15th December 2023
MALMESBURY AND ATHELSTAN.
Introducing the Athelstan 1100 project celebrating the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan becoming King
In 2024, Malmesbury will play host to a bumper programme of events to mark the 1100th anniversary of the accession of King Athelstan. And he has a very special relationship with the town.
It was in 924 AD that Athelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great, became king of Mercia and Wessex. That comprised his first steps on his journey to becoming the first King of England. Â His relationship with Malmesbury runs deep in the DNA of the town and he chose Malmesbury Abbey to be his burial place.
1100 years
2024 marks 1100 years since Athelstan became king. So a team of community organisations have been working together to create a series of events to mark this iconic moment. They include:
- The Athelstan Museum
- Malmesbury Town Council
- Malmesbury Town Team
- the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury (who trace their origins to Athelstan)
- Malmesbury History Society
- Wessex Week
- Malmesbury Abbey
- Athelstan Players
Meet the team
Project Leader Campbell Ritchie said ‘Malmesbury has a rich and rewarding heritage that’s the backbone of our economy and culture. Athelstan’s national importance and his focus on our town, his gifts, and the inspiration he drew from this community is worth celebrating. It creates a moment to show how proud we are of our home.’
Series of events
There’ll be a series of events from May to October 2024. And key to those will be celebrations taking place across three weekends in July:
*The first weekend of July, the 6 and 7 will be Malmesbury’s Big Athelstan Dig. That will involve community archaeology at sites around town – even in people’s gardens! Visitors will be able to follow a trail and meet professional archaeologists who will help interpret finds. It’s well known that Malmesbury was the site of Athelstan’s buriel. Yet his body got moved, though no one knows where. Perhaps that mystery will find a solution too.
*July 13 and 14 will feature live multi-media performances at Malmesbury Abbey. These will tell how Athelstan became the first King of England. And Malmesbury’s beautiful Cloister Gardens will be buzzing with a children-focused Big Athelstan picnic and an immersive Anglo-Saxon food, drink and craft fair.
Top name speakers, a ground-breaking exhibition at the Athelstan Museum it’s guaranteed there’ll be events and activities for all throughout the summer. Further, there’ll be the Athelstan-themed Malmesbury carnival procession in the Athelstan and Anglo-Saxon focused Wessex week in October.
Mayor of Malmesbury, Cllr Gavin Grant said ‘Malmesbury is getting behind Athelstan 1100. It’s great to see so many groups and individuals working together with more becoming involved as plans progress.
The early support of Malmesbury Town Council, Mindvision, Cotswold Archaeology, Scott Media and the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury is much appreciated by the project team. And there are now many opportunities for local businesses and residents to get involved. That means we can maximise the benefit of this important anniversary and Athelstan’s relationship with Malmesbury for our residents and visitors.’
For more information visit https://athelstan1100.co.uk
