MALMESBURY AND ATHELSTAN - THE FIRST KING OF ENGLAND

In 2024, Malmesbury will play host to a bumper programme of events to mark the 1100th anniversary of the accession of King Athelstan – who has a very special relationship with the town.

It was in 924 AD that Athelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great, became king of Mercia and Wessex, the first steps on his journey to becoming the first King of England.  His relationship with Malmesbury is written deep in the DNA of the town and he chose to be buried at Malmesbury Abbey.  

With 2024 marking 1100 years since Athelstan became King, a team of community organisations, including the Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury Town Council, Malmesbury Town Team, the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury (who trace their origins to Athelstan), Malmesbury History Society, Wessex Week, Malmesbury Abbey, Athelstan Players, local schools and individuals have been working together to create a series of events to mark this iconic moment. 

Project Leader Campbell Ritchie said ‘Malmesbury has a rich and rewarding heritage that is the backbone of our economy and culture.  Athelstan’s national importance and his focus on our town, his gifts, and the inspiration he drew from this community is worth celebrating and it creates a moment to show how proud we all of our home.”

There will be a series of events from May to October  2024 and key to those will be celebrations taking place across three weekends in July:

*The first weekend of July 6 and 7 will be Malmesbury’s Big Athelstan Dig with community archaeology at sites around town – even in people’s gardens! Visitors will be able to follow a trail and meet professional archaeologists who will help interpret finds. It’s well known that Athelstan was buried in Malmesbury and his body has been moved, yet no one knows where. Perhaps that mystery will be solved as well…

*July 13 and 14 will feature live multi-media performances at Malmesbury Abbey telling how Athelstan became the First King of England, and Malmesbury’s beautiful Cloister Gardens will be buzzing with a children-focused Big Athelstan picnic and an immersive Anglo-Saxon food, drink and craft fair. 

*July 20 and 21 will see the creation of ‘Anglo-Saxon Malmesbury’, a re-enactment village and hands on experiences, in Malmesbury’s river-side park at St Aldhelm’s Mead, and the opportunity to see Athelstan’s Anglo-Saxon warriors in action. 

With top name speakers, a ground-breaking exhibition at Athelstan Museum, the Athelstan themed Malmesbury Carnival Procession, an Athelstan and Anglo-Saxon focused Wessex Week in October, and lots of other fun things to do as well it is guaranteed there will be events and activities for all throughout the summer. 

Mayor of Malmesbury, Cllr Gavin Grant said ‘Malmesbury is really getting behind Athelstan 1100. It is great to see so many groups and individuals working together with more becoming involved as plans progress. 

“The early support of Malmesbury Town Council, Mindvision, Cotswold Archaeology, Scott Media and the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury is much appreciated by the project team and there are now lots of opportunities for local businesses and residents to get directly involved so we really maximise the benefit of this important anniversary and Athelstan’s relationship with Malmesbury for our residents and visitors.”

For more information visit https://athelstan1100.co.uk