Little St Mary's Church, Cambridge: A Historic Sanctuary Beside Peterhouse
Discover centuries of history and serene beauty at Little St Mary's, Cambridge’s historic parish church beside Peterhouse.
Little St Mary's Church, located on Trumpington Street in Cambridge, is a Grade II* listed Anglican church with origins dating back to the 12th century. Originally known as St Peter-without-Trumpington Gate, it served as the chapel for Peterhouse College until the 17th century. The church features medieval flintwork, Victorian restorations by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and a Lady Chapel added in 1931. It is notable for its historical connections, including the burial of Godfrey Washington, great uncle of George Washington.
A brief summary to Little St Mary's Church
- Trumpington St, Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QG, GB
- +441223366202
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am-6:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the church’s stained glass and medieval stonework illuminated by natural light.
- Take time to explore the adjoining parish centre, which offers insight into the church’s community role and modern adaptations.
- Look for the memorial to Reverend Godfrey Washington near the main entrance, linking the church to American history.
- Attend a concert or event in the parish hall to experience the church’s vibrant cultural life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Citi 1 or Citi 3 bus routes, which run frequently from Cambridge city centre to Trumpington Street. The journey typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Buses stop within a short walk of Little St Mary's. Tickets cost approximately £2.50–£3.50 one way. Note that services reduce in frequency on Sundays.
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Train and Walking
From Cambridge railway station, a 25-minute walk along Station Road and Trumpington Street leads to Little St Mary's. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing through central Cambridge. Alternatively, take a local bus from the station to Trumpington Street to shorten the walk.
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Taxi
Taxis from Cambridge railway station to Little St Mary's take about 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £7 to £12. Taxis provide door-to-door service and are a convenient option, especially with luggage or mobility considerations.
Little St Mary's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Little St Mary's Church
Origins and Early History of Little St Mary's
Little St Mary's Church, originally called St Peter-without-Trumpington Gate, has stood on its site since at least the early 12th century. Initially located just outside the medieval town boundary of Cambridge, the church was controlled by successive families until 1207, when it was granted to the Hospital of St John the Evangelist, now St John's College. This early history is intertwined with the foundation of Peterhouse, Cambridge's first college, as scholars were lodged nearby in the 1280s and used the church as their chapel. By the mid-14th century, the church was rebuilt to serve both as a parish church and the college chapel, and was rededicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.Architectural Evolution and Restorations
Over the centuries, Little St Mary's underwent numerous changes. In 1632, Peterhouse built its own chapel, and Little St Mary's reverted to solely serving the parish. The church suffered significant damage during the Puritan iconoclasm of the 1640s, with many ornaments and statues destroyed. The 18th century brought wooden panelling and box pews, which were later removed during a major restoration by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the mid-19th century. Additional restorations in the late 19th century preserved much of the church's present form. The south, or Lady, Chapel was added in 1931, designed by Thomas Henry Lyon, complementing the church's historic fabric.Notable Figures and Memorials
Little St Mary's holds historical significance through its association with notable individuals. Richard Crashaw, the metaphysical poet, served as a priest here in the 17th century while a Fellow of Peterhouse. The church is also the final resting place of Reverend Godfrey Washington, great uncle of George Washington, the first President of the United States. His memorial is prominently displayed near the main entrance. Additionally, John Stevens Henslow, a professor and mentor to Charles Darwin, was curate here in the early 19th century.The Church Today and Its Community Role
Today, Little St Mary's remains an active Anglican parish church, open daily from early morning to early evening. The church has expanded its facilities with a parish centre built in the late 19th century and extended in recent decades to provide meeting rooms, a kitchen, and accessible amenities. The parish hall’s contemporary design respects the church’s historic architecture, featuring oak cladding and a glazed connection that reveals medieval stonework. The church continues to serve both worshippers and visitors, maintaining its rich heritage while supporting community events and concerts.Setting and Surroundings in Cambridge
Situated on Trumpington Street, Little St Mary's enjoys a prominent position adjacent to Peterhouse College, blending academic history with spiritual heritage. The churchyard and surrounding area retain elements of the medieval street layout, including remnants of the original gate referenced in the church’s early name. The location offers a tranquil urban sanctuary amid Cambridge’s bustling city centre, with views of historic college buildings and easy access to other cultural landmarks.Architectural Highlights and Artistic Features
Little St Mary's showcases a blend of medieval and Victorian architectural elements. The tower contains medieval flintwork, while the interior reveals features such as the Victorian pulpit and stained glass windows, including the Jesse Tree motif. The Lady Chapel’s apsidal plan and glazed roof allow natural light to illuminate the space, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere. Despite past iconoclastic damage, the church retains a sense of historical continuity through its preserved stonework and carefully restored details.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
