Did you know that St Andrew the Great has a fascinating history? Right here before us stands a church with surprising twists and turns. Originally known as St Andrew without Barnwell Gate its parish spanned both sides of the King’s Ditch. Founded in the mid-to-late eleventh century it fell into disrepair by the 16th century. A rebuild in the 1660s wasn’t enough. The entire structure was demolished in 1842. The Neo-Gothic church we see today replaced it.
St Andrew the Great has witnessed centuries of Cambridge life. Burials stopped in 1857. The church was declared redundant in 1984. It was only revived in 1994 as the Round Church at St Andrew. A remarkable resurrection.
The Cook family has a strong connection to St Andrew the Great. Hugh Cook son of Captain James Cook a Christ’s College student is buried here. He died tragically young from scarlet fever. His mother Elizabeth Cook Captain Cook’s widow also found her final resting place here. She died in 1835 at the impressive age of 93. She outlived her husband by 56 years and her last child by 41. Her will included a generous bequest. The money ensured the family memorial remained clean and intact a testament to her enduring love. It’s a poignant reminder of personal loss and enduring family bonds.
The church was a center of Reformation preaching. William Perkins served as lecturer from 1585 until his death in 1602. He was followed by Paul Baynes and Ralph Cudworth. By 1650 the medieval church was in poor condition. It was suggested the parish merge with Holy Trinity. However a rebuild mostly funded by Christopher Rose twice Mayor of Cambridge saved it. Thomas Tenison later Archbishop of Canterbury served as curate of St Andrew’s. He was known for his care of plague sufferers.
St Andrew the Great has a rich and complex history. It’s a story of decay and renewal of faith and devotion of loss and remembrance. It’s a story that continues to unfold. Today St Andrew the Great thrives as a place of worship and community. The building stands as a testament to faith and resilience. A place where history and the present intertwine. A place worth exploring.