A BENCH in Malmesbury has been dedicated to one of its favourite sons, philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

It is situated in the Market Cross between Rajah restaurant and the Whole Hog pub, adjacent to the Abbey churchyard, and has been renovated and officially dedicated to the great 17th century philosopher.

In his seminal work, Leviathan, Hobbes referred to himself as ‘Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury’, thereby giving the status his name bestowed to honour the town where he was born.

His uncle, a wealthy tradesman and alderman of Malmesbury, provided for Hobbes' education at Leigh Delamere School where he became an excellent scholar in Latin and Greek.

The bench was given to the town by the Thomas Hobbes Society, that are keen to keep his memory alive in Malmesbury.

Ian Henderson started the society in 1996 with Jennifer Woodcock, with the pure intention of raising the philosophers profile in his home town.

“We’ve always wanted to do something for him in Malmesbury to raise the profile the fact that he was here,” he said.

“When visitors contact me for information on Hobbes and I take them around the town, I say this is where he started.

“But there is not a lot to show for that in Malmesbury, so the bench will act as a reminder of his presence here.

“There is a real interest in him and it’s been a pleasure to take American students and their tutors, and even one or two authors interested in his work, around town to learn about his history.”

The Thomas Hobbes Society is holding its annual meeting at the Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury on Friday, November 20, where the philosopher’s memory will be honoured.

To attend the meeting or to have a tour around the town to learn about Thomas Hobbes, you can contact Ian Henderson directly on 01666 826051 or by emailing him at ian00henderson@yahoo.co.uk.