Did you know Little Eversden has a history closely tied to its neighbor, Great Eversden? Though distinct parishes since the 13th century, their stories intertwine. Let’s explore Little Eversden.
Little Eversden spans 790 acres. It sits between Bourn Brook to the north and Mare Way to the south. The Roman road from Cambridge to Arrington Bridge forms its southeast border. Imagine Romans marching along that very road.
Little Eversden’s church is dedicated to St. Helen. The present building dates back to the 14th century. The nave and chancel were rebuilt then. Before that, Little Eversden likely shared a church with Great Eversden. The restored font is even older. It dates from the 13th century. Step inside St. Helen’s. Feel the history within these walls.
The village once had its own school. It closed in the late 1960s. Now, the building serves as an office. Education shaped lives here. It prepared youngsters for the world.
There was a pub here too. It was called The Plough. It stood from the start of the 19th century. Sadly, it closed in the late 20th century. Can you imagine locals swapping stories over pints?
The Prime Meridian runs through the parish. It separates Little Eversden from Great Eversden. Think about it. You can stand on the line that divides east from west.
Little Eversden has always been a small village. It lies on a spur of chalk. A northeast to southwest street runs through it. This is part of a minor road. It links the Mare Way and Comberton.
When the parish was enclosed in 1811, cross and back lanes partly survived. Now they have decayed further. Post-enclosure dwellings include former farm buildings. Clunch, a local material, was quarried here. It dates back to the mid-18th century. Field names suggest it could be even earlier.
The Parish Church of St. Helen stands in a slightly raised churchyard. A decayed clunch wall bounds it on the west. The fabric is of fieldstones and clunch rubble. Most of the church dates to the 14th century. The porch and tower are from around 1400 or the early 15th century.
Inside the church, the chancel has an east window of three trefoiled lights. There is also a window of a single trefoiled light at the west end of the north wall. Two rectangular windows are in the south wall. The north porch has two-centered entrance arch. It is flanked by trefoiled lights. The west tower rises to an embattled parapet.
The roof of the nave is divided into three bays. It has tie beams which rise off braced wall posts with carved pendants. Bells in the church date back to 1629 and 1666.
Little Eversden offers a glimpse into the past. It is a place where history and community intertwine. From its ancient roads to its parish church, Little Eversden tells a story of centuries. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet charm of this village. Consider the lives lived here. They have shaped Little Eversden into what it is today.