This is a place with ancient origins. The Roman fort, later town, of 'Corinium Dobunnorum' was an important region (there's still an atmospheric grassed over amphitheatre), mentioned by Ptolemy (as 'Korinion') in his Geography, written about AD150.
The Church of St John Baptist dominates the town's market place, in 'woolgothic' style (a reference to the importance of income from the wool trade in medieval times). The porch is a landmark building built by the abbey in 1490 and designed to serve as a public meeting place as well as the main entrance to the church. It's unusually grand and it could be called Britain's first office block - with business conducted at street level, local guilds occupying the first two levels and later service as the Town Hall.
Today the population is around 20,000 and the town is an important tourism and craft centre. It has an arts centre with workshops in a converted brewery, and there are regular craft and antique fairs and auctions.
There are open spaces too: the Abbey Grounds and the extensive 18th century parkland landscape of Cirencester Park, in the Bathurst family's ownership for over three centuries.
CHARTER MARKET
Cirencester Charter Market was founded in 1086 and whilst many markets have disappeared, the Town Council is in a position where it is still able to provide a Charter Market on both Mondays and Fridays (9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.).
Products sold by the regular market traders include cheese, homemade pies, home cured ham and bacon, wet fish, fruit and vegetables, olives, gifts, cards and much more.
Come and see for yourselves and support this valuable and historical attraction.
If you would like further information on the Charter Market or are interested in hiring a stall, please contact the Charter Market Manager, Anne Brooker, on Tel No. 01793 825343 or 07729 524017.
ABBEY GROUNDS
The area is steeped in history, a portion of ancient Roman Wall being situated in the grounds and the site of the old St Mary's Abbey is outlined with paving.
This park provides an opportunity for relaxation, entertainment and angling. The bandstand is regularly used throughout the summer, whilst the Abbey Lake Angling Club is responsible for controlling and operating the fishing on the lake.
The Abbey Grounds stand to the north of St John the Baptist Church and provide an oasis of peace within a step of the town centre.
View the Footprint Videos for more action in Cirencester and take a look at the Events page to see what's on!
To add your event in Cirencester, whether it is in the park on in the town, at night or in the day, please visit the main What's On page and use the form to add an event.
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