Collection: Glastonbury Abbey

Collection-level records:

• Collection overview (Collection development policy)

  The collections consist of the finds from the archaeological excavation of the Abbey precinct since the early 20^th century and are thus considered by the Trust as an integral and inalienable part of the estate of Glastonbury Abbey. They contain Abbey building fabric as well as artefacts used by the monks and others visiting and living in the precinct. There are also photographs and excavation records that relate to these digs, as well as other material that all relates to the history of the Abbey.

  The collections comprise pottery, glass, bone, floor and roof tiles, stonework, plaster, bronze, iron and lead work. There are also plans, pictures, photographs, books, excavation records, digital files, a large model and a collection of topographical paintings of the Abbey.

  The collection of Saxon material includes the largest grouping of Saxon sculpture in Somerset and the waste from and remains of the earliest known Saxon glass-making furnaces in Britain. Also of significance is the twelfth century painted blue window glass and blue lias architectural sculpture.

  All items in the collections are owned by Glastonbury Abbey, except for one item on loan from another institution. This is the Othery Cope. About 5% of the collections are exhibited in the site museum and the remainder are in store in the Abbey Gatehouse and grounds. A number of coins are deposited for safe keeping with the South West Heritage Trust.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: Not known

  Licence: CC BY-NC