Welcome to Great St Mary's
The University Church, Cambridge
As a community of worship, prayer, welcome and witness, Great St Mary’s Church seeks to promote the Gospel of Christ in Cambridge and in the wider world. We strive to be an inclusive and growing church, bound together by faith, love and mutual support, respecting and advocating for all people and our environment. 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.
Please note, on Saturday 16th August the church and tower will be closing at 2pm
(last tower ticket at 1.30pm) and reopening at 4.30pm
Coming Up at Great St Mary's:
16th-24th August
Saturday 16th August
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9.00am Men's Communion and Breakfast at Michaelhouse
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2.00pm Church closing (last tower ticket 1.30), reopening at 4.30
Sunday 17th August
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8.00am BCP Holy Communion
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10.00am Choral Eucharist (no Children's Church)
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5.00pm Evening Prayer (said)
Monday 18th August
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12:30pm Christian Meditation and soup lunch
Wednesday 20th August
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12:30pm Holy Communion in St Andrew's Chapel (GSM)
Sunday 24th August
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8.00am BCP Holy Communion
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10.00am Sung Eucharist, Children's Church in Michaelhouse
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5.00pm Evening Prayer (said)
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.
The church at the heart of Cambridge
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.
The church is 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.
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.
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.
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.
We are a Fairtrade Church
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.