The Abbey Grounds  Enjoy this wonderful green space in the heart of town. The Abbey is generally thought to have been built in 1131 and was for several centuries a dominant force in the shaping of Cirencester. Today there is little left to see but you can still seek out the remains of the Abbey’s past – where was the fish pond? Can you see the outlines of the Abbey Church?  See what remains of the old Roman Wall that once surrounded Corinium. Learn more about the Abbey whilst enjoying the costumed re-enactment outside the Norman Arch Sunday 11^th September 14 30 – 16 30 JJ Swing Band  Enjoy the ‘big band’ sounds with music from the era of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. Swing Band members are all local musicians from Cirencester and the surrounding small towns and villages. For over 90 years the band has been delighting its listeners.  Hear for yourselves why they are so popular. A ‘Celebrating Cirencester’s Musical Heritage’ Event Click pictures to enlarge Amphitheatre or “Bullring” - Evening Bat Walk  Friday 9^th September 18 30 – 20 30 Walk led by a warden from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Meet at the Amphitheatre Gate, Cotswold Avenue. Wear warm clothing and headgear, strong shoes and bring a torch. Suitable for children. Fun for all the family. Limited car parking at the Scout Car Park in Cotswold Avenue. One of the ‘Cirencester Heritage Partnership’ Events The Amphitheatre was constructed during the 2^nd century AD on the site of an existing Roman quarry (the workings of which can still be detected). It is situated SW of the Town Centre cut off by the ring road. It is locally known as the Bullring, a title perhaps harking back to bull baiting in the 18^th century. The arena is oval in shape with entrances at either end. Details of some of the excavation work that has been carried out on the site can be seen in the Heritage Exhibition at New Brewery Arts. The site is currently managed by English Heritage. Aston Down Tour and Talk at Cotswold Gliding Club Aston Down Nr Minchinhampton (off A419 from Cirencester) A tour of WW1 and WW2 defences on the Aston Down Airfield near Minchinhampton followed by a talk on these defences by local historian Diana Wall. This event will link with the two Cirencester War Walks in showing how the area was affected by two world wars. In particular many airfields around Cirencester played a key wartime role. This event will show the importance of just one of these airfields. The talk will take place in the Gliding club. Meet at the Gliding Club, where refreshments are available to purchase. Sunday 11^th September 18 00 Tour 19 30 Talk The Baptist Church  Coxwell Street Open Saturday 10^th September 10 00 – 16 00 This building dates from 1856, the 3^rd church premises on the site.  The first was the home of a weaver’s widow, the second built in 1709 was in such poor condition by the mid 19^th century that the congregation had to raise the funds for a new safer and more contemporary building.  Cirencester was one of the very earliest places in England to have a group of Baptists.  They first met in the turbulent days of the Civil War. Learn the history of this beautiful building – information leaflets within – and a display of the original documents including 17^th century material. Children’s activities, quizzes and trails. Refreshments available. One of several Non-conformist buildings open this weekend The Barracks Cecily Hill Built in 1856 Cecily Hill Castle was first known as the Barracks and was built for military purposes. It then became the base for the 4^th Battalion of the Gloucester Regiment. During the Second World War it was used by the Home Guard. It is currently the centre for Cirencester College Business School running vocational and professional programmes. The Barracks or ‘Castle’ has very distinctive architecture which does indeed match up to its ‘castle’ name. It has many original features still in place and a fine history to tell. Saturday 10^th  September Guided tours at 12 00, 14 30 and 15 30. Parking is available at the rear of the building. Tours linked to tours of the adjacent Open Air Swimming Pool – a chance to visit both Talk & Tea 14 00 – 16 00 Archaeology Students from the College will give short presentations throughout the afternoon about the studies they have done locally and will discuss their many exciting finds. Lecturer, Adrian Scott will outline the many changes in the landscapes they have been studying. Learn about what still remains to be unearthed! The Bingham Gallery Dyer Street  Exhibition open Saturday 10^th September 10 00 – 16 00 The Gallery was built originally as a Public Library by Daniel George Bingham , one of the Town’s great benefactors in 1905. The Bingham Gallery is housed on the ground floor of Bingham House. See the current exhibition Cirencester pubs –past & present – paintings, drawings and photographs from the Bingham Library Trust