Leper Chapel - Cambridge Past, Present & Future

Cambridge Leper Chapel

The Cambridge Leper Chapel, also known as the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, is one of the oldest complete surviving buildings in Cambridge.

This 12^th century Romanesque building was originally the chapel of an isolation hospital caring for people with leprosy and is Grade 1 Listed.

Visiting the Leper Chapel

You can admire the outside of the Leper Chapel at any time as the grounds are always open.

The Chapel is usually locked, so if you would like to see inside then please attend an event or open day at the Chapel. Group visits can be arranged in advance.

One of the best ways to visit the Chapel is to come along to our free family oriented medieval fair on the first Saturday in September, when there are also talks about the history of the building.

The Vicar of the Church of Christ the Redeemer (Church of England) is responsible for worship at the chapel. which takes place on the first Sunday in month at 8.30am, with special services at Christmas and Easter.

There is no permanent toilet at the Chapel but portaloos are sometimes provided for events. The nearest public toilet can be found in Aldi, 300 metres along Newmarket Road towards Cambridge.

The Chapel can be reached step free but across grass from the Chisholm Trail or via a flight of steps and surfaced path from Newmarket Road. There is a large step into the Chapel. We are trying to raise funds to enable step free, path access into the Chapel.

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Become a Guardian of this space - join us

The Leper Chapel is cared for by people just like you.

By joining as a member or patron you will be helping Cambridge Past, Present & Future care for and protect the Leper Chapel & Barnwell Meadows and the Charity’s other green spaces and heritage in Cambridgeshire.

Memberships start at £29.99 and all memberships include free entry to all our site open days, free parking at Wandlebury, 10% off at the Orchard Tea garden, subsidised venue hire & more.

About the Leper Chapel

The Leper Chapel dates from around 1125 and is the second oldest complete building in Cambridge.

It was originally built as part of an isolation hospital for lepers, and has survived the centuries largely because of its association with the Stourbridge Fair.

The Fair began in the 12th Century and, in 1211, King John granted a Charter to the Leper Hospital allowing it to hold a three-day market on the Vigil of Holy Cross Day. Rent from the stalls added to the hospital’s income, otherwise derived from begging and from rent from land holdings.

Barnwell Meadows

The land surrounding the Leper Chapel is also owned by Cambridge PPF. Barnwell Junction Pastures (also known as Barnwell Meadows) City Wildlife Site and was the site of the medieval Stourbridge Fair which was the largest fair in Europe at one point and took place on the site for 800 years. It was revived by Cambridge PPF in 2004.

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Directions & Transport

The Chapel is at Barnwell Junction on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ – close to Cambridge United football stadium.

The Chapel can be reached on cycle/foot by using several cycle routes, include Riverside and Chisholm Trail or alongside Newmarket Road.

Cycles can be locked to the railings next to the Chapel.

There is no car parking at the chapel itself. Please park in nearby streets or come by bus, bicycle or on foot.

Bus service, Stagecoach Citi 3 stops close by, get off at the Coldhams Common / Ditton Walk stop. It is also possible to use the Newmarket Road Park & Ride bus.