Introducing Glastonbury
Glastonbury lies in the south west of England, 2½ hours by road from London, Heathrow airport and Birmingham, and one hour south of Bristol.
It has a long heritage and, today, this lively town has a unique flavour and character. It attracts visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
Glastonbury has a population of nearly 10,000 people. It has a number of small industries, many self-employed people with special skills, a specialised retail sector and a big visitor trade.
Historically, it was the site of a medieval abbey, significant because of traditions telling that Jesus and Joseph of Arimathaea came here and King Arthur and Guinevere were buried here. It was a sacred centre from the Megalithic period 4-5,000 years ago.
It is on what once was an island, Avalon, overlooked by Glastonbury Tor.
Nowadays it is a world-leading centre for the 'alternative' movement, hosting a famous rock festival and home to three generations of 'alternative types'.
Glastonbury has three main sub-communities: local born-and-bred, 'incomers' and 'alternative types' – though this isn't a clear-cut division. Its broad social spectrum gives it a special flavour.
It's a great place to spend a few days to sort yourself out, attend courses and events, find healing or just spend time. It's a pilgrimage place for Christians, independent souls and Goddess-worshippers seeking uplift, learning, peers and a new start in life.
Isle of Avalon
This page designed and written May 2005 by Palden Jenkins. Pictures with many thanks to Lesley Delamont.