Towns in the Cotswold region
Malmesbury Abbey
History
A Benedictine monastery has stood on the site since 676 and in 700 it was home to the first organ to be built in England. It was consecrated in 1180 but subsequently dissolved during Henry VIII’s reign. The Abbey remained unoccupied and began to decay to such an extent that during the eighteenth century it was used for storing hay and as an enclosure for pigs and donkeys. Restoration began in the early twentieth century.
Today the Abbey is approximately one third of its original size but it still has many beautiful designs including the entrance to the south porch which has Norman arch carvings depicting scenes from a number of Bible stories.
Malmesbury is the oldest borough in England.
Useful Information
Nearby Towns: Malmesbury, Tetbury, Chippenham
Nearby Cotswold Hotels: The Hare and Hounds, Stanton Manor Hotel, The Snooty Fox Inn, Pettifers
Similar Cotswold Attractions: Badminton Horse Trials, Highgrove, Woolsack Races
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