Athelstan Artefacts Exhibition. A UNIQUE exhibition of rare artefacts, that speak to the Anglo Saxon heritage of Malmesbury, prepares to open to the public. It’s all part of the Athelstan 1100 celebrations in the town (Tuesday July 2).
Volunteers from the Athelstan Museum have spent months arranging loans from prestigious organisations. The aim being to collate Athelstan artefacts that have never come together on display anywhere in the world.
It means this small Wiltshire museum, already home to an original Turner, is once again punching above its weight in celebrating local heritage of national importance.
Susan Mockler, vice chair of the museum management team, said: ‘We’d like to thank the generosity of:
the British Library
the Ashmolean Museum and
Victoria & Albert Museum …
Sharon, Whit, Kim & Tony
What it all means
‘This has meant the Athelstan Museum, a volunteer-run organisation, is putting on a once in a lifetime exhibition to celebrate the 1100 anniversary of Athelstan becoming King. We’re delighted to have secured these prestigious loans. No-one has seen together in one venue ever before.’
The artefacts include:
An important collection of rare coins from the Anglo-Saxon period. The collection includes some from the time of Athelstan and his grandfather, Alfred the Great. Noonans, the famous antiquarian coin specialists have lent us several.
An authentic and precious charter signed by Athelstan himself. It dates to 939 AD -the year of his death – and loaned by the British Library. Many Anglo-Saxon charters only exist as later medieval copies. But this survives in the form of the original document produced over 1,000 years ago in the presence of Athelstan and approved by him. In this charter he describes himself as ‘king of the English and guardian of all Britain’.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is the so-called ‘Abingdon Sword’ loaned by the Ashmolean Museum. This rare and important iron sword hilt came to light near Abingdon in Oxfordshire in 1874. The decoration on the sword hilt indicates this was a high-status weapon dating from the time of Alfred the Great and Athelstan. The sword hilt is one of the most important examples of the late Anglo-Saxon silversmith’s art.Â
Also on display are replicas of some of the greatest works of manuscript art produced at this time and linked to Athelstan and Malmesbury. This includes a copy of the earliest surviving version of the charter of Athelstan. The charter granted privileges including the town Common to the Burgesses of Malmesbury.
Volunteer and historian Tony McAleavy said:  ‘The exhibition will show that Malmesbury may be a charming market town today. But in the tenth century it was one of the most important places in England.’
Celebrations and events
There are a range of celebrations and events going on across the town including talks from some of the world’s leading Athelstan scholars.
A donation from entrepreneurs Whit and Kim Hanks who own the nearby Old Bell Hotel and Abbey House helped secure the artifacts – covering some of the costs of vital security and insurance. Further funds had to then be raised to meet the strict requirements around hosting the artefacts. These have come from the King Athelstan Memorial Fund and some private donors who are friends of the museum.
Volunteers will be giving extra time over the summer to keep the museum open to welcome an upswell of visitors expected to flock to Malmesbury over the coming months.Â
Chair of Trustees, Sharon Nolan: ‘We’d like to thank everyone who has made this exhibition possible either by a financial donation or volunteer hours. We’re thrilled to now announce this unique event and we hope many, many people will travel to see it.’
The exhibition opens to the public at 10am on Tuesday July 2 and runs until Sunday September 29th. For more information visit https://www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/
I’m including the Burton building Swindon in this series for the same reason as I’ve included 20 Fleet Street – the YMCA building. That reason being to record in Swindon in 50 More Buildings a fine building (another one) going to waste and dereliction. Both of these buildings are in peril now and that makes me sad.
Otherwise known as 24-25 Bridge Street, AJ Colborne built this lovely art deco store for Montague Burton Ltd and the Lucania Temperance billiard hall.* Begun in 1929, 1931 saw it completed.
Here it is in its Burton heyday – the image is from Local Studies:
The Burton Building Swindon 1931 – image from Local Studies
And here it is today having very much gone for a burton! It’s tragic!
