Calls for bank holiday to mark England's 1,100th birthday

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 06:03 · Archive

A Wiltshire MP is calling for a one-off bank holiday on Monday, July 12, 2027, to mark 1,100 years since King Athelstan united England.

Roz Savage, Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, has joined party leader Sir Ed Davey in calling for Monday, July 12, 2027, to be declared a one-off bank holiday marking 1,100 years since King Athelstan united England.

The anniversary particularly resonates in South Cotswolds because Athelstan chose Malmesbury Abbey, in Ms Savage's constituency, as his final resting place. She said: "In 927, King Athelstan brought the kingdoms of England together for the first time. Next summer marks 1,100 years since that moment, and I'm backing the call for a one-off bank holiday on Monday 12th July 2027 to celebrate it. For South Cotswolds this one is close to home. Athelstan chose Malmesbury Abbey as his final resting place, and the town has kept his memory alive ever since."

The proposal has support beyond Ms Savage. Tom Holland, the prominent historian and co-host of The Rest Is History podcast, also called for a bank holiday earlier this week. Mr Holland was brought up in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury, and remains closely involved with the Chalke History Festival.

Malmesbury has already staged major celebrations to mark the anniversary. In 2024, the town marked 1,100 years since Athelstan's accession to the throne, with Ms Savage noting that more than 100 businesses and community groups participated in the Athelstan 1100 events.

How it is being reported

• Calls for extra bank holiday to mark England’s 1,100th birthdayA Wiltshire MP is calling for an extra bank holiday to celebrate England's 1,100th birthday next year, saying Malmesbury should be at the heart of the national celebrations.Gazette & Herald · 14 Nov, 05:10
• Calls for extra bank holiday to mark England’s 1,100th birthdayA Wiltshire MP is calling for an extra bank holiday to celebrate England's 1,100th birthday next year, saying Malmesbury should be at the heart of the national celebrations.Wiltshire Times · 14 Nov, 05:10
• Calls for extra bank holiday to mark England’s 1,100th birthdayA Wiltshire MP is calling for an extra bank holiday to celebrate England's 1,100th birthday next year, saying Malmesbury should be at the heart of the national celebrations.Swindon Advertiser · 14 Nov, 05:10

In this story: Roz Savage · Sir Ed Davey · King Athelstan · Tom Holland · Malmesbury · South Cotswolds · Malmesbury Abbey · Liberal Democrats

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