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Somerset Myths & Legends

You would expect such a historic county to have many stories to tell - and indeed it does! One of the most famous landmarks in England, Glastonbury Tor is home to many such tales, said to be a mysterious entrance to the underworld, perhaps the place from where King Arthur, the 'Once and Future King' will one day return in time of need and nearby Chalice Well is reputed to be the resting place for the Holy Grail.

The monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have found the bones of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and nearby, there is a legend that Joseph of Arimathea planted a holy thorn tree (cuttings from the holy thorn at Glastonbury Abbey are still sent each year to the Queen to adorn the Christmas lunch table).

Still on the subject of King Arthur, the massive earthwork known as Cadbury Castle, which stands on a steep hill west of South Cadbury is believed to be the site of the legendary Camelot. It is undoubtedly the finest prehistoric camp in Somerset, and one of the finest in England.

King Alfred was based in Somerset and there is a legend that he 'burnt the cakes' whilst hiding from the Danes at Athelney, in the house of a local peasant woman. There are several stories of dragons in Somerset and many believe that many of these tales are associated with the invasion of the Danes into the county.

The caves at Wookey Hole are said to have been home to a witch who was turned to stone when a courageous local priest threw holy water over her - and her petrified profile can still be seen today!

If it's ghost stories you want then Somerset has plenty of those too! Taunton Castle is said to be haunted by the noise of soldiers boots - bringing the unfortunate Sedgemoor prisoners to the Bloody Assizes in 1685 after Monmouth's Rebellion - the last civil battle on English soil.