Collection and reflect on the different vision of local artists. Enjoy the wonderful craftsmanship of the Cirencester Millennium Embroidery Panels in the Gallery which reflect key periods of Cirencester’s history. When you walk round town can you spot where many pubs formerly stood. How many pubs still remain? Visit the old Royal Oak – now in private hands you can still see many of the old features. CAHS Annual Heritage Lecture Thursday 8^th September 19 30 The Ashcroft Centre Ashcroft Road The Cirencester Archaeological & Historical Society is one of the sponsors of the Heritage Open Days. It sponsors the an annual public lecture for the Heritage Days, in addition to our normal programme. More details are given on the programme page. Speaker: Hector Cole ‘Archaeological Ironwork’ Chesterton Primary School       Friday 9^th September 13 00 – 14 30 Apsley Road The School will host an old- fashioned Sports Day as part of their celebrations of 40 years with races such as the egg and spoon. A warm welcome is extended to local families, the local community and visitors alike who can all enjoy reliving “the old days”. Cotswold District Council Youth Sport Development Team will assist. There will also be a Heritage Information stand where you can learn more about the week- end’s programme of events. Parking in the School Car Park One of ‘Celebrating Cirencester’s Sporting Heritage’ events Circular Ramble – Hare Bushes to Baunton  Thursday 8^th September 9.30 am Cirencester Ramblers will lead a guided walk from the Waterloo Public Car Park, Cirencester along the recently opened permissive paths through the Hare Bushes on to the Whiteway before heading back along the Monarch’s Way to Cirencester. There will be one short refreshment stop about mid day. Children accompanied by a responsible adult are welcome. Note the Monarch’s Way has links with King Charles 2^nd and his escape after the Battle of Worcester. There will be a talk on this at The Fleece on Sunday 11^th at 15 00. Walk Leader – Cirencester Ramblers One of the ‘Cirencester Heritage Partnership’ events Cirencester Primary School Saturday 10^th September 11 00 -16 00 Victoria Road To be opened by television presenter and archaeologist Julian Richards (Meet the Ancestors) who has been working with the children Cirencester Primary celebrates its first year by looking at the school’s history and the local heritage. Some of the pupils have worked all year to produce an exhibition ‘ Our Town’ which highlights what they see best about living in Cirencester. It features their visual interpretations of the buildings in Dyer Street, the Victorian building of Watermoor Church, visit to the Cirencester Lock-Up and the results of their own school field geophysical survey. Their interest in heritage has been extended by a visit to Stonehenge – a World Heritage Site. This is heritage for the future! Here are our future Time Team diggers! Let the children tell you about the hidden features of Cirencester they uncovered! See Cirencester through a child’s eyes – what most interested them about Dyer Street? Some of the children’s pictures feature in the newly launched A-Z of Cirencester celebrating this week- end. Learn about the school’s history by reading the school’s old log books and scrapbooks. Teas provided by the School’s PTA.  The exhibition is in the school hall. Parking in Victoria Road is limited. City Bank and Watermoor Walk      Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th September Walks start 10 30  Length approx 90 minutes Meet at Watermoor Church main entrance A walk around the City Banks which correspond to the old line of the town’s Roman walls. This will include the history of the Jefferies family influence in Cirencester as the walk passes the site of one of their nurseries. A chance to learn about the little known history of the Watermoor area of Cirencester. College Farm Buildings, Tetbury Road Sunday 11^th September Guided Tours 11 00 and 14 00 Leader: Rory Young Parking at the Farm – entrance from Tetbury Road This wonderful complex of buildings dates back to the 1840s. It was set up as a ‘Model Farm’ to educate Victorian farmers in the latest agricultural techniques. The buildings survive almost intact, although they have undergone many changes of use over the years. The guided tours will enable visitors to appreciate the buildings’ unique contribution to farm development.  