CambridgeshireBURWELLStMary(kimfrysonCC-BY-SA2.0)1 KimFryson

St Mary the Virgin

St Mary's is a grand church, reflecting a time when Burwell was an inland port.

Burwell, Cambridgeshire

Opening times

Open daily during daylight hours.

Address

High Street
Burwell
Cambridgeshire
CB25 0HB

There are traces of Norman work in the church, but the nave was almost entirely rebuilt in the mid 15th century, and the chancel in the 16th century. It is in classic Perpendicular style: soaring piers, large windows and a window filled clerestory.

There are hints of the influence of Ely Cathedral in the octagonal top of the tower, topped by an unusual 18th century spirelet.

One of the most eye catching features of the interior is the rose window above the chancel arch. It is surrounded by very intricate stonework, and there is much carving in stone and wood throughout the church. Some of the finest is in the woodwork of the roofs, where many creatures are depicted and the stone corbels are in the shape of angels.

In the churchyard is a gravestone on which is carved a winged stone heart with flames coming out of it. This commemorates 76 people who were killed when a barn caught fire. They had all been inside watching a puppet show; it happened on 8th September 1727.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Nichoals

Landwade, Suffolk

The church of St Nicholas is privately owned and falls in the grounds of Landwade Hall.