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All the United Kingdom England Glastonbury Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor

This hill and tower are steeped in legend, from King Arthur to the Holy Grail.

Glastonbury, England

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Photo taken Sep 2022   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Glastonbury Tor   Cloud Winchester / Atlas Obscura User
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Glastonbury Tor   Cloud Winchester / Atlas Obscura User
Glastonbury Tor   Cloud Winchester / Atlas Obscura User
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
Morning mist and sun on the Tor.   joshuacarlon / Atlas Obscura User
There are always to paths to enlightenment: the gentle, easy path, and this path.   ionesc0 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This massive hill has also been referred to as Ynys yr Afalon or the Isle of Avalon from the Arthurian legend. During the 12th and 13th centuries, it was widely believed that the hill was once the island where Excalibur was forged and where King Arthur recovered from the Battle of Camlann. However, this isn't the only legend associated with the hill.

The hill is also said to be the home of a hidden cave that allows safe passage into the fairy realm of Annwn. Then there's the story that Jesus's uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, buried the Holy Grail on the hill. It's said that Jesus himself also traveled to the Tor di Glastonbury as a young boy. 

Atop of the hill stands a bell tower that once belonged to the church of St Michael. The tower was also the site of a grisly episode during the 16th-century. The last abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, Richard Whiting, was hung, drawn, and quartered at the tower along with two of his monks for their loyalty to Rome.   

Legends and mysteries abound, the site is maintained today by the National Trust and is listed as a scheduled monument. 

Related Tags

Legends King Arthur Architecture History & Culture

Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water. Bring an umbrella with you as there is no shelter at the site.

Community Contributors

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Cloud Winchester

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joshuacarlon, ionesc0, rbenn250, Gavin...

  • joshuacarlon
  • ionesc0
  • rbenn250
  • Gavin
  • Gazakhstan
  • lizemaeve
  • mbqccd46mp

Published

April 29, 2020

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Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury, England, BA6 8BG
United Kingdom
51.144444, -2.698611
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Nearby Places

The White Spring

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Glastonbury

Glastonbury

England

Places 5

Nearby Places

The White Spring

Glastonbury, England

miles away

Chalice Well (The Red Spring)

Glastonbury, England

miles away

'King Arthur's Tomb'

Glastonbury, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Glastonbury

Glastonbury

England

Places 5

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