Sculptor and stone conservationist, Rory Young lived on the farm for many years and has unparalleled knowledge of its former use. Learn why the Victorians decided to build a ‘Model Farm’. Why did they provide a rick yard? What was the purpose of the carpenters’ shop? How many people would have been employed? Walk across the fields to visit the Tunnel House on the route of the old Thames & Severn Canal (meals available) and see the Cotswold Canal Trust Display or collect your car and drive over to complete your day of heritage sightseeing! One of ‘Celebrating Cirencester’s Farming Heritage’ Events ‘Tempting Talks & Tasty Teas’ Thursday 8th September 3pm - 5pm Medieval Hospitals: Charity, Hospitality, Healing - Tim Porter Corinium Hotel  - Afternoon Tea available                                         12 Gloucester Street Cirencester GL7 2DG 01285 659711 Booking : Early booking advised as numbers are limited. Book by 30^th August – contact Tim or Charlie on 01285 659711. NB Free entrance to the talk but £5 charge for the tea. Parking at the rear of the hotel in Trafalgar Road. Wheelchair access to ground floor rooms Venue sponsored by the Corinium Hotel & Restaurant Talk + Tea Booking required Music Walk Guided Tour/ Talk Guided tour Talk + Tea Talk Walk Walk Guided Tour The Corinium Museum FREE Admision on Saturday 11th September Park Street NB Also open on Thursday 8^th, Friday 9^th and Sunday 11^th, but normal admission charges apply There has been a Museum in Cirencester since 1856.  The present Museum has been created from several fine 18^th century buildings fronting on to Park Street, including the former Abberley House.  In 2004 the Museum re-opened after extensive transformation creating a unique space in which to house its nationally important collection of artefacts. Learn about Cirencester’s Roman past and marvel at the wonderful Hare Mosaic. Enjoy the displays of life in Cirencester throughout the centuries in the beautifully refurbished galleries. Find out about Cirencester’s role in the English Civil War. Family friendly venue with lots of activities for children Book shop and exhibition gallery The Corn Hall  Market Place Sunday 11^th September- Tours following the tours of the Kings Head 13 30 – 17 00 Afternoon of Dance The afternoon will feature performances from a range of traditional and folk dances, such as Irish, Square Dancing and Clog Dancing This recently beautifully refurbished Grade 2 listed building was originally built in 1863 as a covered market and is still home to some much loved indoor markets and bazaars.  The newly created arcade of small retailers is a valuable addition to the centre of Cirencester. As part of the refurbishments the original Victorian ceiling was revealed in the Corn Hall along with a round window.  A mezzanine floor has been put in which will provide additional seating for concerts. Learn about the archaeology uncovered when the Corn Hall was refurbished in a photographic display. Visit the regular Friday Antiques Market on 9^th and the Saturday Craft Market on 10th. Tour Music/Dance Cotswold Canals – The Cirencester Arm Walk Start: CDC carpark Trinity Road Thursday 8th September starting 10.30am approx 3 hours Saturday 10th September starting 3pm approx 3 hours This walk follows some of the route of the Cirencester Arm of the old Thames & Severn Canal. The walk will go to Siddington where refreshments will be available to purchase before returning  to the Cotswold District Council (CDC) Car Park in Cirencester. The walk will be led by a Cotswold Canal Trust member.   Cotswold Canals – The Tunnel House Walks Sunday 11^th September 12 00 – 16 00 The Cotswold Canal Trust will have an information stand on the canal near to the Tunnel House Inn, Coates. Walks will run from here throughout the afternoon. Limited parking at the Tunnel House Inn. Cotswold Canals – South Cerney to Cerney Wick Walk Sunday 11^th September Meet 9 30 Length approx 6 miles A walk organised by Cirencester Ramblers. Meet at the Waterloo Public Car Park, Cirencester and travel to South Cerney where the walk begins. The walk now follows the route of the old Thames & Severn Canal path to Cerney Wick plus partly along the route of the old Cirencester to Cricklade railway track. We rejoin the towpath heading toward Siddington before heading back to South Cerney. These walks are all Cirencester Heritage Partnership Events Walk Walk Walk Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Walk to Baunton Led by Cotswold Warden , Pippa Burgon Sunday 11^th September 11am approx 150 minutes over 4 miles start: the War Memorial outside Cirencester Parish Church An easy walk to Baunton and back to include a visit to the church of St Mary Magdalene and to a restored sheepwash. The church contains a large 14th century wall painting of St Christopher wading through a stream, carrying the Christ Child, with fishes in green and brown swimming around. The legend of St Christopher was an extremely popular subject of devotion throughout the mediaeval period. We will also visit the sheepwash at Trinity Mill, which has been restored by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens. Not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. Refreshment stop (bring your own) The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board - Conserving, enhancing, understanding and enjoying the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk One of the ‘Cirencester Heritage Partnership’ Events Walk