Gwyn ap Nudd
Ancient British God & Hero
Glastonbury Tor - A Proposal for new Signage
'And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?'
(Pink Floyd, Wish you Were Here)
Glastonbury is blessed with an ancient and unique landmark, known to the locals as 'the Tor'. Whilst this raised and revered ground is a must-visit for everyone who comes to Glastonbury, the Tor’s incalculable value to Glastonbury residents was a subject of study in 1998. 10 years ago its custodians, the National Trust, tried to ascertain how best to conserve it (1998 Consultation Process on Glastonbury Tor, a summary, February 1999 and The National Trust Tor Conservation Statement, February 1999). As a result the local public was consulted and a programme was devised of how best to address the foreseen works of restoration required for the Tor’s management and conservation. Two main points addressed in ‘The National Trust Conservation Statement – February 1999’ were:
1. The significance of the site, and
2. Its vulnerability and the proposals offered to protect it.
Of the comments presented in the Statement's following sections, the residents offered what they believed would preserve the Tor and why:
· 1.1.6 Comments on Aspects for improvement from the public consultation:
Information signs – Better signs may help promote site as place
worthy of respect, historically and spiritually.
· 2.2 Conservation Policies To Deal With Vulnerability - Overall Conservation Policy:
To preserve forever the peaceful sacred nature of Glastonbury Tor with all its archaeological, historical, and natural history interest, whilst providing better access and interpretation, thereby giving visitors a more memorable and enjoyable visit.
In 2007 work was completed on restoring the Tor at a cost of £500,000, however, signage to reflect the opinions offered in ‘The National Trust Conservation Statement – February 1999’ has not yet been renewed. On 30 September the tower on Glastonbury Tor was vandalised by a member of Fathers 4 Justice who, acting independently, caused £2,000 of damage. Whilst no evidence can be offered that improved signage may have deflected the attack, there is a strong held belief that as people can be positively influenced, it may have. As from 1999, if the public had been encouraged to regard the Tor as a site worthy of respect for reasons spiritual, historical, archaeological, geological and mythical, then actions of 'bad taste' were less likely to have happened as when people identify with something held sacred they generally take better care of it.
In reference to the National Trust’s own study and the fact that a lack of public respect could continue to impose a threat to the Tor, I began my own research as to what might be done to help better safeguard it. I looked for support on producing signage that would meet the many expectations of a visitor to Glastonbury Tor and consulted Glastonbury residents and historians. The objectives would be to fascinate, inspire and provide data that was interesting and factual. The Tor has a huge history that predates Christianity and amongst its many references there has always been a hero associated with it - the ancient British deity Gwyn ap Nudd, King Arthur, St Michael and Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury. Therefore using names of heroes to inspire future visitors to the Tor, a sign was created and contributed to by Nicholas Mann, Yuri Leitch, Matthew Clements of Glastonbury Abbey, the Glaston Group and many others.
In December 2007 a report was prepared in respect of new signage on Glastonbury Tor. It was contributed to by Glastonbury groups, residents and persons affiliated to the Tor in that it was a subject of their work or interest. Subject matter covered:
- why there should be new signage (the New Proposal)
- what may be gained from having new signage (Public Response)
- layout for new signage (Suggested Content)
All comments and advice offered constituted a fair representation of general public opinion, reflecting public opinion in 1998 when a study was undertaken by 'Adrian Woodhall, of the National Trust, in collaboration with Martin Papworth, Regional Archaeologist, and Tracey Hartley, Regional Building Surveyor, and many other specialist interests within the organisation.' - The National Trust Tor Conservation Statement – February 1999. Of the comments, the concerns expressed were that:
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new signage should not be seen alone as a primary link to another specific monument, ie Glastonbury Abbey, but contain all relevant references to the Tor, inclusive of Glastonbury Abbey.
