Historic Cirencester

Cirencester is located in the Cotswolds area of Southern England running from oxford to the East and Stroud to the West. Goose Nest House, with its proximity to Cirencester makes it a perfect base to explore the beautiful Cotswolds due its excellent road links and proximity to towns and villages such as Fairford, Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham and Bath.

Historic Cirencester

Following the Roman invasaion of England in 43 AD, the Romans built a fort on the site of Cirencester and a settlement soon grew up around it. Cirencester, or `Corninium Dobunnorum` as the Romans called it became the second largest town in England after London. The remains of the Amphitheatre, where in its day people could watch wrestling and the occassional gladiator, can still be seen today to the West of the town.

After the Romans left England in 407 AD, the town almost disappeared completely. By 1086 a market began in Cirencester and it grew again. By 1117 King Henry I founded an Abbey at Cirencester of which only a Norman arch remains together with stones outlining its location. The current church, known locally as the `Cathedral of the Cotswolds` is St John the Baptist Church which has had various additions over time but is largely the Perpendicular Gothic church built in 1520.

In 1253 the Abbot was given the right to hold wool fairs attracting foreign merchants. By the 19the Century Cirencester had declined in national importance as the wool industry died out altogether.

Today the town is worth a visit for its quaint streets, bustling Farmer's Market, Corinium Museum and range of high street and individual shops and tea rooms.

A beautiful lakeside holiday home in a corner of the Cotswolds for you, your family and friends.

Contact us on local rate:

0844 3570 170

(from abroad

+44 (0) 1883 730 805)

or email

madeleine@

goosenest.co.uk