"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 Glass-making at York and Wearmouth is recorded in historical documents in the 670s but Glastonbury provides the earliest and most substantial archaeological evidence for glass-making in Saxon Britain.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?"
Glastonbury played a signifcant role in setting the foundations for a future Christian Britain. Glastonbury, as evidenced by early historian accounts and more recently archeological evidence, may have been the first signifcant British Christian settlement. It is at least the oldest significant one to survive to the 12th century. It was a main centre for Christianity in Britain predating the Anglo-Saxon British conquest in the 7th century. The Church is referred to as the "Old Church" indicating that even ancient historians were ignorant of the date and name of its founder. Literature suggests that Christianity reached Britain as early as the first or second century and this may be the time when the "Old Chruch" was built. The reasons Glastonbury flourished in ancient time are numerous, it was relatively easy to reach by boat, in addition the Church was venerated and those buried in its grounds regarded as saintly. Although it is true that Glastonbury was a foundation of British Christianity and provided a haven for early Christians I do not believe it had a big impact on Christianity's spread throughout Britain. The Saxons, who destroyed many churches in their wake, were already converted on reaching the "Old Church" indicating that other areas and factors were responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout Britain and this was the factor that safe-guarded the "Old Church" from Saxon destruction.
ReplyDeleteA very fine focus on answering the question - thankyou! I'm not quite sure, however, that I follow your logic at this point - "The Saxons, who destroyed many churches in their wake, were already converted on reaching the "Old Church" ..." If they were already converted why would they have destroyed the churches in their wake?
DeleteI agree that Glastonbury seems significant in the sense of providing a foundation for the future of Christianity in Britain, rather than responsible for its spread. Especially considering, as Ashe notes, that Glastonbury was rather secluded. Maybe it became more important as Christianity spread because it may have provided a physical symbol of Christian faith.
ReplyDeleteGood answer, but why does Ashe come to this position?
DeleteAshe suggests that Gastonbury was secluded because of the landscape of marshes and swamps and because the Church was not destroyed during the early Saxon invasions, which implies that it was in a more remote region.
DeleteFrom the excerpts provided, it is perhaps difficult to state how much of a role Glastonbury played in the PHYSICAL spread of Christianity, as Ashe states that the church was most likely not a "mission centre". Especially as many of the Saxons are described as having already been converted to Christianity before reaching the Glastonbury church, there were obviously many other contributing factors in the spread of the Christian faith at the time. However, the church itself does represent an incredibly sacred site in the history of Britain's Christianity, perhaps due to its mystical origins. Its sanctity and influence may in fact not come from its participation in any physical conversion or spreading of the Christian faith, but more in the history behind the building itself due to the mysticism surrounding its construction. As Ashe states, historical scholarship on the subject (both present and past) suggests that the origin of the church's construction is still not fully understood. The writings of William of Malmesbury demonstrate this, as his 12st Century text shows that even after much study, he was unable to give a definite conclusion as to how the church appeared there. However, even with this in mind, William still seems to have recognised the importance of the church and its profound influence in his time due to the "holy secret" it perhaps contained and the "immense reverence" in which it was held by the locals.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, although historians may not yet know the true origins of the Glastonbury church, Ashe predicts that the location itself was an "important inhabited area" due to the remnants of a village found there now. This, and the proximity of the area to the English coast closest to the "Armorican" coast of Brittany (or Gaul) suggests that there is a high likelihood that Glastonbury was one of the first Christian Churches built in Britain, as it was perhaps the area where Christianity first found "secure shelter" after being reached by missionaries from Gaul. This idea alone may account for the church's influence on the early spread of Christianity in Britain, because although perhaps not used as a mission centre, the presence of the church in both early and later centuries may have provided some Britons with a symbolic and mystical icon of the Christian faith due to its apparently early origins. It may therefore be accurate to suggest that the influence of this church on the spread of Christianity was merely a symbolic influence, rather than a physical one taking the form of missionary work and conversion. Its portrayal as one of the earliest Christian churches to appear in Britain may also have had influence, as many may have seen it as a spiritual symbol for the longevity of Christianity and the previous symbolism it may have had centuries beforehand.
