Great St. Mary's Church, Cambridge (must see)

Standing at the north end of King’s Parade, Great Saint Mary’s Church faces one of Cambridge’s busiest and most historic streets. As you arrive, use the tall square tower as your landmark: it rises above the surrounding college buildings and is the easiest way to identify the church from a distance. From King’s Parade, pause outside the west end and look up at the tower before entering. This is the same tower whose clock chimes the “Cambridge Quarters,” the pattern later associated with the famous chimes of Big Ben.

Step inside through the main entrance and take in the long, light-filled nave. The church was rebuilt after a major fire in 1290 and later took on its present Late Perpendicular Gothic character, which you can recognize in the tall windows, vertical lines, and spacious interior. Look around the nave for the 18th-century galleries, added in 1735 to accommodate the large congregations required to attend University Sermons. These sermons reflect Great Saint Mary’s long role as the University Church of Cambridge.

On the left-hand side as you enter, look for the first edition King James Bible, one of the church’s special treasures. Continue toward the front to find the chancel area, where the Parish Organ is located. At the west end, above the entrance, you can identify the University Organ in the gallery. Originally built in 1698 by Bernard Smith and expanded over time, it remains an important part of university services and concerts.

Also look for the 1632 font and the unusual moveable pulpit, one of the few of its kind in England. Near the front, the sculpture of Christ in Majesty by Alan Durst, completed in 1960, adds a modern devotional focus to the historic setting.

For the best view, climb the tower, which can be reached from inside the church for an admission fee. The staircase is narrow, so go steadily and carefully. At the top, the viewing platform offers one of the finest panoramas of Cambridge, with King’s College Chapel, the market square, college courts, rooftops, and the surrounding city spread out below.

Great Saint Mary’s is worth visiting not only for its architecture, but also for its living connection with both parish life and the University of Cambridge. Its excellent acoustics also make it a fine concert venue, so check the schedule if you have time.