About Cricklade in Wiltshire

Cricklade is a town in Wiltshire, England, on the River Thames. The town is about 8 miles (13 km) north of Swindon and 18 miles (29 km) south of Cirencester. Cricklade has a population of 5,073 (2011 census). It was the capital of Wessex in the early Middle Ages and is notable for its 12th-century priory church and for its position on the Thames Path National Trail.

Cricklade is thought to be the site of the Battle of Cricklade, fought between the Wessex army of King Alfred the Great and the Viking invaders in 878 AD. The town's name comes from the Old English for 'the crossing place', referring to its position at the point where the Roman road from Silchester to Bath crossed the River Thames.

The priory church of St Mary's was founded in the 12th century by Henry I for Augustinian canons. It is one of only two surviving round churches in England (the other being in Cambridge). The nave is original, but the chancel and transepts were added in the 13th century. The west tower was added in the 15th century. The church is a Grade I listed building.

Cricklade House is a Grade I listed country house which was built in 1612 and has been the home of the St John family since 1616. The house is set in parkland and has a private chapel which is also Grade I listed.

The town's market charter was granted by King John in 1214 and it has been held every Wednesday since then. The market square is now home to a farmers' market which is held on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Cricklade Museum is housed in a 16th-century timber-framed building in Market Place. The museum tells the story of Cricklade and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day. It includes exhibits on the Roman town of Cunetio, which was located just 2 miles (3 km) from Cricklade, as well as on the Battle of Cricklade and the town's market charter.

Cricklade is twinned with Saint-Valery-sur-Somme in France and Bad Kötzting in Germany.