Celebrating Cirencester’s Farming Heritage The Market Place -Saturday 10th September - morning The Farmer’s Market Celebrate Cirencester’s farming Heritage by visiting the special market in Cirencester’s historic market place. Enjoy fresh produce cooked before your eyes – the tastes and smells as the cooking demos try out traditional recipes. Buy locally grown fruit vegetables and farm produce – fresh and delicious. Support traditional farming methods and keep farming heritage alive! Learn the history of our Cotswold Sheep with a special display by the Cotswold Sheep Society. Special display of farming heritage featuring photographs from the Archives of the Royal Agricultural College. Bring along your traditional recipes for a ‘Cirencester Farmer’s Market’ Cook Book Cirencester Market Place - Saturday 10^th September 11 00 – 13 00 Ragged & Old Morris Dancers 14 00 – 16 00 The Cirencester Band Market Music ‘Tempting Talks & Tasty Teas’  Sunday 11th September The Fleece Hotel, 41 The Market Place Cirencester GL7 2NZ 01285 658507 Sunday 11^th September 12 00 – 15 00 Tours of the building. See the room where Charles 11 is believed to have rested overnight in 1651 posing as a manservant 15 00 – 17 00 talk: The Flight of the King, talk by Ann Bowring Afternoon Teas available Booking : Book on 01285 658507. Early booking advised as numbers are limited. NB Free entrance to the talk but £5 charge for the tea. Parking at the hotel.  Wheelchair access Venue sponsored by the Fleece Hotel Tour/Talk Tea Booking required Market The Friends Meeting House Thomas Street Built in 1673 the Meeting House has been in continuous use ever since. One of the earliest of such buildings in the country, it has changed little over the centuries. Cirencester Quakers have had a considerable role in the town’s history. The large garden at the rear of the building was formerly the burial ground. The graves are still retained and a plan of the graveyard can be seen – the garden now forms a peaceful oasis amid the surrounding busy streets with a good view of the Parish Church and an attractive herbaceous border. Enjoy a quiet moment in the tranquil garden – note the peaceful burial ground. Refreshments available. Learn the history of Cirencester Quakers. Find out how their religious views differed from other Cirencester non- conformist groups. Saturday 10^th   September  10 00 – 17 00 exhibitions, activities and garden Sunday 11^th September  14 00 – 16 00 exhibitions, activities and garden One of Cirencester’s  Non-Conformist Buildings open this weekend Hare Trail - every day from 8th -11th September Follow the Trail around Cirencester’s wonderful array of independent shops and businesses. Spot all the cards, name the hares correctly and win a prize. Hare Trail forms available from The Visitor Information Centre, Park Street, The Heritage Information stalls on Friday 9^th & Saturday 10^th September and from the Parish Church on Thursday and Friday. Walk Harnhill Farm Walk Sunday 11th September 4.30pm Meet Harnhill Church; parking nearby. 2 to 3 miles. The walk will look at the evidence of change on a typical rural landscape over time, from the pre-historic through the Roman period and into the Medieval and post- Medieval landscape.  What techniques can we employ to find out more about land use and occupation? The walk will be led by Archaeology lecturer, Aidan Scott from Cirencester College who will also outline the fieldwork done by both Royal Agricultural and Cirencester College students as part of their course work, and the many discoveries they have made. Walk Heritage Exhibition Nicoll Building  New Brewery Arts This special Exhibition features panels outlining the history of many of the Cirencester buildings  open this weekend. Also panels showing architectural drawings of three Cirencester streets in the 1960s and contrasting them with contemporary photographs. Five new panels this year sponsored by Mid-Counties Co-operative Society. See also Pop-Up Gallery Thursday 8^th September from 1pm to 5pm Friday 9^th September from 10am to 5pm Saturday 10^th September 10 00 – 14 00 (14 00 – 16 00 performance) 16 00 – 17 00 Sunday 11^th September from  10am to 4pm Heritage Tree Walks Friday 9th September 2.30pm; Sat 10th September 10am                                Two easy walks around the centre of town looking at some of Cirencester’s special tree heritage. Friday’s walk will be suitable for wheelchair users but Saturday will cover slightly more difficult terrain. Both walks will start and end at the Norman Arch in the Abbey Grounds. Numbers are limited to 15. Pre-booking required – contact Walk Leader, Anthea Steel 01285 642934. Walk Booking required Heritage War Walk 1 Saturday 10th September 2.30pm  approx 90 minutes Meet outside the Air Raid Shelter in Sheep Street. Parking in the Public Car Park, Sheep Street A walk around the centre of Cirencester visiting many of the sites which were of importance during WW2, including the Old Town Railway Station where evacuees arrived; former gunposts and the Home Guard HQ.  