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Malmesbury
Malmesbury
The charter granted to Malmesbury in 924 by Alfred the Greats son King Edward is the reason why the town can claim to be the oldest borough in England. Perched high on a hilltop overlooking the river Avon this lovely little Cotswold stone town has some interesting historic sites.
The abbey which was began in the 7th century as a monastery was replaced by a Norman church becoming later a Benedictine Abbey .The building originally had towers and spires these collapsed over time and what remains you can see today as the church.
The ruins have some remarkable features including a Norman doorway with decorated figures from the bible there are also Romanesque apostle’s carvings. Inside the church, you can see an Illuminated bible.
The window at the western end shows Elmer the flying monk who was an early aviator in 1010 AD he strapped wings to his back and leaped off the tower, although breaking both legs he survived.
Nearby are Abbey House gardens these include an herb garden, river and waterfall.
Activities in Malmesbury
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