The south porch is one of the largest and most ornate of its kind in England, built around 1500.
The church houses a silver-gilt chalice from 1535, gifted by Anne Boleyn shortly before her execution.
The tower contains a ring of 12 bells, the heaviest of which weighs over 24 hundredweight.
The church was significantly expanded in the 15th century due to the prosperity of the regional wool trade.
Historical records indicate the site has been a place of worship for over 900 years, with evidence of earlier Roman foundations nearby.
The Church of St. John Baptist is a prominent parish church in the heart of Cirencester, featuring significant 15th-century perpendicular architecture. The site has served as a place of worship since the 1100s, though most of the current visible fabric dates from later medieval expansions. It is renowned for its elaborate three-story south porch, which served as a wool guildhall in the medieval period. The interior houses a notable fan-vaulted ceiling and significant stained glass, including the 'Cirencester Cup' and the 'Anne Boleyn' chalice. The church tower reaches 162 feet and dominates the local skyline. It remains an active Anglican parish church. The building is constructed predominantly of local Cotswold limestone.
From the Market Place looking toward the south porch to capture the scale of the medieval stone carvings.
Check the noticeboard near the entrance for current exhibition schedules.
Take time to view the intricate wood carvings on the choir stalls.
Respect ongoing services by maintaining a low volume if visiting during a Sunday morning or weekday morning prayer.
Do not attempt to climb the tower unless pre-arranged for an official guided tower tour, as it is generally closed to the public.
Occasionally closed or restricted during private events, weddings, or funerals; check the parish website for weekly service updates.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; modest dress is expected, and flash photography is prohibited during services.
