Glastonbury, a town rich in history and legend, has a long-standing tradition of hospitality that can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was a busy market town and a centre for pilgrims.

The growing number of inns and taverns in the town reflects its economic recovery over the years, reaching a peak in the 19th century.

In 1189, there were seven inns among the holdings of the Abbey's tenants, and as early as 1301, John the taverner supplied wine for the Abbot's Hall. The town was also home to ale sellers, 68 of whom were in breach of the assize in 1314, and 45 in 1378. Innkeepers and ale sellers continued to thrive, and by 1417-18, two innkeepers and 20 ale sellers were recorded in the town.

One of the most prominent establishments was the George, later known as the George and Pilgrim Hotel. In 1439, it was owned by the abbey and had at least one previous tenant.

After the dissolution of the abbey, ownership passed to the Duke of Somerset, and later returned to the Crown. The inn's front part, erected by Abbot John Selwood, dates from between 1456 and 1474, and it has remained in continuous use despite being described as 'in such great ruin' in 1562.

Another well-known inn was the Crown, owned by Bruton Abbey and in business in the Market Place by 1535. The present building, dating from the late 17th century, has a canted bay on its street façade as part of an early 19th-century refronting. The Crown also faced a terrible fire a century ago, with little remaining of the medieval original.

Three innkeepers, including the tenant of the George, were licensed to sell wine in 1555; by the 1580s, other inns such as the Hart and the Pelican were named. The number of inns grew, with names like the Ship, the Bell, the Oak or Royal Oak, the Pelican, and the White Hart joining the George and the Crown by 1686. Some other notable inns included the Holly Bush and the Tavern.

The White Hart Inn, in existence since the 1580s, was rebuilt in 1760 and became the largest Glastonbury coaching inn until the railway arrived 100 years later. Its sign was used to hang some rebels supporting the Duke of Monmouth in 1685. The Assembly Rooms were later built on the stables of the former White Hart Inn in 1864.

By the 18th century, concerns were raised over the number of alehouses, with the parish vestry considering them 'nurseries of indolence and vice.' Still, the number of licensed houses continued to grow, reaching seventeen in 1866 and twenty-two in 1889 and 1891. By 1905, there was one licensed premise for every 174 people in the parish.

Among those closed was the Red Lion, which occupied the former gatehouse to the abbey precinct and had been used as the Red Lion Inn 100 years ago.

The former Plume of Feathers in Chilkwell Street

The 20th century saw the rise and fall of pubs like the First & Last, Glastonbury Arms, Globe, London Inn, Northover Inn, Plume Of Feathers, and Rose & Crown. The London Inn, situated at 21 Northload Street, closed around 1897 and is now Cinnamon Spice. It was run by innkeepers John and Jane Rice in 1861, and later by Elizabeth Grant, who died in 1897.

The Red Lion closed in 1910, and now forms part of the Abbey gatehouse. Those with good eyesight can just about make out painting on the stone over its arch, showing the remnants of its liquor license.

The Rose & Crown, rebuilt in 1903 for Welton Breweries, was present from at least 1822 when William Scriven was innkeeper. It is currently the home of My Fine Deli.

The Former Monarch Inn 15 High Street, Glastonbury dates from at least 1713 and used to be the home of the Monarch Inn. It now houses a shop selling African art. © Copyright Stewart Marsh

'The Monarch,' another Georgian inn with a date of 1713, was also known as The Angel in the 1860s. Today, it houses Art of Africa.

In an unusual turn of events, Becketts Inn, now a thriving, friendly pub, was home to many Glastonbury surgeons for 250 years.

Glastonbury's pub culture continues to thrive, with bars like The Old Tannery, Who'd A Thought It, Becketts Inn, Crown Hotel, George and Pilgrims, King Arthur, King William Inn, Market House Inn, and Riflemans Arms still serving locals and visitors alike.

This rich tapestry of inns and taverns tells a compelling story of Glastonbury's social, economic, and cultural evolution.

The loss of some and the persistence of others serve as a reminder of the town's dynamic history, with each establishment holding a piece of Glastonbury's unique identity, narrating tales of pilgrims, rebels, and ordinary people. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a walk through the streets of Glastonbury is a walk through history, where the ghosts of old inns whisper secrets of times gone by.