Great St. Mary's Church, Cambridge (must see)
Great Saint Mary's is a Church of England parish and university church situated at the north end of King's Parade in central Cambridge. Designated as a Grade I listed building by Historic England, it holds significant historical and architectural value.
As the university church for the University of Cambridge, Great Saint Mary's plays an integral role in the university's legislative framework. This includes residency requirements for university officers and undergraduates relative to the church's location. The church is instrumental in university life, hosting University Sermons, and housing both the University Organ and the iconic University Clock, which chimes the "Cambridge Quarters" that inspired the Big Ben chimes.
The historical records of Great Saint Mary's date back to 1205 when King John presented Thomas de Chimeleye to the rectory. The church's foundations likely date to 1010, though it underwent reconstruction following a destructive fire on July 9, 1290. Initially known as The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin until 1352, it has since been referred to by its current name. The crown initially held the church's patronage, which was transferred to King's Hall in 1342.
Architecturally, the church is styled in the Late Perpendicular motif, with stained glass work completed by Hardman between 1867 and 1869. To manage large audiences during compulsory University Sermons, galleries were added in 1735. The church boasts several unique features, including one of the few moveable pulpits in England, a font from 1632, and a significant sculpture of Christ in Majesty by Alan Durst completed in 1960.
The church's bell history is notable as well, with the bells initially housed in a wooden structure before being moved to the tower in 1515. The Society of Cambridge Youths, formed in 1724 to oversee the ringing, is recognized as one of the oldest bellringing societies.
Great Saint Mary's also contains two distinct pipe organs鈥攖he Parish Organ in the Chancel and the University Organ in the West Gallery, the latter owned by the university. The University Organ, built originally in 1698 by Bernard Smith and significantly enhanced over the centuries, serves as a focal point for university services.
Today, Great Saint Mary's continues to serve both its parish and the academic community, aligning with the Liberal Catholic tradition of the Church of England and embracing inclusive practices as a member of the Inclusive Church network.
Why You Should Visit:
As well as viewing the beautiful nave, you can climb the bell tower (admission fee) to the viewing platform for a spectacular panorama of the city.
Tip:
The acoustics here are excellent for concerts (watch for a schedule) and be sure to check out the first edition King James Bible, on the left-hand side, as you enter the church.
If you climb the tower, try to be the first in your group and go up quickly (very narrow stairs), so you have one minute alone on the top.
As the university church for the University of Cambridge, Great Saint Mary's plays an integral role in the university's legislative framework. This includes residency requirements for university officers and undergraduates relative to the church's location. The church is instrumental in university life, hosting University Sermons, and housing both the University Organ and the iconic University Clock, which chimes the "Cambridge Quarters" that inspired the Big Ben chimes.
The historical records of Great Saint Mary's date back to 1205 when King John presented Thomas de Chimeleye to the rectory. The church's foundations likely date to 1010, though it underwent reconstruction following a destructive fire on July 9, 1290. Initially known as The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin until 1352, it has since been referred to by its current name. The crown initially held the church's patronage, which was transferred to King's Hall in 1342.
Architecturally, the church is styled in the Late Perpendicular motif, with stained glass work completed by Hardman between 1867 and 1869. To manage large audiences during compulsory University Sermons, galleries were added in 1735. The church boasts several unique features, including one of the few moveable pulpits in England, a font from 1632, and a significant sculpture of Christ in Majesty by Alan Durst completed in 1960.
The church's bell history is notable as well, with the bells initially housed in a wooden structure before being moved to the tower in 1515. The Society of Cambridge Youths, formed in 1724 to oversee the ringing, is recognized as one of the oldest bellringing societies.
Great Saint Mary's also contains two distinct pipe organs鈥攖he Parish Organ in the Chancel and the University Organ in the West Gallery, the latter owned by the university. The University Organ, built originally in 1698 by Bernard Smith and significantly enhanced over the centuries, serves as a focal point for university services.
Today, Great Saint Mary's continues to serve both its parish and the academic community, aligning with the Liberal Catholic tradition of the Church of England and embracing inclusive practices as a member of the Inclusive Church network.
Why You Should Visit:
As well as viewing the beautiful nave, you can climb the bell tower (admission fee) to the viewing platform for a spectacular panorama of the city.
Tip:
The acoustics here are excellent for concerts (watch for a schedule) and be sure to check out the first edition King James Bible, on the left-hand side, as you enter the church.
If you climb the tower, try to be the first in your group and go up quickly (very narrow stairs), so you have one minute alone on the top.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cambridge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Great St. Mary's Church on Map
Sight Name: Great St. Mary's Church
Sight Location: Cambridge, England (See walking tours in Cambridge)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cambridge, England (See walking tours in Cambridge)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cambridge, England
Create Your Own Walk in Cambridge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cambridge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colleges of Cambridge University
The University of Cambridge, England's second oldest learning institution, has made Cambridge famous worldwide. The collegiate university is made up of 31 self-governing and independent colleges whose grounds, apart from having been blessed with world-renowned alumni, are also beautifully decorated with lush lawns and terrific Gothic architecture.
Each of these colleges has its unique... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Each of these colleges has its unique... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings
Renowned for its academic excellence, Cambridge is also steeped in religious history. It has quite a few churches dating back hundreds of years, some even predating the Anglican Church itself. These historical sanctuaries have stood the test of time and today offer a glimpse into the city's religious and architectural heritage.
Great Saint Mary's Church, a stunning example of English... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Great Saint Mary's Church, a stunning example of English... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Cambridge Introduction Walking Tour
Set along the banks of the River Cam in one of the picturesque eastern shires of England, Cambridge is a place that exudes an air of academic excellence and historical charm. For those not particularly well-versed in the annals of English history, Cambridge holds a prominent spot as one of the country's most esteemed academic hubs. The University of Cambridge consistently ranks among the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles