Author Description

"Glastonbury Tor is a prominent natural hill whose uniquely dramatic shape has been determined by the combination of geological, agricultural and religious activities. On the summit once stood the cluster of church and buildings that formed the Monastery of St. Michael. Founded possibly as early as the 9th century A.D., it existed until the Dissolution of 1539. Now all that remains is the 14th century tower. During the medieval period the terraces around the Tor were used by the monks for agricultural purposes, but it is hard to say that they originally built them. In the troubled 'Dark Ages' the Tor was settled by those whose intentions, judging from the archaeological evidence, were more military than monastic; and the records speak of associations with King Arthur. Very little remains from the period before this time: the depths of Prehistory -- an area this booklet intends to explore. But there are traditions of a sacred hill upon an island with an entrance to an 'Otherworld'. And there is proof of enormous labour upon the Tor's slopes; that if solely for agriculture was easier done elsewhere; and if for some ceremonial purpose -- a maze? a processional way? -- was very likely done in a time so remote that the significance is hard to fully understand or even imagine."--Introduction