Glastonbury chapel seeks new guardians of its medieval past

By Laura Linham 19th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

A charity caring for one of Glastonbury's oldest buildings is looking for people to help guide its future. The appeal for new trustees at St Margaret's Chapel and the Royal Magdalene Almshouses was published on Thursday, 15 October.

The Mary and Margaret Charity, which looks after the site on Magdalene Street, particularly wants to hear from people interested in history or with IT and digital skills. No previous experience as a trustee is needed, and the roles involve helping plan the charity's work and care for the site.

The recruitment comes as its volunteers await the outcome of a nomination for the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Fourteen have given more than ten years to the chapel, while another six have served for between five and ten years.

Chair of trustees Liz Pearson began exploring the award after looking into how long members of the team had been volunteering. The Mayor of Glastonbury put the charity forward, with the result expected on 14 November.

The Grade II* listed chapel and almshouses have a history stretching back centuries. Historic England records that the hospital was founded before 1322 to house ten poor men, with the surviving buildings largely dating from the late medieval period.

Today, the site receives more than 38,000 visitors annually, according to the charity's recruitment notice. New trustees could help research its medieval past or use digital skills to explain that history to visitors.

Liz, who has been involved for more than 20 years, wants to develop a more accurate timeline of the site's origins and connections with the Abbey. The appeal welcomes enthusiasm and time as well as specialist knowledge.

The chapel and almshouses are open daily from 10am to 4pm. Anyone interested in becoming a trustee can contact Liz Pearson for further information.