St. John Baptist Cirencester
Sightseeing attraction | Cirencester | England | United Kingdom
Medieval architecture England
The church of St. John Baptist in Cirencester, often referred to as the "Cathedral of the Cotswolds," is one of the most impressive and largest parish churches in England. Located in the heart of the picturesque market town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire, it is an outstanding example of medieval architecture that captivates visitors with its history, size, and beauty. Its origins date back to Roman times, when Cirencester, known as Corinium, was an important settlement, but the current church was built on the remains of an earlier Saxon church, which was replaced by a larger structure in 1117 by King Henry I.
Cirencester parish church history
The church's construction history spans several centuries and reflects various architectural styles. The chancel, the oldest part of the building, dates from the early 12th century, while the nave has been rebuilt twice over time – most recently between 1515 and 1530 in the magnificent Perpendicular Gothic style, known for its tall, light-filled windows and delicate stone structures. The striking west tower, added in the 15th century, is supported by massive buttresses that were necessary when it was discovered that the foundations had been built over a filled-in Roman ditch and were settling. These buttresses not only provide stability to the tower but also give it a distinctive appearance. Particularly notable is the large south porch, built around 1480 by the nearby Cirencester Abbey. Originally designed as an administrative building, it was only connected to the church in the 18th century and served temporarily as the town hall – a testament to its versatile history of use.
Cotswold cathedral visitor attractions
The church is built of local Cotswold stone, a warm-toned limestone that defines its exterior and looks particularly impressive in the sunlight. At approximately 55 meters in length and 32 meters in width, it is exceptionally large for a parish church, justifying its nickname as a "cathedral." The three-tiered tower rises to 41 meters and dominates the surrounding market square, while the ornate south porch with its oriel windows, battlements, and decorative pinnacles is a masterpiece of Gothic craftsmanship.
St. John Baptist significant artworks
Inside, the church impresses with its brightness and spaciousness. The nave, supported by slender pillars with carved angels on the capitals, opens up to a high vault flooded with light from numerous windows. The chancel and adjacent chapels, including the 15th-century Trinity Chapel, offer insights into medieval piety: The chapel was endowed to have masses read for the souls of kings and queens, and features a small window, called a "squint," which allowed the priest to follow the mass at the high altar. Highlights also include historical artifacts such as an octagonal font from the 14th century, brought back from the abbey grounds in the 19th century, and a pulpit from the mid-15th century with intricate stonework and traces of medieval painting. The brass chandeliers, made in Bristol in 1701, add an elegant touch to the interior.
Historical sites in Gloucestershire
The church also houses a number of remarkable artworks and memorials, including fragments of medieval wall paintings and stained glass windows that have survived despite the destruction during the Reformation. A special piece is the so-called "Anne Boleyn Cup," a silver chalice given by Queen Anne Boleyn to the physician Richard Master, who cared for her daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth I. This cup was presented to the church in 1561 and is now a valuable testament to the connection between Tudor history and Cirencester. Equally fascinating are the richly decorated tombs of wealthy wool merchants who funded the church in the Middle Ages and whose coats of arms adorn the pillars of the nave.
The history of St. John Baptist is marked by highs and lows. During the Reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, the neighboring abbey was destroyed, and the church lost significance. During the English Civil War in 1642, it even served as a temporary prison for over 1,000 citizens captured after a battle. Later, after the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660, the church recovered, and in the 19th century, Sir George Gilbert Scott led a comprehensive restoration that secured its structure and preserved many historical elements. Another restoration between 1965 and 1987 ensured that the church has retained its medieval character to this day.
