In 1918, Frederick Bligh Bond published a book titled ‘The Gate of Remembrance’ in which he detailed the excavations he had carried out at Glastonbury Abbey. However, it wasn’t just the discoveries that made the book famous; it was the claim that he had been guided by the spirits of dead monks who had communicated with him through automatic writing.
In the article, we discuss the controversial figure of Frederick Bligh Bond and his work at Glastonbury Abbey. Bond’s book “The Gate of Remembrance” detailed his excavations at the abbey and included accounts of automatic writing sessions in which he claimed to be contacted by dead monks who guided his work.
Bond’s claims of supernatural guidance led to his dismissal by the Church of England and tarnished his reputation. However, some researchers believe that Bond’s work at the abbey was significant and that he may have discovered structures that were not previously known. Ongoing research at the abbey may shed further light on the controversy surrounding Bond’s work and the role of supernatural phenomena in archaeology.
The idea of communicating with spirits was not a new concept, but it was not one that was commonly associated with archaeology. Bond’s claim that he had received supernatural guidance in his excavations caused a stir among the archaeological community, and he was soon fired by his employer, the Church of England. Bond’s reputation was in tatters, and he was regarded by many as a charlatan.
However, the question remains: was there any way that Bond could have located the buildings he found at the abbey without spirit help? The answer is yes, there was. Bond was an experienced archaeologist who had carried out excavations at several sites before he arrived at Glastonbury Abbey. He had a good understanding of the techniques and methods used in archaeology, and he was known for being meticulous in his work.
It is possible that Bond’s claims of supernatural guidance were a result of his own beliefs and experiences. He was a member of the Theosophical Society, a group that believed in spiritualism and the existence of a spiritual world. It is possible that his beliefs influenced his interpretation of the automatic writing sessions, leading him to believe that he was being guided by spirits.
Despite the controversy surrounding Bond’s work, his excavations at Glastonbury Abbey were significant. He uncovered several buildings, including what he believed to be the remains of the church built by Joseph of Arimathea, and his work shed new light on the history of the abbey.
Today, the idea of supernatural guidance in archaeology is still a controversial one. While there are some who believe in the existence of spirits and their ability to communicate with the living, many archaeologists reject the idea as unscientific and unsupported by evidence.
As for what new discoveries we can expect from the future, it is difficult to say. Archaeology is a constantly evolving field, and new techniques and technologies are being developed all the time. However, it is safe to say that any future discoveries will be made through rigorous scientific methods, without the need for supernatural guidance.
The new discoveries in the field of supernatural archaeology have challenged the old assumptions and studies that dismiss the possibility of spiritual or psychic connections to archaeological sites. The case of Frederick Bligh Bond and his automatic writing sessions at Glastonbury Abbey has reopened the debate on the role of supernatural forces in archaeological discoveries.
Ongoing research in supernatural archaeology is expected to continue exploring the possible links between spiritual or psychic experiences and archaeological sites. This may involve further investigation into the experiences of archaeologists and others who claim to have had supernatural encounters at archaeological sites, as well as new technologies that could help detect such phenomena.
However, it is important for researchers in this field to approach their work with scientific rigor and to carefully evaluate and verify any claims of supernatural connections to archaeological sites. The use of rigorous scientific methods can help ensure that any conclusions drawn are based on solid evidence rather than speculation or wishful thinking.
The ongoing research into the supernatural claims made by Frederick Bligh Bond at Glastonbury Abbey highlights the importance of critical thinking and objective analysis in archaeology. While it is important to remain open-minded and consider all possibilities, it is equally important to approach claims of supernatural or paranormal phenomena with a healthy dose of skepticism and rely on empirical evidence and scientific methodology.
As new technologies and methods become available, it is likely that ongoing research into the Glastonbury Abbey excavations and other archaeological sites will continue to challenge old assumptions and lead to new discoveries. Overall, the ongoing research in supernatural archaeology is likely to continue challenging traditional views on the relationship between the spiritual and the physical, and may ultimately lead to new insights into the mysteries of the past.
In conclusion, the story of Frederick Bligh Bond and his claims of supernatural guidance in his excavations at Glastonbury Abbey is a fascinating one. While his methods may have been unorthodox, his work shed new light on the history of the abbey and the techniques he used were still based on sound archaeological principles. While the idea of supernatural guidance in archaeology may be controversial, Bond’s story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a never-ending journey.
