Malmesbury Abbey Benedictine Monastery, Malmesbury

Malmesbury Abbey Benedictine Monastery, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0AA

A monastery was first established on the site around 676 by St Adhelm, but the present Grade I listed building dates from the 12th century. One of the most notable features surviving from that period is the south porch with Norman arch containing carvings depicting Bible stories. There is also a vaulted roof to the nave. In 1539 Henry VIII dissolved the monastery and the building was bought by William Stumpe, who arranged for it to become Malmesbury’s parish church and since then it has been a place of worship almost continuously. Its history includes Athelstan, first king of all England, historian William of Malmesbury and Eilmer, a monk who is best remembered for making a flight from the tower in 1010 AD. The east wall, with an arch and transept is a Scheduled Monument. Historic England has provided grant aid to preserve this building.

Opening Arrangements

Monday-Saturday 09:00-16:00 (15:30 in Winter). Closed bank holidays and 26 Dec to 1 Jan inclusive.

Parking Spaces

0

Street parking (up to 1 hour) in High Street, Market Cross within 100m of Abbey. A short stay (up to 2 hours) car park is available at Market Cross 240m away. Long stay parking (2 hours free, longer is paid) is available in Station Yard (SAT Nav SN16 9JT) 350m away.