The old Saxon ‘Burh’ of Malmesbury has a rich and vibrant history going back to it’s time as an Iron Age hilltop fortress and beyond. The town developed as a religious centre with the establishment of a Benedictine Abbey in 675 and is the final resting place of its founder St Aldhelm. Alfred the Great’s grandson Athelstan the first King of All England was also buried in the grounds of the original Saxon Abbey..
Malmesbury boasts being the home of a number of famous names including Eilmer the Flying Monk, the early historian William of Malmesbury and the renowned philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Over the ages Malmesbury has experienced many battles ranging from a Viking invasion , a castle siege during the Anarchy period between King Stephen and Empress Matilda through to the walled town changing hands around six times during the English Civil War.
Follow the links below to find a wealth of information covering topics such as the MP who tried to fly a hot air balloon from Cross Hayes, The Malmesbury Witch Trials and the local woman who was killed by a Tyger.
