Cotswold Archaeology are supervising an exciting community dig on the site of the family home of Thomas Hobbes. During the Big King Athelstan Dig in July 2024, what appeared to be a wall was uncovered, but the excavation did not extend deeply enough or widely enough to look for more. So, an exciting thread running through this first Thomas Hobbes Festival is to hopefully discover more about the home where Thomas was born and where he lived until he was 14 years old.

The dig is taking place in the front garden of the United Reformed Church just off the Horsefair in Malmesbury SN16 9BJ and is easily viewable from 10am to 4pm on Sat 5th April and from 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday 6th April. Just come along and have a look at the archaeologists actually digging out the trench and who knows what they will find!

There will be free fun activities for children in the Church itself, plus light refreshments will be available to purchase. Toilets and shelter (in case of inclement weather) will also be available. In addition, please see more information about Guided Walks and a Talk also happening in the Church over the weekend.

Please note that parking is limited in the residential area where the Church is located, so if you are visiting, we suggest you consider parking either in the Cross Hayes Car Park SN16 9BZ in the centre of Malmesbury or in the Long Stay Car Park SN16 9JT. Both are about a 10 minute walk to the Church.