According
to legend the Chalice Well is believed to have sprung from the ground
at the location where the chalice (the Holy Grail), that Jesus drank
from at the Last Supper and in which drops of His blood were caught
during the Crucifixion was placed.
The sacred vessel is believed to have been placed into the well by
'Joseph of Arimathea'.
(See our Glastonbury
myths and legends page for the interwoven legends of Glastonbury).
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The
well itself is thought to have been built by the Druids, and that
the water the gushes from it, reddish in colour and tasting of iron,
has been claimed to have magical powers.
The colour of the water and the taste according to legend is said
to symbolise the iron nails that were used at the Crucifixion. Visitors
can still drink the water which is today believed to possess healing
properties.
For others with a more mystical, pagan outlook the waters are acknowledged
as the essence of life, the gift from Mother Earth to sustain its
living forms. There are events that take place through the year at
Chalice Wells for followers of this outlook.
The famous well is located at the back of the ample garden, and there
are benches located throughout for relaxing and taking in the beauty,
contemplation and meditation.
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Chalice
Well |
The
water flows through the garden and there is a small pool where you
can paddle or bathe in the waters.
Chalice Well is located just east of Glastonbury and is on the marked
way from the town centre to Glastonbury Tor.
It is run as a trust and there is a relatively small admission charge.
Chalice Well has the feel of being run by enthusiasts with a passion
for the place, rather than operating as a hard nosed tourist destination
aimed at parting visitors from their money. |
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