25 June 2025

Glastonbury festival: history and historic surroundings

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant
A stone tower stands atop a grassy hill, overlooking a patchwork of fields and a distant town under a blue sky.

Origins of Glastonbury Festival

The iconic Glastonbury festival began in 1970, when dairy farmer Michael Eavis launched the first festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset, attracting about 1,500 attendees with £1 tickets and free milk for all.

But Glastonbury is much more than a music festival—it’s a cultural institution. Inspired by the 1960s counterculture and free festival movement, it celebrates art, performance, community, and a spirit of global togetherness. Today, it spans 1,500 acres and welcomes over 200,000 attendees each year.

In 2024, the lineup featured artists like Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Shania Twain, and SZA. The 2025 edition promises just as much excitement, with headliners including The Prodigy, Wolf Alice, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, and Rod Stewart. At its heart is the legendary Pyramid Stage—first introduced in 1971 and inspired by Egypt’s pyramids—which has become a cultural symbol in its own right.

Glastonbury’s Historic Backdrop

Beyond the festival fields lies a town rich in mysticism, history, and legend. The area is steeped in ancient traditions, and the dramatic rise of Glastonbury Tor is one of its most iconic sights.

Atop the hill stands the roofless tower of St Michael’s Church, a Grade I listed building from the 14th century now under the care of the National Trust.
This area is thought to have been a site of pre-Christian worship, and Glastonbury features heavily in Arthurian legend—it’s rumoured to be the final resting place of King Arthur. Today, the town is a centre for new age culture and spiritual healing, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

View of the stone ruins of a medieval abbey with arched windows and weathered walls under a cloudy sky.

Grade Listed Buildings in Glastonbury

Glastonbury’s heritage is showcased through its many Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, each bearing witness to centuries of history. Here are some must-see highlights:

Glastonbury Abbey (Grade I)
Once among England’s richest monasteries, Glastonbury Abbey is a majestic ruin full of legend. It’s believed to be the burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, and today its grounds offer peaceful gardens and captivating medieval remnants like the Lady Chapel and the Abbot’s Kitchen.

The Tribunal (Grade I)
Located on Glastonbury’s High Street, The Tribunal is a 15th-century stone townhouse that once served as a courthouse. Now home to the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum, it showcases Iron Age artifacts and features striking medieval architecture.

Church of St John the Baptist (Grade I)
This active parish church dates back to the 15th century and boasts an ornate tower and detailed stone carvings. The Church of St John the Baptist remains a place of reflection and beauty in the heart of town.

George Hotel and Pilgrims’ Inn (Grade I)
Built in the late 15th century to house pilgrims visiting the Abbey, this historic inn is among the oldest purpose-built hostelries in England. Its carved façade and mullioned windows are a feast for the eyes.

A tall stone church tower stands against a blue sky, with a tree and flowers visible in the foreground.
A stone fountain with water flowing into a round basin, surrounded by greenery and cobblestone pavement.

Chalice Well and Gardens (Grade II*)
A serene sanctuary at the base of Glastonbury Tor, the Chalice Well has flowed for over two millennia. Associated with the Holy Grail, it’s a deeply spiritual spot surrounded by beautifully kept gardens that welcome all visitors.

Baily’s Buildings (Grade II)
Once home to Glastonbury’s glove and sporting goods industry, the Baily’s Buildings are now being revitalised into a hub for creatives, preserving their industrial charm while embracing modern use.

Preserving the Past for the Future

As Glastonbury Festival continues to evolve, so too does the importance of protecting the historic landscape that surrounds it. Listed buildings are not just relics—they are living records of culture and craftsmanship. Ensuring their survival means preserving the spirit of Glastonbury for future generations. That’s where Abode comes in. Whether you’re restoring a centuries-old chapel or maintaining a Georgian townhouse, Abode offers specialist products and tailored support to help you care for your listed building. Because protecting history isn’t just about what has been—it’s about what’s still to come.

To speak to a specialist at Abode, please call us on 01622 476 433.

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