Talk by Tony McAleavy

After many centuries of occupation the Benedictine monks of Malmesbury were evicted in December 1539.

Tony tells the colourful story of the last few decades of monastic life and addresses the question: was the community in a state of terminal decline in the lead up to the Dissolution? He will set out to show that, although some of the last monks were badly behaved and  ill-suited to a religious life, many others were highly conscientious and dedicated to their monastic calling.

By far the most interesting and distinguished figure in the life of the Abbey after the Conquest was the historian, William of Malmesbury.

Tony McAleavy tells the story of his life: from his childhood as a boy-monk in Malmesbury to his glittering career as a prolific writer favoured by royalty.

William lived at an interesting time and witnessed both the building of Malmesbury Castle and the demolition of the Anglo-Saxon Abbey. Tony’s talk will explore the scale of William’s achievements, his personality and the world in which he lived.

Set up 9 - 10

Doors open 10 - 1

Contact Julie for details 07791 788557

Proceeds to Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Domestic Violence charities

Join us for our third year in Malmesbury.
20 acts over 30 artists 3 venues
Full weekend, day and double bill options see below:

Full weekend: Fri 23rd 6pm - Sun 25th slot. £90

Weekend: Sat 24th 12 noon - Sun 25th slot. £80

Friday evening: 23rd 7pm slot. £15

Free interactive workshops for children aged 4-11  

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Donations welcomed 

Comedy in Malmesbury - Andrew Bird, Matt Bragg, Fiona Allen, Jonathan Elston

16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

Pressure / Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom / National Theatre: Golden Boy / The Royal Opera: Carmen / Winter of the Crow

Day and evening screenings - check the website for updates

Welcome to the Movies at Malmesbury online ticketing system, which we hope will make it easy to plan your visits to the cinema.

Please note that all online prices include a 60p booking fee – No additional fee will be charged when you select a ticket for purchase.

Events at Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury Town Hall and the Rausing Building, Oxford Street

Normal opening hours:
The Museum is open 6 days a week:
Tuesday – Friday from 10.30am – 4.30pm,
Saturday from 10.30am – 4.00pm,
Sunday 11.30 am – 3.30pm.
Closed on Monday.

Children aged 16 and under must be
accompanied by an adult.
Dogs on a lead are allowed in the museum.

As seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’ Mark Simmons had a groundbreaking 200-plus date sell out debut tour, lasting two years and spanning the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Now he’s back on tour in 2026 with Jest To Impress, a brand new show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions at Tetbury Goods Shed.

More info to come ...