St Magarets Chapel Chapel

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