Glastonbury Abbey

Since Medieval times, the Abbey has held legendary status as the earliest Christian foundation in Britain linked to Joseph of Arimathea and the burial place of King Arthur. In 1536, during the 27th year of the reign of Henry VIII, there were over 800 monasteries, nunneries and friaries in Britain. By 1541, there were none. More than 10,000 monks and nuns had been dispersed and the buildings had been seized by the Crown to be sold off or leased to new lay occupiers. Glastonbury Abbey was one of principal victims of this action by the King, during the social and religious upheaval known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today it is a tranquil setting where you can discover the stories, explore the accredited museum and enjoy a packed events calendar. Our performance of Maria Stuarda will be taking place outdoors, amongst the Abbey’s atmospheric ruins.