Cambridge has a fascinating history that stretches back over a thousand years. What began as a small Saxon settlement grew into one of the most important academic and cultural hubs in the world. The city’s roots can still be seen in its oldest buildings, like St Bene’t’s Church, built around AD 1025, and The Round Church, dating to 1130 and designed with a distinctive circular shape inspired by Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
As the town grew, so did the need for institutions and places of worship. The Leper Chapel on Newmarket Road, built around 1125, was once part of a medieval hospital serving those with leprosy. And then there’s Peterhouse College, founded in 1284, which became the first college of what would become Cambridge University. Over the centuries, other architectural marvels followed, like King’s College Chapel, which began in 1446 and still stuns visitors with its Gothic beauty and incredible stained glass.
These historic buildings are a window into Cambridge’s journey from a medieval market town to a world-renowned centre of learning and history.
The Five Oldest Buildings in Cambridge
Cambridge is packed with historical gems, and its oldest buildings are like time capsules that offer glimpses into the city’s past. Here’s a closer look at five of the oldest buildings, each with its own story and unique architectural style.
St Bene't's Church (c. AD 1025)
St Bene’t’s Church is the oldest standing building in Cambridge, dating back nearly a thousand years. Its most distinctive feature is the Anglo-Saxon tower, a rare and well-preserved example of early medieval architecture. Built with narrow, rounded windows and thick stone walls, it has a rugged charm that feels ancient even by Cambridge standards. Despite its age, it’s still an active parish church with services and a welcoming community. Walking inside, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to an age of monks and quiet, candlelit prayers.
The Round Church (c. 1130)
Officially known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Round Church is one of only four round churches in England. Inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, its circular design makes it look quite different from the typical English church. The Normans built it after the First Crusade, and it’s been drawing curious visitors ever since. These days, it serves as a visitor centre where you can learn about Cambridge’s religious history and the development of the university. The Round Church’s design, with its thick columns and central dome, makes it a quiet but striking architectural landmark.
Leper Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene (c. 1125)
A bit off the beaten path, the Leper Chapel is one of Cambridge’s hidden medieval treasures. Built around 1125, it was originally part of a hospital that cared for people with leprosy, hence the name. The building is simple but powerful, with thick stone walls and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s not used for regular worship anymore, but it occasionally opens for events and services. Standing in the Leper Chapel, you get a real sense of how Cambridge cared for its community centuries ago—it’s a reminder of the city’s quieter, often overlooked history.
Peterhouse College (Founded 1284)
Peterhouse might be small, but it holds the title of the oldest college at the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1284 by Hugh de Balsham, the Bishop of Ely, Peterhouse has a warm and cosy feel, with charming courtyards and old stone buildings that have housed students for centuries. Although much of the original structure has been updated over time, you can still find medieval elements in the college, giving it an atmosphere of quiet academia. Its beautiful chapel and intimate spaces make it feel like a piece of old Cambridge frozen in time.
King’s College Chapel (Foundation laid in 1446)
While construction on King’s College Chapel continued until the 16th century, the foundation stone was laid in 1446, and it remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. The chapel’s fan-vaulted ceiling is a stunning architectural achievement, and the stained glass windows are some of the most impressive in Europe. Walking into King’s College Chapel feels like entering a grand cathedral, with towering stone pillars and an air of majesty. It’s a testament to the artistic and architectural ambition of Cambridge’s past, capturing a golden age of craftsmanship and design.
Conclusion
Together, these buildings tell the story of Cambridge’s journey from an early Saxon settlement to a renowned center of learning and culture. Each has its own character, and visiting them is like taking a walk through the centuries, where every stone and spire has a story to tell.