Barton Lane Allotments
A friendly allotment group in Cirencester
Allotment Management and Support
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The allotment is run by a small committee that look after day to day matters and set out the framework for the smooth running of the community. This team looks after the waiting list - we are always in demand - arranges events and coordinates with the trustees. As you might expect there are issues and problems from time to time and we ask that you deal respectfully with all committee members. Please use the contact us page or contact links at the foot of each page if you have queries, or contact the team direct.
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A Short History and Introduction
Barton Lane Allotments are situated to the west of Cirencester, close to the town centre, tucked to the north behind Gloucester Street. This is the on the route of Ermin Street, the ancient Roman road to Gloucester.​
To the south is Cirencester Park, part of the Bathurst Estate, seat of the 9th Earl of Bathurst. To the west is a mill pond known locally as the Mill Pound, fed by the river Churn, which flows towards a mill house at the lower end of Barton Lane.​
The site is well hidden and many residents of Cirencester are unaware of its existence, often pleasantly surprised when they discover it for the first time. It is one of two privately owned by St John’s Hospital Trust. The second is known as Cheltenham Road Allotments, situated in Stratton on the outskirts of Cirencester.
Plot holders are tenants of the trust and pay an annual rent for their plots. The trust is a registered charity whose principle activity is the provision of alms houses for ‘widows, spinsters and married couples over the age of 50’ in Cirencester but maintains the two allotment sites. It is believed that the charity was formed in the 12th century but when the allotments became part of their holdings is unknown and put down to an accident of history. The site has been put to agricultural or horticultural use for many centuries. It is likely that it was once the garden of a leprosy hospital situated nearby and Roman coins have been found on the site and gardens adjacent to the plots.​
The site is comprised of 41 plots and slopes gently towards the south. The soil is a fertile, free draining loam with a PH of 7.0 to 7.5 making it alkaline and perfect for most vegetables and fruit. This is evidenced by the prolific range of crops produced by plot holders every year. Plots were once fairly uniform in area but some have been subdivided to make smaller, more easily managed plots for those with smaller scale ambitions.​
Two wells with hand pumps provide water along with trips to the mill pond for the more energetic. The site is accessed from Barton Lane via a car width lane to a small parking space and a turning area. A set of three compost bins have been built for the local primary school’s eco warriors. These are next to a glut hut for the sharing of surplus produce and a tool shed for communal power tools. A wild area alongside the Mill Pound offers an environment for quiet contemplation and a home for wildlife, and our own badger set.
