Architectural reporter David Young on Glastonbury

David Young visits Glastonbury famous for its festival and its legends of King Arthur, the Holy Grail and Joseph of Arimathea

Architect and Westward travel reporter David Young visits the historic town of Glastonbury. Located on a high point of the Somerset levels in the Mendip district. The town claims to have the oldest road in the world dating back to 3807 BC called the Sweet Track. Many buildings in Glastonbury date as far back as the 15th century including the Chalice Well at the foot of Glastonbury Tor which has been used for thousands of years.

St Margaret’s Chapel built on Magdalene Road in 1444 and originally a hospital became an almshouse for the poor, the George and Pilgrims Inn was also built in the 15th Century. Glastonbury it is said, is linked to the legend of King Arthur, the Holy Grail and Joseph of Arimathea, the man said to have given his prepared tomb of Jesus after his crucifixion. Joseph was said to have visited Glastonbury on a pilgrimage and placed his staff into the soil, it flowered miraculously turning into the Glastonbury thorn. The popular Glastonbury Music Festival is located in fields aound Pilton and near to the town.