Cambridge Historical Churches

It is commonly known as GSM or St. Mary the Great. The largest church in Cambridge serves as dual purpose as the church of the city and of the Cambridge University.

There was a church here in 1205, but that building was destroyed by fire in 1290. The chancel walls are all that remain of the early church. So the existing building is almost entirely the product of a major rebuilding project that began in 1478. The exterior is fairly unremarkable, though a good example of Perpendicular Gothic style.

Later additions include the west door and above it a clock face, which was later copied for “the Big Ben” in London. Whether you get good views, of the old city centre and most of the colleges, you should climb the 123 steps of the tower. The roof of the nave was built with 100 oak trees from Chesterford. It is likely that its plain design and lack of religious symbolism allowed it to survive the turmoil of the Puritanism years. The church has two organs, one bought by the University and the other by the parish. The university organ is worthy of note; it is a fine example of 17th century work, ornamented with gilded cherub heads.

St. Mary the Less is the original 12th century church, 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. Some fragmentary remains of that first church can be seen in the porch.

Though none of the glasses are original, non doubt are especially notable the large traceries windows. In front of the altar is a brass memorial to John Holbrook, Master of Peterhouse in 1436. Beside the west entrance is a wall tablet to Godfrey Washington, grandfather of the first American president.

This striking church was begun in 1130. Its unusual circular design was meant to emulate the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and it is one of only four surviving medieval round churches in England. The site upon which the church stands was given to the Fraternity of the Holy Sepulchre (made up of Knights Templar) by the Abbot of Ramsey Abbey. The small nave is encircled by large Norman pillars, though the conical roof is a product of the 19th century.

More 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.

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