Ruined and forgotten. That’s how many thought the Leper Chapel of St Mary Magdalene would end. Yet here it stands. A testament to resilience. A silent observer of Cambridge’s past.
The Leper Chapel of St Mary Magdalene is more than just a chapel. It’s a living time capsule. A Grade I listed building. It dates back to the 12th century. Imagine this place as a hospital. A refuge for those afflicted with leprosy. A disease that once ravaged Europe.
Life here wasn’t easy. Lepers faced social isolation. They were forced to live apart from society. The chapel provided a spiritual sanctuary. A place of worship. A place of hope. They earned income from the Stourbridge Fair. A medieval fair granted by King John himself. This fair brought immense wealth to the chapel. A fact often overlooked.
Later the chapel served various purposes. It was a pub. A warehouse. Even a storage shed. It faced neglect. It almost vanished completely. But it survived. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals.
Thomas Kerrich bought and restored the chapel in 1816. He gifted it to the University of Cambridge. The Cambridge Preservation Society took over its care in 1951.
Today the Leper Chapel of St Mary Magdalene is used for community events. It hosts cultural events. Weddings. Even theatrical performances. It’s a reminder of the past. A symbol of hope. It stands as a tribute to the community that once thrived within its walls. The Leper Chapel of St Mary Magdalene. A truly remarkable place. One that should be treasured. One that reminds us of the passage of time and the enduring power of hope.