Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Malmesbury Abbey

Malmesbury Abbey, at Malmesbury in Wiltshire, was originally founded in the 10th century by secular canons, but soon came under Benedictine rule. It is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The main building, as it presently stands, was begun in about 1160, and building work continued intermittently until the 16th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1536.

It is known as the site of an early attempt at human flight when Eilmer of Malmesbury constructed and used a primitive hang glider.