Athelstan Museum is located in the Town Hall past the Tourist Information Centre, through the large archway. The volunteers’ desk is immediately to your left and if you have any questions please ask them.
Immediately in front of you is a large topographical model of the town with illuminated features which illustrates what an ideal place Malmesbury was to fortify; and if you are new to the town it will help you orientate yourself very quickly.
The museum is laid out around a time line which links Malmesbury with national and global events. Don’t miss the archaeological drawers nor the Romano British coffin. There are features of Iron Age Malmesbury, the Saxon influences and especially King Athelstan who had a soft spot for the town. See Eilmer, our flying monk and Walter Powell, the ill-fated balloonist; learn about Thomas Hobbes, the famed philosopher; look into our lace-makers cottage and learn about our silk industry. After that go upstairs and enjoy the wonderful Turner painting of Malmesbury Abbey.