glastonbury tor the site of the isle of avalon

In fact, during the Dark Ages and into later centuries, until the drainage dykes were built, the Somerset levels were prone to flooding. In Arthurian lore, the Isle of Avalon is a sort of mist-shrouded world that is surrounded by water and can only be reached by boat or secret path. In the Dark Ages, the Tor served a more militaristic purpose and there are remains from this period. But it was not always a religious centre.

However, habitation of this place goes much farther back in time with some evidence for people in the area around 3000 B.C. Before that, there was a monastery that dated to about the 9 th century A.D. On the top is the tower of what was the church of St. Glastonbury Tor thrusts up from the Somerset levels like a beacon for miles around.

My morning view of the Tor across the Somerset levels Tor is a word of Celtic origin referring to ‘belly’ in Welsh or a ‘bulging hill’ in Gaelic. From where I lived on the other side of the peat moors, I awoke every morning to see Glastonbury’s majestic Tor shrouded in mist. I lived in the countryside outside of the town for about 3 years and I never tired of walking around Glastonbury and exploring the many sites that make it truly unique. The New Age movement is going strong there, yet another layer of belief to cloak the place. Today, Glastonbury is a place where those seeking spiritual enlightenment are drawn. For many it is the heart of Arthurian tradition, and for some it is the resting place of the Holy Grail. It is a place that was sacred to the Celts, pagan and Christian alike, Saxons, and Normans. The real Glastonbury is a place of mystery, lore and legend. This small town in southwest Britain is an ancient place. It’s a great party, but to me that’s not the real Glastonbury. You’ll think of thousands of people covered in mud as they wend their way, higher than the Hindu Kush, among the tent rows to see their favourite artists rock the Pyramid Stage. To most, the mere mention of Glastonbury will likely conjure images of wild, scantily clad or naked youths and aged hippies. It’s the end of October, and as it is the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain I thought it would be a good idea to look a place that is both mysterious and iconic: Glastonbury Tor.

Glastonbury tor the site of the isle of avalon