St Bene’t’s Church

Oldest church in Cambridge

St Bene't's Church in Cambridge, England, is renowned as the oldest standing church in both the city and the county of Cambridgeshire. The church is dedicated to Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine Order. The name "Bene't" is a shortened form of "Benedict".

Benedictine order history

The most striking feature of the church is its Anglo-Saxon tower, which was built between 1000 and 1050 AD. This tower is a rare example of architecture from that period, characterized by distinctive corner quoins that project beyond the wall surface. Inside the church, the arch supporting the tower is a remarkable relic from the 11th century.

Anglo-Saxon tower architecture

Over the centuries, St Bene't's has been remodeled and expanded multiple times. Around 1300, the nave and aisles were redesigned. In the 13th century, the choir underwent changes, reflected in the deeply-cut early Gothic lancet windows on the south side. The clerestory windows and roof of the nave are from the late Gothic Perpendicular phase and were added in 1452.

Historical sites in Cambridgeshire

The church also houses a monumental brass relief depicting a kneeling figure of Richard Billingford, who passed away in 1442 and was Master of Corpus Christi College from 1398 to 1432.

Medieval architecture in England

St Bene't's has a rich history and was closely connected to the University of Cambridge. The church served as the chapel of the neighboring Corpus Christi College until 1579, and there are still close ties between the church and the college.

Contact details

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday	9:00 - 18:30
Monday	9:00 - 18:30
Tuesday	9:00 - 18:30
Wednesday	9:00 - 18:30
Thursday	9:00 - 18:30
Friday	9:00 - 18:30
Saturday	9:00 - 18:30

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