“This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars. This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England. Landlord of England art thou and not king!”
William Shapespeare – Richard !! – Act II (Scene I)
Although I have visited Glastonbury Abbey many times since my youth – I do not recall visiting this structure before. I believe it was closed and/or being renovated. Still, my children liked this place when they arrived at the Abbey yesterday (29.7.2024)! Mei-An and Kai-Lin had visited Glastonbury in the past, but they were both very young and the visit was brief. Glastonbury, at least as far as I am concerned, is the spiritual centre of England – and this holds true whether one happens to be an atheist, theist or non-theist – it does not matter. The immensity of material creation shines through in Glastonbury and it has done so for thousands of years prior to Christianity (Celtic or Catholic) arriving on this Sceptred Isle!
I suppose the Abbot’s Kitchen was used to feed the monks and lay-brothers in and around the monastery – as well as being kept open to feed any travellers who might arrive at anytime of the day and night. As Benedictine monks are vegetarian – I think there might have been less meat on display – although a sick monk is allowed to have a little meat with his soup – until he is better.
Today, an ad hoc “Wishing Well” has developed in one of the corners of the room. This was probably a drain or perhaps some type of cooker – but in modern times visitors have taken to dropping coins down through the covering grill – and making heartfelt requests in the form of prayers and good wishes. Our daughters asked for good health to be bestowed upon Nana (Diane Wyles), Granddad (Peter Wyles) and Charlotte (my younger sister)! The currency observed spans the globe – which demonstrates the universal appeal that Glastonbury holds. This is not necessarily “religious” (although religion is important for many) – but rathe “spiritual” in nature – the latter category being far more inclusive and all-embracing!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 