Athelstan Museum is situated in the heart of the ancient town of Malmesbury. This hill-top site has been occupied since at least the Iron Age period, and the museum displays a large range of items spanning the period from that time up to the present day. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity.
The Museum is named after King Athelstan, first King of all England who is buried in Malmesbury. Much more about Athelstan can be found on our King Athelstan and Athelstan 1100 Exhibition pages.
Some key exhibits are a fine silver penny from the reign of King Athelstan, a hoard of Roman coins, and a watercolour of Malmesbury by J.M.W Turner.
The museum’s collection is on display in the Town Hall building, which can be found facing the Cross Hayes car park in the centre of town. Entry to the Museum is free and donations are welcomed.
The museum also owns the Julia and Hans Rausing Building, a converted Moravian Church, used for special museum events and can also be hired for other purposes.
THOMAS HOBBES DISPLAY
Malmesbury is very proud to be the birthplace of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes. We have a small display devoted to his life which includes a 1684 3rd Edition of his work Humane Nature,
Read more about him on our Thomas Hobbes web page . There is more information about him and associated local events at the Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury website.
Our Collection
What’s On
Athelstan Museum
Malmesbury & World War Two
Rausing Building
The Story of Queen Matilda – Malmesbury’s forgotten Patron.
Rausing Building
History Club – Eilmer
Rausing Building
Malmesbury as a Border Town – from Wessex/Mercia to WW2
Rausing Building
History Club – Railway in Malmesbury
Rausing Building
A Career in Ruins – Julian Richards
For a full list of currently planned events please see our Current Events page
Rausing Building Venue Hire
Our recently refurbished venue, The Julia & Hans Rausing Building (formerly The Moravian Church) is available for hire throughout the year for talks, concerts, workshops, meetings or conferences. The Rausing Building is located at the top of Holloway.
This modern, light and spacious hall provides excellent audio and visual equipment which includes projector, sound (including a loop for the hard of hearing) and variable lighting modes. Tables can be arranged conference, workshop or theatre style for your event. Kitchen facilities are available.