Cirencester - pt 2

The Cirencester Parish Church of St John Baptist (another "wool" church) is the most prominent structure in its market place. St John the Baptist is one of the largest parish churches in the country. Besides the actual church, it also has a tower (1400) and a south porch (1500) which is sometimes referred to as the Town Hall, originally an office of the Augustinian Abbey which was destroyed in 1539 under Henry VIII.

On the west end of the church stands the medieval High Cross which originally stood at the head of the Market Place (remember Stow has one too).

An ancient cemetery sits directly behind the church on the abbey grounds. The church itself is often confused with the former Cirencester Abbey which was situated nearby.

Parish Church of St John Baptist, Medieval Cross of a market town

St Catherine's Chapel, originally 1150

May the Love of God Enfold Us All

The Boleyn Cup (below) was made in 1535 and given to her daughter Queen Elizabeth, then later to her personal physician and lastly to the church. Below it sits a 15th century chest given to the church by her physician.

Boleyn Cup

According to the church's literature, the nave was rebuilt in 1520 by wealthy town's merchants (presumably wool merchants). The tower was built in 1400 "with funds taken from the rebellious earls of Kent and Salisbury, arrested by the townspeople and executed in the market place."

nave, originally 12th century

There are 4 chapels across the east side - the Trinity Chapel (1430-1460), the Lady Chapel (1240 but added on to 200 years later), St Catherine's chapel (1150) and Chapel of St John the Baptist. Additionally there is a Garstang Chapel (1440) for the tomb of a local merchant (see plaque below).