The Burton Building Swindon 1931 – taken Feb 2024
Still in situ either side of the doorway on Bridge Street – foundation stones laid by the children of Montague Burton when the shop opened.
In the years since it’s men’s-garment-glory-days the building has served variously as Beatties toy shop, the Footplate and Firkin, Elington’s and The Bedroom. But it does of course now stand empty.
The Bridge Street/Fleet Street area used to be Swindon’s tram centre and the corner site occupied by Burtons had once had the Oxford Hotel on it. But it was demolished thus making way for Burton’s.
Burton’s in Swindon also had premises in Regent. And below, reminiscences of a long-gone age of hand-written receipts and the old L.S.D – pounds, shillings and pence.
A 1929 Burton’s receiptA Burton’s receipt from 1930 – I think
Sir Montagu Maurice Burton entered the world as Meshe David Osinsky in Lithuania in 1885. He travelled alone to England in 1900 to escape the Russian pogroms. Although a well educated young man, he arrived in the country unable to speak English. His transformation from that to heading a clothing empire is quite the tale.
And the British fashion and business press have well-documented the demise of the Burton group. The circumstances surrounding its death and the loss of so many jobs are a stark contrast to the way in which Sir Montague Burton, and his sons, brought the company to life and nurtured its growth.
Known for his concern for his workers’ welfare, Burton established a welfare office at the Leeds factory. He gave his workforce free meals and free eye and dental treatment. He received a knighthood in 1931 for for services to industrial relations. Raymond Burton acquired his father’s social conscience, as well as his business acumen. He received a CBE for services to charity in 1995.
*Lucania Temperance billiard halls
If you’ve ever watched any American gangster films you’ll be aware of the temperance movement – formed to combat alcoholism. As this article from the Victorian Web points out, one of steps they took was the building of ‘dry’ recreational halls and hotels. These establishments often rivalled the architecture of the opulent pubic houses of the late C19. The buildings often used the same decorative materials that pubs used. Such things as tiled facades and stained glass windows. All designed to emulate the congenial atmosphere of a pub but minus the pitfalls of available alcohol.
In the first instance, Temperance Billiard Halls Ltd targeted the suburbs of south London where many new pubs had been built in the late C19. And also in north-west England from where the firm originated. But, by the beginning of WWI, billiard halls had appeared across London. Built by both Temperance Billiard Halls Ltd and Lucania Temperance Billiard Halls Ltd. By 1939 there were over fifty temperance billiard halls in London.
Corrie favourite Lisa George will swap the cobbles for a horse and carriage this festive season. It’s confirmed that she’ll play Fairy Godmother in this year’s magical family pantomime Cinderella. Running at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon from 07 December 2024 to 05 January 5 2025.
Lisa George is best known for her role in ITV’s Coronation Street. She first appeared on the cobbles in 2011 playing Beth Tinker. Lisa was nominated as Best Newcomer in the 2012 annual TV Choice awards.
Other TV credits include the BAFTA nominated television adaptation of the Jacqueline Wilson novel The Illustrated Mum. Also episodes of British serial dramas Casualty, Holby City and Emmerdale, and she appeared in Dancing on Ice in 2020. Theatre credits include the stage musical production of Prisoner: Cell Block H.
Lisa who will join the previously announced David Ashley in Cinderella said:
I love panto! It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to be on stage joining in the fun and games. So I’m so happy to be back, playing Fairy Godmother in Swindon this year. Wand at the ready. I’ll see you there for some panto magic!’
Lisa George is Fairy Godmother
Wishes coming true
Cinderella promises to make all your Christmas wishes come true. There’ll be laughs galore, sensational singing and dancing, bucket loads of audience participation and a touch of fairy godmother magic.
Theatre Director of the Wyvern, Laura James said of the casting: ‘It’s fantastic news that Lisa will be joining us in Pantoland this year! From the Corrie cobbles to the sparkling Swindon stage, we can’t wait to welcome her and see the magic she’ll be bringing to our wonderful audiences. All alongside the rest of the fabulous cast in Cinderella this December.
