St Mary, Burwell (MoC)

St Mary, Burwell

History of St Mary Burwell

Listed Building:

Parish Church, very fine, Perpendicular, believed to be the work of Reginald Ely, master mason of King’s College Chapel Cambridge. Built while John Higham was vicar 1439-67; inscription above chancel arch 1464 for the completion of the nave roof. The early C12 tower rebuilt above first two stages with C15 third stage and octagon; western end of C14 south aisle survives in part with C15 vestry or treasury. Spirlet above lantern to the tower dated 1799.

Three C17 head stones on north side of path leading to and twenty-five yards from north porch with indecipherable inscriptions. ( i) Skull and cross-bones with central cherub and swags. ( ii) Cross bones with hour glass surmounted by winged skull. (iii) Large rectangular hole with inscription above.

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Standing at the heart of one of Cambridgeshire’s largest villages, St Mary’s Church is among the county’s grandest medieval parish churches. Much of the present building dates from the fifteenth century, when Burwell prospered through agriculture and trade linked to the nearby Fens. The result is an impressive Perpendicular church of generous proportions, its lofty clerestory, broad nave and tall west tower reflecting both the confidence and prosperity of the medieval community.

The spacious interior is filled with light, allowing visitors to appreciate the remarkable quality of its stone carving. The church is particularly associated with the master mason Reginald Ely, who later worked on King’s College Chapel in Cambridge. His influence is most clearly seen in the beautifully carved capitals, window tracery and decorative details that enrich the building. These fine carvings demonstrate the skill of the craftsmen working in East Anglia during the late Middle Ages.

Perhaps the church’s most celebrated feature is its magnificent timber roof. The roof bosses are among the finest in the county, depicting saints, biblical scenes, foliage and humorous figures. The most famous is the so-called “urine bottle” boss, showing a medieval physician examining a flask of urine, a reminder of the importance of uroscopy in medieval medicine and one of the most unusual carvings to survive in an English parish church. Together with angels, musicians and lively grotesques, these carvings provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval belief, learning and humour.

St Mary’s also preserves fine medieval woodwork, an impressive font and monuments commemorating generations of Burwell families. Although restored during the Victorian period, the church retains its medieval character and remains one of Cambridgeshire’s finest examples of Perpendicular architecture. Combining architectural grandeur with exceptional craftsmanship and delightful carved details, St Mary’s is rightly regarded as one of the county’s outstanding historic churches.

Reference: based on the description of Burwell in Simon Jenkins, England’s Thousand Best Churches, with additional architectural and historical context.

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