Glastonbury Abbey is regarded as 'the cradle of Christianity in Britain' because it remained a centre for Christianity throughout the early centuries of persecution. Ashe claim’s that it was the only abbey to survive the Saxon invasion in the 7th century and it flourished in the aftermath of the war. The Saxon’s had destroyed many abbey’s and church’s prior to their conversion to Christianity and thus the ‘Old Church’ managed to continue on in Britain. Gildas writes of the Church as if it was built by God and this shows how venerated it was throughout the earlier centuries of Christianity in Britain. However Ashe never shows that Glastonbury was one of the main reasons for Christianity spreading prior to the Saxon invasion.
ReplyDeleteThis is from Sarah Field:
ReplyDeleteAlthough Glastonbury is undoubtedly one of the oldest Christian establishments in Britain, I'm still unconvinced that it helped "spread" Christianity. The argument could be made that it provided a "secure shelter" (as Professor Treharne puts it) for the religion to flourish, however I ultimately find myself agreeing with Asher that in spite of age, Glastonbury did not necessarily have a far-reaching influence on the Christian movement in Britain. Whatever the case, Glastonbury certainly provided an important symbolic base for the Christian movement. The manner in which William of Malmesbury writes of the Old Church - speaking almost breathlessly about its "multitude of relics" - is testament to this.
I wonder what those relics were? The presence of relics suggests that the abbey may have been a site that attracted pilgrims. But pilgrims are already committed to their faith, so this does not really help to answer the question concerning the spread (from where, to where?) of Christianity in Britain.
DeleteGlastonbury was definitely a site that was important to Christianity in Britain. Ashe notes that historians view it as ‘the first British Christian community’. Indeed, it is seen as the first and only ‘Christian site with unbroken continuity from Celtic Britain into Anglo-Saxon England’. Also, the people of Glastonbury devoutly revered the Church and it was seen as the ‘holiest place in Britain’. However, its role in the actual spread of Christianity is debatable considering that Ashe writes that ‘[Glastonbury’s] seniority and sanctity [did] not imply a wide-ranging influence’ as it was not involved in missionary work and had a late conversion. Ashe also mentions that Saxons had already been converted before arrival. Hence, Glastonbury could just be seen as a place that was safe for the flourishing of Christianity amongst its peoples (in the immediate area).
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by [Glastonbury] "had a late conversion"?
DeleteThere is a general consensus that Glastonbury is a very significant ancient symbol of Christian Britain. Its seeming omnipresence throughout the centuries, have left authors from all ages in awe of its sanctity. However I don’t think it played a vital role is the actual spreading of Christianity across Britain. Ashe depicts The Old Church as a remote centre isolated in location and in capacity for evangelism. Furthermore the invading Saxons were ALREADY converted to Christianity by the time they reach Glastonbury (which is part of the reason why it has remained intact). Therefore, while Christianity in Glastonbury did thrive, its role in spreading the faith could be considered limited.
ReplyDelete(Joanne Lobo)
Glastonbury played an important role in the early establishment of the spread of Christianity within Britain. As Treharne, writer of "The Glastonbury Legends" comments on the holy site of Glastonbury, it is clear that the monastery was already established before the English arrived "when the English arrived at Glastonbury soon after 658 they found a great and famous Celtic monastery already established and flourishing there." Geoffrey Ashe "Avalonian Quest" also states that Glastonbury was indeed one of the very first Christian institutes to flourish and the "pioneer monastery" and "first to survive". Thus according to the previous historians, Glastonbury Abbey indeed provided holy grounds as one of the first "pioneer monastery/(ies)" and provided Christianity in Britain with the capacity to gain momentum and flourish.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the majority of comments above. Glastonbury is a symbol of the Christian faith rathe than an instrument of influence on the spread of the religion. Glastonbury Abbey was kept in tact and labelled the 'holiest earth in all the land' by the Saxons who had been converted to Christianity before they reached the land. Although Glastonbury was such an important symbol of Christianity and laid the foundations for the future of Christianity, it wasn't responsible for the expansion of Christianity. The community created in Glastonbury was greatly admired and therefore much sought after, but from the evidence available, Glastonbury in more a symbol of Christianity rather than a tool of expansion.
