The Museum is open 6 days per week:
Monday – Closed, Tuesday – FRIDAY open 10.30am – 4.30pm,
SATURDAY OPEN 10.30AM – 4.00PM, Sunday open 11.30am – 3.30pm,
  bank Holiday OPening Hours  

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Athelstan Museum

Capturing the history of Malmesbury

malmesbury abbey

King Charles I

The museum has acquired an autograph letter from King Charles I to his nephew Prince Rupert informing him of his intention to travel to Bristol spending a night in Malmesbury on the way. He asks Rupert to deploy some of his troops for his protection. The letter was sent from Oxford on July 31st 1643 and includes a paper seal bearing the royal arms.

Letter from King Charles I, indicating his intention to call at Malmesbury.
The letter with the King’s signature at the top.
Reverse of the letter, showing the embossed Royal seal.
The reverse of the letter, showing the embossed Royal seal.
A close-up image of the Royal signature.
A close-up image of the Royal signature.

Malmesbury was on the main route between Oxford and Bristol and changed hands a number of times during the Civil War. The museum has other civil war related letters in the collection as well as displaying the replica of, and detailed information about, the unique 1646 picture map of Malmesbury defences.
The letter will be on display as soon as possible for Members, volunteers and visitors to enjoy.

Transcript

Transcript