The Gate of Remembrance: The Story of the Psychological Experiment which Resulted in the Discovery of the Edgar Chapel at Glastonbury

In Short

The Gate of Remembrance is an account of a psychological experiment in archaeology, conducted through automatic writing, which led to the discovery of the Edgar Chapel at Glastonbury Abbey. Frederick Bligh Bond, an architect and archaeologist, collaborated with a medium, John Alleyne, to channel messages from historical figures associated with the abbey. These messages provided detailed architectural descriptions and measurements that guided excavations, ultimately revealing the chapel's location and design. The book blends archaeological methodology, spiritualism, and historical narrative, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of science and the supernatural in uncovering the past.

The Story

Frederick Bligh Bond, an architect and archaeologist, faced a challenge: uncovering the lost Edgar Chapel at Glastonbury Abbey, a site shrouded in mystery and historical ambiguity. Traditional archaeological methods had yielded little, and the chapel's existence was doubted by many. Bond turned to an unconventional approach—a psychological experiment involving automatic writing. Collaborating with John Alleyne, a medium, Bond sought to channel messages from historical figures associated with the abbey, including monks and abbots.

The experiment began in 1907, with Alleyne producing scripts in a mix of Latin, Middle English, and Modern English. These messages, attributed to figures like Johannes, a monk, and Richard Whiting, the last abbot, provided detailed architectural descriptions, measurements, and instructions for excavation. Despite initial skepticism, the scripts proved remarkably accurate. They guided Bond to specific locations, such as the chapel's west wall and crypt, and provided precise measurements that matched later discoveries.

As the experiment progressed, the scripts revealed not only the chapel's layout but also its historical context, including its construction under Abbot Richard Beere and its destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The messages also touched on the abbey's broader history, its spiritual significance, and the lives of those who had inhabited it.

The culmination of the experiment came in 1908, when excavations confirmed the chapel's existence and matched the descriptions provided by the scripts. The discovery was met with both fascination and controversy, as it challenged conventional archaeological methods and raised questions about the role of spiritualism in historical research.

Bond's book not only documents the discovery but also delves into the philosophical and methodological implications of his experiment. He argues for the validity of intuitive and subliminal powers in scientific inquiry, suggesting that the mind can access knowledge beyond the reach of traditional observation and logic. The book concludes with reflections on the nature of memory, the persistence of spiritual influence, and the enduring legacy of Glastonbury Abbey as a place of historical and spiritual significance.

How It Unfolds

The challenge arises: Frederick Bligh Bond, tasked with uncovering the lost Edgar Chapel at Glastonbury Abbey, faces skepticism and limited historical records. Traditional methods fail to provide clear evidence of the chapel's existence.

The experiment begins: Bond collaborates with John Alleyne, a medium, to conduct automatic writing sessions. The goal is to channel messages from historical figures associated with the abbey, hoping to gain insights into the chapel's location and design.

Messages emerge: Alleyne produces scripts in a mix of languages, attributed to figures like Johannes, a monk, and Richard Whiting, the last abbot. These messages provide detailed architectural descriptions, measurements, and excavation instructions.

Excavations commence: Guided by the scripts, Bond and his team begin digging at specific locations. They uncover the chapel's west wall, crypt, and other features, confirming the accuracy of the messages.

Discoveries align: The scripts' descriptions of the chapel's layout, measurements, and historical context match the archaeological findings. The experiment gains credibility, though it also sparks controversy.

Philosophical reflections: Bond reflects on the experiment's implications, arguing for the role of intuitive and subliminal powers in scientific inquiry. He suggests that the mind can access knowledge beyond traditional observation and logic.

Legacy and conclusion: The discovery of the Edgar Chapel is celebrated, but the experiment's methods remain debated. Bond's book concludes with reflections on Glastonbury Abbey's spiritual and historical significance, leaving readers to ponder the intersection of science and the supernatural.

The People

Frederick Bligh Bond: An architect and archaeologist, Bond is driven by a passion for uncovering historical truths. He is open-minded, willing to explore unconventional methods like automatic writing to solve archaeological mysteries. His collaboration with John Alleyne leads to the discovery of the Edgar Chapel, but he faces skepticism and controversy for his approach. By the end, he emerges as a pioneer, advocating for the integration of intuitive and subliminal powers in scientific inquiry.

