Bringing to fruition the shared vision of the Friends of Bride’s Mound and Avalon Roundhouse Collective, the project combines a distinctive wooden roundhouse with opportunities for learning, creativity and connection with nature. It is a welcome addition to Glastonbury’s community facilities and an example of Town Deal investment helping local ambitions become a reality.
At the heart of the project is a nine-metre roundhouse, built using sustainable materials and practices and set within a landscaped garden. Its circular form and timber construction give the building a character that reflects its setting, while modern facilities make it a practical venue for a wide range of activities.
Inside, the roundhouse is equipped with Wi-Fi, a projector and screen, and a kitchen, supporting everything from community meetings and presentations to creative workshops and educational sessions. Accessible toilet facilities, on-site parking and bicycle storage help make the venue convenient for visitors, with a bus stop also nearby.
For local groups, tutors, organisations and workshop leaders, Bride’s Hill House offers a distinctive setting in which to bring people together. The venue is intended for weekday and weekend hire, with potential uses including talks, training, meetings and community events. Those interested in using the space are encouraged to contact the team through the Bride’s Hill House website for current availability, hire charges and booking arrangements.
Although Bride’s Hill House has celebrated its official opening, the building is awaiting final Building Regulations sign-off before opening for public use. We hope to welcome you within the next few weeks. In the meantime interested parties can join our waiting list, and we’ll be in touch with updates and opportunities to hire the space.
Glastonbury Town Deal Chairman Rob Taylor described the opening as “another important milestone for the Glastonbury Town Deal.”
About Bride’s Mound
Beyond the building lies Bride’s Mound, also known as the site of Beckery Chapel. This small rise in the landscape holds more than 1,500 years of remarkable history. Investigations led by South West Heritage Trust have revealed the earliest known archaeological evidence of monastic life in the British Isles, with radiocarbon dating placing the earliest burials in the fifth or early sixth century.
The site also has a rich tradition of pilgrimage. Medieval accounts associate Beckery with St Brigid of Kildare, while local legends link it with King Arthur. These stories, alongside the archaeological discoveries, make Bride’s Mound an important part of Glastonbury’s wider heritage.
Friends of Bride’s Mound
The Friends of Bride’s Mound, formed in 1995, have worked for decades to preserve and protect this special place and keep it open to local people and visitors. The opening of Bride’s Hill House represents an important step in that continuing work, providing a base from which more people can discover the site and learn about its history and natural environment.
The roundhouse forms part of the wider St Brigid’s Chapel and Field Town Deal project, which aims to protect and share the heritage and wildlife of a 33-acre landscape. Improved access, heritage interpretation and habitat enhancement are central to this vision, creating opportunities for education, volunteering and enjoyment of the surrounding countryside.
Glastonbury Town Council congratulates the Friends of Bride’s Mound, Avalon Roundhouse Collective and everyone who has helped bring the project to fruition. Thanks also go to South West Heritage Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust for their continued support.
For information about Bride’s Hill House, its facilities and hire enquiries, visit brideshillhouse.com
