Categories
Historical & Interesting Places

Leper Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene

Located on Newmarket Road, just outside the city centre, this small, unassuming chapel has a unique history rooted in compassion and community care. It originally served as part of a medieval hospital, established to treat and care for people suffering from leprosy—a disease that often led to social isolation during that period. The chapel is one of the few remaining structures from this era, as many leper hospitals and chapels were lost or destroyed over time.

Unlike the grand churches and colleges of Cambridge, the Leper Chapel is modest, with a raw, almost rustic quality that gives it a sense of authenticity and quiet dignity.

About The Leper Chapel

Architecturally, the Leper Chapel is a fine example of Norman design, with its thick stone walls, simple rectangular layout, and arched doorway adorned with intricate carvings. Inside, the chapel is small and stark, with stone floors and simple wooden pews, capturing the spirit of its original purpose: a place of worship and sanctuary for those in need.

One of the chapel’s most interesting traditions is the Stourbridge Fair, a medieval fair that became one of the largest in Europe in its time. It originally started as a fundraising event for the leper hospital and was held on the surrounding grounds. Today, the fair is celebrated annually near the chapel, keeping alive a centuries-old tradition and connecting the modern community with its medieval roots.

The Leper Chapel is now owned by the Cambridge Past, Present & Future charity, which works to preserve historic buildings in the area. While it no longer holds regular services, it opens occasionally for special events, open days, and services, offering visitors a chance to experience a rare piece of Cambridge’s medieval history up close. Stepping inside feels like being transported back to a time when the chapel served as a beacon of hope and kindness for those on society’s fringes.

How to Get There

The Leper Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene is located at Barnwell Junction on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ, near the Cambridge United football stadium.

  • By Bus: Stagecoach Citi 3 bus service stops close by; get off at the Coldhams Common / Ditton Walk stop. It is also possible to use the Newmarket Road Park & Ride bus.
  • By Bicycle or On Foot: The chapel can be reached on cycle/foot by using several cycle routes, including Riverside and Chisholm Trail, or alongside Newmarket Road. Cycles can be locked to the railings next to the chapel.
Categories
Historical & Interesting Places

St. Bene’t’s Church

St. Bene’t’s Church is the oldest building in Cambridge, with its Saxon tower dating back to around 1030 AD. The church’s name is derived from St. Benedict, the patron saint of Europe, and it has been a site of continuous worship for nearly a millennium. Its history is intertwined with the development of Cambridge as both a religious and academic centre, making it an important landmark in the city’s historical fabric.

The tower is the most ancient part of the church, and its architecture provides a rare glimpse into the early medieval period.

During the Norman and medieval periods, the church underwent various modifications, but its core Saxon structure remains intact. St. Bene’t’s has long served the community, including members of Corpus Christi College, located next door. The church is known for its quiet simplicity, a stark contrast to the more elaborate Gothic structures in Cambridge. Despite its modest size, St. Bene’t’s holds a significant place in Cambridge’s religious and architectural history, offering a peaceful retreat in the bustling city.

What to See In St Bene't's Church

  • Saxon Tower: The most iconic feature of St. Bene’t’s is its well-preserved Saxon tower, which dates back nearly 1,000 years and is one of the oldest examples of Anglo-Saxon architecture in England.

  • Norman and Medieval Additions: The church also features later Norman and medieval architectural elements, providing a fascinating timeline of English ecclesiastical design.

  • Stained Glass: Inside, you can find several beautiful stained glass windows, some of which date back to the 19th century, portraying biblical scenes and saints.

  • Historic Bells: The church’s bells, cast in the 13th century, are some of the oldest in the country that are still regularly rung today, preserving the ancient tradition of bell ringing in Cambridge.

  • Peaceful Interior: The church’s interior is simple but serene, offering a quiet space for reflection amid Cambridge’s busy city centre.

How to Get There

St. Bene’t’s Church is centrally located at Bene’t Street in Cambridge:

  • By Foot: St. Bene’t’s is just a short walk from the city centre and near attractions like the Corpus Clock and Market Square.

