Imagine villagers gathering here centuries ago in Little Wilbraham. What stories could this place tell? Little Wilbraham is a village in Cambridgeshire. It sits six miles east of Cambridge.
Let’s delve into its past. Little Wilbraham was an independent village by 1086. It was known as Little Wilbraham by the 13th century. Interestingly it was once called Little Wilborham in the early 17th century.
Archaeological finds reveal even earlier activity. Mid-nineteenth-century excavations unearthed burials. These burials dated to the early medieval period. They found 188 inhumations and 125 cremations. Notable discoveries included an iron-bound bucket and a horse burial.
In 1086 there was no ancient woodland. Thirteen peasants lived here. By 1279 the number of landholders increased to about 40. A census in 1563 counted only 21 families. Under Charles II approximately 40 dwellings housed 124 adults. By the 1750s there were 41 families with 183 adults. The population steadily increased reaching 392 in 1851. It peaked at 412 in 1881 before declining to 266 in 1951. Today Little Wilbraham has around 394 residents.
A few old farmhouses and cottages still stand. These date from the 17th and early 18th centuries. One example is White Hall a timber-framed building from around 1600.
Since 1800 habitation was divided. Green Street to the east held the rectory and church. Hawk Street to the west contained most farmhouses and cottages. The Gate a former public house closed after 1937. However The Hole in the Wall remains open. This is a mid-16th-century building enlarged in the 18th century.
Little Wilbraham is also defined by its agricultural roots. Until 1797 arable open fields dominated the southeast. Fen pasture covered the northwest. The village nestled close to their meeting point.
Let us turn our attention to St John the Evangelist. This church is the heart of Little Wilbraham. The main body of St. John’s Church dates from the mid-13th century. Walter son of William was the first known rector around 1230. Late in the 13th century the north aisle was added. It likely served as a chapel.
Look closely at the flint wall outside. You can spot the remains of a crusader cross. This symbol signifies close links between the village and the Crusades.
Major changes occurred in the 14th century. Early in the century the square tower was added at the west end. Supporting abutments strengthen the tower. The north wall was rebuilt. This unfortunately led to the loss of the upper half of the crusader cross. New windows were also installed. Near the end of the 14th century five ornate windows enhanced the church.
The 15th century saw more reconstruction. The south side of the chancel was rebuilt. An oak door was added at the entrance. The octagonal font inside is a well-preserved example of perpendicular stonework. The church’s appearance then was much like it is today.
Inside you can find tombs. One commemorates Reverend Erasmus Lane. He died on 27 October 1715 aged 75. Other tombs honor William Blackwey who died 11 April 1521 and Reverend John Hook who died 12 August 1777.
Little Wilbraham might be small but its history is rich. From ancient burials to medieval churches this village encapsulates centuries of English life. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. Little Wilbraham is a testament to the enduring spirit of rural England.