A NEW information sign has been unveiled at the United Reform Church enlightening tourists and Malmesbury residents about one of the town’s most famous sons.

During the heritage open day earlier this month, members of Malmesbury Civic Trust announced the sign which celebrates the life of Thomas Hobbes, the philosopher who was born in Malmesbury in 1588.

He is best known for his 1561 book, Leviathan, which originates the social contract theory, the idea that citizens give up certain freedoms to a government in order for that government to protect their remaining rights.

Thomas Hobbes’s father, Thomas senior, was a vicar of Charlton and Westport, which no longer exists but is located in what is now the parish of St Paul Malmesbury Without.

Tony McAleavy of Malmesbury History Society, said at the opening: “Hobbes was a great man whose work still resonates today and I’m pleased that Malmesbury finally has a sign to mark the home of the man who always called himself Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury”.

A one day symposium of talks discussing the life of Thomas Hobbes will be held at the Abbey House Gardens on Saturday, October 7.

The day will feature discussions with university lecturers specialising in Hobbes and philosophy.

The day runs from 10.30am- 4.15pm.

Tickets, from £15-18, are available from hobbes.eventbrite. com, go to thomashobbesofmalmesbury.org or malmesburycivictrust.org.uk for more details.