Malmesbury is located in a strategic position with the river on three sides. It is therefore no surprise to learn that, according to recent evidence, the site may have been originally settled around the start of the first millennium BC. The present Abbey was built in the 12th Century and consecrated in about 1180.
Malmesbury lays claim to being the oldest borough in England, a charter having probably been granted by King Alfred in 880. His grandson, Athelstan can be considered the first King of all England. He died in 939 and was buried in Malmesbury.
With the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th Century the Abbey was no longer the centre of town life. Instead the wool trade brought prosperity to the area. The town figured prominently in the Civil War between 1642 and 1646, its strategic situation on the road between Oxford and Bristol making it a prized possession. It changed hands no less than six times during the course of the conflict.
In the late 18th Century, the introduction of mechanical methods of production enabled the textile trade to expand for a time. This was followed by a period when the town became a centre of the lace-making industry. However, with its established stone buildings and compact centre inhibiting the construction of new factories, the Industrial Revolution generally passed Malmesbury by. The railway arrived in 1877, a branch line being built from the Great Western main line at Little Somerford, though this was closed in the 1960s.
During the 20th century the town became a prosperous commercial centre. A number of companies have found the town a congenial place to establish a business, one of the most successful, being Dyson. At the same time, the town is conscious of its historic past, there being around 400 listed properties. It became a conservation area in 1971, and there continues to be a healthy debate about how to reconcile these responsibilities with a desire not to be locked in the past.
Attraction
Abbey House Gardens (The)
Athelstan Museum
Malmesbury Abbey
The Gallery
Caravan Park
Cottage
Dentist
Barley Mow Dental Surgery
Eastgate House Dental Surgery
Doctor
Burton Hill Surgery
Tolsey Surgery
Estate Agent
Black Horse Agencies - Alder King
Blount Christopher & Co
Halifax Property Services
Hamptons
Farmers Market
Holiday Park
Inn
Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant (The)
The Horse & Groom Inn
Pub and Bar
Best Western Mayfield House Hotel
Borough Arms
Guildhall Bar
Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant (The)
Smoking Dog
The Horse & Groom Inn
Three Cups Inn
Vale of The White Horse Inn
Whole Hog
Restaurant
Best Western Mayfield House Hotel
Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant (The)
Rajah
Smoking Dog
Soms Thai Cafe
The Horse & Groom Inn
Vale of The White Horse Inn
Wheatsheaf Inn
Whole Hog
Solicitor
Taxi
A.S.T
A.S.T Private Hire & Taxis
Craigs Cars
Manor Taxis
Vet
Sports Clubs
Malmesbury CC (Cricket)
Shops
W H Smith Ltd
Flowers Galore
Boots
Nurdens Garden Centre
J M Forss
J D Sports
The Tracklement Company Ltd
Michael Thomas Family Butchers
Antiques
Places to Stay near Malmesbury
Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant (The) (0.06 miles)
Kings Arms Hotel (0.19 miles)
Whatley Manor (2.06 miles)
Nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Wiltshire countryside, this hotel with Michelin star dining room is a stylish venue where you can relax and revive. Experience the Michelin star dining room, serving dinner from Wednesday to ... More | visit website
The Horse And Groom Inn (2.22 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
The Horse & Groom Inn is a fabulous former coaching inn which sits in the glorious surroundings of the Cotwolds. Located in Charlton ... More
Best Western Mayfield House Hotel (3.67 miles)
New owners welcome you to our small family-run Cotswold hotel set amidst beautiful countryside in the Avon Valley, just 10 minutes from the M4 as it passes through the South Cotswolds. It's the perfect spot ... More | visit website
The Great Tythe Barn (4.11 miles)
Folly Farm B & B (4.11 miles)
Folly Farm is ideally situated in the South Cotswolds within walking distance of Tetbury which is renowned for its many antique shops, delightful restaurants, teashops and English pubs. We are near ... More
Snooty Fox (4.34 miles)
This quintessential English inn in the heart of the market town of Tetbury offers a snug bar, inviting bistro and carefully refurbished bedrooms with en suite bathrooms.
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Royal Oak Inn (4.44 miles)
Situated in the beautiful Cotswold town of Tetbury, in the heart of Gloucestershire, this 300 year old building remains a traditional English pub serving top quality ales and delicious home-cooked food.
A ... More
Close Hotel (4.47 miles)
In the delightful market town of Tetbury, surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Cotswolds, this beautiful 16th century town house has a new bar, a restaurant and 15 elegant en suite rooms. Originally built in ... More | visit website
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