History

Free guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday

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

Devereux’s Regiment will be celebrating the 380th anniversary of the end of the first civil war in 1646 and the handing back of the town from the Governor, Colonel Nicholas Devereux, to the mayor and townsfolk at the market cross on Saturday 5th September.

From 1pm come and meet the soldiers and civilians who will be on hand to discuss their roles in this important period of history. At 3pm the regiment will form a guard of honour and formally hand back the keys of the town to the mayor.

Tour of Malmesbury's old bank the 'Wilts & Dorset' Bank now Aroma Restaurant, 35 High Street.  Find out about its fascinating behind-the-scenes history through plans, photographs and a tour.  

Starting at 2.30 on 11th and 12th September.  Groups limited to 20.  Email for tickets This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tours are about an hour and will end at Lally's Tea Room for a tour of the cellar, former location of Malmesbury's infamous Taranchula Coffee House.

In 1672 fourteen Malmesbury residents were accused of witchcraft. Why, and what happened next?

Tickets and more information also available from the Town and Tourist Information Centre at Malmesbury Town Hall (T: 01666822143) or turn up. (Pre-booking is advisable to avoid disappointment). £7.00 Adults and £3.50 children. All Guided Walks Around Malmesbury start at Malmesbury Town Hall unless otherwise stated.

 Free interactive workshops for children aged 4-11  

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Donations welcomed 

Wessex Week is a celebration of the region’s history and culture through the centuries, with a particular emphasis on Malmesbury and the Anglo-Saxon period

What happened after Henry VIII sold the Abbey? A guided walk with Campbell Ritchie Join guide Campbell Ritchie on an entertaining walk across Malmesbury's town centre that will provide an insight into Malmesbury's unique history. (90 minutes)

10.30 -12pm  Meet at the Town Hall   

Supper at The Old Bell followed by a talk by Tony McAleavy

After many centuries of occupation the Benedictine monks of Malmesbury were evicted in December 1539.

Tony tells the colourful story of the last few decades of monastic life and addresses the question: was the community in a state of terminal decline in the lead up to the Dissolution? He will set out to show that, although some of the last monks were badly behaved and  ill-suited to a religious life, many others were highly conscientious and dedicated to their monastic calling.

Follow the ticket link for menu details.

Talk by Tony McAleavy

After many centuries of occupation the Benedictine monks of Malmesbury were evicted in December 1539.

Tony tells the colourful story of the last few decades of monastic life and addresses the question: was the community in a state of terminal decline in the lead up to the Dissolution? He will set out to show that, although some of the last monks were badly behaved and  ill-suited to a religious life, many others were highly conscientious and dedicated to their monastic calling.