The Abbey is at the centre of Malmesbury and can be seen for miles around. However the existing structure is about one third the size of the building at its greatest extent.
THE ORIGINAL BUILDING:
A Monastery was first established on the site around 676 by Aldhelm, but the present building dates from the 12th century, and was consecrated about 1180.
The present church, dating from the mid-12th century, is a fragment of the original abbey church, which had transepts, a tall central spire and a western tower. All that is left is the nave with isles. The nave was saved after the Reformation and became the parish church.