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.

If you've had fun on your family day out to Athelstan Museum, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/