Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Sleepy History and Legends of Glastonbury

Starting point is 00:00:00 Tonight's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. We all carry around different stresses, both big and small, but sometimes we really need to release them to get our thoughts, worries and troubles off our chests, because keeping those things bottled up can really affect us negatively in the long run. Therapy is the ideal safe space to figure out and let go of what's weighing you down. I've always tried to be emotionally open with friends and family as much as I can, but there are bound to be things you'd rather share in confidence with a neutral person who isn't part of your day to day life. And that's exactly what therapy with BetterHelp allows you to do. All you need to do to get started is fill out a brief questionnaire and BetterHelp will

Starting point is 00:00:53 match you with a licensed therapist and you can switch therapists anytime for no additional charge. So get it off your chest with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com slash get sleepy to get 10% off your first month. That, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host Thomas, whether it's your first time listening or one of many, it's so lovely to have you here. Tonight's story is written and narrated by Simon. We'll be going on a sleepy journey into the heart of the English countryside as we explore the myths and legends

Starting point is 00:02:00 surrounding the Somerset town of Glastonbury. That place name will likely conjure images of the UK's biggest music festival for many of you, as Simon will briefly allude to in the story, but this tale is one that dates back far beyond the origins of that famous festival. Before we begin, let's spend some time unwinding and preparing our bodies for sleep. Make sure you're comfortable and if you're yet to do so you can allow your eyes to softly close. Let's enjoy a body scan together, taking a moment to focus on each section of the body one at a time and welcoming a deeper sense of relaxation as we do. Start at the soles of your feet just feeling for any lingering aches, tension, or tiredness in the feet. Invite a deep sense of relaxation to wash over the soles of your feet

Starting point is 00:03:39 and the tops of your feet. and the tops of your feet. Move this calming awareness into the ankles and calves, over the knees and into your upper legs. Breathe easily and naturally, into the lower back, then your body sinks further into the mattress below. Now, focus on the front side of your torso, the abdomen and the chest. And then, scan down the right arm, all the way into the right hand and fingers, inviting relaxation there too. Now the left upper arm, left lower arm, and the left hand and fingers. and the left hand and fingers

Starting point is 00:05:54 then bring your attention to the neck muscles allowing them to completely relax and follow the focus over the back of your head, the top of your head, and across the forehead. Sense your mind quietening too. Finally, relax all the muscles in your face, ensuring the jaw is unclenched and feeling the tired weight of your eyelids soothing your eyes with the restful darkness they provide. your whole body, take a nice deep breath in and slowly release it back out, appreciating the greater feeling of relaxation within. And now, imagine you are driving along a winding country road on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. The sound of birdsong carries on the wind outside the open car window. The narrow road is surrounded on either side by tall hedges, but as you round a bend, the hedges suddenly fall away, and a wonderful vista opens up before you.

Starting point is 00:08:10 This is where our story begins. Stretching away, far into the distance, is a patchwork of fields in shades of yellow, brown, and green. Rising from their midst, you see a magnificent green hill standing proud above the surrounding land. On its summit, you can just make out a stone tower, silhouetted against the clear blue sky. This is the famous Glastonbury Tor, and it is one of the sights of Glastonbury that you're keen to visit. Glastonbury dates back thousands of years and is a place steeped in legend and magic. The first inhabitants of Glastonbury were probably Stone Age farmers. But these days, the name Glastonbury often calls to mind images of the massive music festival where artists perform on dozens of stages and

Starting point is 00:09:46 thousands of people camp in the surrounding fields. This Blastonbury festival takes place on Worthy Farm outside the village of Pilton, which lies about six miles from where you are now. 6 miles from where you are now. Instead of guitars, amplifiers and drums, you've come here to be immersed in the world of early religions, Arthurian legends and ancient mythology. You did some research before setting off and you know that the flat land surrounding the town of Glastonbury is called the Somerset Levels. When the levels flooded in the past, the tor would have appeared to have been rising from the middle of a vast shimmering lake. This may explain Glastonbury's early Welsh name of Annis Wytryn, which translates as Island of Glass, and perhaps also the tors prominence in the legend of King Arthur as

Starting point is 00:10:56 the mystical Isle of Avalon. Avalon was said to be a magical island where King Arthur received his famous sword, Excalibur. It is also said to be the place where Arthur was taken to recover from wounds he sustained at the Battle of Camlan. As you continue to drive along the road towards the town of Glastonbury, the Tor remains visible, rising 158 meters above the lowlands. You consider that its prominence within the landscape may be one of the reasons for its

Starting point is 00:11:42 importance in historical myth and legend. Even before the Arthurian legend, Glastonbury Tor was considered a sacred site by the Celts. They revered it as a place that was said to bridge the earthly and spiritual realms. to bridge the earthly and spiritual realms. Druid, priests and priestesses would climb the hill along with their followers to conduct sacred rituals and ceremonies. It was even said that a hidden cave lay beneath the hill, which was the entrance to the fairy realm of Anwen, the dwelling place of Gwyn Apnir, the lord of the Celtic underworld.

