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King Charles I returns to Malmesbury after nearly 400 years !
20 April 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 21 April 2024 @ 4:30 pm
On Saturday April 20 King Charles I, as portrayed by Daniel Williams from Sutton Coldfield, will be appearing from 1pm at Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury. Daniel is following in the footsteps of the original King Charles I. The Athelstan museum has a letter signed by King Charles I from Oxford to nephew Prince Rupert dated July 31st 1643 which mentions his intentions to travel to Bristol & stay in Malmesbury.
Over the last 6 years Daniel has taken his portrayal of the King to nearly 100 destinations, all of which were visited by the 17th century monarch. “It’s been a right Royal grand tour,” commented Daniel. “His travels have taken me everywhere from Stirling, Scotland to Raglan, Wales, London, Althorp House, Northampton and Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. The King’s footsteps were bigger than I thought when I first began my journey in them. I am writing a book on my travels and adventures. It will have some crazy stories to tell. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Malmesbury on Saturday. It will be interesting to see what has changed since my last visit!”
King Charles stayed at the Tower House, Malmesbury, a grade II listed building now privately owned. Henry VIII was also a previous visitor. The nearby Abbey bears musket ball damage to the west of its main entrance – a reminder of the English civil war battle fought between King Charles and Parliament. Malmesbury was a Royalist stronghold but eventually fell to the Parliamentarians. On May 4th & 5th Malmesbury will be commemorating the English civil war battle with a re-enactment with the Devereux Regiment who are celebrating 50 years.
