Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey
The Abbey Gatehouse
Magdalene Street
Glastonbury
Somerset
BA6 9EL
England
Website
general enquiries
education services
education@glastonburyabbey.com
Telephone
general office
01458 832267
Education services
01458 836113
Fax
01458 836117
Extensive ruins set in 36 acres of parkland in the centre of the town of Glastonbury. The Abbey is believed to be one of the earliest recorded Christian foundations in the land, and the burial place of King Arthur as well as three Saxon Kings. The legendary Glastonbury Thorn has made this a place of pilgrimage across the ages even after the last Abbot was hanged on the Tor after the dissolution of the Abbey. We have a fine Norman Lady Chapel and the remains of what was once one of the richest, largest and most influential abbeys in the country. We have a museum, gift shop and outdoor refreshments available on site in summer.
Venue Type:
Garden, parklands or rural site, Sacred space, Museum, Heritage site, Archaeological site
Additional info
From March to October we have a team of Living History guides on site offering tours through the ruins to talk about pilgrimage and our connections to King Arthur. We offer an extensive range of support materials for schools of all types and the study of Saxon, Norman and Tudor History as well as pilgrimage and monasticism. A range of practical activities for primary schools is also on offer with advance booking.
Collection details
Archaeology, Archives, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Coins and Medals
Dunstan's Needle
- 15 February — 1 June 2014 *on now
A sketch of Dunstan, the 10th century Abbot of Glastonbury and later Archbishop of Canterbury, who was immortalised as a saint, has been recreated for the first time in embroidery.
The work by internationally renowned embroidery designer Helen M Stevens will go on show at Glastonbury Abbey from February 15 to June 1.
The exhibition will also feature contemporary work reflecting Helen Steven’s passion for medieval embroidery.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Normal Abbey admission applies.
Website
Easter Activities
- 14 — 21 April 2014 *on now
Come and join in the fun with Glastonbury Abbey's Easter Trail.
Each child will receive a prize on completion.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 0-4
Admission
Normal Abbey admission applies. Price £2 per child
Website
Dunstan’s Needle – Anglo Saxon Attitudes to Embroidery
- 25 April 2014 7-8pm
To accompany her exhibition in the Abbey Visitor’s Centre, Helen’s talk is a fascinating reflection on Anglo Saxon embroidery from the 7th – 11th centuries, and how it has been mirrored in her 30 year career as an international textile artist. The evolution of techniques from simple woollen stitching to fine gold and silk work echoes the turbulent history of what was once called the “Dark Ages”. A wealth of illustrations both historic and contemporary accompany the lecture. Time for questions and answers to follow.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
£4.00 per person.
Website
http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/events.php
Workshop with Helen M Stevens
- 26 April 2014 10am-4:30pm
A fascinating one day Masterclass with international embroidery artist Helen M. Stevens in which students will recreate a design from the Abbey’s collection in the style of 9th century silk and gold work embroidery. All materials included in the course price - optional faux or real gold thread, detailed instruction with time for one-to-one tuition. Suitable for all levels of expertise, but a slight knowledge of embroidery an advantage.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
£45.00 With faux gold thread materials set. £65.00 with real gold thread materials set.
Website
http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/events.php
Dunstan's Needle - Meet the Artist
- 28 April 2014 11am-4pm
Helen Stevens will be present at her exhibition. A fantastic chance to learn more or ask any questions you may have about her work. This talk will run at: 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00.
Suitable for
- 18+
Website
http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/events.php
Taunton Garrison - Monmouth Rebellion
- 23 — 24 August 2014
Taunton Garrison return for another re-enactment of the Monmouth Rebellion. Come and discover the often forgotten part which Glastonbury Abbey played in one of Somerset's most calamitous events.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Normal Abbey admission applies
Website
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