A visit to Malmesbury and the Athelstan 1100 Celebrations

Another stop off on my road trip to Devon and back in September 2024. This time we’re in Malmesbury, on a sunny day (these were quite rare) and meeting King Athelstan in Malmesbury Abbey.

Athelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey and although they no longer know ‘exactly’ where he is (no doubt thanks to the Reformation and the Civil War) they have a fabulous memorial to him, and 2024, marked the 1100 anniversary of him becoming king of Mercia (and possibly Wessex, but the timeline there is more hazy), they’ve been holding some fabulous events in Malmesbury as a whole, including in the Athelstan Museum. Here ar some photos from within the abbey, and at the bottom, one of my most favourite historical rulers – ‘Athelstan, the first RULER of all England.’ (Love it).

I also took a walk through the town and visited the Athelstan Museum, who have had a replica sword made, and it was stunning, although I forgot to take any photos of it.

And perhaps the best ‘rush’ an author can ever have – finding their books in a brick and mortar book shop. Huge thanks to Barn Owl Books, Malmesbury, for stocking not one, not two, but three of my books featuring Athelstan.

Check out the Brunanburh Series

Check out The Royal Women Who Made England