The "Old Church"

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doktoratomik D
doktoratomik Jan 4, 2007 12:12:22

I know this isn't strictly within the remit of TMA, but I'm drawing such a blank on this that I really need some help! The problem I'm having is this: I'm trying to summarise the history of Glastonbury Abbey and I keep running into a number of assertions that appear to have no basis in fact. Unless I'm missing something, even reputable archaeologists appear to be repeating bad information!

The main point of contention is the structure of the "Old Church". In Saxon times (c700AD), there seems to be general agreement that this was some form of wooden building - but the "Old Church" survived right until the fire of 1184AD. Given that the Eastern church appears to have been joined to the Old Church at some point (probably c760AD, but possibly later), it seems obvious to me that the Old Church had evolved into a stone structure. And yet I've seen at least two reputable archaeologists assert that the Old Church was still a wooden building at this time. Worse, Rhatz sites William Malmesbury, claiming that he clearly describes a wooden structure. If so, I've not been able to find any writings where he does so. The primary reference from his "History" is frustratingly vague and doesn't give any mention to the main fabric of the building.

Is there anyone out there that's studied this peculiar piece of history and can enlighten me? I'd be particularly interested in any concrete examples of Malmesbury describing the structure of the church!

Cheers.

M moss
moss Jan 4, 2007 13:29:12
Replying to doktoratomik

Well I have a book called "the Ruined Abbeys of Britain by an American Frederick Ross it must be late 19th C - usual over the top and florid style writing but lots of historic facts....

"in the year 177, William Malmesbury informs us, ............... Saints Phaganus and Duravianus - (who baptised the king) and had a grant of the isle of Avallon. The old wattled church having fallen to decay, they rebuilt it of stone, and dedicated it to Peter and Paul" the king placed 12 anchorets on the island in connection with the new church" and they lived on water and bread for five days, allowed a little wine on Sunday! and he got rid of the druids as well...
skipping through to anglo saxon times and the newly arrive Benedictine order - 630 Paulinus, Bishop of Rochester as abbot, he found the church, the "vetusta Ecclesia", in great state of disrepair, and at his own expense caused it to be cased from foundation to roof, all around, with planking, and removing the thatch, roofed it with lead".

So therefore it seemed to have been both stone and timbered...