Re: GlastonburyTor | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Bob Dylans Lunch Jul 9, 2004 15:01:12

Replying to doktoratomik

Wasn't the Tor in the middle of marsh back then?

I always thought it was an island. The Bristol Channel as is now came right inland across the Somerset Levels.. maybe the lower levels weren't used for farming as they were prone to flooding.. who knows eh! You can see how far inland the water could have come by sitting onto of Ham Hill in Somerset after a wet winter and looking out towards the Tor... water water everywhere....Tis just my theory and I am probably completely utterly totally wrong so please dismiss it as rubbish... Isn't the legend that Jesus and Joseph of Arimathea (s'cuse spelling) came to Glastonbury by boat, and took the thorn from the top of Wearyall Hill???

I'm going back to Glastonbury at the end of the month, not by boat mind, I'll see what I can find out!!!

doktoratomik Jul 9, 2004 15:08:50

Replying to Bob Dylans Lunch

Glastonbury was never a real island, but it was surrounded on most sides by water. It was still connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land (the current route of the road leading to Shepton Mallet). This approach to Glastonbury features an erthwork, which was either a defensive barrier, or a symbolic barrier marking the entrance to a sacred site. Opinions differ. It is still visible just past West Pennard heading towards Glastonbury, and is know as Ponter's Ball.

Mr Hamhead Jul 10, 2004 23:13:57

Replying to Bob Dylans Lunch

There is also a legend that sys Jesus and Joseph came to Looe Island of the south Cornish coast trading for tin....and that people were turned to stone for playing games on Sundays!

The things that people will do to get you to Church!