Cottages near Malmesbury

Discover Malmesbury, England’s oldest borough

This charming town is England’s oldest borough and a fascinating place to explore. With roots that date back to the Iron Age, its history is long and colourful. Althelstan, son of Alfred the Great and the first King of England rests in peace here. Interested historians can view his tomb in the 12th-century abbey. Malmesbury is a place where beautiful pale stone Cotswold buildings sit alongside ancient monuments and old silk mills. Visitors to the town today can visit the spire of St Paul’s church, all that remains of a church built during the Saxon times. Whilst Malmesbury Abbey dominates the skyline. The intricate Market Cross dates to 1490 and houses an extremely accurate sundial.

For a small town, Malmesbury was also home to several interesting people. In the Abbey churchyard lies the grave of Hannah Twynnoy. As the first person to be killed by a tiger in England, she gained infamy. Malmsbury was also home to Eilmer of Malmsbury, better known as the flying monk. Whilst Walter Powell, Conservative MP for the town in 1800 disappeared in a hot air balloon. Malmesbury is also where in 1672, fourteen people, namely elderly women were accused of witchcraft. Families in the town were convinced that there was an active coven and eventually four ‘witches’ were put on trial for their lives in Salisbury.

Malmesbury today is an altogether quieter place these days. It’s a charming town filled with bustling streets and a thriving farmer’s and artisan market which takes place each Friday. There are riverside walks along the River Avon, and it also plays host to numerous musical, cultural and foodie-focused festivals and events throughout the year.

It’s a wonderful base from which to explore the southern Cotswolds with places such as Westonbirt Arboretum, Highgrove House and Gardens and Tetbury all within easy reach. Have a look at our cottages near Malmsbury for your next Cotswold adventure.