Malmesbury Abbey
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Overview
A massive Norman structure, Malmesbury Abbey church dates to the 12th century, although its history goes right back to the 7th century, when an Irish monk and teacher first settled on the site. A Benedictine abbey was founded, and when King Aethelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, died in AD 939 he was buried here. After the Dissolution the abbey church continued to serve the parish. The original structure included two towers, but these both collapsed at different times during the 16th century, destroying sections of the church with them – gaps remain. Today one of its chief glories is the carved, arched doorway, sheltered in a porch, a remarkable survivor of Anglo-Norman artistry. Stone relief sculptures above arches on the interior walls of the porch vividly depict the Apostles, complete with flying angels. Arcades and galleries inside echo the curve of the Norman doorway. Look out for the stained glass window which tells the celebrated tale of Elmer, a monk who lived here in the 11th century and decided to fly from a tower.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, daily 9.30-4
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
About the area
Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Old Bell Hotel
The oldest purpose-built hotel in Britain, the Grade-I Old Bell Hotel dates back to 1220 and originally provided accommodation to illustrious guests visiting the adjacent Malmesbury Abb...
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Sitting in 12 acres of beautiful countryside, Whatley Manor Hotel provides spacious bedrooms, most with views over the attractive gardens, and all individually appointed with excellent ...
Horse & Groom
The Horse & Groom is located in a peaceful village location with a traditional inn design. The bedrooms, well decorated and furnished to a high standard, are located above the inn with ...
Doughton Manor Barns
Doughton Cottages, located on a working farm not far from Tetbury, comprise two converted barns that can be rented as one, with an internal connecting door. Dovecote Barn sleeps 8 and T...
The Tythe House
The Tythe House is a generously sized Cotswold manor house, built around 1700 in the William and Mary style. Although lovingly restored and updated, the original character and features ...
Tythe House
The Tythe House is a generously sized Cotswold manor house, built around 1700 in the William and Mary style. Although lovingly restored and updated, the original character and features ...
The Close Hotel
Even with its town centre location, The Close Hotel retains a country-house feel that has made this a favourite with many for years. Bedrooms are striking and well equipped, with though...
Hare & Hounds Hotel
Set in extensive grounds, the Hare & Hounds Hotel is close to the Westonbirt Arboretum. The stylish bedrooms are individually designed; those in the main house are more traditional and ...
