A day out in Malmesbury

We'd heard good things about Malmesbury, Wiltshire and as it was close by, we decided to go and have a look at this medieval market town. It was a very pleasant day out. Malmesbury Abbey is one of the highlights. Founded in 675 it has had a continuous history since then. Æthelstan, the first King of England, was buried here in 939 (he was disinterred in the 11th century and reburied nearby).
Although it's now mostly in ruins with only about half of the building still standing, there is an intact section of the nave which is still in use as a church. Unusually, it also has a small cafe in the nave as well and it was very nice to be able to sit and enjoy a cuppa along with the ambience.

There were 'newer' delights as well, like this charming hotel and restaurant which looked very inviting. Adjacent to the Abbey, it was built in 1220 as the Abbey guest house. It's now The Old Bell hotel and claims to be the oldest hotel in England.

We walked the circular walk by the river and encountered many other intriguing sights, like this old archway, probably 12th century, on the site of a medieval hospital, chapel and Almshouse complex.

The plaque, above and to the left of the arch, dates from 1694.

The old Silk Mills complex, built 1793, has been turned into modern flats without compromising the architecture.

It also seems the residents have a sense of humour. Along a public footpath, attached to a rather ordinary suburban house, we came across this art installation. Look closely at the figure perched on the lintel.