A flying monk, a grisly tiger death and a ghostly figure all form part of a new Malmesbury project.

Explore Malmesbury launched yesterday (April 15) and offers a variety of exciting trails that bring the town's history to life.

Themed routes, such as Town Highlights, the Artist’s View and Pub Trail, are included in the website that acts like a town-wide museum guide.

People can follow their chosen trail and watch videos, listen to recordings and even take part in quizzes as they walk and reach certain destinations.

The trail includes the story of Eilmer of Malmesbury - an English Benedictine monk who, in 11th century, made wings for himself and became the first human to fly.

In William of Malmesbury's book Gesta Regum Anglorum (Chronicle of the Kings of England), Eilmer was described as a bold youngster who, inspired by the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus, believed he could fly by constructing a pair of wings and attaching them to his hands and feet.

The trail also provides an insight into Malmesbury Abbey and the surrounding area, which includes the grave of Hannah Twynnoy, a barmaid at the nearby White Lion Inn.

She met an untimely death when a travelling circus visited town in 1703, and she teased a tiger to the point that it became enraged.

Other trails included in the first batch include a Highlights Trail, a Malmesbury Abbey close-up tour, an Artist’s View Trail and a family quiz.

People can get a closer look at places such as the Kings Arms Hotel, where Sir Ronald Bouchier, a Royalist Cavalier, was murdered. His ghost is said to still haunt the room above the archway.

Explore Malmesbury was announced this week in an outdoor, phased launch outside the Town Hall.

Campbell Richie, Mayor of Malmesbury, said the creation of the website was the result of “a huge community collaboration led by Malmesbury Town Team.”

The volunteer organisation consists of local businesses, community organisations and local residents, and is supported by the own Council. It works to improve services in the town centre and maximise visitor footfall.

Campbell said: “Malmesbury is a vibrant town with a rich, unique history and has so many great stories to tell. Explore Malmesbury adds to the experience of being in Malmesbury. It will grow and develop in months and years ahead, so there will always be something new to be discovered.”

At the launch, people highlighted the website is enjoyable by all generations and age groups. Many, who have lived in Malmesbury for years, were unaware of the local tales on their doorstep.

Deborah Gray did the trail with her son's girlfriend.

She said: "Being able to show her exactly what I was talking about, and show videos of how things used to look, were amazing.

"She's from Turkey and has a huge interest in history so this was something we really could enjoy together. The website brings history to life - it's amazing!"

Gavin Grant, councillor for Malmesbury added that Explore Malmesbury reflected the community spirit of the town.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we could come together safely to celebrate this - and the sun was shining in Malmesbury, which made the day even better. It marks an amazing achievement for everyone involved.

"This town has so much rich history and there are so many stories people don’t know about, that can now live on throughout the town."

To take part in the tours, all you need is a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Open the Explore Malmesbury website and you’ll see all the live information points around you. Select the feature of interest or click on an Explore trail and up will come information, pictures, videos, sounds and much more to enhance your knowledge and experience of the town.

Explore Malmesbury will be regularly updated as new trails, information and features are added.

Paper trails are also available from the Town Hall