Here's the Town Hall and Museum. We had hoped to have a cup of tea here, but there weren't enough tables outside for us to sit at with Lina.
This page simply reformats the Flickr public Atom feed for purposes of finding inspiration through random exploration. These images are not being copied or stored in any way by this website, nor are any links to them or any metadata about them. All images are © their owners unless otherwise specified.
This site is a busybee project and is supported by the generosity of viewers like you.
Here's the Town Hall and Museum. We had hoped to have a cup of tea here, but there weren't enough tables outside for us to sit at with Lina.
November 2014.
Day trip to Malmesbury.
The tile dates from the 13th century and was found during an excavation of the Abbey's cloister in 1910.
On the tomb of Æthelstan the Glorious (893/895-939), grandson of Ælfrǣd the Great, and deemed to be the first King of England.
In accordance with his wishes, Æthelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey rather than Winchester where his forebears were buried (the city having opposed his rule). Æthelstan's relics were lost during the Reformation, all that remains is this c15th tomb.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Off to the side of Malmesbury Abbey
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Here rests Æthelstan the Glorious (893/895-939), grandson of Ælfrǣd the Great, and deemed to be the first King of England.
In accordance with his wishes, Æthelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey rather than Winchester where his forebears were buried (the city having opposed his rule). Æthelstan's relics were lost during the Reformation, all that remains is this c15th tomb.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Here rests Æthelstan the Glorious (893/895-939), grandson of Ælfrǣd the Great, and deemed to be the first King of England.
In accordance with his wishes, Æthelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey rather than Winchester where his forebears were buried (the city having opposed his rule). Æthelstan's relics were lost during the Reformation, all that remains is this c15th tomb.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Interior decoration within Malmesbury Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Interior decoration within Malmesbury Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
The Abbey's Johnson Organ.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Here rests Æthelstan the Glorious (893/895-939), grandson of Ælfrǣd the Great, and deemed to be the first King of England.
In accordance with his wishes, Æthelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey rather than Winchester where his forebears were buried (the city having opposed his rule). Æthelstan's relics were lost during the Reformation, all that remains is this c15th tomb.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
The altar of Malmesbury Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Looking down to look up into the roof of the Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Interior decoration within Malmesbury Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Here rests Æthelstan the Glorious (893/895-939), grandson of Ælfrǣd the Great, and deemed to be the first King of England.
In accordance with his wishes, Æthelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey rather than Winchester where his forebears were buried (the city having opposed his rule). Æthelstan's relics were lost during the Reformation, all that remains is this c15th tomb.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
The Griffin, the old symbol of Malmesbury Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Looking up into the roof of the Abbey.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
This is a facsimile copy of the 1544 Letters Patent drawn up by the Court of Augmentations for the sale of Malmesbury Abbey to William Stumpe (MP for Malmesbury 1529-1536 and 1547-1552).
The Court of Augmentations was established in 1536 to administer monastic properties seized during the Dissolution.
The Abbey and surrounding lands were sold to Stumpe for £1,517- 12s – 2½d.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.
Decoration in the Capital letter.
This is a facsimile copy of the 1544 Letters Patent drawn up by the Court of Augmentations for the sale of Malmesbury Abbey to William Stumpe (MP for Malmesbury 1529-1536 and 1547-1552).
The Court of Augmentations was established in 1536 to administer monastic properties seized during the Dissolution.
The Abbey and surrounding lands were sold to Stumpe for £1,517- 12s – 2½d.
The Abbey was founded by Maildubh, an Irish monk, and succeeded by Andhelm (639-709) in 676, who became the first abbot and also introduced the Benedictine Rule.
The early community consisted of various buildings, and grew to be the second largest library in Europe. In c1145 the complex was replaced with the current abbey building (the third on the site) with work completed c1180.
"The twelfth century abbey when finished was much bigger than the relic surviving today; there were 9 bays in the nave to the west of a low tower and 3 to the east. The west end of the abbey was spectacular with twin towers. It is thought Salisbury cathedral’s west end was modelled on Malmesbury"
[Athelstan Museum]
The abbey lasted until 1500 when one of the tall towers (holding the spire) collapsed and destroyed a substantial part of the nave and transept. Fifty years later, the other spire collapsed, destroying more of the building.
By this point the abbey had been closed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and sold to William Stumpe (wealthy mercer and local MP) who returned the building to Malmesbury as its local church.
The church then saw action during the English Civil War, and at one point was said to have had cannon mounted in the tower. There was some concerted effort to restore the building in 1822, including the installation of a gothic window; there was further renovation at the end of the c19th with works completed 1905, rebuilding the southwest turret and the western wall of the nave, and repairing the buttresses. In 1927 the abbey was closed for a year as new stalls and a pulpit were installed, and the east wall was decorated with new plaster.