Malmesbury Abbey
Local highlightNorman abbey with a dramatic ruined nave.
Open accessfree to visit at any reasonable time
Standing remainssubstantial fabric survives to stand in front of
Only the nave still has a roof. The crossing tower and spire came down in a storm around 1500, taking much of the church with them, and after the Dissolution a clothier named William Stumpe bought the place and handed the nave back to the town as its parish church — which it remains. Go in by the south porch: the Anglo-Norman carving in it, and the Christ in Majesty overhead, are among the best in England. Abbey House Gardens drop away below.
