History of Cirencester

Cirencester is an attractive, bustling market town steeped in history. Cirencester was the second largest town in Britain during Roman times. In later years it was a very prosperous medieval wool town at the heart of the woollen trade. Cirencester's market place is dominated by the Parish Church of St. John Baptist. From its founding in the early 12th century the church was extended and embellished over more than three centuries, culminating in a complete rebuilding of the nave in the 16th century.

Origin of the Name
There is no clear origin of the name as we know it today, but Korinion was mentioned by the Egyptian-born scholar Ptolemy in his "Geographica" written in about AD 150. It seems probable that the Romans adopted the name Corinium from the local Iron Age tribe the Dubonnii of the Cornovii peoples. There is also a probable connection to the Celtic word corin, for corn; this is also thought to be the origin of the name Churn for the river which still flows through the town. By the time of the Domesday Book the Saxon "cester" had been added and it is recorded as the town of Cyrescestre; very similar to the present-day name which is often shortened, unofficially, to "Ciren”.

Roman Heritage
Cirencester's recorded history begins soon after the invasion of Britain by the Emperor Claudius in AD 43. The location was selected for a fort for the military, it is thought that up to 800 cavalrymen and their logistical support were housed here.

Later, about AD 75, a town was established replacing the fort and was called Corinium Dobunnorum in Roman references. By the 2nd century it was the second largest town in Britain, covering 240 acres, with a population of up to 15,000. In the 4th century it was the capital of the Province of Britannia Prima. Excavations have shown the presence of wide colonnaded streets, imposing public buildings including the second largest Amphitheatre in the country, and richly furnished private houses, many decorated with fine mosaics.

When in the 5th century Roman rule officially came to an end, urban life lingered on inside the walls, but was eventually largely abandoned. However, it was not until Cuthwin and Ceawlin took the offensive in AD 577 and defeated three British kings at the Battle of Dyrham, that Cirencester fell into Saxon hands. The Saxon settlement itself was probably sited in the vicinity of the present Cecily Hill.

Medieval Wealth
Cirencester Abbey, the largest of five Augustinian houses in the country, was founded by Henry 1 in 1117. Following half a century of building work St. Mary’s Abbey was finally dedicated in 1176. The Abbey dominated town life until 1539 and the dissolution of the monasteries, when Henry VIII ordered its demolition.

Sheep rearing, wool sales, weaving and cloth-making were the main strengths of England's trade in the Middle Ages, and many Cirencester merchants took advantage of the wealth and prosperity to be gained from national and international trade. The very best cloth to be found in Europe was from Cirencester. The fleece obtained from the golden, long-haired Cotswold Lion breed, was renowned for its quality. The tombs of the wealthy wool merchants survive in the Parish Church, while their fine houses of Cotswold stone still stand in and around Coxwell, Dollar, Park and Dyer Streets.

Civil War Unrest
In the 17th and 18th centuries Cirencester found itself involved in the Civil War like so many other towns in the area. The streets were the scene of several skirmishes as the Royalists and Parliamentarians fought for dominance. The townsfolk supported the Parliamentarians, but the gentry and clergy were for the old Royalist order. in February 1643 royalists seized the town, they held Cirencester until 1645 when the civil war was coming to a close.

Later Years
During the 16th and 17th centuries the wool industry in Cirencester continued to flourish. In the 18th century, however, it declined sharply and Cirencester dwindled into a quiet market town. The 17th century also saw the development of the two private estates which came to encircle the town.

During the 19th century, the wool industry died out altogether. Facing the challenge, the area’s farmers turned to a broader mix of arable alongside their traditional livestock.

Cirencester Today
Today, Cirencester is a vibrant and thriving market town, with a population of around 20.000. Its handsome streets of golden stone are generously punctuated by green space and its creative spirit is reflected in its growing number of independent shops and seriously good restaurants and cafés.