St Peter, Cambridge

St Peter’s has retained its character as a little village church despite its site near the city centre. Set on a slight mound, with some venerable trees in the churchyard, this simple building is a haven of tranquillity from the busy streets around it. The history of the church has been one of repeated rebuilding, restoration and repair. The original church on this site was built in the 11th century. Additions included the tower and spire, which still stand today. However the original nave and chancel were demolished in 1781 to make way for the present building. Two doorways from the old church, mediaeval though Norman in spirit, were then reset in the north and south walls. There is a charming weathervane with the initials AP on it; these are said to be those of Andrew Perne, an 18th century Dean of Ely. The most remarkable survival of the early church is the 11th century stone font, which has extraordinary carved mermen at each corner. With the homely domestic architecture of the neighbouring houses, including Kettle’s Yard Museum next door, and the quaint buildings of the Cambridge Folk Museum nearby, this corner of Cambridge has an almost rural feel, in contrast to the grandeur of the university’s more spectacular and better known sights.