Malmesbury

Directory Information

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About Malmesbury 

Market Cross, Malmesbury

Market Cross, Malmesbury

Malmesbury is a hilltop town in the Cotswolds in north Wiltshire. The town is close to Cirencester, Chippenham and Swindon and surrounded by rivers on three sides. The town’s economy is now driven by tourism, in part by its history and recently by the interest in former poet laureate, John Betjeman.  Malmesbury is twinned with the town of Niebull in Germany and partnered with the town of Gien in France. 

Today, the town’s main employer is Dyson, which has its headquarters on the edge of the town, employing around 1,600 people. The company maintains a design and development division here with manufacturing carried out in Malaysia. 

History 

Malmesbury Abbey

Malmesbury Abbey

  • Malmesbury is the oldest borough in England and dates back to 880 AD. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed stone town wall defences, which have been dated to the Iron Age between 800BC and 500BC, making Malmesbury arguably the oldest continually inhabited town in England.
  • There is a 12th century abbey which once had a spire taller than that of Salisbury Cathedral and was home to the first church organ. The abbey history demonstrates a centre for learning.  The ruins remain in situ with some of the stone believed used to create the market cross.
  • The town was of strategic importance during the English Civil War, being a strong defensive position on the road between Oxford and Bristol.
  • Malmesbury was once the centre of the lace-making industry.
  • The world music festival Womad Charlton Park has been held in Charlton Park in Malmesbury since 2007.
  • Bremliham church, the smallest church still in service in Britain is on the outskirts of the town.

Facts 

  • Population – 4,631 (2001)
  • Unitary Authority – Wiltshire Council
  • Major Industries – Manufacturing (Dyson); Tourism
  • Post Town – MALMESBURY
  • Postcode District – SN16
  • Dialling Code – 01666
  • Police – Wiltshire Police
  • Fire – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – Great Western Ambulance Service

Discover Malmesbury – links to town guides, what’s on and places to see 

Bremliham Church, Malmesbury

Bremliham Church, Malmesbury

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