a town and municipal borough in Somerset, England, situated 25 mi. s. w. of Bath, on a peninsula formed in the Brue River. Though it has some manufactures and a considerable trade, it is chiefly important as the scene of many interesting events of English history. It contains the remains of a beautiful abbey, which was founded in the sixth century and which once covered more than 60 acres. It is said that the first Christian church in England was erected at Glastonbury. Tradition states that it is the burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, and that it was here that Joseph, one of the early Christian apostles to England, planted his pilgrim's staff, which took root and produced the famous Glastonbury thorn, which, it is said, blossomed every Christmas day. In medieval history and modern history Glastonbury had less importance, though in the time of Henry VIII it was the scene of violent persecutions on the part of the English Church.