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.
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 carpark 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, which is used for special museum events and can also be hired for other purposes – see here for more information.
News
The replica Athelstan Coin will go on sale in the Museum shop on Museum Shop, Sunday 26th November. We enjoyed the story of this rare coin’s acquisition for the Museum and its replication at the recent Tea Time Talk.
Information on Malmesbury’s ancient roads has just been updated. Have a look at the fascinating old maps on our Roads page.
The museum has acquired an autograph letter from King Charles I to his nephew Prince Rupert informing him of his intention to travel to Bristol spending a night in Malmesbury on the way. It is now on display in the museum. You can read more about it here.
Our Collection
What’s On
Athelstan Museum
Rausing Building
Rausing Building
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.
This modern, light and spacious hall seats 80 people on comfortable chairs. The excellent audio-visual equipment includes projector, sound and lighting. Tables can be arranged conference, workshop or theatre style for your event. Kitchen facilities are available.
