‘Temple of Reconciliation’ tour with Jon Cousins
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An exclusive ‘Temple of Reconciliation’ tour for the Pilgrim Reception Centre.
Join us as we explore Avalon’s sacred landscape, mythic places, and ancient buildings; uncovering how the story of Glastonbury and the story of Britain are intricately intertwined.
‘The Matter of Glastonbury as the Matter of Britain’
Our tour begins in the graveyard of St. John’s Church, where we contemplate the arrival of St. Joseph of Arimathea, his twelve companions, the Holy Grail, ‘Meribah’, and the miracle of the Holy Thorn.
Travelling on, we explore the symbolism in the ruined Abbey: the mysterious Wattle-and-Daub Church – the first Christian Church – the significance of Our Lady of Glastonbury, and the Liberty of the Twelve Hides.
We discover Glastonbury’s Celtic Saints – including the Patron Saints David, Patrick, and St. George – and we reflect on the significance of St. Bride and St. Michael.
We then consider the rise of the Abbey, St. Dunstan and the Saxon Kings, and the revival of English monastic life.
Our journey encounters ‘the Second Rome’ and the ‘New Jerusalem’ – the Quest for the Grail and the burial of King Arthur in Avalon…
We reflect on the Great Fire of 1184, the rebuilding of the Abbey, the esoteric significance of two words carved into the stone of the Lady Chapel.
We see the physical impact of the Reformation and Dissolution; the destruction of Glastonbury and the death of the Last Abbot.
Our journey then goes inward, to envision the wider, natural, numinous temple of this “Holiest Earth in England”, arriving at a deeper understanding of elemental nature of this sacred Isle and the sanctuary at the Heart of Avalon.
Finally, we return to St. Joseph, the Holy Thorn, and reflect upon Blake’s enigmatic question: “And did those feet in ancient times?”
Jon Cousins is a writer, musician, local historian, and activist who has been Mayor of Glastonbury four times. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the myths, legends, and characters that populate both the town’s past and present and is well-known for his active roles in local community initiatives, conservation projects, and debates regarding the town’s heritage status. His publications including the ‘Glastonbury Documents’, which study the lasting impact of the judicial murder of the town’s last Abbot; the numinous qualities of Avalon; and the importance of the temporal and spiritual aspects at the Heart of this special, unique, and sacred place.
Tickets available in the Pilgrim Reception Centre or just show up on the day.
Price £45
Join us as we explore Avalon’s sacred landscape, mythic places, and ancient buildings; uncovering how the story of Glastonbury and the story of Britain are intricately intertwined.
‘The Matter of Glastonbury as the Matter of Britain’
Our tour begins in the graveyard of St. John’s Church, where we contemplate the arrival of St. Joseph of Arimathea, his twelve companions, the Holy Grail, ‘Meribah’, and the miracle of the Holy Thorn.
Travelling on, we explore the symbolism in the ruined Abbey: the mysterious Wattle-and-Daub Church – the first Christian Church – the significance of Our Lady of Glastonbury, and the Liberty of the Twelve Hides.
We discover Glastonbury’s Celtic Saints – including the Patron Saints David, Patrick, and St. George – and we reflect on the significance of St. Bride and St. Michael.
We then consider the rise of the Abbey, St. Dunstan and the Saxon Kings, and the revival of English monastic life.
Our journey encounters ‘the Second Rome’ and the ‘New Jerusalem’ – the Quest for the Grail and the burial of King Arthur in Avalon…
We reflect on the Great Fire of 1184, the rebuilding of the Abbey, the esoteric significance of two words carved into the stone of the Lady Chapel.
We see the physical impact of the Reformation and Dissolution; the destruction of Glastonbury and the death of the Last Abbot.
Our journey then goes inward, to envision the wider, natural, numinous temple of this “Holiest Earth in England”, arriving at a deeper understanding of elemental nature of this sacred Isle and the sanctuary at the Heart of Avalon.
Finally, we return to St. Joseph, the Holy Thorn, and reflect upon Blake’s enigmatic question: “And did those feet in ancient times?”
Jon Cousins is a writer, musician, local historian, and activist who has been Mayor of Glastonbury four times. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the myths, legends, and characters that populate both the town’s past and present and is well-known for his active roles in local community initiatives, conservation projects, and debates regarding the town’s heritage status. His publications including the ‘Glastonbury Documents’, which study the lasting impact of the judicial murder of the town’s last Abbot; the numinous qualities of Avalon; and the importance of the temporal and spiritual aspects at the Heart of this special, unique, and sacred place.
Tickets available in the Pilgrim Reception Centre or just show up on the day.
Price £45
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Where is it happening?
48 High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DX Glastonbury, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherGlastonbury Pilgrim Reception Centre
