St. Margaret's Chapel, Glastonbury
Description
The Chapel is part of a group of buildings that date back to the 13th Century, when Glastonbury was a major pilgrimage destination. It was firstly a “Hospital for visiting pilgrims" and later the Chapel (possibly paid for by Margaret of Scotland) was added. During the Reformation the Hospital was destroyed and was later replaced by two rows of 5 Almshouses in the 16th century. One row was demolished in the 1950’s and its foundations are now in use as a garden, the remaining 5 Almshouses can be seen as Artist and Iconographer workshops, a small shop and a replica example of an Almshouse.
The Chapel is deliberately kept plain, unadorned and peaceful, and is open daily for prayer, quiet and contemplation.
Standard Opening times:
March to late October open every day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
November until March open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exact calendar dates vary, so please check the noticeboard outside the Chapel.
Location
Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DH, United Kingdom
Directions
Grid reference: ST 50152 38919
By car - Nearest major road is M5 (junction 23), take A39; or A303 junction with A372; or A337/39 from Bath to Bristol. Glastonbury is South of Wells (A39) and South West of Shepton Mallet (A361).
By train - To Bridgewater or Castle Cary, but rail-bus links are best from Bristol Temple Meads, Taunton or Bath.
By bus - Bus services from Bristol, Yeovil, Taunton and Wells, and daily national coaches from London.
Once in Glastonbury, from the High Street follow round left into Market Place leading into Magdalene Street. Pass the Catholic Church and the Abbot’s Kitchen, then a small passageway on the right hand side, beside shop window (number 38) leads down through arched doorway into the complex. The Chapel is to the left, the building on the right is the remaining Almshouses, and foundations in the garden tell of other buildings that once stood there.
Facilities
Disabled access: There is a ramp and handrail at the entrance – please note that all pathways are ancient paving and may be uneven or slippery.
All facilities (refreshments, toilets, parking etc) are readily available nearby. Enquiries about booking the Chapel for private or group hire to abbeyparishes@gmail.com.
Hospitaller/Contact Person
Liz Pearson
Email: