Glastonbury Abbey, the oldest in England, was once one of the largest, richest and most influential monasteries in the country.

Archaeologists and historians believe that the abbey was founded in the beginning of VII century, but legend says that the monastery was founded by Joseph of Arimathea himself here in the I century. Here, according to tradition, he brought the Holy Grail, the sacred chalice, which was collected by the blood of Christ. These legends for centuries attracted many pilgrims to the monastery, which also contributed to the prosperity of the abbey. The first stone church was built here at the beginning of the VIII century. An important role in the development of the Abbey of Saint Dunstan played one of the key figures in the history of English Christianity. Abbey was expanded, and the monks adopted the charter of the Benedictine Order. According to the Domesday Book - Census 1086 - Glastonbury Abbey was the richest in the country.

In 1184 a great fire destroyed almost all the monastic buildings. Recovery required a lot of time and money, and significantly reduced the flow of pilgrims. However, in 1191 the monastery cemetery was discovered the tomb of the legendary King Arthur and his wife Guinevere, and interest in Glastonbury broke out again. At the end of the XV century in the city built a special inn to accommodate all those wishing to visit the Abbey - The George Hotel and Pilgrims' Inn.

Church reforms of Henry VIII and his decree dissolving the monasteries in 1536 put an end to the abbey. Wealth him were looted, confiscated land and buildings destroyed. But here still come and pilgrims and tourists. Even the ruins of the monastery buildings hit its grandeur and beauty.