ll the
watercourses between Glastonbury and the sea being placed on named individuals
among whom were Ralph de Sancta Barbara of Brentmarsh. In 1129, the abbot of
Glastonbury was recorded as inspecting enclosed land at Lympsham. Efforts to
control flooding on the Parrett were recorded around the same date. In 1234,
722 acres (2.9 km) were reclaimed near Westonzoyland and, from the
accounts in the abbey's rent books, this had increased to 972 acres
(393 ha) by 1240. In the 14th century a Fish House was built at Meare for
the chief fisherman of the abbot of Glastonbury that was also used for salting
and preparing fish. It is the only surviving monastic fishery building in
England. At the time of the Dissolution in 1540, Meare Pool was said to contain
a great abundance of pike, tench, roach and eels. In 1638 it was owned by
William Freake, who described it as "lately a fish pool". The
importance of this industry is illustrated by a series of acrimonious disputes
between Glastonbury and the Dean and Chapter of Wells Cathedral. The abbey
required fish on Fridays, fast days and during Lent. As many as 5000 eels were
landed in a typical year.
King Arthur's tomb
In 1184, a great fire at Glastonbury destroyed the monastic buildings.
Reconstruction began almost immediately and the Lady Chapel, which includes the
well, was consecrated in 1186. There is evidence that, in the 12th century, the
ruined nave was renovated enough for services while the great new church was
being constructed. Parts of the walls of the aisle and crossing having been
completed by 1189, but progress then continuing more slowly.
If pilgrim visits had fallen, the discovery of King Arthur and Queen
Guinevere's tomb in the cemetery in 1191 provided fresh impetus for visiting
Glastonbury. A contemporaneous, though not an eyewitness account was given by
