Page last updated at 13:28 GMT, Thursday, 26 November 2009

Jesus 'may have visited England', says Scottish academic

Glastonbury Tor
Could Jesus Christ have visited Glastonbury?



The film examines the story of Jesus' supposed visit, which survives in the popular hymn Jerusalem.

Dr Strachan believes it is "plausible" Jesus came to England for his studies, as it was the forefront of learning 2,000 years ago.

"Coming this far wasn't in fact that far in the olden days," Dr Strachan told BBC Radio 4's The World At One. "The Romans came here at the same time and they found it quite easy."

Dr Strachan added that Jesus had "plenty of time" to do the journey, as little was known about his life before the age of 30.


Poet William Blake
William Blake's "Jerusalem" spread the idea Jesus came to England

Now the first words of the hymn - "And did those feet" - are the title of a new film based on a book researched by Dr Strachan, who lectures on the history of architecture at Edinburgh University.

"It is generally suggested that he came to the west of England with his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, who was here for tin," said the academic.


"He needed to go around to learn bits and pieces about ancient wisdom, and the druids in Britain went back hundreds if not thousands of years. He probably came here to meet the druids, to share his wisdom and gain theirs."



The film And Did Those Feet is being screened on Friday in central London.

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