Malmesbury Mayor meets Channel 4's Phil Harding from Time Team

The Wiltshire Rule of Law Service and Choral Evensong is an annual thanksgiving or 'legal' service hosted by the High Sheriff.

Representing the oldest borough of Malmesbury, the Mayor and the Town Clerk took part in a large procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral.

The Malmesbury Mayor, Cllr.Kim Power said: "We have been privileged to attend this service and to reflect on the High Sheriff’s year and her theme of home. 

"We were also honoured to have received visits in Malmesbury from Lady Lansdowne, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire during the last year.

"I am particularly proud that she awarded a High Sheriff’s Award to one of Malmesbury’s younger residents, Ben Thornbury, only two months ago.”

After the ceremony, the Mayor spoke with an old acquaintance of Malmesbury, Phil Harding from Channel 4’s Time Team.

Phil was meant to visit Malmesbury in May 2020 to celebrate St. Aldhelm’s Day, but couldn't attend due to pandemic restrictions so instead produced an online Q & A Malmesbury Session.

He currently holds the office of one of the Deputy Lieutenants of Wiltshire.

Kim said: "After the Rule of Law Service, I saw Phil across the crowd of wigs, robes and pageantry and recalled how very kind he had been to record a Malmesbury Q & A for us during the lockdown.

"In a 2020 video, speaking from what looks to be his attic office, he brought his lovely warmth and his original charm to folks, during not such great times. 

"He told us how he had become an archaeologist and then talked about his specialist interest in prehistory, and answered some questions about Malmesbury.

"At the Rule of Law Service, I reminded him of this video and told him that in 2023, there had been nearly 64,000 views, which is phenomenal!

"I think I can safely say he was both amazed and delighted at the same time.

"He is a true national treasure and it was very much a pleasure to meet him!”