Starting point is 00:12:34 As you drive ever closer to the town, you begin to make out more details of the impressive hill. Its symmetrical shape looks man-made, but geologists seem to agree that it is a natural feature. Running along the sides of the tour are distinctive terraces, appearing like giant ripples in the land. Your research has not found a definitive explanation for these terraces, although a couple of theories seem to dominate. One is that they are man-made drainage strips, dating from the Middle Ages. Another is that the terraces form the remnants of an ancient maze or labyrinth,

Starting point is 00:13:27 through which people would ceremonially ascend the tour. You are determined to climb the tour yourself, but first you drive along Glastonbury High Street, where you're struck by the number of shops whose names reflect the mystical influence of the area. Many of the shops you pass boast signs with words like magic, enchantment, and even broomstick. You make a note to explore some of these later, after the first stop on your tour, Glastonbury Abbey. A number of medieval legends cite Glastonbury as a place of great importance in early Christianity,

Starting point is 00:14:15 with many of these legends revolving around Joseph of Arimathea. Some stated that he was a relative of Jesus, maybe even Jesus' great-uncle, and that he visited Glastonbury accompanied by Jesus himself. This legend was so pervasive that it inspired the romantic poet William Blake to write his dramatic poem Jerusalem in the early 1800s. Today the poem is familiar as an inspirational hymn which some people have even suggested as a replacement for the current UK national anthem. them. And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England's mountains green, and was the holy Lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures seen?

Starting point is 00:15:18 In the Bible, Joseph of Arimathea is described as the man who took Christ's body and placed it in the tomb after the crucifixion. Another legend has Joseph visiting Glastonbury after Jesus' death, this time bringing with him the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper and which now contained drops of his blood. The Holy Grail, as it became known, was then buried in a secret place, said to have been below the Tor at the entrance to the underworld. Driving slowly along the High Street, you see a sign for Glastonbury Abbey.

Starting point is 00:16:06 Turning into the car park, you find a space, switch off the engine and get out, stretching your legs gratefully, a little stiff after your long drive. You walk to the entrance, paying the entry fee, and pick up a map before making your way to the first place on your sightseeing tour, the Holy Thorn Tree in the grounds of the Abbey. This tree is another strand to the myth of Joseph of Arimathea. It is said that when Joseph arrived on the Isle of Avalon, he climbed up Weirial Hill, a long narrow ridge to the southwest of Glastonbury. He was said to have been so tired, hence Weirial, after his long sea journey, that on reaching the top of the hill,

Starting point is 00:17:07 he thrust his wooden staff into the ground, lay down on the grass, and fell into a deep sleep. When he awoke in the morning, the staff had miraculously taken root in the earth and grown into a beautiful hawthorn tree. The hawthorn tree now before you in the Abbey grounds is reportedly a direct descendant of that magical tree from Wirial Hill. A plaque by the tree informs you that its Latin name is Critegis monogina biflora. Biflora meaning that unusually it flowers twice a year. Firstly in spring and the second time in December around the time of the winter solstice. As the thorn tree flowered at a time of year when most other plants were dead or dying,

Starting point is 00:18:12 it became a very potent Christian symbol, a sign of rejuvenation, light, and hope in the midst of the bleak winter darkness. As well as this tree in front of you now, you read that there is another descendant of the original in the nearby churchyard of the Church of St. John. At Christmas time each year, a sprig of the flowering thorn is cut by the eldest child

Starting point is 00:18:47 from St. John's Infant School and sent to the British monarch. This tradition dates back to the reign of King James I in the early 17th century. For 70 years a piece of flowering thorn was sent to the Queen, and more recently it was sent to the new monarch, King Charles at Sandringham. It was hoped that he would continue the tradition started by his mother and place it in the center of the dining room table on Christmas Day. Turning from the Holy Thorn, you make your way into the main Abbey grounds. Most of the Abbey buildings are now in ruins,

Starting point is 00:19:39 but as you stroll around the grounds, you feel the strongly spiritual atmosphere. Another legend linked to Joseph of Arimathea claimed he built a church on this site in the first century along with some followers. Another claimed that on his first visit to the area, Joseph built a church here with his young nephew Jesus, using the traditional early building materials of wattle and daub. There is no evidence to support either claim, but what is not in doubt is that the original Saxon building of Glastonbury Abbey was founded in the 8th century and stood for many years until its destruction by a huge fire in 1184.

