4 posts tagged “glastonbury tor”
Glastonbury Tor rises from the lower Lias clays and limestones throught the middle and upper Lias to a deposit of hard Midford Sand on the cap, 521 FT. High. Known locally as Tor Burr, this is more resistant to erosion than the lower levels, making the slopes steep and unstable.
These steep sculptured slopes, rising dramatically from the Isle of Avalon in the flat Somerset levels, have encouraged much speculation about the origin of the Tor in legend. The earliest reference is a mid-Thirteenth Century story of St. Patrick's return from Ireland in which he became leader of a group of hermits at Glastonbury and discovered an ancient ruined oratory on the summit after climbing through a dense wood.
Scattered finds of prehistoric, Roman and later objects suggest the Tor was always used by man, but evidence for actual occupation from the Sixth Century AD was uncovered in the excavations of 1964-6. A second phase of occupation between 800-1100 was distinguished by the head of a cross and what were probably Christian monk's cells cut into the rock on the summit.
The tradition of a monastic site on the Tor is confirmed by a charter of 1243 granting permission for a fair at the monastery of St. Michael there. The present tower, though later modified, is essentially Fifteenth Century and is associated with the second of two major churches which stood on the summit. The second one was probably built after the destructive earthquake of 1275.
The monastic church of St. Michael, closely associated with the great abbey in the town below, fell into ruin after the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1539 , when Richard Whiting, the last abbot of Glastonbury, was hanged on the Tor.
Notice Glastonbury Tor in the background.
Seen in Explore.
OK. That's it! There are no more, I have finished processing this year's photos of Glastonbury. See you in 2008. Love & Big Hugs to all who viewed, commented and faved my pics from this year, I really appreciated it.
Dave Wyatt writes:
Glastonbury Tor, situated overlooking the Somerset levels and the traditional Isle of Avalon in the South West of the United Kingdom, offers a perfect days get away for those in search of a mystical pilgrimage or those who just want one of the best panoramic views of South West England. Supposedly home to the burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinivere, Glastonbury is a vibrant town with a truly eclectic culture and offers many things for the visitor apart from the annual music festival. Legend has it that Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairies, lives on the Tor, and the ritual labyrinth that is on the slopes of the Tor probably dates back to the early goddess religion in England.
