A Thousand Years of History
When the first church was built on this site is difficult to tell. Certainly, Christians were here in the late 4th century, having travelled from the continent via the River Great Ouse. Christian symbols and artefacts recovered from the river at Godmanchester testify to the presence of early worship here. It is likely that it was on the site of the present church (the highest point in the old town -- although in East Anglia that is a relative term!). It is probable that the church, a wooden structure, was sacked by the Vikings during their periodic raids into England navigating the principal rivers of the land.
The second church on this site was Saxon, dating from the 9th century. It is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Parts of that church are incorporated into the present north porch and the font originates from that period. But as the town grew in importance so it needed a church in keeping with its growing status and community size.
The present Chancel, built in the early 13th century, was erected to replace the Saxon church. It was dedicated in 1215, reputedly in the presence of King John (but that may be folklore -- in 1215 he had other things on his mind!). The original people's entrance is still there on the south side and the outline of the priest's entrance in the north wall can still be seen.
As the town continued to grow, so did the church. A nave with a sharply pitched roof was added to the west end of the chancel and a square tower was built over the site where the current nave altar currently stands. There were two transepts, so the whole shape of the church was cruciform. The inside of the nave would have been richly painted and some of this decoration can still be seen above the chancel screen.
Unfortunately, building skills were not all that they now are and the central tower fell, demolishing much of the nave with it. A new nave was built, using the existing walls where possible (hence the irregularity of the west wall), north and south aisles were added and, in due course, the roof was raised further and the upper or clerestory windows were added to improve the lighting. Building styles were changing rapidly during this period and the north aisle windows (inserted from west to east) show how the styles were developing during this time.
A room was built over the north porch to act as a "strong room" for the parish records and valuables (the entrance can still be seen high in the wall above the north door) and a further room was built over the south porch for the vicar to live in. The Rector was Ramsey Abbey, which employed a vicar to take the services.
The tower was added in the early 17th century by "taxing" the local population -- a very unpopular move. It was built from stone taken from the ruined Hinchingbrooke Nunnery, on the outskirts of Huntingdon. Even the vicar of the day protested against paying for it. The warrant for his arrest is still in existence!
The Victorian era saw a great change in taste regarding church design. The magnificent east window in the chancel was torn out in order to add narrow lancet windows to enhance the "holy gloom" so loved by the Victorians. However, the beautiful stained glass of the south aisle is largely their contribution, together with the Reredos by Bodley and the organ by Bryceson.
The early 20th century saw the completion of the stained glass windows and the erection of the Saint Anne altar. And in the latter years of the 20th century there has been major restoration work to the church: roof, walls, vestries, organ, clock, heating and flooring.
When a Priest celebrates the Eucharist at the High Altar (pictured), he or she is standing on the very spot where priests have stood for over a thousand years, to offer the Holy Sacrifice.
What a privilege to be inheritors of such a rich history -- and what a responsibility!
We believe that the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester, exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our Church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who live and work within our town to come into contact with God’s love and come to faith in Christ.