Historic Market Town where aviation in Britain began in 1010 AD

The monk, Eilmer, was a young man in the Saxon Abbey of Malmesbury whose studies caused him to take up a practical interest in human flight, and in 1010 AD he had built himself a pair of wings which bore some resemblance to the hang-gliders of the present day.

Launching himself from the roof of the Abbey Church the account of his flight by another monk suggests that he did achieve a stable glide for a distance in the order of 100 metres. However like many inexperienced pilots after him, with the approach of the ground he lost control and stalled, breaking a leg. His Abbott, again like many a Commanding Officer, promptly grounded him and he then spent a long and hopefully happy life of learning - but not practice.