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While in Glastonbury, we visit the Abbey, the Abbey Museum (quite well done), and the Abbey kitchen. According to legend, King Arthur and Queen Guinivere were buried in the Abbey. We are intrigued by the herbs, breads, and foods left out in the Abbey kitchen. Apparently they have someone talk about the herbs and foods that were cooked and eaten at the Abbey.
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Tor means hill. This hill is a high point surrounding the Somerset Levels which were in ancient times marshes connected by tidal channels to the sea. Therefore, the Tor and the area around it may be the famous Isle of Avalon where King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere were buried in 6th Century. On the top of the Tor is the ruins of a Bell Tower of a 13th Century Church to St. Michael.
Much myth and legend is associated with this area. Some believe that Joseph of Arimathea (who owned the tomb where Jesus was buried) arrived at Glastonbury in 44 AD and when he planted his staff for the night, it sprouted and blossomed the next morning. From this sign, Joseph decided to establish a Christian church here. This staff became the Glastonbury Thorn, a descendent from that bush can still be seen on the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey. Historically, this is considered the site of the first Christian Church in England. Evidence shows that a Christian church has stood here as early as the 4th Century.
Legend has it that Joseph buried the Cup of Jesus' Last Supper (The Holy Grail) at the base of the Tor near the Celestial Well, a spring that never runs dry.
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