Glastonbury Abbey was one of the most powerful and influential churches in Britain. In 1539, Henry VII ordered its destruction, and it was razed to the ground with such thoroughness that even its floor plan and overall dimensions were lost. Local people carted away the stones over the centuries, nothing remained of the Abbey.
In 1907, Glastonbury was bought over by a wealthy individual and held in trust until the Church of England could raise the money to buy the site and begin restoration in 1908. Frederick Bligh Bond was given the responsibility of excavation.
Bligh Bond instead of adopting the usual trial and error method of excavation, i.e. digging a trench here and there, Bligh used Spirit writing. With the most astonishing speed he uncovered the floor plan of the 600 foot Abbey, and made many remarkable discoveries with regards to the Abbey.
In 1918, Bligh disclosed in this book “The Gate of remembrance” that he and his friend John Alleyne, had come in contact with a deceased monk 'Johannes Bryant' through Automatic / Spiritual writing. Johannes lived from 1497 to 1533, and was involved in constructing the Abbey. Under his influence, Alleyne sketched a gargoyle that Johannes claimed to have sculpted himself.
Bond dug as instructed by his spiritual guide and almost at once discovered the foundations for the Abbey's twin towers followed by the legendary Edgar Chapel. Next he found the main altar, and an unknown side door behind it, as well as finding coloured glass, secret tunnels, water courses and drainage systems. He was able to identify every part of the site, including the herb gardens, the monks' hospital, dormitories, washrooms, some small cloisters (which were not shown on any historical plans).
Glastonbury Abbey today is supposed to be the oldest existing Christian church in the world.
1 comment:
You should have told me about it, while I was in London. I would have visited the church ;). Never mind... there is always "next time" :)
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