Malmesbury has many famous residents, from the first ruler of England King Athelstan to the renowned philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
Some of these figures are celebrated in the town through festivals, street names, beers and other creative avenues but few seem so forgotten as St Lullus.
Lullus was monk at Malmesbury’s own abbey before he went across Europe to spread his faith to the Franks.
During his time on the mainland he became the first regular Archbishop of Mainz and led the monastery in the town he helped build.
This town, Bad Hersfeld, venerates him annually with a colossal street festival and has a statue of the Malmesbury-born saint in the town centre.
Like Malmesbury it has an abbey, partially ruined and it also boasts a busy car park in the town’s central square.
Although Malmesbury is already twinned with Gien in France and Niebull in Germany the residents of Bad Hersfeld who are aware of the historical connections seek a closer friendship with the town.
Their mission is not to offer another twin town to Malmesbury but to offer a glimpse of how this north Wiltshire market town fits into the world and made its mark on history.
Not everyone who sees this offer will want to take part in the half marathon but if anyone is willing and able it would be an exceptional feat for someone from Malmesbury to carry the town’s coat of arms during the opening of Lullusfest festival.
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