Two medieval crosses offer a tangible connection to Ampney Crucis’s local history. The churchyard cross stands at the Church of the Holy Rood; another monument, described as a wayside cross, dates from the 14th century. A path connects the two crosses. The churchyard cross lies approximately 130 metres west of the wayside cross—a short link between two separate monuments.
Two Crosses and the Church of the Holy Rood
The churchyard cross dates from the late 14th or early 15th century. Its four-sided tabernacle head depicts the Virgin and Child, Saint Lawrence, the Crucifixion and Robert FitzHamon. The cross is thought to be the monument from which the parish may have taken its name; it is listed as a Grade I monument. The crosses at the parish church are also marked as an attraction on the “Poulton & the Ampneys Circular Walk”.
The Church of the Holy Rood also brings together different periods of construction: the Anglican parish church has Saxon origins, Norman features and a 15th-century tower. It was restored in 1870. A parish communion service is held there at 10 am on the third Sunday of each month; visitors are welcome. If you plan to attend a service, check the date beforehand, as arrangements may change.
Further Traces of Local History
The village’s history is reflected in more than just its crosses and church. There is evidence of a Roman settlement covering more than four hectares in Ampney Crucis. Ampney Brook, which partly gave the village its name, is a tributary of the Thames. Ampney Park is a late-16th-century country house, with a large extension on its north side dating from the 18th century and additions from the 19th century. Together, these different remains offer points of interest for visitors interested in archaeology, ecclesiastical architecture or historic domestic architecture.
Footpaths Through Woodland and Pasture
The “Poulton & the Ampneys Circular Walk” is approximately 5.5 miles long and passes through Ampney Crucis, with connecting sections off surfaced paths. A parish guide also covers designated public footpaths, bridleways and roads used as public rights of way. Check path conditions and access arrangements before setting out.
One route passes Ampney Ridings wood and a spring with a small pool, then crosses a short stretch of woodland and pasture. It connects to the Barnsley footpath BBY 2. Another route passes between the cricket ground and football pitch, crosses a wooden footbridge and farmland, and continues to School Lane. The routes therefore differ not only in length but also in the landscape features they follow.
A footpath leads from Village Street past an old cross, through a wooded area and along a private road to Church Lane, opposite the church. This also allows the crosses to be viewed in the context of the described footpaths. If you plan to use the paths, tailor your plans to the features of each route and check local conditions.
Getting There from Cirencester
From Cirencester, you can reach Ampney Crucis via the A417 towards Fairford. Shortly before the Crown at Ampney Brook, turn off at the signposted junction for Ampney Crucis. As traffic and signage may change, follow the road signs along the way.
Discover more destinations: Alderton, Berkeley, Northleach, Coaley, Winchcombe, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucester, Minchinhampton
For the broader travel overview: Gloucestershire.