Poor Cinderella works night and day but dreams of a very different life and with an invitation to the royal ball it looks as if her wish may yet come true. Will her wicked stepsisters succeed in ruining Cinderella’s dreams of happiness. Or will her Fairy Godmother and loyal friend Buttons be able to thwart their devilish plans? Pop on your glad-rags and join us at the ball to find out!
Athelstan Takes Centre Stage as Malmesbury gets ready for the Athelstan 1100 – 27 events over 24 days!
Residents, volunteers and businesses in Malmesbury are getting ready to host a bumper programme of 27 events. It’s all to mark the 1100th anniversary of the accession of King Athelstan – the first King of England. And it all begins on Friday June 28.
This weekend will kick off four weekends of events – many of them free. All involving more than 100 local businesses and community organisations. There’s 2,500 tickets reserved for talks and performances and 1,000s of visitors are expected at free events. All including:
Over 150 ‘diggers’ for Malmesbury’s Big Athelstan Dig), 80 artworks displayed on banners
Exhibits of international at the Athelstan Museum
25 degree students involved as part of their studies
200 re-enactors
300m of bunting
New trails across 100 miles of footpaths and cycle paths and over 100 volunteers.
Athelstan Takes Centre Stage
Leading historians of the world
This small Wiltshire town will also host four of the world’s leading historians on King Athelstan and Anglo Saxon history:
Author and podcaster Tom Holland
Writer and documentary maker Michael Wood OBE
Author Professor Sarah Foot and ….
… Phil Harding, field archaeologist with Wessex Archaeology. But best known for his role on the popular tv series Time Team (now Time Team Digital).
Athelstan Takes Centre Stage – Phil Harding
Phil will be on hand to look and talk about some of the finds during the first weekend of events, known as the Big Athelstan Dig. It will involve twelve test pits being dug in and around the town with members of the public digging, guided and supported by Cotswold Archaeology and a trail for visitors. It’s well known that King Athelstan lies in Malmesbury Abbey. Although his remains got moved two hundred years after his death and their location now remains a mystery.
Said Phil, ‘It’ll be an opportunity for local people to have first hand experience of their past through digging holes in the ground, under proper supervision. I’m looking forward to coming to Malmesbury to see what they find’.
An extraordinary exhibition
There’ll also be an extraordinary exhibition of rare Athelstan artifacts at the Athelstan Museum. The first of its kind in the world – on display from July 2.
Cllr Campbell Ritchie said: ‘We’ve called our anniversary project Athelstan 1100. We’re excited that after almost two years in the planning we’re ready to showcase Malmesbury on the national and international stage. And welcome thousands of visitors to our events throughout July. Our town was of exceptional importance in the Anglo Saxon period.
‘Thank you to the many people who’ve come together to make this all possible. They’ve put on a series of main events and pop-up events, walks and trails which offer appeal and experiences to all, with many free to attend.
Good vibrations
‘Everywhere you go in Malmesbury in the next month will have an ‘Athelstan’ vibe. From our shops promoting Athelstan 1100 and locally produced goods such as:
T-shirts
Sausages and pies
Ice-cream and fudge
Tea towels, ceramics, bags, beer, publications, books and information.
Not forgetting the banners, bunting, the museum exhibition, Big Athelstan Dig, craft fair, picnic, re-enactments, performances and talks.’
924 AD
It was in 924 AD that Athelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great, became king of Mercia and Wessex, the first steps on his journey to becoming the first King of England. His relationship with Malmesbury lie deep in the DNA of the town and he chose Malmesbury Abbey as his buriel place.