ReplyDeleteJess Arnephy
It is clear from this text that Glastonbury was and is an important symbol of the Christian faith in Britain. Its mystical origins, antiquity and label as 'the holiest place in Britain' give it potency as a church and a base for Christianity. However, this text provides no evidence that it was instrumental in the 'spread' of Christianity. Ashe states that the Saxons had been converted before reaching Glastonbury, indicating that there were other churches actively preaching and converting. Ashe also claims that Glastonbury was not active in mission; in sending believers out to preach and convert. Thus, this chapter does not support the notion that Glastonbury was instrumental in the spread of Christianity throughout Britain.
ReplyDeleteGlastonbury can be seen as quite an important monunment to the overall establishment of Christianity in Britain, although the overall aid in played in actually spreading Christianity is debatable. The fact that Glastonbury was known overseas does lend weight to the idea that Glastonbury was an important hub of Christianity. Its unbroken line of continued Christian presence shows that it was at the very least a strong reminder of the presence of Christianity in the area. However, Ashe makes reference to the fact that it began simply as monks living as hermits, something that would not serve to spread Christianity. It is possible indeed, that Glastonbury is not the fisrt of its kind, rather "the first that survived."
ReplyDeleteWhilst it is clear that Glastonbury has been an enduring symbol of Christianity in Britain, perhaps it served as little more than such a symbol in the early days.
(Ben Grimm)
How do we know that Glastonbury was known overseas?
DeleteI fear my response will be redundant. My opinion does not differ from many of the others already expressed above. From Ashe’s reading alone I would propose that rather than Glastonbury playing a vital role in the spread of Christianity, I believe it functioned more so as a symbol affirming for many the idea of holy sanctuary on earth. The fact that ‘no one knew how it had got there’ suggests that for most it existed as a permanent, mystical presence throughout their Christian experience. Heightened by St Dunstan’s claim that the Church was ‘prepared by God himself’ or not dissimilarly William of Malmesbury’s assertion that ‘No other hands than those of the disciples of Christ erected the church of Glastonbury’. It was a symbol and monument of the Christian faith – an unquestionable, unwavering testament to a holy place existing on earth.
ReplyDeleteAshe refers to the writings of William of Malmesbury, who quotes that "no other hands than those of the disciples of Christ erected the church of Glastonbury." From this, Ashe makes a reference to the Apostolic Age (a period where the apostles of Christ ventured from Jerusalem to 'spread The Word'). If one of the apostles of Christ reached Glastonbury and erected a church (as William suggests), he would have proceeded to spread the Great Commission (the instructions that the teachings of Jesus be spread around the world). In essence, a domino-effect would follow because those who heard and believed the teachings in Glastonbury would leave and spread these teachings elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteIf this were to have happened, it can be said that Glastonbury was in fact a major contributor to the spread of early Christianity in Britain because it would have been the origin from where the first teachings were heard and therefore the first domino.
Good work
DeleteI agree with the general consensus above that Glastonbury appears to be a significant symbol of Christianity and its origins in Britain, rather than an institution causing the spread of Christianity in Britain. From what can be gleaned from the excerpt from Ashe, Glastonbury is significant as "there were no churches anywhere" that date back as early as Glastonbury and geographically, it was in an "important inhabited area" and the area was "known overseas", a factor which seems likely to have contributed to the establishment of Glastonbury in the first place. It's particular significance seems to come from the fact that "it is the only Christina site with unbroken continuity from Celtic Britain into Anglo-Saxon England".
ReplyDeleteOne important factor however pertaining to the role Glastonbury played in the early spread of Christianity is its "one unparalleled feature", being the community church itself. By introducing the concept of a congregation, Glastonbury may have played a very important role in the spread of Christianity by the word being able to be spoken to large groups of people, rather than simply between spiritual scholars behind closed doors. More information on the history and developments of congregations would be useful in determining Glastonbury's role in this regard.
Good point about the establishment of a congregation.
DeleteGlastonbury certainly played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and its beliefs through Britain. For after the Roman Britain the number of Christians was few, and it was not until Glastonbury and the towns practices became wider know did sentiment spread. This can be shown by the town being known as the 'holiest earth' in all of what is now known as the United Kingdom. Solidifying Christian faith in the area, was significantly helped by the church they built there giving a symbol and place of worship. Subsequently, as people came to admire the church they also aided in the distribution of the CHristian faith.
