glastonbury tor the site of the isle of avslon

Glastonbury Tor is understandably amongst the contenders to claim the name Avalon. The location is unknown but Arthur subsequently died. RELATED CONTENT: Celtic Spirituality in the British IslesĪrthurian legend of 1136 tells that King Arthur was carried to an island called Avalon during the 6th century. Celtic folklore tells of the enchanted isle of Avalon, mythological meeting place of deceased heroes. The lake was known as “Ynys-wydryn”, Celtic Welsh for the Island of Glass. The Tor was surrounded by a huge lake two thousand years ago. All the offered explanations have more naysayers than believers.

This may be either terraced agriculture, cattle tracks, defence, a spiral walkway or even a labyrinth. There is obvious terracing running up the 500 ft high Tor. Nowadays the settlement is known as Glastonbury Lake Village. These items were most likely offerings to Iron Age Gods.

Tools and decorative items have been found in the swamps. Historians suppose that the colossal effort of constructing and maintaining the homes was worth it due to the protection offered by the surrounding swamp. Significantly, the houses were raised above the swamp on wooden poles.

There is however irrefutable evidence of a late Iron Age village below the hill. However, Iron Age habitation of the hill is not proven. This of course shows that the Tor itself was visited. Tracks towards the Tor were constructed over the marshes from around 3838BC so we know without doubt that the area was used.Īrtefacts have also been excavated from the Tor. Indeed, it would have appeared to ancient man as an island. In pre-history, Glastonbury Tor rose above the Somerset Levels from a wetland fen.

Its name derives from the proliferation of sites dedicated to St Michael along its length. The town sits neatly on the St Michael alignment, a ley line which runs diagonally from St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall across the country to Hopton in Norfolk. The town of Glastonbury is rich in spiritual significance, folklore, and archaeological history. Advice on parking a motorhome in Glastonbury.

Glastonbury tor the site of the isle of avslon