©Calyx Pictures.Malmesbury Abbey, Wiltshire, where a Skateboarding park has been set up in the ancient Abbey, whose records go back to 700AD.Flying through the air is not new to the Abbey, as it was the site of an early attempt at human flight when, during the early 11th century, the monk Eilmer of Malmesbury attached wings to his body and flew from a tower. Eilmer flew over 200 yards (200 m) before landing, breaking both legs. He later remarked that the only reason he did not fly further was the lack of a tail on his glider. The vicar of Malmesbury Rev. Neill Archer says, “Is the Church and skateboarding compatible? We think young people and the church are compatible and young people’s culture and the church are compatible. The skatepark says to a younger generation – you are welcome, this is your Abbey, this is your church. Yes, I do believe we are breaking down barriers.”He continues, “If one of the boys had a clarinet in his hand and played in the church that is seen as acceptable in the eyes of everybody so why not see the skills of the skateboarders in the same light. It’s their skills that are on show in the church.”