HUNDREDS enjoyed the opportunity to discover how life was lived in Malmesbury more than 1,000 years ago over the weekend. 

The town’s Athelstan 1100 celebrations ended with a re-enactment of an Anglo Saxon battle alongside an Anglo-Saxon village at St Aldhelm’s Mead.

The interactive display also included Anglo-Saxon cooking, baking and weaving.

Meanwhile, more than 100 people also enjoyed a meal at Malmesbury's Town Hall which was transformed into an Anglo-Saxon feasting hall on Saturday. 

The food was put on by the team at the Old Bell Hotel.

Volunteers have arranged multiple different events throughout July as part of the 1100th anniversary of the accession of King Athelstan – the first King of England.

His relationship with Malmesbury is written deep in the DNA of the town and he chose to be buried at Malmesbury Abbey.

Cllr Campbell Ritchie Athelstan 1100 project lead organiser said: “This was a great way to finish our events marking the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan becoming King and his special relationship with Malmesbury. 

“The re-enactors of Regia Anglorum, who live and breathe the Anglo-Saxon period, were brilliantly engaging and informative and provided a great opportunity to see beyond the words and pictures in text books to get a feel for the period of Athelstan and the people who are part of our rich history. 

“We have had a great month, with internationally famous speakers, Malmesbury's Big Athelstan Dig, which still has its finds to reveal, to the banners, art, drama, films, publications, markets and picnics which have filled our High Street and open spaces around town.

“This was alongside the world class Athelstan exhibition in the Athelstan Museum and the opening of new permanent visitor attractions, including Malmesbury's Athelstan Trail and the Athelstan Pilgrim Way, with a statue to come. 

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped make Athelstan 1100 so far reaching and engaging.”

For more information visit www.athelstan1100.co.uk

All photos by Richard Harris.