England
Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire Travel Guide - Historic Churches

Ely Cathedral Location map Ely, Cambridgeshire Ely is best known, and rightly so, for its extraordinary octagonal lantern tower. When the Norman tower fell in 1322 a new tower was erected, using oak beams to support 400 tons of stone and lead in a structure at once massive and airy. The first church here was erected in 673 by St. Aetheldreda, and rebuilt in 870 following Danish raids. In 1109, in the midst of another rebuilding, Ely was raised to cathedral status. At that time the country around Ely was marsh, and the cathedral rose like a beacon on the only spot of dry land for miles around. High Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, CB7 4DL Website: Ely Cathedral Email: receptionist@cathedral.ely.anglican.org Phone: 01353 667 735 Fax: 01353 665 658

Great St. Mary's, Cambridge Cambridge, Cambridgeshire The largest church in Cambridge serves a dual purpose as the city's church and that of Cambridge University. During the medieval period it served as a meeting hall for the University and the annual conferment of degrees ceremony was held here until the Senate House was erected across the road in 1730. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, Website: Great St. Mary's, Cambridge Email: office@gsm.cam.ac.uk Phone: 01223 741 716

Isleham Priory Church Location map Isleham, Cambridgeshire The remains of a Benedictine priory church dating to 1090. The construction shows the herringbone style associated with late Saxon and early Norman buildings. The church has a rounded apse, unusual in England, in addition to a simple nave, chancel, and sanctuary. Despite is use as a barn, the church is remarkably unaltered. Pound Lane, Isleham, Cambridgeshire, England, CB7 5SF Location: In the centre of Isleham village. Keyholder is nearby (5 minute walk). Fee parking. Website: Isleham Priory Church English Heritage

King's College Chapel Location map Cambridge, Cambridgeshire King's College Chapel is arguably the most magnificent example of late medieval English architecture in the entire country. Guidebooks run out of superlatives to describe the richness of its interior decoration and the sumptuous flowing lines of the structural elements. Kings College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 1ST Website: King's College Chapel Email: info@kings.cam.ac.uk Phone: 01223 331 100

Little St. Mary's Location map Cambridge, Cambridgeshire The original 12th century church on this site was known as St. Peter-without-Trumpington-Gate. This dedication provided the name for the neighbouring college of Peterhouse. Students at Peterhouse worshipped in the church until the college chapel was erected in 1632. Trumpington Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 1QG Location: next door to Peterhouse Website: Little St. Mary's Phone: 01223 366 202

Peterborough Cathedral Location map Peterborough, Cambridgeshire The first monastery here goes back to 655, when the royal family of the kingdom of Mercia converted to Christianity. That monastery was sacked by the Norse in 870 and rebuilt about 100 years later. This late Saxon church survived attack by Hereward the Wake in 1070, but fell to a servant's carelessness with fire in 1116. The nave, rounded apse, transepts, and chancel were completed by 1175. When you look at the west front of Peterborough it is hard to shake the impression that the builders weren't quite sure which style to adopt, so they included a bit of everything. Officially called a screen front, there are three enormous Gothic arches topped by triangular gables and side turrets, all of which projects from and masks a simpler deep-set facade. Catherine of Aragon was buried here. So too was Mary Queen of Scots until her son James I ordered her body removed to Westminster Abbey. One of the interesting features of the interior is the ceiling of the nave, which is panelled in wood and richly painted, and the fan vaulted retrochoir. Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, PE1 1XS Website: Peterborough Cathedral Email: info@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk Phone: 01733 343 342 Fax: 01733 355 316

Round Church Cambridge, Cambridgeshire This striking church was begun in 1130. Its unusual circular design was meant to ermulate the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and it is one of only four surviving medieval round churches in England. Round Church Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England,

St Bene't's (St Benedicts) Cambridge, Cambridgeshire St. Benedict's church (more commonly known as St Bene't's) was erected around the year 1020 and the tower was added just a few years later. The tower's early date makes it the oldest intact building in the county. The long-and-short quoins at the corners are notable, as is the Saxon arch. Bene't Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, Website: St Bene't's (St Benedicts) Email: office@stbenets.com

St Marys Church, Ely Location map Ely, Cambridgeshire The church of St. Mary's was built in the early 13th century, though the tower was added during the 14th century. The church stands just a few hundred yards away from the cathedral, and in fact, St. Mary's is known to have been built by order of Bishop Eustace of Ely. St Marys Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, CB7 4HF Website: St Marys Church, Ely Email: office@elyparishchurch.co.uk Phone: 01353 659 550

Thorney Abbey Location map Thorney, Cambridgeshire Remains of a 11th century abbey church adapted to serve as the parish church. There was an abbey here as early as the 7th century. This was refounded as a Benedictine abbey in the late 10th century. The abbey was disbanded by Henry VIII and part of the nave survives. The west front features superb medieval carving. Thorney, Cambridgeshire, England, PE6 0QB Location: In the centre of Thorney, on the B1040. Plentiful on street parking. Website: Thorney Abbey

Wisbech Church Location map Wisbech, Cambridgeshire A fine town church dating to the 12th century. Wisbech church is unusual in that it has twin naves and chancels under one roof. There are several fine Jacobeean memorials and a life-sized 15th century brass. Church Terrace, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England, PE13 1EU Location: In the centre of Wisbech. Limited on street parking, but there are several paid parking lots nearby. Website: Wisbech Church