Starting point is 00:20:36 The monarch at the time of the fire was King Henry II and with his support, rebuilding began almost immediately, starting with the first building that greets your eye now, the magnificent Lady Chapel. Although the chapel roof is missing, its mighty stone walls tower above you, rising into the clear blue sky. Much in evidence is the incredible skill and craftsmanship that went into creating the ornate stonework surrounding the Gothic arches of the windows and doors.

Starting point is 00:21:20 Underneath the chapel floor you walk down some steps that take you into the crypt of St. Joseph of Arimathea. This crypt was built a long time after the Lady Chapel was completed, towards the end of the 15th century, when the legend of Joseph's founding of the Abbey was at its peak. of Joseph's founding of the Abbey was at its peak. Coming up out of the crypt, you walk back through the Lady Chapel towards the next set of magnificent, ruined stone walls you can see, which form part of the Great Church. As you pass through the ruined entrance, you are drawn to a rectangular patch of grass,

Starting point is 00:22:07 at the head of which is a plaque denoting this as the site of King Arthur's tomb. The legends surrounding this tomb are said to stem from the writings of a prolific 13th century cleric, Gerald of Wales. In two of his works, he describes the supposed discovery of the grave of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in an oak hollow between two stone pyramids. an oak hollow between two stone pyramids. He describes how lying underneath the stone was a lead cross with the inscription, Here lies entombed King Arthur with Guinevere, his second wife, on the Isle of Avalon. Today, modern scholars believe that this so-called discovery may have in fact been a PR stunt by the monks to attract people to the area and generate revenue. Whatever the truth, it certainly worked, and people flocked to the abbey to see the supposed tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.

Starting point is 00:23:31 Even the reigning monarch, Edward I, apparently believed wholeheartedly in the legend, in 1278 to witness the alleged king and queen being interred in a grand tomb made from black marble. During the English Reformation of the 16th century, the monasteries were systematically destroyed on the orders of King Henry VIII. And so the abbey was demolished along with the tomb. Whatever the truth of what it may or may not have held, the tomb of King Arthur is a popular story that continues to attract thousands of visitors today.

Starting point is 00:24:22 As you walk slowly amidst the beautifully manicured lawns, the afternoon sun shines through the open ruins, casting long shadows over the warm grass. It's easy to imagine how sacred this place would have been to the monks and the religious townspeople of Glastonbury. The next building you come to is still completely intact, the wonderfully preserved Abbott's Kitchen. Opening the heavy oak door, you step inside and immediately look up, marveling at the beautiful octagonal roof.

Starting point is 00:25:10 The Abbot's Kitchen has been described as one of the best preserved medieval kitchens in Europe. And looking around, it's easy to see why. In the middle of the floor is a large wooden table on which are many earthenware pots and drinking vessels. Around the whitewashed stone walls hang metal poles on which are strung bunches of herbs to dry. There are a number of fireplaces decorated with metal cooking pots, stacks of logs and some oak barrels, which would no doubt have held wine and beer. As you stand looking around the room, you can almost feel the heat of the fires and hear the hustle and bustle of the monks as they cook an elaborate meal for the abbot and his guests. Leaving the imaginary smells of the kitchen behind, you continue your tour of the beautiful

Starting point is 00:26:21 Abbey Gardens, taking in the fragrant herb garden, the wildlife area, and the supposed site of King Arthur's grave. Then, with the shadows lengthening, you make your way to St. Patrick's Chapel. This simple chapel was built in 1512 to serve as a place of worship for the poor who lived in the alms houses nearby. The chapel underwent an extensive restoration in 2008 by local artists and volunteers. As you duck inside, you're struck by the beautiful painted murals on the walls and the inspirational stained glass windows. It's easy to imagine people worshipping here within its echoing stone walls. Before you leave here and begin your climb up the Tor, there is one more sight you want to see, the famed Red and White Springs.

