The apparition of a former landlord tragically killed in a fire at the premises in the late 19th century, has been reported wandering his old inn. The fire started when he fell asleep holding a glass of cider and a cigar. Other phenomena that have been attributed to him include the movement of objects and “a sharp tweak of cold air blown on the neck”.
For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe.
A spring that is located at the bottom of Chalice Hill is said to be blessed with miraculous powers, and some believe that this is because that it contains the actual blood of Christ. This is due to its famous iron-red water, which is never failing, and this is why it is known as the Blood Spring. Originally the little valley contained two streams - one red and one white. This gave rise to the legend of Joseph of Arimethea's Cruets, which contained the blood and water that gushed from Christ's wounds. Chalice Well is also said to have been another of the hiding places of the Holy Grail. It is regarded to have particular power over asthma.
For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe.
Built in 1475, The George and Pilgrim is the oldest purpose-built pub in the South West of England. The building has a panelled stone frontage, mullion windows, and old oak beams, all of which add to a hotel with lots of atmosphere – and so do the ghosts. The apparition of a monk has been reported, as well as that of a more modern-dressed ghost dressed in blue and smiling broadly. However, the author Stuart does not state whether the latter spectre is a male or female!
For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe Haunted Britain and Ireland by Richard Jones.
Sources state that under a spring on the Tor lies one of the most sought-after relics of Christianity – that of the Holy Grail. The Grail was the chalice used by Christ in the Last Supper, and as such remains a treasure above all others. Many, including the likes of King Arthur if the tales are to be believed, sought it. According to Grail Lore, Joseph of Arimathea in about AD 64 placed it there. Whilst there, Joseph thrust his staff into the ground and prayed for a miracle, converting the Druids to Christianity. The staff took root and grew into a thorn tree, which flowers each Christmas. It is also reputed to be the burial site for King Arthur and Guinevere, since the alleged discovery of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's neatly labelled coffins in 1191, recounted by Gerald of Wales.
During the 19th-century, there was a resurgence of interest in Celtic mythology, and the Tor became associated with Gwyn ap Nudd, first Lord of the Underworld, and later King of the Fairie. The Tor came to be represented as an entrance to the land of the fairies. A persistent myth of more modern origin is that of the Glastonbury Zodiac, an astrological zodiac of massive proportions, apparently carved into the land along ancient hedgerows and track-ways. Another speculation is that the Tor was reshaped into a spiral maze for use in religious ritual, incorporating the myth that the Tor was the location of the underworld king's spiral castle.
Strange lights have also been reported around the tower.
Pictured left is Glastonbury Tor courtesy of Adrian Pingstone.
Glastonbury Tor,
near Glastonbury,
Somerset.
For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe and Ghosts: Mysterious Tales from the National Trust by Sian Evans.
St. Mary's Well is located in the Abbey Crypt, although the author Coxe gives no details regarding its properties.
For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe.
The author Coxe states that the location has its legends, but had no space to include them! The main legend is that Joseph of Arimathea landed here, rested on his staff, at which point it sprouted branches and leaves.
For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe.