What is Project Black Jack?
An exciting project is underway to commission two statues for Cirencester Parish Church. These will be placed in the niches on the western side of the tower which are currently vacant. The north-west niche formerly housed a statue of St John the Baptist and is thought to have given its name to the street directly facing the statue, Black Jack Street. The statue was taken down in 1963, very blackened and in poor condition and was subsequently lost. It has been missing from the niche for more than 50 years. The south west niche is believed to have held a statue of the Virgin Mary and child; this too will be replaced.
Why are there no statues now?
The statue was taken down in 1963, very blackened and in poor condition, and was subsequently lost. The south-west niche is believed to have held a statue of the Virgin Mary; this too will be replaced.
About Black Jack – The Street Name
Over the years the figure in the north-west niche overlooking Black Jack Street had affectionately become known as ‘Black Jack’ owing to the effects of atmospheric pollution and sulphurous deterioration of the limestone. Whether or not the figure gave rise to the street’s name (it was originally known as Temple Street, thence St. John’s Street in the early 16th century and a westerly extension of Gosditch Street until 1887 when the Local Board recommended the use of Black Jack Street) is debatable.