Starting point is 00:27:35 These two springs emerge close to each other at Chalice Hill, a short walk from where you are now. According to legend, the chalice well or red spring is believed to have sprung from the ground at the location where the taste of iron is said to symbolize the iron nails that were used at the crucifixion, or to represent Christ's blood. The water is rich in iron oxide, which of course may give a rather more straightforward reason for its taste and color. In contrast, the white spring is colored white with calcite deposits and was believed to have stronger healing powers even than the red spring. The Victorians built a wellhouse at the entrance to this spring, which is still in use today.

Starting point is 00:28:50 As you make your way into the dark, mysterious, candlelit interior of the wellhouse, you can't help but notice the contrast with the sunny gardens surrounding the red spring. Three domed vaults stretch up to a height of 16 feet and the bowed stone floors echo to the sound of your footsteps. The golden glow of the candlelight, coupled with the sound of the perpetually flowing water, makes you feel it is a unique and sacred space. One of the great mysteries of these springs is that they have never run dry, and both are considered a gateway to the ancient mysteries,

Starting point is 00:29:40 a place where the ordinary world meets the extraordinary. The waters that gush forth from these springs are said to carry the energies of renewal, rebirth and ancient wisdom. By now, the sun is beginning to make its journey towards night. So you walk back to your car and drive the short, five-minute journey towards Glastonbury Tor, the hill that has been looming large in your mind ever since you first saw it. You park on one of the narrow roads surrounding it and set off across a field to begin your ascent. You can see that there are many routes you could take to reach the top, but as daylight is fading, you decide to use the main concrete path,

Starting point is 00:30:40 which, you've read, consists of 301 long, shallow steps. As you climb, you look up from time to time to see the stone tower of the summit silhouetted against the gunmetal blue of the darkening sky. From your reading, you know that originally a wooden church dedicated to St. Michael was built at the top, but this was destroyed by an earthquake in 1275, and a second church constructed from local sandstone was built on the site in the 14th century. This stone church of St. Michael stood on the summit of the tour until 1539, when it was destroyed again on the orders of Henry VIII. Only the church tower remained and is still intact today.

Starting point is 00:31:46 It has undergone various repair works with the support of the National Trust, a heritage conservation charity which now owns the tour. The climb is steep and a strong breeze blows around the exposed hillside. Halfway up, you stop to get your breath back and pause for a moment, scanning the stunning view. You stand, hands on hips, and take a deep breath in, filling your lungs with the fresh, sweet-scented air. A man and woman pass by on their way down the hill. They smile and greet you with a friendly, good evening.

Starting point is 00:32:40 You return the greeting and then resume your walk up the hill. As you near the top, the three-story stone tower looms above you. Walking through the front entrance into the tower, you sit down on one of the old stone benches that line either side of the tower openings. You lift your head, gazing up the high stone walls at the patch of darkening sky where the ancient roof would once have been. The wind is stronger now,

Starting point is 00:33:21 and you hear it whistling around the tower walls. Fastening your coat, you step out of the tower and find the perfect spot to take in the sunset. The vast horizon stretches away before you, white and grey clouds suspended below. As the sun begins to set, its glow lights up the whole sky with a fiery radiance. You watch enthralled as the sun disappears over the horizon. Suddenly the wind drops and you hear the sound of distant birdsong and the far-off rumble

Starting point is 00:34:15 of a farmer's tractor finishing up a long day's work. As you gaze out over the fields below, you have a deep sense that this ancient hill connects us with something greater than ourselves. Dusk has well and truly fallen now, and so you turn and make your way back down the path, safe in the knowledge that a hot meal and a cosy bed await you in the local hotel you booked earlier. Later, having dined on some delicious traditional English pub fare, you make your way somewhat wearily up the narrow creaking staircase of the 15th century coaching inn to your room. You climb into the big mahogany bed and snuggle under the crisp white duvet, resting your head on the soft feather pillow.

Starting point is 00:35:28 Then, taking a deep breath, you close your eyes and think back over all the magical sights you've seen today. From the magnificent ruins of the Abbey, the Holy Thorn, the natural springs, to the mysterious and iconic Tor. Glastonbury is a place steeped in history. Its unique sites, shops, and healing centers attract people from all walks of life in search of spiritual meaning and enlightenment. A tapestry woven with threads of spirituality, myth, and human connection. As you drift off to a peaceful sleep, you reflect that Glastonbury's Allure lies in its ability to inspire and ignite the imagination, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the enduring quest for meaning that resides within us all. I'm going to go ahead and turn off the lights. You You You You You I'm going to go ahead and start the video. You I'm going to go ahead and start the video. The You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Sleepy History and Legends of Glastonbury

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