NOT everyone living in Malmesbury will know that it was the home to a castle of such significant strategic importance that it was fought over by would-be kings centuries ago.

Tony McAleavy, a historian and author from the town, is hoping to shed some light on the untold story of Malmesbury Castle with his new book.

Monarchs, Monks and Massacre: The Brief but Brutal History of Malmesbury Castle has been published by The Malmesbury History Society, of which Tony is the chairman.

It delves into the short but important life of the castle which was the scene of a violent massacre before it was eventually torn to the ground by monks in the town.

Tony said he chose to release the book this year to coincide with the 800-year anniversary of when the castle was demolished.

“I’d always been interested in the castle, it’s not widely known about in the town,” he said.

“The fact there is nothing to see means people have forgotten about it.

“I’ve been quietly investigating the history of castle for some years in the archives.

“I knew it was an important anniversary, so thought I’d mark it by writing a book on the subject.”

Tony said the more he read into the story, the more amazed he was.

“There are some really remarkable sources that have survived that say what has happened,” he said.

“We only know about it as a document came to light just after Second World War in France that describes the events in Malmesbury.

“I got in touch with the library where source is in Valenciennes, France, and they gave me the images of the chronicle. It’s a terrible story.

“The castle was part of the campaign by the man who became Henry the second to seize the throne. He recognised the castle’s strategic importance.

“As part of that siege in 1153, the local folk fled to the abbey church and his soldiers massacred them.

“King John eventually gave the monks of the abbey permission to destroy it in 1216. The monks hated it as it disrupted their religious life.”

The exact location of the castle remains a mystery, however William of Malmesbury said it was a “stone’s throw” from the abbey church, perhaps where the Old Bell is today.

Maria Marsh, treasurer of the Malmesbury History Society, said Tony makes history “exciting and accessible to all”.

“The Malmesbury Castle book takes you on a journey through an extremely interesting and turbulent short period of English history,” she said.

“A time when the town of Malmesbury and its castle had a prominent position in the battle for the crown.”

Speaking about the history society, she said: “The society has only been going for just under two years and we are off to a terrific start with our publications, first Saint Lull - The Missionary Monk from Malmesbury, and now Malmesbury Castle.”

The Malmesbury Carnival Committee assisted in the costs associated with book which is available to purchase in Athelstan Museum or the Malmesbury Abbey bookshop for £6.

The Malmesbury History Society holds bi-monthly meetings where members of the society give short talks on subjects from history of interest to them.

New members are welcome. For more information, email malmesburyhistorysociety@gmail.com