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whilst information could be provided on leaflets for distribution from the Tourist Information Office, Wardens etc, leaflets should not be relied on as the only source of relevant information with regards to the Tor. It was expressed that:
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Tourist Information Office's are not always open to obtain information
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Wardens are not always at hand to distribute leaflets
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the publication of leaflets can be costly and not necessarily adequate in number to meet pubic demand
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Adequate signage, however, can:
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provide all relevant information to meet any occasion at any time of the day
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explain what constitutes the nature of the Tor whilst visitors are already upon it
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reflect why people want to visit it
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and encourage their welcomed assistance in a combined effort to ensure its preservation
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Today's present signage is of historical value and captures the time and attitude of when it was designed, but as visitors today have a greater expectation of everything perceived they can have a greater expectation of what they choose to read. Unfortunately, in respect of the present signage, it conveys vague references, confuses fact with theory and disables itself from being as effective as it could be!
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With regard to the content, the word 'probably' is used twice and references though charming are ambiguous, as is an extended one related to St Patrick. There is also the unfortunate presentation in the sign as being a flag to health and safety:
....... 'more resistant to erosion that the lower levels. Making the slopes steep and unstable......'.
However, and fortunately for visitors today, the National Trust's care since this signage was hung, has secured easy access paths removing any necessity for such a 'dire' warning!
As there is much that is factual and objective about the Tor, today's signage could say much more and more powerfully. Like good advertising which billions is spent on each year, and of which the High Street in Glastonbury will be familiar with, it is important to get it right, ie:
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to present the right image
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to deliver the right information
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to raise interest
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to effect a lasting awareness
For that reason the Proposed New Signage was purposely designed to focus on what are historical and geological facts associated with the Tor, including well known theory, but making it clear that that is what it is. Named heroes associated with the Tor were presented in the first line to immediately promote a sense of respect. The rest of the sign was carefully phrased so as not to be lost on a child or be too elementary for an adult to read. Most importantly, the Proposal was designed to reflect the public's request of 10 years ago.
Offered to the National Trust for their consideration
December 2007
Glastonbury Tor, associated with King Arthur, St Michael and the ancient British deity Gwyn ap Nudd, rises from the Somerset Levels to a height of 158m. The hill is formed of almost horizontal layers of Jurassic rock. The Lower Lias and Middle Lias silts and clays are overlaid by Upper Lias clays, capped by harder Midford sands known as Tor Burrs. This hard cap explains the Tor’s existence as it eroded more slowly than the surrounding clays. The Tor is situated on one of the small islands that provided opportunities for settlement before the Levels were drained. Archaeology suggests that the land was originally open to communal farming. Following enclosure in the 18th century, small fields were formed and hedgerows developed. Paths and gateways were cut through these to give access to lynchets, farmed terraces, on the Tor itself. Excavations conducted in 1964-66 revealed a Neolithic axe head, 5-7th Century AD timber structures, metal-working hearths, pits with animal bones and two north/south aligned graves. A wheel-headed cross, ovens and cells, provided 9-12th Century evidence of a Christian settlement and monastery, linking the Tor to Glastonbury Abbey. Interpretations of the Tor and its terraces have included an entrance to the Celtic Underworld, a labyrinth, a Romano-British temple, a stronghold or look-out of a local chieftain and a foresight for astronomical observation. It is a site on the St Michael Line/Mayday alignment. An early church, destroyed in an earthquake in the 13th century, was replaced in the 14th century by a chapel dedicated to St Michael. This stood until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, when the last Abbot of Glastonbury, Richard Whiting, was hanged on the Tor. All that remains is the tower.
