Save the Leper Chapel

The Leper Chapel is an iconic building in the Cambridge landscape, renowned for its rich history and ties to the medieval Stourbridge Fair. Over its nearly 900-year history, it has endured numerous changes, from roof replacements to near dereliction, and now it faces a catalogue of urgent threats.

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

The chapel 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. Cambridge Past, Present & Future continues with the tradition of Stourbridge Fair the first Saturday in September in the chapel itself and the area around which is called Barnwell Meadows. Read more about Barnwell Meadows here.

The Fair grew to become one of the largest fairs in Europe by the 18th Century and existed for more than 700 years. 

A recent survey revealed that £250,000 is urgently needed to repair critical damage to the roof, structural cracks, and damp at the Leper Chapel.

 Historic England has placed the Chapel on the Heritage at Risk Register.

Without urgent action, we risk losing this unique piece of our local heritage forever. Please help us to save the Leper Chapel by Donating here

We need your help to safeguard the Chapel for future generations. Your donation will fund the detailed surveys and essential conservation work needed to save this historic building.

Please donate today— and help us protect this treasured part of Cambridge’s history. Thank you.