Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea was, according to the Bible, the man who was responsible for the burial of Jesus Christ after Jesus’ crucifixion. He is also sometimes referred to as the great uncle of Christ. By the late 12th century or early 13th century, it was claimed that Joseph had brought the Grail to western Europe and was the leader of early missionaries who came to Glastonbury in AD 63.

A chapel dedicated to Joseph of Arimathea was established by Abbot Bere (abbot 1494–1525) at Glastonbury Abbey, promoting Joseph to sainthood and Glastonbury as the ‘holiest earth in England’. You can view a reconstruction of the Chapel of Joseph of Arimathea at Digital: The Lady Chapel (c.1185 – 1539), Chapel of Joseph of Arimathea.