Athelstan 1100 Events

Day One of our exciting community archaeology weekend.

The Big Dig Trail is open from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

We're working with Cotswold Archaeology, students from Malmesbury School, and members of the Young Archaelologists Club to create a trail of test pits and experiences across Malmesbury. Including the professional interpretation of finds, explanations of Malmesbury’s Anglo-Saxon and historic landscape, and special discovery locations for children. 

This priceless event is free to attend. There will be more information here on Athelstan1100.co.uk in late June. 

We are grateful for the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Cotswold Archaeology. 

For more information about the event, click here...

Day Two of our exciting community archaeology weekend.

The Big Dig Trail is open from 10:30 am to 4:00pm.

We're working with Cotswold Archaeology, students from Malmesbury School, and members of the Young Archaelologists Club to create a trail of test pits and experiences across Malmesbury. Including the professional interpretation of finds, explanations of Malmesbury’s Anglo-Saxon and historic landscape, and special discovery locations for children.

This priceless event is free to attend. 

We are grateful for the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Cotswold Archaeology. 

For more information about the event, click here...

By popular demand - Athelstan's name is all over Malmesbury - the Museum, Secondary School, roads, memorials, cinema... Anne digs deeper and describes how Athelstan has become part of Malmesbury's DNA. Anne is a member of the Malmesbury History Society and a volunteer at the Athelstan Museum. She is a regular speaker and has presented three short history films about aspects of Malmesbury’s history. One of her specialist subjects is the Pubs of Malmesbury! 

Five super short films inspired by Athelstan 1100. We've been working with Miranda Shirnia and the Malmebury Natural History Group and students from Boom Satsuma film school. Total running time 40 minutes.

Enjoy:

Finding Athelstan: A delightful drama filmed in Malmesbury's historic Courthouse. William of Mlamesbury, librarian at Malmesbury Abbey and the leading historian of his age, tells Athelstan's story to a young Abbey servant.

A Walk in Malmesbury in the Year 924: A delightful film writtena and narrated by Miranda Shirnia describing the flora and fauna in and around Malmesbury in the year 924 and how it compares to what we see today. Why 924? It is 1100 years ago since Athelstan, who had special relationship and who chose to be buried in Malmesbury, became king.

The Life and History of Athelstan: Malmesbury based author and historian Tony McAleavy introduces Athelstan in this super illustrated film.

Athelstan and Malmesbury - the Lasting Bond: Local historian Anne Goodyer illustrates the continuing presence of Athelstan in Malmesbury.

The Making of 'Athelstan - A United Kingdom': Meet the team behind the superb new production packing out the Abbey.

Athelstan stood at the junction between Christianity and Paganism. After his reign there was no doubt England was a Christian country. What did Athelstan believe, how did he get his beliefs and how did this influence the history of England? The Rev’d Oliver Ross has been vicar of Malmesbury Abbey since 2018. He read African History and Social Anthropology at SOAS in London and Biblical Studies in Cambridge. During his career he taught in rural Uganda for two years. Passionate about thought and history he is a insightful and entertaining speaker and has willingly taken on the challenge set by the Athelstan 1100 team to address this cornerstone topic in the development of early medieval England. At the United Reform Church. 

The Very Revd Professor Foot is the Dean of Christ Church, University of Oxford, having taken up her role on 8th July 2023. As Sarah Foot she produced the important biography ‘Athelstan The First King of England’, which established beyond doubt Athelstan’s important place in English history. In this talk she is going further. Should Athelstan be recognised as the first ‘King of Britain’? Sarah was appointed the Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Oxford in 2007. Educated at Newnham College, Cambridge(BA; MA; PhD), she served as a Lay Canon at Christ Church from 2007-2017, and as a Residentiary Canon since her ordination in 2017. She writes on women in religion, medieval monasticism, and the early history of the Church in England, and is currently working on a study of the life and work of the Venerable Bede.

Immerse yourself in Anglo-Saxon culture, crafts and food and drink. Find stalls in Cloister Gardens, Market Cross and the Birdcage plus great activities, craft demonstrations, stroytelling and fun things to see and do. Any ailments? Pop into the Anglo-Saxon Health Centre and find the same remedy or cure that would have been offered to Athelstan. Want to pop 'a friend' in the stocks? You can. Fancy a photo on King Athelstan's throne. Come along! 

Crown Making at The Three Cups. Get ready for the arrival of the Anglo-Saxon Village at St Aldhelm's Mead on the 20th and 21st July. One in a series of children's Saturday workshops with Make it Malmesbury. This workshop is free. Book at www.three-cups.co.uk

This Performance is Full. There are still tickets for Sunday 14th at 7:00pm.

Athelstan – A United Kingdom is a unique live event, performed inside the stunning beauty of Malmesbury Abbey. Told through the eyes of the 12^th century monk and England’s first historian, William of Malmesbury, this play with music is a vibrant mix of honour, deceit, loyalty and fierce battle. Witness the troubled rise of King Athelstan, the devotion of Aethelflaed, the Lady of Mercia, and the gladiator spirit of bold warrior leaders, all told with song and spectacle. This is Malmesbury’s event. A hand picked group of local actors, singers and musicians working with a highly experienced writing, directing and production team bringing alive the trials and tribulations of Anglo-Saxon life in a once-in-a-lifetime show.

Running time is 50 minutes. Most spectators will be standing (there is provision for those needing seating). Athelstan 1100 is proud that this very special occasion is free to attend. Admittance by ticket only. Register now!