| Glastonbury
today is a centre for religious tourism and pilgrimage.
Strains of mysticism and paganism co-exist, not always
easily, with followers of its Christian heritage. As with
many towns of similar size, the centre is not as thriving
as it once was but Glastonbury supports a remarkable number
of pagan or Alternative shops, often featuring magical
items prominently among their wares. The outskirts of
the town boast a DIY shop and the slow redevelopment of
a former sheepskin and slipper factory site, once owned
by Morlands. Although the redevelopment has been slow,
clearance of the site has begun with a dramatic change
to its appearance.
The ruins of the
abbey are open to visitors; the abbey had a violent
end during the Dissolution and the buildings were progressively
destroyed as their stones were removed for use in local
building work. The remains of the Abbot's Kitchen (a
grade I listed building) and the Lady Chapel are particularly
well-preserved. Not far away is situated the Somerset
Rural Life Museum, which includes the restored Abbey
Barn. Other points of interest include St. John's Church,
the Chalice Well, and the historic George and Pilgrims
Inn, built to accommodate visitors to the Abbey.
The walk up the
Tor to the distinctive tower at the summit (the partially
restored remains of an old church) is rewarded by vistas
of the Mid-Somerset area including the Levels, drained
marshland. From there, 150m above sea level, it is easy
to appreciate how Glastonbury was once an island and,
in the winter, the surrounding moors are often flooded,
giving that appearance once more.
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