"Glass discovered at Glastonbury Abbey dates back to 7th century, researchers find" (from medievalists.net) [May 2012]
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| Glastonbury glass discoveries |
Glass furnaces recorded in 1955-7 were previously thought to date from before the Norman Conquest. However, radiocarbon dating has now revealed that they date approximately to the 680s, and are likely to be associated with a major rebuilding of the abbey undertaken by King Ine of Wessex. Glass-making at York and Wearmouth is recorded in historical documents in the 670s but Glastonbury provides the earliest and most substantial archaeological evidence for glass-making in Saxon Britain.
The extensive remains of five furnaces have been identified, together with fragments of clay crucibles and glass for window glazing and drinking vessels, mainly of vivid blue-green colour. It is likely that specialist glassworkers came from Gaul (France) to work at Glastonbury. The glass will be analysed chemically to provide further information on the sourcing and processing of materials.
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William of Malmesbury has much to say about the history of Glastonbury Abbey and demonstrates cautious historical methodology in dating its origin. His position is nicely captured in the excerpt from Geoffrey Ashe's Avalonian Quest.
The question to answer:
"What role did Glastonbury play in the early spread of Christianity in Britain?"
One way in which Glastonbury helped the early spread of Christianity in Britain was the Glastonbury Abbey. This Abbey made Glastonbury the first British Christian community. This Abbey was held in very high esteem and treated reverently by the local community and visitors, which in turn influenced grand and mythical legends to be created involving the Abbey.
ReplyDelete-Maddi
Good work Maddi. You're right about the fabulous myths that developed around the site of Glastonbury.
DeleteGlastonbury played a key role in the spread of early Christianity as is demonstrated in Geoffrey Ashe's Avalonian Quest. Historians suggest that this could be the earliest Christian community in Britain. It also encouraged the spread of trade (throughout Britain and internationaly) which in itself furthered Christianity in Britain by spreading its influence. The glass mentioned in the above article validates this.
ReplyDeleteBec
Excellent work linking two documents and using them to support your position.
DeleteGlastonbury is the only surviving pioneering Christian community in Britain which makes it the oldest and arguably the most sacred religious house in the country. The geological position of Glastonbury (nestled on islands in the wetlands turned marshlands) at the time influenced its success in becoming a thriving town where goods could be sold and traded, as well as a place where religious ideas and influences could spread. The mystery surrounding its creation has furthered the mythical tales surrounding the history of not only Glastonbury, but also of the people who have been said to walk the Abbey halls in centuries past.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully expressed Emma
DeleteWhilst Glastonbury as a place is significant in British Christian history, it seems the abbey that sits atop Glastonbury Tor is largely the cause for the town becoming a spiritual centre. It is likely that the beliefs and religious stories that surrounded this building, as discussed by Ashe in “Avalonian Quest,” would have attracted certain people to the town and may have played some role in converting non-believers. Travelers that passed through the town may have repeated these Christian stories and the mysteries that surround the church, which consequently may have played a role in spreading Christianity throughout Britain.
ReplyDeleteExcellent response Ellyse
DeleteBecause the Glastonbury Abbey survived and was not effected by outside influence it allowed the spread of Christianity to stay unbroken. The rich trade also allowed Christianity to prosper as it allowed the townships to continue to grow and thus help the spread of Christianity.
ReplyDeleteElouise J.
Why and how was Glastonbury Abbey "not effected by outside influence"?
DeleteThe Glastonbury Abbey played a role in the early spread of Christianity in Britain as the town and its surrounding area in which the Abbey is located was a site of widespread trade, bringing in visitors who would in turn, further spread the religion. The unbroken Christian continuity of Glastonbury heavily contributed to this also
ReplyDeleteGood work Sheldon
DeleteAn already established Celtic monastery at the time of arrival of the Saxons (some time after 658, hence Christianity was already the State religion of the Empire), Glastonbury was venerated as the holiest place in Britain; being both the first and oldest religious house in the land. A ‘recognised senior establishment’, of unknown origins, drew people to the Old Church itself, and provided a secure home in which Christianity could be fostered. At the beginning of the Christian era, Glastonbury was a major inhabited area, and so provided a mass population for which the new religion could influence, and being a major trading port, visitors coming and going from Glastonbury aided in the spread of Christianity. Referred to as a pioneer monastery, Glastonbury is the only Christian site with unbroken continuity from Celtic Britain through to Anglo-Saxon Britain.
ReplyDeleteWas Glastonbury a major port? Do you mean river port?
DeleteGlastonbury was home to the Glastonbury Abbey and it is commonly accepted that it was the site of the first British Christian community. Glastonbury also became a hub for trade, allowing stories and beliefs to be passed along from traveller and trader alike, in turn aiding the spread of Christianity throughout Britain. The unknown origin of the 'Old Church' itself allowed myths and legends to be born, allowing Glastonbury's spiritual reputation to live on.
ReplyDeleteGood response
Delete