History

Free guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday

Malmesbury history society presents: X may mark the spot - A quest to find the lost castle of Malmesbury.  A talk by Jerry Ollis.

King Arthur is probably the best-known royal hero in Western tradition, and he has enjoyed this popularity for eight hundred years. Was there, however, a genuine leader behind the legend? This talk looks at the evidence for one in the historical texts and archaeological material, and also at the way in which a general disposition among experts to believe in a historical Arthur in the years around 1970 turned into a general tendency not to believe in one by the 1980s. It will suggest that, despite this, the issue is not closed down yet.

Susan Mockler has researched in detail the Malmesbury Union Workhouse and will tell us where it was located in the town, why it was considered necessary, when it was established and for how long – and who was involved.

In this brand new talk for the Malmesbury Magical Mystery Tour, Malmesbury historian and author Tony McAleavy will be outlining highlights and new findings that help explain Malmesbury’s incredible continuous past.

The Malmesbury Magical History Tour

On the weekend of the 10th to 12th July Malmesbury Town Team is working with a wide range of community groups and individual volunteers to create the Malmesbury Magical History Tour - putting famous characters from Malmesbury's past in places they made history.

Malmesbury’s rich history has plenty of heroes and heroines – and some notable rogues. It’s time to decide who is the greatest rogue of all.

You’ll meet the contenders. Each will be introduced and then you, the audience, will narrow them down until there is just one…

It will be an entertaining and amazing evening and you will be spoilt for choice - you have no idea what some of our historical characters have got up to (and got away with!).

Tickets and more information also available from the Town and Tourist Information Centre at Malmesbury Town Hall (T: 01666822143) (Pre-booking is advisable to avoid disappointment).

Bill Reed will recount colourful stories from Athelstan Museum’s “Voices” project, which is now in its 11th year.

Susan Mockler will provide an entertaining account of the pubs of Malmesbury.

Tony McAleavy will tell the remarkable story of Walter Powell, MP for Malmesbury in the late 19th century