ReplyDeleteI apologise for the shortness and restating but, I didn't feel there was much else to be said.
I would make a distinction in the role Glastonbury played in the spread of popular Christianity in Britain rather than the official religious movement, as indicated by Ashe. He represents that the Christian Church was already nominally an organised religious institution in Roman Britain from the early fourth century, but had only limited influence as an outpost of the Imperial political structure. Glastonbury appears to be a foundation upon which Christianity gained popular support by providing a mystical element, through the founding of the community Church in time immemorial, and continuity, by being a constant and comforting establishment throughout the political upheaval of progression from Celtic Britain to Anglo-Saxon England and beyond. This ‘holiest earth’ and the inspiration it provided to the local community, which William of Malmesbury relates, would have had great effect in raising the profile of Christianity as a religion to be revered and respected but also practically involved in the daily religious life of the early British people. It is this positive personal influence from Glastonbury (as well as other popular movements such as the life of St Patrick) that I believe was more important in promoting the spread of Christianity rather than any more organised and structured efforts like papal missions, which would have enforced conversion to this new religion rather than inspired it.
ReplyDeleteAn emphasis on the mythic and mystical must have been an important part in the establishment of a new pattern of belief. Good work
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think that the church at Glastonbury was not so much important in the initial spread of Christianity in Britain which came from abroad but in the spread or establishment of Christianity among the natives in Britain, not from the foreigners or invaders who brought it with them. Like Jacob said, the church at Glastonbury was left alone when the Saxons arrived because they had already been converted to Christianity somewhere along the way, showing that it had already begun to spread before Glastonbury.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately as one of the last to comment, my view is not entirely original. It is clear that Glastonbury is a symbol of Christianity rather than a n example of the religion's spread and growth worldwide. As mentioned earlier, glastonbury's international recognition may be due to its steadfast portrayal of such a strong belief rather than its promotion and activity across wide geographical regions. Even if it is only a symbol, there is little doubt that it is a strong one, and one which emphasizes the importance and strength of Christianity, even in society today!!
ReplyDeleteHow early was Glastonbury recognised internationally?
DeleteEleanor Jackson
ReplyDeleteI too agree with much of what has been said above, and my points will seem repetitive so I'll keep them short.
From looking at this week's readings, there isn't really any hard evidence that Glastonbury helped to 'spread' Christianity in Britain. By the time the Saxons arrived in 658, they had already "been converted" (to Christianity I assume), and Glastonbury had already been "established and flourishing"; known as "the holiest place in Britain". So when they took over, there was no need to introduce a new form of religion. Glastonbury was namely a symbol for the movement of Christianity, as the Old Church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the town is portrayed as having been one of a great community.
While Glastonbury was not on the front lines of the preaching effort and spread of Christianity through Britain, it was none the less significant in helping spread the faith. It's value was symbolic and inspirational, as a redoubtable bastion of Christianity visited by "a series of saints, kings and pilgrims, before and after the Saxon advent" according to Ashe and "the holiest place in Britain" according to Treharne. The awe and respect that Glastonbury was held in would have added weight and legitimacy to the religion spreading through the land.
ReplyDeleteGlastonbury Abbey has always been acceptedto be the first Birtish Christian Community as far as I was aware, afterreading the comments and what Ashe had to say about how the Abbey was was thefirst 'native christian institution,' it's interesting to see how the Abbey'spart in the spread of Christianity can be seen. The Abbey would have had a lotof wealth due to its position between a trade route from Britain and Europe sowhen Ashe says what I mentioned before, then the Abbey definitely would haveplayed a role in the growth of the religion in Britain. If it's involvementisn't as deep as some other people have outlined then you could still perhapsssay that the Abbey was a play where the Christian society could grow and thatit's presence helped anchor the religion in society.Just like Alexandra saidhow it would have been able to spread the word of Christianity by speaking tolarge congregations of people, this would be the main way in which the Abbeyhelped spread the word and formed a place of sanctuary perhaps for peopleturning to the religion.
ReplyDelete