We are all familar with the words of the hymn Jerusalem
‘ And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountains green. And was the Holy Lamb of God in English pleasant pastures seen.’
From where did this legend spring? It is based on the possibility that Joseph of Arimathea came to Britain, first as a dealer in metal, then, after Jesus’ death, as a disciple spreading the Christian message when he founded a Christian community at Glastonbury, on the site of Glastonbury Abbey. It is speculated that as Joseph was possibly the uncle of Mary the mother of Jesus he could have brought the child Jesus here on his travels. If he was a metal dealer then it wouldn’t have been unreasonable to have expected him to come to Britain, which at the time was part of the Roman Empire and was reknowned as good source of tin.
To add to the myth it is further speculated that Joseph brought with him a vessel containing Jesus’ blood from the cross – or the Holy Grail – which he hid in the Chalice Well at Glastonbury.
Read the full story of the legend of Joseph of Arimathea.