Heritage War Walk 2 Sunday 11^th September 3pm approx 90 minutes Meet outside the Old Memorial Hospital Sheep Street. Parking in the Sheep Street Car Park. A walk around the Southern end of town looking at the remnants of its WW2 past, including the role of Watermoor Station (now no longer standing) and the former headquarters of the Cirencester branch of the Communist Party. Walk Walk Hidden Gardens of Cirencester Guided Tours Sunday 11^th September 11am and 2pm A rare opportunity to visit some town gardens not normally open to the public. Meet outside Powells School, Gloucester Street. Numbers are limited so pre-booking is required. Names to Mary Turner 01285 652385 Guided Tour Booking required Kings Head Hotel  Sunday 12^th  September Guided Tours 11.30 and 12.15 The Market Place Thought to date back to the English Civil War this historic hotel is currently undergoing  substantial restoration and renovation. See the refurbishments to date including the wonderful  Assembly Rooms. Follow with a tour of the Corn Hall. Watch the Afternoon of Dance from 13 30  – 17 00 – fun for all the family  Guided Tours The Laundry Cottages open Saturday 10^th September 11 00 – 15 00 Park Lane A row of cottages, part of the Bathurst Estate said to formerly house the laundresses who worked in the ‘big house’. The date of the cottages is not known for certain, but likely to be around 1830. There is access to the gardens at the back through No 10 Park Lane. See where the laundresses may have hung out the washing! Cirencester Library    Local History Study Day Friday 9^th September 10am – 5pm                           The Waterloo Cirencester GL7 2PZ 01285 659813  – Find out about your Family History or learn more about your house Members of the Gloucestershire Family History Society, Cirencester Branch and Cirencester U3A Family History members will be on hand throughout the day to give advice and direction. The Library Computers with Ancestry & other on line resources, such as the Times digital archive will be available all day Display of Family History materials Talk 11 00 – 12 00 Family History – Essentials for Beginners - Rosemary Cave Lunches & Afternoon Teas available at Café Mosaic in The Woolmarket nearby.  These can be ordered at the beginning of the day and are part of a special promotion for Heritage Open Days. Public car parks nearby   Wheelchair access One of the ‘Cirencester Heritage Partnership’ Events This event is sponsored by the Gloucestershire Family History Society    Talk The Air Raid Shelter and Old Memorial Hospital Annexe Sheep Street Saturday 10^th September 10am – 4.30pm Sunday 11^th September 2pm – 5pm Wartime Life in the Cotswolds An exhibition by the Living Memory Historical Association in the Air Raid Shelter and annexe of the Old Memorial Hospital This well preserved World War 2 Air Raid Shelter is one of the hidden treasures of Cirencester. Not only does it provide the opportunity for visitors to see such a shelter intact and to experience what it is like inside but it houses an amazing collection of WW2 artefacts and ephemera whilst the annexe portrays civilian life from the Kitchen Front to the Home Guard There will be a children’s quiz on both days centred on the exhibition Linked war walks on both days will enable you to see the key wartime sites in Cirencester The Norman Arch Saturday 10^th September and Sunday 11^th  September 11am – 4pm Spittalgate Lane This is one of Cirencester’s oldest and most iconic buildings. Built in1160 it is the one remaining gatehouse to the former St Mary’s Abbey. It has witnessed many events in the history of Cirencester, including the English Civil War period when Prince Rupert’s troops entered Cirencester. From 1564 it was in the hands of the Master family for 400 years. It was gifted to the Town in 1964. The ownership is currently being transferred to the Vivat Trust. The cottage at the side was built during the 18^th and 19^th Centuries. How would the Gateway have looked when it formed a busy entrance for people on foot, horse back and on carts? Look at its proximity to the old Roman Road network, the Roman Wall and the river and consider the location chosen for the Abbey. Learn more of the Arch’s history on one of the Town Heritage Walks. Costumed re-enactors on hand to portray aspects of monastic life Northleach Discovery Centre - ‘Escape to the Country’ Thursday to Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 11^th September 11am -4pm Costumed interpretations show how life in a Victorian prison might have been. The Old Prison Fosse Way Northleach GL54 3JH The Discovery Centre for the Cotswolds AONB is housed in an old prison: the former Northleach House of Correction. As well as entering the prison and viewing the exhibition visitors can see the wonderful selection of old carts and farm wagons