Excavations on Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, 1964–6

Abstract

SUMMARYApart from a scatter of prehistoric and Roman finds, the first occupation of the Tor was in the 6th century A.D. There were traces of timber buildings of this date, with evidence of metal-working and considerable meat-eating. In the late Saxon or early medieval period there was a small monastic settlement, with cells cut in the rock, and possibly a timber church. Finally, in the late Saxon or early medieval period a stone church dedicated to St Michael was built on the summit: this was rebuilt at least once, and there was a priest's house lower down the slope. Notable finds include sherds of imported Dark Age amphorae, a small bronze head of similar date, and a wheel-headed cross of the 10th or 11th century.