2024 marks 1100 years since Athelstan became King. And a team of community organisations, local schools and individuals have worked together to create a series of events to mark this iconic moment. They include:
The Athelstan Museum
Malmesbury Town Council
The Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury – who trace their origins to Athelstan
Malmesbury History Society
Wessex Week
Malmesbury Abbey
Athelstan Players
The events
The first weekend, 29th and 30th June, showcases the opening of the Athelstan Pilgrim Way. That’s 100 miles of footpaths and cycleways linking churches across North Wiltshire. There’ll be a performance by junior school pupils in the abbey and the launch of an album of songs by local musicians inspired by the characters and events in Malmesbury’s historical past. And the start of the talks programme.
July 6 and 7 will be Malmesbury’s Big Athelstan Dig with 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.
July 13 and 14 will feature dramatic live performances at Malmesbury Abbey telling how Athelstan became the First King of England. 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.
July 20 and 21 will see the creation of ‘Anglo-Saxon Malmesbury’. That’s a re-enactment village and hands on experiences, in Malmesbury’s river-side park at St Aldhelm’s Mead. And the opportunity to see Athelstan’s Anglo-Saxon warriors in action.
94 Ermin Street Stratton. Today it’s an estate agent but this unprepossessing building was, it’s arguable, the crucible of the Morse family’s commercial empire.
Records are somewhat convoluted and not terribly clear. But an edition of the Stratton Outlook, from way back when, states he (Levi Lapper) was born ‘in the shop opposite the Ermin Street Methodist Church which was owned by his father Charles Morse’. And that corresponds with the description that exists of Ebenezer Morse’s shop. That being 94 Ermin Street. But it’s rather hard to verify any of this. The only address that directories and the British Newspaper Archive give is Lower Stratton. And there seems to be no address for Levi’s birthplace beyond the registration district of Highworth.
So! While we can say that it’s possible, more than likely even, that Primitive Methodist Charles Morse ran the shop at 94 Ermin Street first and that Ebenezer later took it over – we can’t say this for certain.
Anyway! If you’ve any knowledge of Swindon’s history at all, the name Morse ought to be familiar to you.
94 Ermin Street Stratton – once the shop premises of Ebenezer Morse – and probs his father Charles Morse before him.
On the image below, from Swindon’s Local Studies collection, you’ll see that the sign above the door, of the grandly-titled North Wilts Emporium, says ‘E Morse’. That’s Ebenezer Morse, a brother to Levi Lapper. This image dates from around 1905. According to the back of the postcard this photograph features ‘W. Wilson and W. Silk, two of the many assistants’.
This shop sat on the corner of Swindon Road and Ermin Street.
But by 1881, Levi saw opportunities in the new Swindon growing around the Great Western Railway. Along with his department store on Regent Street he owned a chain of other shops in England’s south west. He also ran a mail-order business. He cut a fine and important civic figure too – but here is not the place to go into all that. If you want to know more about Levi Lapper Morse then the My Primitive Methodists websitecarries a decent history of the man.
Morse’s Ermin Street shop
The building is listed as a draper and grocers as far back as the 1848 directory, under Lower Stratton. So Charles Morse, we think, was in business from the early 1840s at least. Though it could have been the 1830s. But the information available is scant and unclear.
And that is pretty much all there is to say about 94 Ermin Street. So why, I hear you say, have I included it here? Well there’s a good reason. And that reason is Charles Morse’s son, Levi Lapper Morse (1853 – 1913). Levi Lapper grew up to accomplish bigger and better things – in many areas – than ever his father did. As Frances Bevan’s Radnor Street Cemetery blogpoints out, Levi opened one of Swindon’s first departmental stores, which until the 1960s stood on the present site of WH Smith’s in Regent Street, Swindon.
A Nexus
The significance of this building then, is that it serves as a link between two other buildings in this Swindon in 50 More Buildings series:
And at the centre of this Victorian brickwork triangle is Levi Lapper Morse. For he’s a literal cornerstone of Stratton Methodist Church – in the blog I link to above there are photographs of these cornerstones. And for a period he lived in Granville House. And of course had involvement with his father’s business at 94 Ermin Street.
