Welcome to Cirencester

Cirencester is located on the River Churn, in the county of Gloucestershire, approximately 93 miles west of London and 19 miles south-east of Gloucester.

The town has a population of around 13,500. Administratively it is the seat of the local government district of Cotswold which covers an area of approximately 1,165 sq kms and which has a population of around 82,000.

Situated in the Cotswold Hills, it is a charming market town built predominantly of local stone and it has integrated its modern developments well with its traditional character. There are many buildings of historical interest dating back to the medieval period. The town, which is also home to the Royal Agricultural College, is a popular centre for walkers and visitors touring the Cotswolds.

The town's history dates from about AD75 when it was founded by the Romans as Corinium Dobunnorum to house the local British tribe, the Dobunni.

Historically Chippenham was a thriving market town producing grain and wool. In 2001, the service industry was the largest sector of the local economy, employing 67% of all workers.

The Romans called the town Corinium which was then the second largest town in Britain after London.In the Domesday Book of 1086 it is recorded as Cirecestre.