Mr Mitchell's latest theory is that St Mary's Church in Purton, which boast both a west tower and a spire, was modelled on Malmesbury Abbey 12 miles away.

One beautiful English abbey is hiding a rather dark history within its walls, and was once home to a murderous monk.

Malmesbury Abbey, known as the final resting place of Æthelstan, the first King of the English, boasts a history that stretches back to the seventh century in the Wiltshire village of Malmesbury.

The other skeletons included men and children. The remains are believed to belong to members of a monastic community associated with Malmesbury Abbey, a 12th-century building of worship.

Cotswold Archeologists and volunteers discovered 24 Anglo-Saxon skeletons believed to date between 670 and 940 AD while excavating at a hotel near Abbey in Malmesbury, United Kingdom.

Village church may be 'replica of Malmesbury Abbey' The North Wessex Way St Mary's Church in Purton is unusual as it has both a west tower and a spire Ben Prater ...

Malmesbury Abbey, known as the final resting place of Æthelstan, the first King of the English, boasts a history that stretches back to the seventh century in the Wiltshire village of Malmesbury.

Mr Mitchell's latest theory is that St Mary's Church in Purton, which boast both a west tower and a spire, was modelled on Malmesbury Abbey 12 miles away.