A Celebration of Malmesbury’s Past
An exciting glimpse into Malmesbury’s rich history attracted hundreds of visitors to the town’s Cross Hayes area over the weekend. Malmesbury Town Hall hosted an exhibition showcasing remarkable discoveries from the town’s Big Athelstan Dig, an ambitious community-led archaeological project conducted in July 2024.
The event featured a comprehensive site-by-site display of the findings, exceeding initial expectations and offering a deeper insight into Malmesbury’s past. Archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology were present to discuss the discoveries, provide expert interpretations, and answer visitors’ questions.
Community-Led Excavation Unveils Hidden Treasures
The Big Athelstan Dig brought together residents and amateur archaeologists, all eager to explore the layers of history beneath their town. Named in honor of Athelstan, England’s first king, who is buried in Malmesbury Abbey, the initiative was a key component of the town’s Athelstan 1100 celebrations—marking 1100 years since Athelstan ascended the throne.
Participants in the dig excavated test pits across Malmesbury, unearthing a wide range of artifacts spanning different historical periods. The only notable absence among the finds was evidence from the Roman era.
Most Fascinating Finds
Visitors to the exhibit had the opportunity to vote for their favorite artifact, with three items capturing significant interest:
A small medieval key, believed to have once secured a casket.
A Victorian terracotta doll known as a Frozen Charlotte.
The overall winning discovery—a fragment of Anglo-Saxon pottery, specifically the rim of a cooking pot dating back to King Athelstan’s time.
Martin Watts, Director of Research and Engagement at Cotswold Archaeology, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s outcomes:
“The diggers uncovered artifacts from nearly every era of Malmesbury’s past. We were particularly thrilled to find an item from King Athelstan’s period and to witness the extensive evidence of life in Malmesbury through the ages. Supporting this initiative has been an incredible opportunity to bring archaeology closer to the public.”
A Community Effort to Remember
Kim Power, the lead organizer for the Athelstan 1100 celebrations, reflected on the event’s success:
“Malmesbury had an amazing time last summer, and this weekend was another fantastic opportunity to delve into our town’s history. We owe a huge thank you to the site owners, Cotswold Archaeology, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the many organizations and volunteers who made this event possible. It will remain a cherished part of Malmesbury’s Athelstan 1100 festivities.”
Exciting Plans Ahead
The excitement continues as Cotswold Archaeology prepares to return to Malmesbury on April 4 and 5 for an extended dig at the United Reformed Church. This excavation will coincide with a special Thomas Hobbes weekend, further enriching the town’s exploration of its fascinating heritage.
With such discoveries bringing Malmesbury’s history to life, the enthusiasm for archaeology in the town is stronger than ever.
