Cirencester Park (country house)

Cirencester Park is a large country house and estate located near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, England. It is the seat of the Bathurst family, Earls Bathurst. The parkland surrounding the house is one of the largest and oldest designed landscapes in England, dating back to the early 18th century.

The house itself, while impressive, is arguably less significant than the extensive and historically important parkland. The park's design is primarily attributed to Allen, 1st Earl Bathurst, who, from the early 1700s, transformed what was originally a deer park into a series of formal avenues, woodlands, and gardens.

Key features of the park include:

• Broad Ride: A four-mile long, straight avenue stretching across the landscape, offering panoramic views.
• Avenue of Obelisks: A formal avenue adorned with obelisks, showcasing the symmetry and grandeur of the design.
• Amphitheatre: A notable earthwork feature, thought to have been influenced by classical Roman amphitheaters.
• Numerous woodlands and rides: An intricate network of paths and woodland areas adds depth and variety to the parkland.

Cirencester Park represents a significant example of early English landscape gardening, reflecting the aesthetic ideals of its time. The park remains open to the public for much of the year, offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying the historical landscape. The house itself is not generally open to the public but can be seen from various vantage points within the park. Its ongoing maintenance and preservation are crucial to safeguarding a significant part of British heritage.