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It was also almost wiped out during World War II
An iconic church that has remained a treasure in Cambridge for centuries is the site where a politician is buried. It was also almost wiped out during World War II.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, also known as The Round Church, is said to have been built around 1130 and its design is based on the rotundas found in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Located on busy Bridge Street in the city centre, its unusual shape is what makes the church so iconic. Although, it was almost wiped out by an air raid during the Second World War. In July 1942, a bombing meant that it was almost lost forever. The bombs caused massive damage along Bridge Street and Sidney Street. The attack destroyed 10 buildings, killed three people and injured seven.
A bomb during this raid struck the Union Society building behind the church, destroying the stained glass in the east window. It was later replaced by a new window in 1946 depicting Christ’s resurrection.
Fortunately, the church still stands today and is believed to be one of only four surviving medieval round churches in England. The church is open to visitors to look around or you can sign up for one of their specialist guided walks to explore the town.
The church is full of impressive Norman architecture and features such as thick pillars and rounded arches as well as stained glass windows and 15th century carved wooden angels.
The English politician John Lowry was buried on the site of the Round Church after his death in 1669. In 1640 he was elected Member of Parliament for Cambridge in the Long Parliament and shared the constituency with Oliver Cromwell.
Standard entry to the church costs £3.50 and a guided walk costs £16 for a standard ticket which includes entry to the round church. The church has built a great reputation with visitors and tourists. On Google, one person described the church as a “fascinating little piece of Cambridge”.
They added: “The round Norman architecture makes it stand out straight away, and it feels very different from the rest of the churches and colleges in the city. I love just walking around outside and taking in almost 900 years of history. A beautiful landmark to take in when exploring the city on foot.”
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