which form the Lloyd Baker Collection which is managed by Cirencester’s Corinium Museum. Access to this is through Blade’s Café. Sunday features a special opening of the collection in the afternoon plus costumed interpretations of prison life in the prison. Car parking on site. Wheelchair access. Sunday 11^th September 2pm -4.30pm only, The Lloyd Baker Collection (special opening) Also in Northleach Keith Harding’s World of Mechanical Music The Oak House, High Street Northleach Award winning museum tours, sales, restoration, most unusual gift shop. Listen to the sounds of yesteryear as barrel organs, barrel pianos, musical boxes and polyphons, automata. reproducing pianos, phonographs and gramophones  spring into life. A rare treat! For collector and Heritage buff alike. Children will love it. Old Lock-Up and Cirencester’s Former Workhouse Pady Court, Trinity Road Built in about 1804 the Lock Up was moved to its present site in 1837 to be part of the Workhouse complex. Designed in a distinctive architectural style it is rectangular in shape with a domed roof and contains two cells Built in 1836 the Workhouse is typical of its type being laid out on a ‘double H’ pattern of wings. It remained in use under different forms of administration until 1948 when it became Watermoor Hospital. This closed in 1975. In 1979 – 81 it was taken over by the CDC who restored and converted the building for use as its Council Offices. Find out what misdemeanours would have led to a night in the cells! How did the children fare? Information leaflets and postcards are available for both buildings. Visit before you join the Cirencester Arm Canal Walk Saturday 10^th September 13 30 – 15 30 Costumed re-enactors portray workhouse life in Victorian times Museum Re-enactment Museum Re-enactment Re-enactment Old Town Station (GWR) Tetbury Road: Saturday 10th September: Guides available 14 30 – 16 30 to view the exterior. The old Town Station, at the back of Sheep Street Carpark, is a stone building of unusual two storey design in Victorian Gothic style. It was reputedly designed by Brunel and R P Brereton. It was built in 1841 by GWR as the terminal of the single track branch line from Kemble to Cirencester. It closed in 1965 and is now owned by Cotswold District Council. The platform area is still easy to see. Learn something of the history of the Line and how the Station came to be built. Visit the nearby exhibitions in the Memorial Hospital and Air Raid Shelter and join the War Walks to find out how the building was used in WW2. If the repairs have been completed it may be possible to view some of the interior. (Please check the website before your visit) Old Unitarian Chapel (Anglican Parish Rooms) Gosditch Street Friday 19^th September 9.30 – 12.30 Saturday 10^th September 2pm - 4pm Now the Parish Rooms for the nearby Parish Church the building was formerly a Unitarian Chapel.  Non conformity in Cirencester dates back to the English Civil War period and the Chapel’s early founders played a significant role in 17^th century events.  The rooms have a rich history and have had a key impact in the development of Cirencester’s non-conformity. The exterior retains many original features, but the interior is much changed. Unitarian guides will be on hand to discuss the building’s former layout and use. Information leaflets and photographs will show the former Chapel in its heyday. Learn how the Unitarian view of the world differed from other non-conformist groups in Cirencester. Follow the Non- Conformist Trail and visit the other non-conformist buildings open this weekend : the Baptist Church, Salvation Army Hall and the Quaker Meeting House The Open Air Pool: Saturday 10th September Guided Tours 11am and 1.30pm Off Thomas Street Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool was built by local businessmen over the winter of 1869 and it immediately became one of Cirencester’s most popular amenities. It is one of the oldest in the country still operating.  Run by a succession of local councils from 1896, the water for the pool came variously from both the adjacent stream and its own well and was heated from about 1931. The pool was taken over from the council when they decided to close it in 1973 and is now run as a charity by a small band of volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the facilities.  