About Blackjack Street

Why Black Jack Street? It is said that the street got its name from a statue of St John the Baptist which was once attached to Cirencester’s parish church tower looking down the street. The statue apparently became blackened by the smoke from metalworkers’ fires, thus becoming known as “Black Jack” with the street eventually adopting the name, at least colloquially.

That, anyway, is the legend, although some maintain the street gets its name from a leather drinking vessel also known as a “black jack”, possibly used at a pub and brewery which formerly stood on the site of the present-day Golden Cross Inn.

Whichever version is true, today’s Black Jack Street is a hive of activity with plenty of interest for the visitor to explore and enjoy. The street is arguably the best place in town for shopping, with its myriad galleries, boutiques and curio shops, while those with a hunger or thirst will be content to pass an hour or two in one of the many cafes or pubs on the street.

Discerning diners are also rewarded with a choice of superb bistros and of course, pubs, both on Black Jack Street and in the surrounding streets and alleyways.

With the towering parish church and historic market place (check out the Farmers’ Market every 1st & 3rd Saturday) at one end, and the award-winning Corinium Museum at
the other, Black Jack Street can truly be said to be the center of Cirencester, the capital of the Cotswolds.