The Tunnel from Sutton Benger to Malmesbury Abbey and Bradenstoke Priory

Apparently, back in the 1600s, there was a tunnel that linked Bradenstoke priory and Malmesbury abbey; and it went via Sutton Benger.

At least, that's what John Aubrey wrote in a document unearthed by Louise Ryland-Epton, an academic and local historian. Louise is the author of several books about villages in North Wiltshire, including her recent history of Langley Burrell.

https://www.hobnobpress.co.uk/books/p/langley-burrell-and-kellaways-a-history-by-louise-ryland-epton

For the full details of the story about the Bradenstoke - Malmesbury tunnel, see Louise's blog at:

https://www.louiserylandepton.co.uk/blog/the-featherless-goose-of-bradenstoke-a-17th-century-tunnel-tale

For more on John Aubrey, see the Benger Trails article on Joan Sumner:

https://bengertrails.co.uk/history/archives/john-aubrey-and-joan-sumner

If you want to read more stories like this, please let us know at: hello@bengertrails,co.uk

The image of J M W Turner's Malmesbury Abbey, Wiltshire, 1827 from The Heritage Fund website.
The image of Bradenstoke Priory from an 18th century engraving by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck.