TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER

Abbott John Blake surrendered Cirencester Abbey on 19 December 1539. The King’s Commissioners ordered the Abbey to be destroyed, except for those buildings of use to future tenants. Lead was stripped from the roofs and windows and saved for the King.  The Crown sold the Abbey’s treasures of silver plate, gold, and other valuables.

On TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER there will be a muffled peal of bells at Cirencester Parish Church to mark this anniversary.