Athelstan Museum

Capturing the history of Malmesbury

Athelstan Museum Malmesbury

Athelstan Museum is situated in the heart of the ancient town of Malmesbury. This hill-top site has been occupied since at least the Iron Age period, and the museum displays a large range of items spanning the period from that time up to the present day. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity.

Exhibition: Malmesbury and the American Connection

2nd June to 20th December 2026

As America celebrates 250 years as an independent nation, this Exhibition traces its connections with Malmesbury, beginning with the earliest settlers in New England and Virginia in the 17th century and continuing with the later migration of more than six hundred people to Pennsylvania and Ohio. Some of the individuals featured are shown to the right.

It examines their enduring legacy in both countries and the links that continue to this day through a collection of richly illustrated displays, fascinating biographies and original artefacts. There is more information on our Exhibitions page.

About The Museum

coin hoard
Turner Picture

The museum’s collection is on display in the Town Hall building, which can be found facing the Cross Hayes car park in the centre of town. Entry to the Museum is free and donations are welcomed.

The museum also owns the Julia and Hans Rausing Building, a converted Moravian Church, used for special museum events and can also be hired for other purposes.

What’s On

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Opening Times

The Museum is open 6 days a week:
Tuesday – Friday from 10.30am – 4.30pm,
Saturday from 10.30am – 4.00pm,
Sunday 11.30 am – 3.30pm.
Closed on Monday.

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Charles James Fox

Charles James Fox, 1749 – 1806, seems to have been a larger than life character. His father, who eloped with Lady Caroline Lennox, daughter of the Duke of Richmond was addicted to gambling but in spite of this amassed a large fortune as Paymaster General to the forces. He spoilt his son, Charles, and actively encouraged him in gambling and debauchery.

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John Scotus

William of Malmesbury records that In the late 9th century a monk – John Scotus – came to Malmesbury. He was a teacher but apparently held controversial religious views.

He was stabbed to death by his pupils with their styli; but whether it was the knives used to cut the quills or the containers for the quills is not clear. Neither is the reason for his murder. Was it the controversial theology or did he set too much homework? It may comfort teachers today to know that it has never been an easy profession.

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Hannah Twynnoy

Three centuries have passed since the shocking death of a young woman in Malmesbury, yet Hannah Twynnoy is remembered here in Malmesbury each day. Walk through Malmesbury Abbey Churchyard with the Market Cross behind you and you will see to the right Hannah’s small headstone with the sad epitaph:

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Turner Painting

The artist simply known the world over as ‘Turner’ needs no introduction. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented artists this country has produced. His connection to Malmesbury is not so widely known but in fact he visited the town three times, first in 1791 aged just 16, and made several sketches of the Abbey and its setting above the Avon.

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