FRIENDS OF ST JOHN BAPTIST CHURCHYARD
Runners up in the Sustainability Award! (See below for details)
The Churchyard was closed to burials in 1871 and a new cemetery was opened at Chesterton Lane, however, a lawn area is still used for cremated remains to be interred or scattered. To see a record of burials between 1630-1873 then use this link.
Cirencester Town Council accepted responsibility for the maintenance of the churchyard in 1975 but lack of funding resulted in only minimal attention-occasional grass cutting, and safety inspections of trees and headstones since then.
Discussions took place with the Parochial Parish Council and the Town Council and as a result a small group of individuals formed The Friends of St. John Baptist Churchyard in September 2019. The object being “to enhance the appearance of the churchyard, to make it attractive to both local residents and visitors and create a peaceful haven in the centre of the Town”. A memorandum of understanding was signed with the Town Council in April 2020.
There are some 25 chest tombs which are Grade 2 listed monuments and one grade two star tomb. Comprehensive records of who was interred and the location of the graves are held in the Parish Church and the Bingham Library. In 2025 the list of burials was added to the Church website. Sadly many of the graves and tombs have gradually deteriorated and are in need of repair. The Town Council commissioned a Tombs survey in 2022 so we have ascertained the cost of repairs and can apply for grants to help fund the work.
A survey revealed that the churchyard is visited by at least three different species of bat and the Church Tower is regularly visited by a breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons. We have re-homed two hedgehogs. Since 2022 we have participated in a project with students from the Royal Agricultural University to measure the nutrients in the grass as a result of adopting “No Mow May” each year.
In October 2020 we commissioned a survey and report on the Trees and the Town Council contractors started on the urgent work in 2022.The Yew Avenue at the bottom of the Churchyard was cut back in 2025 following advice from a local forestry expert.
The Town Council bought a new lawn mower and we took over the responsibility for grass mowing in 2022.
We currently comprise seven active members with another two occasional volunteers and regular help from the local Rotary Club.
29 Reg. Royal Logistics Corps volunteers helped us for 2 days. In 2025 we spent a total of 600 hours (75 days) in the Churchyard!
The PCC look after our funds which currently stand at £1600.
We inherited a number of old garden tools and have been given several more. We work closely with the Phoenix Gardeners and share tools and wheelbarrows.
The Vicar, Churchwardens and the PCC are delighted with what we have achieved so far. We were awarded second place in the Annual Town Sustainability Awards in 2023.
We would welcome offers of help with the tasks and or donations towards the upkeep of the Churchyard.
Please contact the Vice-Chairman- John Tiffney-by email :-johntiffney@icloud.com or by telephone:- 01285 671888
January 2026
Runners up in the Sustainability Award!
John writes:
“I am delighted to tell you that at the Cirencester Community Awards the Friends of the Churchyard were runners up in the Sustainability Award.
Barton Lane Allotments won and the Cirencester u3a were the other runners up in this category. Thanks to Meg Blumsom for nominating us.
Canon Graham was sitting next to me when the finalists were announced. He is naturally delighted and I hope you all are.
Your efforts are well and truly appreciated.”
Brilliant news! Go “The Red Barrows”!!!!!!!