It retains all the atmosphere and character of its earlier days whilst having now adapted to meet today’s changing demands. Tours timed to fit in with tours of the Barracks – use the back route behind the Pool and the Barracks car park. Refreshments available. Display showing photographs of the Pool’s history. Take a stroll along the charming Riverside Walk following the route of Cirencester’s River Churn Guided Tours The Parish Church of St John Baptist Market Place One of Cirencester’s best known and best loved historical buildings the Parish Church of St John Baptist stands proudly in the Market Place. It is fronted by the Town Hall or South Porch: a unique Grade 1 listed building of the 1490s. The Church cares for this secular structure which has been used by the people of Cirencester for over 500 years. The exterior is currently undergoing conservation and repair work as part of Phase 2 in the refurbishment and preservation of the Church. The scaffolding incorporates six public viewing platforms so visitors can appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the building, watch conservation action and feel part of this once in a lifetime project. Tours of the Church will include an explanation of this programme and some detail of the archaeological discoveries made recently.   Friday September 9^th Organ Recital by Anthony Hammond 1.10pm-1.50pm Guided Tours of Church interior 10am and 2.30pm Tours of Church Porch  - between 10am and 3pm Saturday September 10th Guided Tours of Church interior 10am and 2.30pm Tours of the Church Porch between 10am and 3pm Tower open 10am to 4pm  Visit the wonderfully peaceful churchyard behind the building and marvel at its ancient tombs – many connected with Cirencester’s wool merchants A Heritage Open Day Information Stall will be manned in the Porch entrance Saturday 10^th 10am to 4pm Sunday 11^th midday to 3pm Music Guided Tours Information Pop–up Gallery: Thursday 8^th – Sunday 9^th September 10am to 5pm Cirencester 1920 to the Present – exhibition by EW Flexen & Family New Brewery Arts Brewery Court One of ‘Celebrating Cirencester’s Artistic Heritage’ Events The Querns: Friday 9^th September 2pm to 4pm Garden only                                            Querns Lane The Querns sits on a very old site with prehistoric and Roman items having been found there. Formerly a school, the largely 15^th century building is now converted for residential use. A new garden is being created on the ground that was previously the Quern’s School outdoor play area. Currently a work in progress, the garden is open this year in support of the Heritage Open Days. Full wheelchair access. Disabled parking. Garden The Royal Agricultural College Saturday 10^th September 2pm to 4pm Stroud Road The RAC is the country’s foremost agricultural college; established in 1845 it was the first college of its kind in the English speaking world. Earl Bathurst leased a site to build the College and it was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria that same year. Sovereigns have been Patrons ever since with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales currently the College’s President. Pioneering new farming techniques and methods the RAC has been the venue for the training of many hundreds of successful young farmers over the years. It continues to play a significant role in the development of rural and agricultural practice. As bees play a vital role in farming and the countryside the College this year is hosting  The Midland & South Western Counties Bee Conference 9^th – 11^th September Visitors are invited to listen to experts on bee-keeping and attend various bee keeping workshops. Learn how to start up your own hive and about the important work of bee conservation. A ‘Celebrating Cirencester’s Farming Heritage ‘ Event Bee Keeping Royal Oak, Saturday 10^th September 9.30 – 11.30 Gloucester Street This former local public house has recently been sold for residential purposes. The new owner is offering a rare chance to look around the building whilst it is being refurbished. The old bar, tap rooms and skittle alley and out buildings are still intact. These are mainly Victorian in date since the pub operated as such from at least 1830, but the outer shell covers an older building. It stands on a prime site as one of the first houses at the entrance to Cirencester from Gloucester. Whilst little is known about its former use, its strategic position obviously gave it some status. Royal Oak pubs were so named to commemorate the escape of Charles 11 after the battle of Worcester when he supposedly hid in an oak tree. Learn more about this escape at the talk at the Fleece Hotel on Sunday 11^th. Join a Hidden Garden walk on Sunday 11th and see other Gloucester Street gardens. Visit the remaining building of  St Johns Hospital in Spitalgate Lane and learn about the history of Medieval Hospitals at a talk at the Corinium Hotel on Thursday 8^th . Learn more about Cirencester pubs at the Bingham Gallery exhibition .Follow your own ‘Pub Trail’ around the remaining Cirencester Pubs. Salvation Army Thomas Street   This imposing Grade II building, formerly the Temperance Hall opened in December 1846.  It was built by Christopher Bowly on the site of the Old Masters Brewery.  It has had many uses from a Mechanics Institute and early cinema to a school hall and now as a place of worship for The Salvation Army.  When the latter came to Cirencester in 1881 they leased the Hall until the late 1890s.   