Avalon was also called 'the isle of glass' which does suggest similarities to the name 'Glastonbury'. This isn't so far-fetched as it may sound, for a millennium ago the water level was much higher, and the tor would indeed have been an island.

Glastonbury Tor, the hill that rises above Glastonbury, has been linked with the Isle of Avalon, where King Arthur was buried after his death. This was around the year 542 and he was then taken across the water to the Isle of Avalon for his wounds to be healed. The nearby hill fort at South Cadbury has long been suggested as the location for Camelot.Īccording to legend after Arthur's many exploits and stories concerning his Knights, the Round Table and the Holy Grail, he was wounded by Mordred at the battle of Camlann. Glastonbury claims to be Avalon and to be the final resting place of King Arthur. From here he became the country's evangelist.įurther, Joseph is said to have brought with him to Britain a cup, said to have been used at the Last Supper and also used to catch the blood dripping from Christ as he hung on the Cross.Ī variation of this story is that Joseph brought with him two cruets, one containing the blood and the other, the sweat of Christ. The thorn staff immediately took miraculous root, and it can be seen there still on Wearyall Hill.Īt Glastonbury Joseph built the first monastery in Britain. Having brought with him a staff grown from Christ's Holy Crown of Thorns, he thrust it into the ground and announced that he and his twelve companions were 'Weary All'. His boat ran ashore in the Glastonbury Marshes and, together with his followers, he climbed a nearby hill to survey the surrounding land. The year AD 63 is commonly given for this 'event'. Lazarus & Mary stayed in Marseilles, while the others travelled north towards Britain.Īt the English Channel, St Philip sent Joseph, with twelve disciples, to establish Christianity in the most far-flung corner of the Roman Empire: the Island of Britain.

He also provided the tomb where the crucified Lord was laid until his Resurrection.Īfter the death of Jesus, legend has it that Joseph accompanied the Apostle Philip, Lazarus, Mary Magdalene & others on a preaching mission to Gaul. Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy disciple of Jesus.

Glastonbury tor joseph of arimathea