Athelstan Museum

Capturing the history of Malmesbury

malmesbury abbey

Architecture

Malmesbury architecture is indicative of its Cotswold heritage, beautiful Cotswold stone combined with monuments such as Market Cross and Malmesbury Abbey.

Later Churches

This building used to be a Moravian church. It is now owned by the museum.

Malmesbury Castle

This is a picture of the gatehouse of Sherborne Castle – another of Bishop Roger’s castles.

Malmesbury Silk Mills

The Silk Mills building, when it was an active silk mill, sometime between 1852 and 1941.

Opening Times

The Museum is open 6 days a week:
Tuesday – Friday from 10.30am – 4.30pm,
Saturday from 10.30am – 4.00pm,
Sunday 11.30 am – 3.30pm.
Closed on Monday.

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Charles James Fox

Charles James Fox, 1749 – 1806, seems to have been a larger than life character. His father, who eloped with Lady Caroline Lennox, daughter of the Duke of Richmond was addicted to gambling but in spite of this amassed a large fortune as Paymaster General to the forces. He spoilt his son, Charles, and actively encouraged him in gambling and debauchery.

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John Scotus

William of Malmesbury records that In the late 9th century a monk – John Scotus – came to Malmesbury. He was a teacher but apparently held controversial religious views.

He was stabbed to death by his pupils with their styli; but whether it was the knives used to cut the quills or the containers for the quills is not clear. Neither is the reason for his murder. Was it the controversial theology or did he set too much homework? It may comfort teachers today to know that it has never been an easy profession.

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Hannah Twynnoy

Three centuries have passed since the shocking death of a young woman in Malmesbury, yet Hannah Twynnoy is remembered here in Malmesbury each day. Walk through Malmesbury Abbey Churchyard with the Market Cross behind you and you will see to the right Hannah’s small headstone with the sad epitaph:

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Turner Painting

The artist simply known the world over as ‘Turner’ needs no introduction. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented artists this country has produced. His connection to Malmesbury is not so widely known but in fact he visited the town three times, first in 1791 aged just 16, and made several sketches of the Abbey and its setting above the Avon.

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