Glastonbury Abbey, the oldest in England, was once one of the largest, richest and most influential monasteries of the country.

Archaeologists and historians believe that the Abbey was founded in the beginning of the seventh century, but the legend says that the monastery was founded here by Joseph of Arimathea in the first century. Here, according to legend, he brought the Holy Grail, the sacred chalice, which was collected the blood of Christ. These legends over the centuries, attracted to the monastery pilgrims, which also contributed to the prosperity of the Abbey. The first stone Church was built here in the beginning of VIII century. Important role in the development of the Abbey played St. Dunstan, one of the key figures in the history of English Christianity. The Abbey was expanded, and the monks adopted the Charter of the Benedictine monks. According to the Domesday Book census of 1086, the year – Glastonbury Abbey was the richest in the country.

In 1184 a large fire practically destroyed the monastic buildings. The restoration took a lot of time and money, and the flow of pilgrims has decreased markedly. However, in 1191 the convent cemetery was discovered the grave of the legendary king Arthur and his wife Guinevere, and the interest in Glastonbury broke out again. At the end of the XV century the city is building a special Inn, to accommodate those who wish to visit the Abbey – The George Hotel and Pilgrims’ Inn.

Church reforms of Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries 1536 put an end to the existence of the Abbey. Wealth were destroyed, land confiscated, and buildings destroyed. However, this still coming in and the pilgrims and tourists. Even the ruins of the monastery buildings impress with their grandeur and beauty.