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Malmesbury Abbey

Malmesbury, Wiltshire

The burial place of England's first king, and the monk who tried to fly.

King Athelstan, often called the first king of all England, was buried at Malmesbury in 939. Around 1010 a monk called Eilmer strapped wings to his arms and feet and leapt from the abbey tower.

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When
Founded 7th century
Where
51.5850, -2.0990
Group
Castles & abbeys

Visiting

The church is open daily. Look for the stained-glass window of Eilmer the flying monk.

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