In the absence of any better explanation for the terraces, the labyrinth seems to offer a reasonable explanation for their origin. Given the striking nature of the landscape, it seems highly likely that such significance would have extended back into pre-history. Glastonbury is known with certainty to have been a site of spiritual significance for the best part of 1,500 years. I personally feel that the maze theory offers a far more plausible explanation for the terraces than the ill-considered strip-lynchet theory. They are, however, often reluctant to credit the theory, largely due to its associations with the neo-pagan/new-age movement.
The slight archaeology conducted on the Tor offers no conclusive evidence regarding this mystery, but most academics accept that the maze theory can not be ruled out. The assumed date for this is usually Neolithic. The theory is further undermined by existence of terraces on the North-facing slopes, the sun-free aspect making that side of the Tor a very poor and unusual choice for agricultural activity.Īn alternative theory suggests that the terraces form a ritualistic labyrinth through which neophytes ascended in some form of ceremonial activity.
This theory fails to explain why such labour-intensive landscaping should have been necessary when Glastonbury suffered no shortage of farmland in medieval times. Conventional archaeologists propose that these were once strip-lynchet farming terraces. The Tor's visual character is further augmented by the distinctive terraced earthworks that surround is upper slopes. It was also the site of the execution of Richard Whiting, the last abbot of Glastonbury Abbey. Little is known about the relationship between the church and the abbey to which it belonged, but it's believed to have been a site of pilgrimage. The later church that replaced it was built in the 14th Century and survived until the dissolution in 1539AD, after which time it fell into decay. The church was originally built in the 12th Century, but destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th Century. The visual impact of the Tor is increased by the ruined tower of St Michael's church that crowns its peak. This 'island' remained connected to the mainland by one narrow strip of land - the current route of the Shepton Mallet road. The Tor is situated on an elevated area of land that originally formed a virtual island on the flat, flooded plain of the Somerset Levels. It dominates the the surrounding Somerset landscape and is visible from distances of up to 20 miles. Glastonbury Tor is a naturally occurring hill that rises to a height of 158m. First Photographed: Friday 14th March 2003
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