  • By Bus: Several local buses stop near Trumpington Street and Market Square, just a few minutes’ walk from the church.

  • By Train: If arriving by train, Cambridge Railway Station is about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride from St. Bene’t’s.

  • By Car: Parking in central Cambridge can be challenging, so using one of the Park and Ride services is recommended. These allow you to park outside the city and take a bus directly to the centre.

Categories
Historical & Interesting Places

Great St Mary’s Church

Great St Mary’s Church, often referred to simply as GSM, is one of the most historically significant landmarks in Cambridge. Located in the heart of the city, this parish and university church dates back to the 12th century, with its current structure mostly built in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Its proximity to the University of Cambridge makes it the university’s official church, and it has played a vital role in both religious and academic life over the centuries.

The church was central to the Protestant Reformation in Cambridge, with key reformers such as Hugh Latimer and Thomas Cranmer preaching here.

In addition to its religious importance, Great St Mary’s has long served as a meeting place for academic discussions and debates. Its famous tower offers stunning views of Cambridge and the surrounding countryside, making it a popular attraction for visitors. Today, the church continues to serve as a place of worship and community gathering, while also welcoming tourists eager to explore its rich history and architectural beauty.

What to See In Great St Mary’s Church

  • The Tower: Climb the 123 steps of Great St Mary’s Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Cambridge, including a bird’s-eye view of King’s College Chapel and other university landmarks.

  • The Nave: Admire the Gothic architecture of the church’s interior, which includes an impressive nave and beautifully restored 15th-century woodwork.

  • The Organ: The church’s historic organ, rebuilt several times, is a highlight for music lovers. The current instrument dates back to the early 18th century and is still used for concerts and services.

  • University Sermons: Great St Mary’s hosts university sermons, continuing its centuries-old tradition of being the official church of Cambridge University.

  • Stained Glass Windows: While much of the stained glass is Victorian, it adds a colourful and spiritual dimension to the otherwise stately Gothic architecture.

How to Get There

Great St Mary’s Church is centrally located at the northern end of King’s Parade, making it easily accessible:

  • By Foot: The church is in the heart of the city centre, just a short walk from other key attractions like King’s College and Market Square.

  • By Bus: Several city buses stop near the Market Square, which is only a minute’s walk from the church.

  • By Train: From Cambridge Railway Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the city centre, or you can take a bus or taxi directly to King’s Parade.

  • By Car: Central parking in Cambridge is limited, but the Park and Ride services allow you to park outside the city and take a bus to the city centre.

Categories
Historical & Interesting Places

The Round Church

The Round Church, formally known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is one of Cambridge’s oldest and most distinctive landmarks. Built around 1130, it is one of only four surviving Norman round churches in England, modelled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre 🔗 in Jerusalem. Its unique circular structure was inspired by the Crusader churches of the Holy Land, symbolising the religious fervour of the time and the importance of pilgrimage.

The church was originally built by the “Fraternity of the Holy Sepulchre (an Eastern Orthodox fraternity that guarded holy places in the Holy Land) to serve as a wayfarers’ chapel for pilgrims and travellers passing through Cambridge. Its strategic location at the junction of two ancient roads made it a natural meeting place. Over the centuries, the Round Church has witnessed significant changes, both architecturally and historically.

In the 19th century, it underwent substantial restoration under architect Anthony Salvin to preserve its Norman features. Today, it serves as a visitor centre, exploring the history of Christianity in Cambridge and the architectural development of the city. It is a must-see for those interested in medieval architecture and the religious history of Cambridge.

The Round Church in Medieval Times

The Round Church or Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the oldest and most distinctive buildings in Cambridge, dating back to the early 12th century. Built around 1130, it was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and is one of only four round churches in England. The design, featuring a circular nave, reflects the influence of the Crusades, as returning knights sought to replicate the sacred architecture they had seen in the Holy Land.

During medieval times, the Round Church served as a vital part of Cambridge’s religious community, mainly catering to travellers and pilgrims due to its location along critical routes leading into the city. As Cambridge grew, both in population and as a centre of learning, the church remained an important place of worship and community gathering.

