Malmesbury Abbey Cotswolds

Malmesbury Abbey, Malmesbury

Located 12 km south of Cirencester, Malmesbury Abbey dates from the Norman period and is known for its Romanesque sculpture on the south porch of the abbey.

Romanesque sculpture on the south porch

History

Founded in the mid-7th century, the Benedictine abbey became a noted seat of learning and the remaining treasures of the abbey include four illuminated Flemish bibles. The interior of the abbey church is also awe-inspiring.

Dissolved in 1539 by King Henry VIII, the abbey survived as the parish church of Malmesbury.

$Malmesbury Abbey$

Exterior and churchyard

The abbey includes the (empty) tomb of King Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, near the pulpit.

It was from the tower of the abbey that the “flying monk” – Eilmer – attempted to fly with the aid of wings in 1010 and lived to tell the tale, though he is reported to have walked with a limp thereafter after breaking both his legs on descent.

Next door to the abbey is the Abbey House Gardens (Tel: 01666 827650).