Great St Mary's
The University Church, Cambridge
Great St Mary's is an open and inclusive Christian community in pursuit of Truth. Our foundations were laid in 1010, and we have been the University Church since 1209. We are a spiritual home for the University and the City of Cambridge, a Church of England parish in the Diocese of Ely, and a destination for visitors from around the world. We are also a Living Wage Employer, and a Silver-Award Eco Church.
We'd love to hear from you. And if you want to be the first to know what's happening, sign up for our regular newsletter.
Renewal of Electoral Roll: below are buttons linking to the form to apply to be on the Electoral Roll and an information letter. Completed forms should be returned to the GSM church office, either by hand (or post) or by email (office@gsm.cam.ac.uk). Please return before 30th April 2025
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Chorister Voice Trials
These will be held on Saturday 19th April (afternoon). To sign up click HERE
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Music at Great St Mary's
Our music list for Lent, Holy Week and Easter is available here as a PDF.
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Coming Up at Great St Mary's​​​​
Thursday 17th to Tuesday 22nd April​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​Thursday 17th April - Maundy Thursday
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9:00am Morning Prayer
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7.00pm Choral Eucharist with the washing of feet
and vigil of the watch,
Preacher Malcolm Guite
​Friday 18th April - Good Friday
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9:00am Morning Prayer
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11.30am Ecumenical Act of Witness (in front of the Guildhall)
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12.00pm Silent Prayer
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12.30pm Meditations on the Cross Preacher Malcolm Guite
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1.30pm The Liturgy of Good Friday
​The tower and shop are closed to visitors on Good Friday
Saturday 19th April​ Holy Saturday
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10.00-12.00 Activity morning with Easter Garden making, crafts, story, song and refreshments
Children and their grown-ups are welcome, no need to book​
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Sunday 20th April​ Easter Sunday
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5.15am Dawn Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter with Baptism and Confirmation
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8:00am BCP Holy Communion
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10:00am Choral Eucharist (all ages) Preacher Malcolm Guite
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11.45am Choral Mattins
​The tower and shop are open from 1.00pm on Easter Sunday
Monday 21st April​ Easter Monday
No Morning Prayer or Silent Meditation
The church tower and shop are open 11.00-18.00 on Easter Monday (last tower ticket at 17.30)
Tuesday 22nd April​
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9:00am Morning Prayer
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10.30am The Ark in Michaelhouse
Malcolm Guite
(C) Lancia E Smith
A house of prayer for all people
Great St Mary's offers opportunities for prayer and worship, from quiet spoken services to liturgies with traditional choral music and pipe organ. Whether you're just curious about Christianity, or ready to join us on our journey of faith, learn more about our life of prayer.
We've sevices in church daily, including Sunday services at 8am, 10am and late afternoon, and weekdays at 9am.
Come visit Great St Mary's — to say a prayer in our medieval church, to climb to the top of our world-famous Tower, browse our gift shop, and dine at our award-winning Michaelhouse Café. We'd love to see you.
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We are open daily from 10.00am to 5.30pm (last tower ticket at 5.00pm), 12 noon to 3.30pm on Sunday (last tower ticket at 3.15pm) — click here for hours and further details.​
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Sing and make music! (Psalm 57.7)
With five choirs, two pipe organs, thirteen bells, and an orchestra, the University Church is home to a wide range of music — as well as one of the largest performance spaces in Cambridge. Whether you want to audition for a choir or come to a concert, visit our music page to learn more.
A community in pursuit of Truth
Since 1209, Great St Mary's has been the University Church for the University of Cambridge. Learn more about our student ministries, University Sermons, small groups and bible studies:
Dine with Us
Michaelhouse Café and Chapel
Michaelhouse is home to our award-wining Michaelhouse Café, as well as art exhibitions, meeting rooms, and our medieval chapel. Come on by for a cup of coffee, a delicious meal, or a quiet space to meditate.
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The café is open seven days a week, with both indoor and outdoor dining. We're located on Trinity Street, near Gonville & Caius College. Hours are posted michaelhousecafe.com.
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We gratefully acknowledge the grant we have received from the Amey Community Fund (part of the Landfill Communities Fund) which has contributed towards the cost of renovation of the chancel floor.
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Policies
Safeguarding
Great St Mary's strives to be a welcoming and safe community for all, including children and vulnerable adults.
Our Safeguarding Officer is Dr Julie Crockford, whose contact details, along with further safeguarding information can be found here.
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us at Great St Mary’s and we are committed to safeguarding the privacy of your information. Please check our website for the up to date version of our Privacy Notice, which explains how we obtain and use your personal information. By clicking “I accept your Privacy Notice” you confirm that you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice.