christian Sanctuary in Britain, visited, so legend has it, by Joseph of Arimathea and Saints David and Patrick. Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree – which blossoms twice each year - originated from Joseph of Arimathea’s staff and others are convinced that King Arthur really was buried here. Whatever one believes, the facts are that the magnificent ruins are unique- quite evocative and atmospheric - and the grounds do really provide a spot of peace and tranquillity in this otherwise hectic world. If the weather is poor then there is the modern Visitor Centre, which includes a model of the Abbey as it might have looked in 1539, and the magnificent restored 16th century Othery Cope. From March to October our Costumed Guides will regale you with tales of the history of the Abbey and the life of its monks, and even King Arthur. Our team of guides consists of Brothers Cedric, Nicholas, Walter, Cuthbert and John, their busy kitchen maids Alice and Alkanet, Abelard the Stonemason, Sir Richard Pollard and Matilda the Pilgrim. Two or three members of our team are on duty daily, with one entertaining visitors, several times during the day, in the Abbots Kitchen – each performance lasts approx 20 to 30 minutes - where we have endeavoured to create an authentic medieval kitchen environment. Learn how the monks would have lived and discover the food and drink that would have been available to them in medieval times. In addition for the school summer holidays one character will, at set times and on set days, take the role of an Arthurian knight, recounting the tales of King Arthur to visiting families. During school holidays, and half terms a programme of activities and trails for children will be available. The Abbey also has a varied programme of events during the year, including craft demonstrations, music in the Abbots Kitchen, small exhibitions and outdoor theatre etc., for details please see our website at www.glastonburyabbey.com During 2009 we were repairing, prior to enhancing St. Patricks Chapel, a 16c chapel within the Abbey precinct; removing modern plaster and cement and replacing with traditional lime. This work which is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund is scheduled to finish in early 2010. Repairs are now complete, to the building, however, the inside of the chapel has to be adorned with ‘medieval’ style wall paintings and a new coloured east window. Or just take a walk in the park, amongst the grassy glades or along the shady badger boardwalk. See the orchard, with its rustic seats and willow bowers, the fish pond, or the duck pond (Don’t forget to feed the ducks!). Then there is the Herb Garden, set with the same herbs as the monks would have done. We are also slowly enhancing the grounds with new wildlife areas and introducing wild flowers and native grasses and lots of seasonal colour - snowdrops (we have planted some 30,000 bulbs in the past 4 years), crocus, bluebells, cowslips and daffodils etc. With 250 trees in the park the Autumn colours are wonderful too ! And don’t forget our Outdoor Summer Cafe (open early May until end September) for the sale of teas, coffees, cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, icecreams and even cream teas ! We look forward to welcoming you. | |||||||
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Contact: Francis Thyer
Tel: 01458 832267
Address: Abbey Gatehouse,
Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset. | |||||||
Date added: 2009-08-28 20:49:34
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