As our collective input was offered to the National Trust last December they have, in response, said something is likely to go ahead next year. Therefore two remaining concerns are:
(1) that the signage issue does happen and does not drag on for another 10 years
(2) that what does finally replace the present signage is improved in wording and reflects present public opinion, ie
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that it informs correctly
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that it conveys a sense of respect
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that it is unbiased in its religious perspective
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that it includes the most pertinent references know to locals and anyone affiliated with Glastonbury, ie King Arthur, St Michael and the ancient British deity, Gwyn ap Nudd
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that it includes references as in respect of the ancient Goddess traditions:
'Interpretations of the Tor and its terraces have included an entrance to the Celtic Underworld, a labyrinth, a Romano-British temple.....'
conveying that which is the Tor’s mystery, both pre-Christian and Christian
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Most importantly, that it is interesting both spiritually, historically and archaeologically, inducing the visitor to read it from beginning to end
Our Proposal was aimed to touch as many people as possible - the Glastonbury visitor who visits the Abbey, the Chalice Well Gardens and then who climbs the Tor! As the climb is a 'must thing to do' and the sign is in a prevalent place, it is a likely expectation many will see it. Over 300,000 visitors climb the Tor each year and as a result the National Trust had to create strong wide pathways to deal with the stress and erosion. Unfortunately, their renovation works did not include a sign at that time but one can still be hung that reflects the Tor's spiritual, archaeological, historical and natural history interest
'..... whilst providing better access and interpretation, thereby giving visitors a more memorable and enjoyable visit...' (The National Trust Conservation Statement – February 1999’).
........That which the residents asked for 10 years ago!
What everyone thinks and is prepared to say to the National Trust does matter a great deal because if next year's new signage is going to truly reflect public opinion it needs to be known what that is - Glastonbury residents and all who have an association with Glastonbury!
Please, therefore, consider the present signage above and compare it with the proposed new and offer your individual comment to Andy Mayled of the National Trust:
Finally, and to conclude, the most repeated point that has been conveyed to me since the end of last year is that Glastonbury residents know their Tor very well and want to share that image and experience with others. The Tor's majesty will outlive us all, but what we think of it now and successfully convey in new signage may help ensure its lasting preservation. Even if what is conveyed now is replaced again in 50 years time, it will be a template to be improved on as indeed a baton to be passed on. On the 'other hand' if what is there is left as it is, it will be assumed representative, even if inaccurately, of public opinion today.
Sample support offered for the New Signage:
.......We have received your post and read it with great interest. We encourage you to continue in your research to produce the best possible new signage for the Tor.
Here at Chalice Well the challenge has always been to present the site in a manner that is free from what we would like it to be and as it actually is. A task that is truly difficult as can we ever disentangle ourselves from our subjective perspective and why should we even want to? Thus the Well and the Tor are ever being re-interpreted for each age and each interpretation is as fascinating, and as valid, as the thing itself. It is doubtful that agreement will ever be reached on such an important symbolic site as the Tor, but your encouraging people to let the NT know their views can only assist them in the wording of their final decision.
With best wishes
........What you are trying to do is admirable and I'll
support you all that I can.
I have recently shown how Avalon is (and always was)
in Burgundy though. Glastonbury is the ancient isle of
Ynys Witrin, the 'Isle of Glass', as such it is an
entrance to the Otherworld and is native British
sacred ground... Avalon is a medieval invention that
distorts the native British sacred ground. It was
invented by the monks of the abbey when they faked
Arthur's grave.
Best Wishes
Yuri.
.....Thank you for updating me on the preparations for new signage on the Tor. I think you are doing a remarkable job and hope that your wishes are fulfilled in this respect.
I have read through the latest draft for the signage and can’t argue with anything here. It fully embraces all essential aspects of the Tor’s history and spiritual beliefs, and thus will hopefully keep most people happy.
Hopefully, it will help prevent future vandalism as well.....
Best wishes,
Andrew Collins
....... Thank you for your message. The reply from the NT is encouraging. I hope they do put a sign there using your text or most of it; it is very comprehensive.
It was a good initiative on your part; I am glad to have been able to contribute to it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. I look forward to knowing the outcome.
Happy Christmas to you.
(Matthew Clements, Glastonbury Abbey)
........ Those of us at our regular meeting of the Glaston Group this week
were happy to endorse your plaque for the Tor. We thought it struck
just the right balance between geology and mythology to avoid
frightening the establishment. So we hope that it will come to pass.
Regards, Roy Procter - for the Glaston Group.
Reference Sources/Links