MALMESBURY HISTORY

Image
Image
Image

MALMESBURY HISTORY

For more than two and a half millennia successive generations have populated this hill top, which forms the centre of the community we now call Malmesbury.

In ancient times, Malmesbury was the frontier of Wessex, the West Saxon Kingdom. Tetbury, some five miles  to the North, was in Mercia and for centuries animosity between the two towns was very real.

Today it heads the list of the oldest boroughs in England and has the pride of place in the Guinness Book of Records. Almost a thousand years ago it was to head the list of towns in Wiltshire in the Domesday Book.

The hilltop has a strong natural defence, steep-sided with a plateau-like summit. In the past the surrounding rivers were wide and deep, and to this stronghold inhabitants added walls, banks and stockades. These defences were added to and restored throughout the town's history, until the end of the Civil War in the mid seventeenth century. Until that time Malmesbury was a walled town with gates, to regulate the comings and goings of the people of this important and busy market town, but at the time of the Commonwealth the defences were slighted and were never to be rebuilt.

About one third of the Abbey Church remains for us to marvel at today. The whole of the northern part of the town would have been covered with monastic buildings and it is difficult for us to imagine the vast offices of the Abbey as it would have been seen until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the middle sixteenth century. 

ATHELSTAN MUSEUM

For more information about Malmesbury 's fascinating history, a visit to Athelstan Museum is a must! The museum is located in the Town Hall and details about our history and museum opening times may be found here.

Image
Image
Image
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tel: 01666 822 143 or Email: administration@malmesbury.gov.uk

LOCAL NEWS.

Local stories in and around the Malmesbury area to keep you up-to-date.

ATTRACTIONS.

A wonderful place to visit with a wealth of attractions right on the doorstep.

MALMESBURY

MALMESBURY is a vibrant, market town, steeped in history going back to medieval times. Currently home to many famous & popular musical, cultural, and festival events throughout the year, visitors can browse the charming streets with independent retailers, or stop at one of the lively cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars.

Attractions to visit include the stunning 12th century Malmesbury Abbey, 15th century Market Cross and the Athelstan Museum with a painting of Malmesbury Abbey by JMW Turner. There are also lovely walks along the River Avon.

Image
Image
Image
Image

CONTACT INFO

Town Hall, Cross Hayes, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9BZ

The Council Office is open for Council business from 9am until 5pm Monday to Thursday & Friday 9am to 4.30pm, except for Bank Holidays.

Please call us on 01666 822143, or visit our contact page here to contact a specific councillor or member of the council staff directly.