How to Read an Ancient Building

Read the clues hidden in Britain's old buildings

How do you read a building without a plan or guidebook? Master stonemason Andrew Ziminski, architectural storyteller Daniel Wilson and historian Janina Ramirez examine the marks, shapes and repairs that reveal how old buildings were made and changed.

The talk moves from medieval buttresses and weathered gargoyles to tool marks, ancient graffiti and the work of restoring historic monuments. Its setting provides examples of its own: Cirencester's Grade I listed Parish Church has a chancel begun around 1115, a fifteenth-century tower and a nave rebuilt between 1515 and 1530.

Parking in Market Place is limited, with Abbey Grounds, Waterloo, Forum and Brewery among the nearest car parks. Level access is through the North Door, nearest the Abbey Grounds entrance, and accessible toilets are available inside the church.

Ticketed. Booking is currently available on the organiser's event page.

Saturday 31 October 2026 · Cirencester Parish Church, Market Place, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2NX · Starts 2pm