Malmesbury Abbey

The Abbey dominates the present town and can be seen for miles around. However the existing structure is about one third the size of the building at its greatest extent.

The Original Building

A monastery was first established on the site in around 676 by Aldhelm, but the present building dates from the 12th century, and was consecrated in about 1180. One of the most notable features surviving from that period is the south porch, which greets present day visitors to the Abbey. At the entrance to it there is a magnificent Norman arch containing carvings depicting Bible stories. There is also a fine vaulted roof to the nave.

Early Additions

During the next two centuries the building was expanded, including the addition of a spire which was even taller than that on Salisbury Cathedral. Unfortunately it fell down, probably during a storm, some time around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Reformation

In 1539 Henry VIII dissolved the monastery for which this building was the centre of worship. It was bought by William Stumpe, who arranged for it to become the parish church, and it was consecrated as such on 20th August 1541. Since then it has been a place of worship almost continuously.

Years of Decline

As the years passed the building continued to decay, and successive artists' depictions of it over the next centuries show less and less of the original still standing. The most significant event, probably some time around the end of the 16th century, was the collapse of the west tower which left a gaping hole behind what is now the rear of the nave. Prints from the 18th century show that it had degenerated to a state of affairs where it was being used for storing hay and keeping pigs and donkeys.

Thankfully, this situation has been reversed, particularly by restoration work carried out early in the 20th century. The remaining part of the Abbey is now in regular use as the Parish Church. It is also used for concerts, particular those organised by the Malmesbury Abbey Music Society.

TimeLine Diagram

For more information, click here to view a TimeLine showing the main events in the life of the Abbey and the Parish from the 7th century to the present day.

Recent Developments

Proposals have been submitted to extend the facilities within the Abbey. There are at present only cramped vestry, office and toilet areas which are inappropriate for an active organisation at the start of the 21st century. The firm of Ptolemy Dean Architects has been appointed to draw up plans for an appropriate extension, and Cotswold Archaeology of Kemble have carried out a dig in the original footprint of the west end. This has established that there is nothing sensitive that may be damaged by future building work.

You can read more about the project by visiting www.malmesburyabbeyappeal.org.uk.