Alleged Remains of Three Dimensional Maze, Glastonbury Tor

Summary

It has been recently ( 1960's) suggested that the terraces that encircle the whole Tor is in fact, the remains of a gigantic three dimensional maze.

Identification Images (0)

Monument Types

Description

It has been recently ( 1960's) suggested that the terraces that encircle the whole Tor in a more or less concentric pattern are not of either natural origin or the result of human agricultural activity but are, in fact, the remains of a gigantic three dimensional maze. If it were then it would be of the greatest importance in any consideration of the religious aspects of Glastonbury.

While it would be impossible to declare categorically that such a maze did not exist on the Tor, partially obliterated by land- slip and erosion, simple observation makes it clear that the terraces do not now form a continuous pathway. 'Miz-mazes' or turf mazes, created as an aid to meditation and representing the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, are known throughout the country, usually in association with medieval monastic establishments, but on a much smaller scale than the Tor terraces and on level ground. Since there is no maze even vaguely of similar size or of three dimensions known anywhere, and since there are many places on the Tor where the terraces appear to be discontinuous, and since we have no idea of the date of the foundation of any of these terraces, it seems there is no reason to entertain the hypothesis that the terraces represent one contemporary structure, let alone that they formed a maze ( Hollinrake C & N 1997, 5,6).

References

Designations

Other Statuses and References

Associated Events

Associated Finds

None Recorded

Related Records