As it is Easter I thought I would write on a place I visited but never posted about on The Church Explorer, probably because I forgot about the place but with Easter upon us I suddenly remembered this place. It's real name of the place is the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Glastonbury and was built around 1310 you can read more about the place in the link. Now I have to admit Glastonbury is an odd place with a mix of very different people, some are of local Somerset origin others moved there for the peace of the place and the odd ones out who are what I term as new age travellers who just seem to hang around. The shops there vary with many selling healing stones some occult items. I find it a very weird mix to be honest. But head along the road from the Abbey and you will come across the Almshouse.
You would easily walk past the entrance to the place which is along this passage
You then come out in this little garden with the almshouses lining one side
You can go in on of the dwellings as it has been restored, you will see a raised bed where the occupant would sleep
A fireplace where they would get heat and cook their meals. Not sure about the chairs you see I'd have thought they would be lucky to sit on anything when the place opened. One window for light though I see that has been blocked up.
If you look back along the garden you can see the St Margaret's Chapel in front of you
Go inside and this is what you will see, I stitched some photos together to get this panoramic, the photo was taken back in 2013 before I had an iPhone
The chapel is a single cell building with an altar at the East end and altar rail.
A simple cross and vases of flowers either side decorate the altar. The candle in the bowl is on the altar rail
This unadorned altar is simple and to the point. It was one of the very few places of worship that I have felt at peace and where I wanted to spend a little longer. What ever you believe I think you could find a moment peace in here.
If you find yourself in Glastonbury you will no doubt go to the Abbey and I would say it is worth going to, you will find St Patrick's church there which is another very simple church to visit, the Abbey I find is a place I love to go and find it peaceful but the Almshouse chapel is worth it. Even the Main church in town though nice enough does not hold a candle to it.
Till Next time Have a good Easter and Say Safe
17 comments:
...Bill one is unlike mist that you share, the sparse interior is lovely. Take care and have a Joyous Easter.
Beautiful chapel.
I know the chapel. I've never been there, but know an Anglican vicar and his wife who lived in Glastonbury and with a group of Christians looked after the chapel and every day at noon prayed there. This friend before that was vicar of Swallowfield, Berkshire. That's how I know them and their ministry. I was interested to hear that you found the chapel and little garden a peaceful place. Easter blessings to you and yours Bill.
This is a very old chapel, but also very beautiful!
Thank you for the flowers!
Happy Easter to you and your wife!
That is what I liked about it. Happy Easter Tom
It is
If you go down there you will not be disappointed. I would go back there to sit in it for a few moments
Lots of flowers here at the moment. Happy Easter
Hello Billy!
Very beautiful Małgorzata's chapel.
Thank you for the wonderful daffodils, I love spring flowers!
Happy Easter.
So was an almshouse kind of like the workhouse or something different?
Lovely chapel! I suppose if someone was homeless, even the humble almshouse would be a welcome shelter.
I do hope that one day we can visit. Our friends have retired now and have moved to Wiltshire, but the ministry lives on with the restoration and prayer. In such places you can sense a peaceful atmosphere and those that have prayed and worshipped there. I also found your last post about yourself and your faith interesting and moving. I trust you and your loved ones had a blessed Easter Day.
So do I something magical about it
No more like a place the poor could live (normally an old single male or female)funded by some person who left a legacy to help them. A workhouse was where you got sent if you were in debt or could not earn money then they put you to work to pay off the debt. There are still alms houses around where people live though they tend to be able to afford to live there.
Not so much now but hundreds of years ago most likely they would
Hello Billy Blue Eyes. came to thank you for visiting my b;pg and found an enjoyable read on yours.
Your welcome, glad you enjoyed it.
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