Malmesbury Abbey

Founded in the 7th century as a Benedictine Monastery by Aldhelm, the present building, now about a third of its original size, was consecrated in 1180 AD. In 1539 it was sold to William Stumpe a local wealthy clothier. He gifted the nave back to the town so it could be used as a parish church. Today the Abbey is Malmesbury's parish church in the Diocese of Bristol. For over a thousand years there has been an Abbey here, a place of rest for the weary traveller, succour for the sick and troubled and inspiration for the pilgrim; a hub of prayer where God is worshipped, the message of His Son Jesus Christ told and the gift of the Spirit received.

The Future Matters

What we do together in the future depends on the hopes and dreams we're busy turning into reality right now here in Malmesbury.

That's why we use the phrase building the future - mars isn't just about a building, it's about providing for a community's future together.

It's about reaching out to the isolated and brokenhearted of all generations with generous hospitality and healing ministry.

It's about providing an exciting place for our many young people to grow and learn and understand that the Kingdom of God belongs to them.

It's about a bookshop that brings truth and resources to the pilgrim; it's about a creche that honours our young parents.

It's about a cupboard for the churchwardens to lock the vicar in when he misbehaves... it's about a lot of dreams turning into reality.

When we sing our carols at Christmas we remember that there was no room at the inn for the King of Kings and similarly there is no room at the Abbey for all that He has planned for us.

Let's hope and pray together that the next few years are about seeing the bricks and mortar that the Lord is providing to house His love and grace to all.

Neill Archer

Vicar