History

Free guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday

Normal opening hours:
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.

Children aged 16 and under must be
accompanied by an adult.
Dogs on a lead are allowed in the museum.

Events at Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury Town Hall and the Rausing Building, Oxford Street

Normal opening hours:
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.

Children aged 16 and under must be
accompanied by an adult.
Dogs on a lead are allowed in the museum.

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.

By far the most interesting and distinguished figure in the life of the Abbey after the Conquest was the historian, William of Malmesbury.

Tony McAleavy tells the story of his life: from his childhood as a boy-monk in Malmesbury to his glittering career as a prolific writer favoured by royalty.

William lived at an interesting time and witnessed both the building of Malmesbury Castle and the demolition of the Anglo-Saxon Abbey. Tony’s talk will explore the scale of William’s achievements, his personality and the world in which he lived.

Free interactive workshops for children aged 4-11  

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Donations welcomed 

Events at Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury Town Hall and the Rausing Building, Oxford Street

Normal opening hours:
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.

Children aged 16 and under must be
accompanied by an adult.
Dogs on a lead are allowed in the museum.