Cambridge Leper Chapel

The Cambridge Leper Chapel, also known as the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, is one of the oldest complete surviving buildings in Cambridge.

This 12th century Romanesque building was originally the chapel of an isolation hospital caring for people with leprosy and is Grade 1 Listed.

Visiting the Leper Chapel

You can admire the outside of the Leper Chapel at any time as the grounds are always open.

The Chapel is usually locked, so if you would like to see inside then please attend an event or open day at the Chapel. Group visits can be arranged in advance.

One of the best ways to visit the Chapel is to come along to our free family oriented medieval fair on the first Saturday in September, when there are also talks about the history of the building.

The Vicar of the Church of Christ the Redeemer (Church of England) is responsible for worship at the chapel. which takes place on the first Sunday in month at 8.30am, with special services at Christmas and Easter.

There is no permanent toilet at the Chapel but portaloos are sometimes provided for events. The nearest public toilet can be found in Aldi, 300 metres along Newmarket Road towards Cambridge.

The Chapel can be reached step free but across grass from the Chisholm Trail or via a flight of steps and surfaced path from Newmarket Road. There is a large step into the Chapel. We are trying to raise funds to enable step free, path access into the Chapel.

About the Leper Chapel

The Leper Chapel dates from around 1125 and is the second oldest complete building in Cambridge.

It was originally built as part of an isolation hospital for lepers, and has survived the centuries largely because of its association with the Stourbridge Fair.

The Fair began in the 12th Century and, in 1211, King John granted a Charter to the Leper Hospital allowing it to hold a three-day market on the Vigil of Holy Cross Day. Rent from the stalls added to the hospital’s income, otherwise derived from begging and from rent from land holdings.

Barnwell Meadows

The land surrounding the Leper Chapel is also owned by Cambridge PPF. Barnwell Junction Pastures (also known as Barnwell Meadows) City Wildlife Site and was the site of the medieval Stourbridge Fair which was the largest fair in Europe at one point and took place on the site for 800 years. It was revived by Cambridge PPF in 2004.

Directions & Transport

The Chapel is at Barnwell Junction on Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ – close to Cambridge United football stadium.

The Chapel can be reached on cycle/foot by using several cycle routes, include Riverside and Chisholm Trail or alongside Newmarket Road.

Cycles can be locked to the railings next to the Chapel.

There is no car parking at the chapel itself. Please park in nearby streets or come by bus, bicycle or on foot.

Bus service, Stagecoach Citi 3 stops close by, get off at the Coldhams Common / Ditton Walk stop. It is also possible to use the Newmarket Road Park & Ride bus.

Activities & Events

March 23, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Leper Chapel Opening, Cambridge

Sunday 23 March, 1.30-3.30pm at Cambridge Leper Chapel. Your chance to see inside one of Cambridge’s

April 13, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Leper Chapel Open Day

Your chance to see inside one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings, which is not usually open to the

April 20, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Easter Sunday Worship

Religious service in the atmospheric Leper Chapel led by the Vicar of the Church of Christ the

May 4, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Leper Chapel Open Day

Your chance to see inside one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings, which is not usually open to

May 10, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

The Archive of Dread: Revisited

Intimate theatre production performed by Robert Lloyd Parry. Documented tales of possession, monsters and the living

May 18, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Leper Chapel Open Day

Your chance to see inside one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings, which is not usually open to

May 25, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Leper Chapel Open Day

Your chance to see inside one of Cambridge’s oldest buildings, which is not usually open to

August 1, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

in situ: SKAREEE MONSTAS: Stories from Homer’s Odyssey

Fri 1 Aug & Sat 2 Aug, 8pm. Cyclops. Sirens. Scylla. Lotus Easters. Charybdis.  Man Eaters.

September 6, 2025
Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8JJ

Stourbridge Medieval Fair

Sat 6 September 12-4.30pm. Re-enactment of the famous Stourbridge Fair at Cambridge’s 2nd oldest building, the Leper

Appeals & Projects

Conservation:

Over its 900 year history the Leper Chapel has been adapted…

Save the Leper Chapel

The Leper Chapel is an iconic building in the Cambridge…

Hiring the Leper Chapel

Your hire supports our work to conserve the Chapel…

Save the Leper Chapel

Leper Chapel - Inspiring Artists

Over the centuries the Leper Chapel and Stourbridge Fair have inspired artists of all kinds.

David Wood is a local artist, illustrator and teacher.

Our Gallery

Donations:

Donate to help protect the beauty of Cambridge and its environment.

Membership:

Enjoy year-round
benefits & exclusive
events

Appeals:

Specific fundraising
projects for site
improvements

Become a part
of our community

Plan Your Visit
or Ask a Question

You can call us:
01223 243830

You can email us: enquiries@cambridgeppf.org

You can call us:

You can email us:

Skip to content