Glastonbury Abbey facts for kids
Glastonbury Abbey is a famous old church building located in Glastonbury, Somerset, England. Today, it is mostly in ruins, but it was once one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in England. Many important people and legends are connected to its long history.
Long ago, a king named Ine of Wessex decided to build a stone church on this site. Later, in the year 946 AD, King Edmund I of England was buried at the Abbey. It is also well-known because many people believe it is the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur and his queen, Guinevere.
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A Look Back at Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey has a very long and interesting history. It is believed that a church has stood on this spot for many centuries, possibly even since early Christian times in Britain. Over the years, it grew into a large and important religious center.
Building the Abbey
The first stone church was built by King Ine of Wessex. This was a big step, as many earlier buildings were made of wood. Over time, the Abbey was rebuilt and expanded many times. It became a huge complex with many buildings, including a large church, living quarters for monks, and other important structures.
Famous Burials at the Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey became a special burial place for important people. King Edmund I, who ruled England, was buried here in 946 AD. But perhaps the most famous story is about King Arthur. For centuries, people have believed that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried at the Abbey. While this is a legend, it has made Glastonbury Abbey a very popular place to visit.
Life at the Abbey
Life at the Abbey was centered around prayer and work. Monks lived there, dedicating their lives to God. They also managed large areas of land, grew food, and helped the local community. The Abbey was a center of learning, with monks copying books and creating beautiful illuminated manuscripts. The Abbot's Kitchen, which is still standing today, shows how the monks prepared their meals.
The End of the Abbey
In the 1500s, during the time of King Henry VIII, many monasteries in England were closed down. This event was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Glastonbury Abbey was one of the last to be closed. Its last abbot, Richard Whiting, was executed in 1539. After this, the Abbey buildings were largely destroyed, and the stone was taken away to be used for other constructions.
Visiting the Ruins Today
Today, Glastonbury Abbey is a beautiful ruin. Visitors can walk among the ancient stones and imagine what life was like centuries ago. You can see the remains of the great church, the Lady Chapel, and the well-preserved Abbot's Kitchen. It is a peaceful and historic place that still attracts many people interested in its past and the legends surrounding it.
Images for kids
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St. Edgar's and St. Mary's Chapels, Glastonbury Abbey, c. 1860, by Frank M Good
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One of the earliest surviving manuscripts, now at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, telling that Dunstan the abbot gave orders for the writing of this book
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Photochrom image taken around 1900, showing the unrestored interior of the Lady Chapel
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Site of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's purported tomb beneath the high altar
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The Abbot's Kitchen
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Lady Chapel interior
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Abbey House
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See also
In Spanish: Abadía de Glastonbury para niños
