St Michael's tower, Glastonbury Tor

It is thought that Glastonbury Tor was occupied in the C6. Evidence of occupation between 900AD and 1100AD is said to include a Christian cross head and what may have been monks' cells cut into the rock. The granting of a charter for a fair on the Tor dated 1243 suggests that a monastery dedicated to St Michael existed there at that date. The style of the present tower is late C13 with 15C additions. The top storey of the tower is missing and the floors are no longer there: the view upwards from inside shows the sky. A notable restoration of 1804 preserved what was left of the building. Since 1933 the tower and the Tor have been in the care of the National Trust.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300

Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor is a small, steep hill that rises to a height of 518 feet (158m) above the low-lying Somerset Levels, an area of pasture, peat, and marsh. The conical hill is formed of Blue Lias and clay and, with its church tower on the summit, is a notable landmark visible from great distances.

 

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The Tor is associated with the legend of King Arthur, and is mentioned in many early writings. It is thought to have been used by Iron Age peoples and was England's pre-eminent place of pilgrimage in medieval times along with the adjacent Abbey, Glastonbury Thorn, Chalice Well and the town itself. Today no visit to Glastonbury is complete without enjoying the view from the top of the hill. Both photographs were taken from Wearyall Hill, a low summit of 226 feet (69m) to the west of the Tor.

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300