Malmesbury, one of the oldest boroughs in England, can boast the wonderful, old Benedictine Abbey. The abbey was founded in the 7th century, yet it burnt down in the 11th century. There was a twelfth century building erected to replace it but it was damaged during the Dissolution. The nave, which has survived exceptionally, has a wonderful three-tiered sculpture with figures from throughout Biblical history surrounding the southern doorway. Inside the church there are deep reliefs and ornate archways, as well as the tomb of King Athelstan, the first recognized Saxon king of England. The Market Cross is an octagonal space, originally used as a covered area from the rain. Nearby is the Tolsey Gate, a 18th century structure which leads to the Abbey.
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