Then in the early 1920s they used it before relocating to Watermoor.  In 1976 the “Army” purchased the Hall from the Temperance trustees and moved back to Thomas Street.  Despite several alterations in the past the Hall retains much of it essential character as the oldest Temperance building in the West Country. Saturday 10^th September 10.00 – 17 00 Sunday 11^th  September  14 00 – 16 30pm      18 00 Songs of Praise Enjoy the wonderful collection of artefacts and ephemera telling the history of the Hall and The Salvation Army in Cirencester. Take a close at the SA band’s instruments. Pit your wits in the Heritage Quiz. Leaflets and booklets on the building and SA history to buy. Refreshments available both days. End the day by joining for Songs of Praise at 6.00pm on Sun 11^th One of Cirencester’s Non-Conformist Buildings ‘Tempting Talks & Tasty Teas’ Stratton House Hotel (Best Western)        Wednesday September 7^th  3pm – 5pm Gloucester Road, Cirencester GL7 2LE 01285 651761 Saints & Serpents: the carved tympana of Norman England’ Dr Steven Blake                            Afternoon Teas available Booking : Early booking advised as numbers are limited. Book by 30^th August – contact Linda Hill on  01285 651761. NB Free entrance to the talk but £5 charge for the tea. Good parking at hotel. Wheelchair access. Venue sponsored by Best Western Stratton House Hotel Talk Booking required Town Heritage Walks Guided walks around the centre of the town following a varied route with Cirencester Civic Society Guides. A chance to learn about buildings from a number of historical periods. Walks start and end by the War Memorial outside the Parish Church which is centrally built in the Market Place. All walks approx 90 minutes. Thursday 8^th September & Friday 9^th September Walk start 14 00 Saturday 10^th September & Sunday 11^th September Walk start 15 00 Walk Watermoor Church: church open Thursday 8^th September 10am – 4pm Watermoor Road The beautiful spire of Holy Trinity Church is a very visible landmark imposing itself on the surrounding low lying area of Watermoor. A graceful, elegantly designed building , it is a wonderful example of Victorian church architecture by George Gilbert Scott. Built to accommodate the growing population of Cirencester in 1851 it is still today a busy centre of the local community. Literature on the history of the Church is  available.  Enjoy the brilliance of the stained glass windows and learn about some of the Victorian architectural features. Saturday 10^th September 14 00 – 16 30 Parish Autumn Fayre in the Church grounds  - Fancy Dress & Photographic Competitions, Refreshments, Bouncy Castle, Stalls, Plants, Tombola, Skittles, Raffle etc. The Malmesbury Concert Band. Enjoy all the fun of a traditional village fête ! ‘ Wilts & Gloucester Standard Offices  Saturday 10^th September Guided Tours 10.30, 12.30, 2.30                    74 Dyer Street 01285 642642 Cirencester’s busy newspaper office is not only housed in an old building – it also produces a paper with a long history. The Standard was first published in 18 ??  The guided tour will include a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how the paper is set up each week; a chance to see the Standard’s collection of old newspapers and photographs and to view a small display of photos relating to Cirencester’s sporting past/ farming past. As the building is set to change hands this is a golden opportunity to view the Offices – a chance not to be missed!   Guided tour Fête The Woolgatherers    Saturday 10^th September 11am – 4pm                                          Coxwell Street The Merchants’ Houses of Cirencester – a costumed storytelling Event Cirencester is blessed with a large number of spectacular examples of merchant’s houses built of Cotswold Stone. Most are in private hands and are not open to the public. One such is the Woolgatherers where through the day re-enactors will help to bring to life the role that merchants had in the Cirencester story. The event will take place outside and will involve looking at other houses in Coxwell Street An event not to be missed! Then take a walk around the Town looking at other merchant houses. Nearby Parishes -Saturday 10th September 10am -4pm Most churches of all denominations will be participating in the National sponsored Bike Ride for Heritage. The local organisation is Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (GHCT). Riders are encouraged to visit as many or as few churches as they like on the second Saturday each September, having been sponsored for so doing. Please sponsor a rider in your parish, or at one of the churches you visit, or even enter yourself! Details are on the GHCT website above. Thus most churches throughout the country should be open on Saturday between 10 and 4pm Some of these places you can enjoy even now. Others were only open during the Heritage Open days. This is a record of past events we hope you will find interesting.