1st Sep 2024: The Church of St John the Baptist in Cirencester, Cotswolds

The Church of St John the Baptist, rising proudly in the heart of Cirencester—the principal town of the Cotswolds—is renowned as a quintessential “wool church” of the Church of England. Its origins date back to the Norman period in the 12th century, and during the prosperous 15th and 16th centuries, it was extensively rebuilt in the Perpendicular Gothic style.

Facing the town’s market square, the magnificent three-tiered south porch, constructed around 1480, is richly adorned and once served as the town hall. Its impressive scale and intricate craftsmanship have earned the church the nickname “the Cathedral of the Cotswolds.”

Inside, visitors are greeted by delicate fan vaulting, angel-carved capitals, and a series of chapels dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, including St Catherine’s Chapel, the Lady Chapel, and the Trinity Chapel. Among its many treasures are the distinctive “wine-glass” pulpit from around 1435 and the silver goblet known as the Anne Boleyn Cup.

The tower, built in the 15th century, rises to approximately 41 meters (143 feet) and is reinforced with a floating beam structure. From its summit, one can enjoy sweeping views of the idyllic Cotswold countryside.

Today, the church remains a beloved landmark, cherished by both locals and visitors as a place to experience the region’s rich history and architectural beauty.