Travel

Malmesbury, Cotswolds, UK

travel videos & photos at: https://townsofeurope.com/ with text, maps & links. Malmesbury is set in a rural location typical of Cotswold villages, with a population of about 5000, and a famous church that dates back to the 12th-century. The charming High Street is bursting with an array of independent retailers and eateries, and the town has occasional festivals for music, history and the arts. This 15th-century Market Cross is one of the country's best preserved right next to the arch of Birdcage Walk that leads us into the Abbey grounds. This church is always the main focus of any visit to this charming little town. The entrance has some of the most outstanding Romanesque sculptures in all of Britain. The origins of the Abbey go back to the seventh century, a time when Malmesbury was one of the oldest market towns in Britain. The church is so old that the first King of all England was buried here in the year 941, honored with this monumental statue, but in the 14th century, the remains of King Athelstan were moved from here to an unknown location. The Abbey is still an active parish church, and we happened upon a social event where some folks were gathered to raise money for their charity called Christian Aid. “Taking aid a people who are in need of provisions or whatever.” Great. “And, uhm, so we're supporting them.” By the volunteers such as yourself. “Yes.” And Church of England masses are held here on a regular basis. The church has been rebuilt in various styles over the centuries, from Saxon to Norman, and Romanesque to Gothic. Next door is the oldest hotel in England, founded in the early 13th century as lodgings for visiting monks. It's a four-star hotel with a high-quality restaurant. Continuing along on our Mad Max tour of several Cotswold villages from our home base in the city Bath. Our guide takes care of all the driving on these narrow country roads.