European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 11, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Fra wit k i i a i \ a amps visitors walk through an entry Way at Glastonbury Abbey. Continued from Page 11. Of christianity in the  has it that a Wattle  Daub Church was built Here in . 63 by Joseph of arimathea. It is said that Joseph brought w Ith him the holy grail which of course became the object of King Arthur s quest years later. Local tradition Points to a Thorn tree of Vve Ryall Hill As confirmation. The tree is native to Palestine but has apparently grown Here since Saxon times. A another Story claims that Christ himself visited Glastonbury As a boy with Joseph of arimathea  built a Church dedicated the Virgin Mary. The famous English hymn Jerusalem written by William Blake begins with the lines a Quot  did those feet in ancient time walk upon England s mountains Green Quot Blake s words Are regarded especially in the West country As the expression of a Well known local tradition. St. Patrick  St. George also have associations with the Abbey. It is claimed that St. Patrick founded Community of hermits Here  that he is buried in the. Vicinity. St. George supposedly fought his dragon Neara Here. Today the Abbey Center of so Many myths  legends is in ruins. During the reformation its last Abbot Richard Whiting was one of the few to disobey Henry Viii  ended up being hanged drawn  quartered on Glastonbury Tor. Future centuries saw the Stone building erected in 1194, deteriorate. Now there Are Only remains of vaulted Arches High windows Stone Steps recesses serrated ornamentation  Stone columns. At the far end of the Abbey is a Board purporting to Mark the grave of King Arthur  Queen guinevere. Their bodies were said to have be a discovered by monks in 1191  Lay Here from 1278 until the Abbey s dissolution in 1539. However even the normally enthusiastic Glastonbury Media Are suspicious of this tale pointing out that the Abbey was badly in need of funds at the time  the Tomb would have helped to bring visitors. And after All there s also the tradition that Arthur is buried on Glastonbury Tor. Because of its continuing importance As a place of Mystic  spiritual pilgrimage Glastonbury has a unique atmosphere. Round the Corner from the Abbey is a. Small Arcade with shops that specialize in Clairvoyance mysticism meditation yoga Massage  so on. The whole Arcade reeks of incense  the predominantly Young people Are dressed in hippie fashions making the place resemble a Western Katmandu Wells might be the smallest City in England but it is far from being the least interesting. The City itself has a Friendly relaxed atmosphere  the Cathedral is justifiably described As one of the most important in England. In addition a half hour s drive takes visitors to a Range of other attractions including Cheddar Gorge  the legend Ridden mystical town of Glastonbury. Hicham mov Ariay la a Fra Ianca Wattar living in of Matadi Germany. A View up High Street offers a peek at the Cathedral. It ipes Mega june november 11, 1993