CAHS Logo

Cirencester Archaeological and Historical Society
Home Up Heritage Exhibition Buildings Open Music Tours Talks Walks Swim WW2 Heritage Days 2008

 

Heritage Open Days in Cirencester 2008

Cirencester Archaeological and Historical Society joined other organisations in Cirencester, including Cirencester Civic Society in providing facilities to help run the 2008 Heritage Open Days. The main day was the second Saturday in September. More properties than ever were open last year, and guided tours of several of them and of historic gardens proved popular.  If members would like to assist in 2010, either in preparing material for exhibition or assisting for an hour or so at an open property, please let a committee member know.

Some of the properties on show in 2008 are shown below

The Roman AmphitheatreCirencester Roman Amphitheatre copyright F Beetlestone 2008

This enigmatic site is located to the SW of the Town. It consists of a large oval arena with twin entrances and sloping earthen banks.It was constructed in the 2nd century AD on the site of  an existing Roman quarry.

 

 

 

 

Cecily Hill Barracks copyright F Beetlestone 2008The Barracks

Situated at the top of Cecily Hill the building is also known as ‘The Castle’.It was erected in 1857 for the Royal North Gloucestershire Militia and now forms part of Cirencester College. 

 

 

 

 

Cirencester Norman Arch copyright F Beetlestone 2008The Norman Arch

Built in 1180 as a gateway to St. Mary’s Abbey, it has witnessed centuries of Cirencester’s history. In 1643, during the English Civil War it was fired on by Prince Rupert’s troops. 

 

 

 

 

 

North Porch Cirencester Parish Church copyright F Beetlestone 2008The Parish Church

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist dominates the Market Place and is probably Cirencester’s best known feature. The tower dates from about 1400. The north porch shown here was built about 1500 originally for use of the former Cirencester Abbey.

Back to HOD homepage