Glastonbury Thorn, Hawthorn tree in Glastonbury, England

The Glastonbury Thorn is a hawthorn of the Crataegus monogyna Biflora variety and grows in several locations around town, notably on the Abbey grounds and beside St John's Church. This species differs from common hawthorns by flowering twice each year rather than once.

The original tree is said to have been planted when Joseph of Arimathea arrived in Britain in the 1st century, marking the beginning of Christianity in the region. This early connection made the location an important pilgrimage site through the centuries.

The tree holds deep meaning in Glastonbury as locals and visitors regard it as a symbol of Christian faith rooted in the land. The yearly custom of sending a flowering branch to the British monarch shows how this connection remains alive in modern times.

You can see several descendant trees at different locations, especially on the Abbey grounds and next to the church, which are accessible year-round. A walk through town connects these sites into one rewarding visit.

This variety flowers during winter months, which is unusual since standard hawthorns bloom only in spring. The winter flowering makes it easy to spot, especially when visiting the church during colder seasons.