Holy Sepulchre in 1809 showing the Gothic bell-storey
Holy Sepulchre in 1809 showing the Gothic bell-storey.

We're Lucky To Still Have This Church Today!

Did you know that the church was almost demolished in the 19th century? That’s right. Its poor state of repair prompted discussions about taking it down. Thankfully, Anthony Salvin, a well-known architect of the Gothic Revival period, restored it and preserved much of its original medieval character.

What to See In The Round Church

  • Unique Norman Architecture: The Round Church’s striking circular nave and thick Norman columns are exceptional examples of 12th-century design. The round shape is a rarity in English ecclesiastical architecture.

  • Exhibitions: Inside the church, there are interactive exhibits about the history of Christianity in Cambridge, including the role of Cambridge scholars in the Reformation and the development of the university.

  • Stained Glass Windows: Though much of the church is Romanesque, some Victorian additions include beautiful stained glass, depicting religious scenes and figures.

  • Historic Atmosphere: The quiet and spiritual atmosphere of the church offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Cambridge, allowing visitors to contemplate its nearly 900 years of history.

You can learn more about this fantastic church in the official website 🔗.

Opening Times

Sunday and Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1:30pm – 5pm 
Wednesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm (4.45pm last entrance)

How to Get There

The Round Church is centrally located at Bridge Street in Cambridge, making it easily accessible:

  • By Foot: From the city centre or Market Square, it’s just a few minutes’ walk down Bridge Street.

  • By Bus: Local buses stop at nearby Bridge Street and Jesus Lane, both just a short walk from the church.

  • By Train: If you’re arriving by train, Cambridge Railway Station is about a 25-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi to the city centre and walk from there.

  • By Car: Parking in central Cambridge is limited, but the Park and Ride service offers convenient parking outside the city with buses into the centre.

Categories
Historical & Interesting Places

King’s College Chapel

King’s College Chapel is one of the most famous and iconic buildings in Cambridge, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history. Construction of the chapel began in 1446 under the reign of King Henry VI 🔗, who founded King’s College with the intention of creating an institution to rival Eton.

The building took nearly a century to complete, with several English monarchs contributing to its development, including Richard III and Henry VIII. Its architectural beauty, coupled with its cultural significance, has made it a symbol of Cambridge.

The chapel is renowned for its magnificent fan-vaulted ceiling, one of the largest in the world, and its intricate stained glass windows, many of which date from the 16th century. The structure reflects the religious and academic ambitions of the Tudor era and continues to be a place of worship, study, and musical performance to this day. It plays a central role in the university’s choral tradition, housing the world-famous Choir of King’s College, whose annual Christmas Eve service is broadcast worldwide.

What to See In King’s College Chapel

Visitors to King’s College Chapel can marvel at:

  • The Fan-Vaulted Ceiling: An extraordinary feat of engineering, it is the largest fan vault in the world and showcases the craftsmanship of the Gothic era.
  • Stained Glass Windows: The 16th-century stained glass, depicting biblical scenes, is among the most significant in Europe, especially renowned for its vivid colours and intricate details.
  • The Great East Window: Dominating the eastern end of the chapel, this window is a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
  • The Organ: Dating back to 1605, the organ has been modified over the centuries and is used for choral and instrumental performances.
  • The Rubens Painting: A large and notable painting, The Adoration of the Magi by Peter Paul Rubens, hangs in the chapel.
  • The Choir: If you visit during term time, you might be able to hear the world-renowned King’s College Choir at Evensong, a must-see for classical music lovers.

How to Get There

King’s College Chapel is centrally located in Cambridge and easily accessible.

  • By Foot: The chapel is a short walk from many other key attractions in Cambridge city centre, including Market Square and the River Cam.
  • By Bus: Local buses stop near King’s Parade, just a short stroll from the chapel.
  • By Train: If you’re arriving by train, Cambridge Railway Station is about a 20-minute walk from King’s College Chapel. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from the station.
  • By Car: Driving in Cambridge can be tricky due to limited parking, but there are several park-and-ride services available, allowing visitors to leave their cars outside the city and take a bus into the centre.