About CBF
CBF, symbolising the rich historical and contemporary ties between Bathurst, NSW, and Cirencester, UK, is an initiative rooted in shared heritage and a vision for economic collaboration. Founded on the deep-rooted connection between the two cities, it celebrates their intertwined history dating back to the naming of Bathurst in 1815 after the 3rd Earl of Bathurst from Cirencester. With the establishment of the ‘Cotswolds Store’ in Bathurst in 2019, CBF ensures that both cities not only honour their shared legacy but also move forward in a spirit of genuine partnership.
History of CBF
Bathurst was named in 1815 for the 3rd Earl of Bathurst whose ancestral home is at Cirencester, the largest city of the Cotswolds district of Gloucestershire in the UK.
Cirencester is the ancestral home of Lord Bathurst, and the site of the famous Cirencester Park and the Bathurst Estate. Today the 9th Earl Bathurst still resides at the family seat of Cirencester Park. The family has lived in Cirencester since 1705.
In 2016 Bathurst NSW and Cirencester began to establish a closer relationship based upon their historical ties and economic similarities between the regions. In 2019 a formal friendship arrangement was formalised between the two cities.
Having established this formal friendship arrangement both cities shared a desire to move beyond a symbolic relationship and to create a genuine economic partnership to benefit the local businesses and economies of both areas. The first stage in this process was the establishment of the ‘Cotswolds Store’ at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre in October 2019. The Store stocks a selection of authentic products of Cirencester and the Cotswolds, all carefully selected and personally approved by Lord Bathurst.
The Store and Friendship Agreement will lead to even closer connections, with a number of visits also planned for the year ahead.
Looking to the future of the CBF
Key moments in the Cirencester Bathurst Friendship
CBF, the emblematic link between Bathurst and Cirencester, has witnessed defining moments since its inception. The journey began in 1815 with Bathurst’s naming after the 3rd Earl of Bathurst of Cirencester, paving the way for deeper connections.
A pivotal turn came in 2016, when both cities sought to strengthen their bond, culminating in a formal friendship arrangement in 2019. This symbolic union soon materialized into a tangible partnership with the inauguration of the ‘Cotswolds Store’ in Bathurst, offering a curated selection endorsed by Lord Bathurst himself. These milestones exemplify CBF’s commitment to intertwining heritage with shared economic prospects.
Partners and Sponsors
