Cirencester
Capital of the Cotswolds
Cirencester is known as the Capitol of the Cotswolds its origins go way back in time to before the romans who built a fort and town called Corinium Dobunnorum. The fort was second in size only to London it covered 250 acres and was built at the strategic meeting point of three roman roads Akeman Street, Ermine Way and Fosse way.
There is an excellent award winning museum called the corinium which also houses the tourist information centre here you can learn all about roman life in Britain you can even dress up as a roman soldier. On display are all manner of interesting artefacts as well as excellent mosaics. Cirencester also has a grassed over Roman amphitheatre the largest of its kind in England.
Cirencester grew as a consequence of the Cotswolds wool boom in Tudor times with several Cotswolds towns becoming very rich on this trade; the place became an important regional centre and had the largest wool market in England. Following the decline in the wool trade the town became an agricultural centre.
The royal agricultural college was formed here in 1845.Today it is an important destination for tourists and also as craft centre, there are weekly markets Mondays and Fridays as well as craft and antique fairs and auctions.
The lovely market place which is surrounded by elegant Victorian buildings is dominated by the church of St John the Baptist. It is the largest and most spectacular of all the Cotswolds wool churches the style of which has been described as wool gothic which reflects the rich wool trade that made it possible to build such a magnificent building.
The three story porch itself is stunning as it was once part of the abbey and also used as a public meeting place. Inside the height of the nave leads you to believe you could be in a cathedral everywhere there is splendid decoration and beautiful memorials.
The fleece Hotel on market place is a black and white timber framed building; four miles from Cirencester is the source of the Thames Cirencester is blessed with many independent shops.
Activities in Cirencester
House and Gardens
Westonbirt - Westonbirt House and Gardens
Woodchester Mansion - Woodchester Gothic Mansion
Museums
Corinium - Corinium Museum
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