A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Monday 27 October 2014

Glastonbury Tor And The Isle Of Avalon

Glastonbury Tor . . .

. . . one of the most spiritual sites in Britain.

Wearyall Hill and part of Glastonbury town from one of the footpaths up the Tor. This area used to be an island surrounded by marsh, and was known as the Isle of Avalon, or the Island of Apples.

All that is left of St Michael's Church on top of the Tor. The black dots in the sky are house martins.

Present-day shrine in the 15th-century tower.

The Vale of Avalon.

Looking across to Glastonbury Tor from Wearyall Hill. The stumpy dead tree on the right is a Glastonbury Thorn, a type of hawthorn which is unique to Glastonbury and blooms twice a year. Unfortunately the blooming days of this one are past, as it has been mysteriously and repeatedly attacked by person or persons unknown. The legend goes that Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with the Holy Grail, thrust his staff into Wearyall Hill, and the sacred Thorn grew from that very spot.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

On my list of place in Britain I want to go to but haven't yet been to.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Many years since I went here Robert, so enjoyed the reminders.

Amanda Summer said...

Sublimely beautiful. Some day I will visit Glastonbury. I have enjoyed reading the Jungian Jean Shinoda Bolen's account of her journey there.

The Solitary Walker said...

I think you would like it there, Dominic.

Glad you enjoyed the recollection, Pat...

... and Amanda — you won't believe this, but my wife bought Jean Shinoda Bolens's book 'Goddesses in Older Women' while we were in Glastonbury!

Ruth said...

A beautiful hike it must have been. Just splendid.

The Solitary Walker said...

it was a very special morning, Ruth. A gentle, beautiful walk, with Carmen with me for a change, a hazy atmosphere, and all those mystical, legendary associations...