The Glastonbury War Book is available now, for £5

Glastonbury’s WWII invasion plans revealed in updated book: How to get a copy

Paul JonesMay 4, 20250 Comment0

IN 1939, the nation went to war. It was to be six years of fighting, ending in 1945.

But while most of us may think the war happened somewhere else, with huge sacrifices at home helping the effort, there was also planning for fighting on these shores.

Invasion was a strong possibility throughout the Second World War – with people fearful of what could happen.

As a result, towns and villages across the country made preparations for what they could do if enemy forces reached our island.

One of those was Glastonbury, which produced a Second World War Book, listing available resources for the resistance effort, as well as how it could help evacuees and protect residents from bombing raids.

The book has now been revisited by Mary Claridge who, ahead of VE Day commemorations this month, has republished it, alongside an introduction and review of the war years in Glastonbury.

“I wrote it in response to being given sight of the original Second World War book, which is a fascinating document listing all the resources of the town to face any invasion by the enemy and to protect its inhabitants from bombing raids,” she said.

The book was produced in association with Glastonbury Town Council, with support from the Glastonbury Festival, Glastonbury Antiquarian Society, Glastonbury Conservation Society and the Glastonbury Trust.

“The Glastonbury War Book can be described as a survival manual for the town in the face of war,” a town council spokesperson said.

“It was written by the town council’s Invasion Committee to offer resistance to the enemy in case of invasion and resilience to potential hardships imposed by the Second World War.

“It is being published by the Town Council as part of the commemorations for VE Day, 80 years ago.”

They added: “The War Book offers a picture of the past, casting a new light on Glastonbury and showing how affairs were organised: from housing evacuees and arranging fire guards, to bomb shelters, transport and supplying food.

“The introduction focuses on the role of the council in protecting Glastonbury and putting their plans into action.

“We follow the ups and downs of its journey from 1941 through to the end of the war and VE Day.

“Glastonbury Town Council is proud to be involved with The Glastonbury War Book as part of our VE Day 80 commemorations.

“This document is a powerful reminder of the town’s preparedness, resilience, and collective effort during one of the most challenging periods in our history.

“By sharing it with the community, we honour those who contributed to Glastonbury’s wartime story and ensure their legacy is not forgotten.”

Copies of the Glastonbury War Book are available from the information centre, and the tribunal, for £5.