CambridgeshireCHEVELEYStMaryHolyHostHeaven(johnsalmonCC-BY-SA2.0)1 JohnSalmon

St Mary & the Holy Host of Heaven

A 13th century, Grade I listed church in the heart of the village.

Cheveley, Cambridgeshire

Opening times

The building is open daily 9am to 5pm, April to September and 9am to 4pm October to March.

Address

High Street
Cheveley
Cambridgeshire
CB8 9DG

St Mary's has a quite extraordinary dedication!

It is believed to be unique and may indicate the church was first consecrated on the feast of Assumption. The building was begun in 1260 with major rebuilding taking place in 14th,15th and 19th centuries.

It comprises a nave, chancel and transepts and may have been inspired by the great cathedral of Ely. The font by the west door is a Victorian replacement of the medieval original and around the bowl are a series of carved shields bearing instruments of Christ's passion; hammer and nails, cross and crown of thorns etc.

A permanent memorial to the men of Cheveley who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1918 hangs on the wall adjacent to the west door.

A 14th century oak rood screen separates the nave from the chancel and choir stalls. The Chapel of St Nicholas & Lady Chapel are the oldest parts of the building. It is used for quiet prayer and as the children's activity area when required. The south transept is somewhat dark due to a large stained glass window. It has a set of oak kitchen units used for refreshments at our many events. The sanctuary and high altar is used at Communion services. Behind the altar is a reredos showing the crucified Christ in the centre, Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden as well as the nativity.

The stained glass window above depicts the crucifixion of Christ and dates back to 1873 and is by Charles Kempe the renowned Victorian stained glass artist. The organ sited to the right of the altar dates back to 1873 and was a gift from Ellen Bradley. It is regularly used by resident and visiting organists.

The building has many memorials and stones and are well worth studying. The tower contains 5 bells which are no longer tolled but hit by a clapper from a fixed rope system.

The church is a prominent structure standing within a now closed churchyard.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access throughout

  • Dog friendly

  • In addition to our regular services of worship and morning prayer, we hold concerts, social events as well as a winter craft fair, Christmas tree festival and crib service.

  • Church of England

  • Cornerstone Grant, £10,000, 2019

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

All Saints

Kirtling, Cambridgeshire

The church sits close to Kirtling Towers, a large Tudor gatehouse and the most substantial remaining part of a castle and great house that was the seat of the North family.