Athelstan Museum

Malmesbury’s pretty old; archaeological digs have shown there was a Neolithic fort here around 2,500 BC so people have lived here for four and a half thousand years! So Malmesbury may be the oldest town in the country.

It claims as well to be the oldest borough as King Alfred (you know, the king that burnt the cakes) granted a charter to the town in 880 AD.

So you can see I’ve an interesting tale to tell and one I’m proud of. Lots of fascinating people in the story too: - King Alfred's grandson, Athelstan, first king of all England; Princess Eadgyth, his half sister whose remains have recently been discovered in Magdeburg Cathedral; Eilmer, our flying monk of a thousand years ago; Thomas Hobbes the famous philosopher; Walter Powell, the M.P. who vanished at sea in a hot air balloon – oh and lots more.

And I’ve so much more to show you; our bicycles – our lace collection, Malmesbury lace was renowned and very expensive – our roman coffin and much more! 

Also available are family activities and a children's activity corner.

School Visits

These can be tailor made in discussion with teachers to suit the age group/number of children visiting, may include quizzes, activities (dressing up, games, handling artifacts, discussion with volunteers) within the museum and/or walks around the town in small groups looking at particular or general points of interest and linking with photographic or artifactual evidence within the museum.

There is sometimes the opportunity for children to learn the basics of bobbin lace making during school visits. Download the School Brochure