Glastonbury
Ancient town in Somerset, southwest England, which, according to legend, is the place where Joseph of Arimathea and Mother Mary brought the Holy Grail and founded the first Christian church in England.
A monastic community formed around the ancient church at Glastonbury, known as Glastonbury Abbey. Written records of Welsh historical tradition state that in the fifth century a choir of 2,400 members kept a perpetual vigil at Glastonbury Abbey with 100 members present each hour. Glastonbury is also identified as the Isle of Avalon of Arthurian legend.
In the Middle Ages Glastonbury Abbey was a center of learning and a shrine to which many made pilgrimages. The site of Glastonbury is thought to have been a center of Druid worship as well. Glastonbury tradition says that the boy Jesus accompanied Joseph of Arimathea on one of his business trips to England and lived there for several years, studying and preparing for his mission.
See also
Sources
Pearls of Wisdom, vol. 32, no. 12.
Pearls of Wisdom, vol. 25, no. 58.
Heart magazine, winter 1985.