John Alleyne: A medium and Bond's collaborator, Alleyne is the conduit for the automatic writing sessions. He is described as having a placid mind and a quiescent mood, ideal for channeling messages. Alleyne's role is crucial, as he produces scripts that provide detailed and accurate information about the chapel. He remains a mysterious figure, his own beliefs and motivations largely unexplored, but his contributions are central to the experiment's success.

Johannes: A historical figure, a monk at Glastonbury Abbey, whose spirit is channeled through Alleyne's scripts. Johannes is portrayed as a "child of Nature," deeply connected to the abbey and its surroundings. His messages are vivid and detailed, reflecting his love for the abbey and his knowledge of its architecture. Johannes serves as a bridge between the past and present, his spirit guiding Bond and Alleyne in their quest.

Richard Whiting: The last abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, Whiting's spirit also communicates through the scripts. His messages provide historical context and confirm details about the chapel's construction and destruction. Whiting represents the abbey's spiritual and administrative leadership, his legacy intertwined with its history.

Richard Beere: An abbot who played a key role in the chapel's construction, Beere's influence is felt through the scripts. His decisions and actions are described, offering insights into the chapel's design and purpose. Beere symbolizes the abbey's architectural and spiritual ambitions during its heyday.

In Its Own Voice

The language in which they are conveyed is the mechanical side of the matter, the most assuredly conventional element in the process of transmission. But the obvious instruments are the brains of F.B.B. and J.A. The reasoning and reflective faculties are at the time in abeyance or are otherwise engaged, their attention being entirely diverted: but the storehouse of memories and subconscious impressions latent within are being used, and quite independently used, though concurrently in point of time with the normal use of the thinking faculties on a wholly different subject.

Ye crypt was mere a chamber under the stairs and it was at the west end of the chapel. It was not for sepulture and it is gone long syne by reason of the fall of the floor of ye chapel. Yt wasne underground and was low--a man might hardly walk sans stooping.

Simple he was, but as a dog loveth his master, so loved he his Howse with a greater love than any of them that planned and builded it. They were of the earth--planners and builders for their great glory, nor ever, though honest men, for the glory of God. But Johannes, mystified and bewildered by its beauty, gave it his heart, as one gives his heart to a beloved mistress; and so, being earthbound by that love, his spirit clings in dreams to the vanished vision which his spirit-eyes even still see.

What It's Really About

The Gate of Remembrance explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and history, questioning the boundaries of knowledge and the methods by which it is acquired. At its core, the book is about the search for truth—whether through traditional archaeological methods or unconventional means like automatic writing. Bond challenges the notion that scientific inquiry must be confined to observable phenomena and logical deduction, advocating for the inclusion of intuitive and subliminal powers.

The book also delves into the nature of memory and its persistence across time. The spirits of historical figures like Johannes and Richard Whiting are portrayed as guardians of knowledge, their memories accessible through the subconscious minds of the living. This raises questions about the continuity of human experience and the role of the past in shaping the present.

Additionally, The Gate of Remembrance reflects on the spiritual significance of places like Glastonbury Abbey. The abbey is not just a historical site but a repository of collective memory and spiritual energy. Bond suggests that such places have a timeless quality, their essence enduring even as their physical structures decay.

Ultimately, the book is a meditation on the limits of human understanding and the potential for transcending those limits. It invites readers to consider the possibility of a deeper, more interconnected reality, where the past and present coexist and where the mind can access truths beyond the reach of conventional methods.

Why Read It Today

The Gate of Remembrance offers a fascinating glimpse into the early 20th-century intersection of archaeology, spiritualism, and history. Readers interested in the history of science, the paranormal, or the methods of historical inquiry will find much to engage with. Bond's experiment challenges conventional thinking, making the book a thought-provoking read for those who enjoy questioning established norms.

The book's blend of detailed archaeological descriptions, spiritual narratives, and philosophical reflections creates a unique reading experience. While some may find the automatic writing sessions and spiritualist elements unconventional, they add a layer of intrigue and mystery to the story. Bond's writing is clear and engaging, though readers should be prepared for the period's language and attitudes, which may feel dated at times.

What stays with you is the idea that knowledge can come from unexpected sources and that the past is not as distant as it seems. Bond's discovery of the Edgar Chapel is a testament to the power of intuition and the enduring presence of history in the present. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, The Gate of Remembrance invites you to consider the possibilities beyond the boundaries of conventional thought.