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.
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​​​Coming Up at Great St Mary's​​​​:
29th June to 6th July
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Monday 30th June
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9.00am Morning Prayer
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12.30pm Christian Meditation (silent prayer) in Michaelhouse, followed by soup lunch​
Tuesday 1st July
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9.00am Morning Prayer
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10.30am The Ark (Children's Communion) in Michaelhouse
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12.30pm Midday Prayer in St Andrew's Chapel
Wednesday 2nd July
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09.00am Morning Prayer
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12.30pm Holy Communion in Michaelhouse
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1.00pm First Wednesday lunch in Michaelhouse
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7.30pm Compline (last of term), sung by the Great St Mary's Youth Choir
Thursday 3rd July
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9.00am Morning Prayer
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10.00am Chat-Play-Sing in Michaelhouse
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12.30pm Midday Prayer in St Andrew's Chapel
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6.30pm Choral Evensong, sung by the Choristers of Great St Mary's Church
Friday 4th July
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9.00am Morning Prayer
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12.30pm Midday Prayer in Michaelhouse
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1.00pm Free lunchtime concert: Thüringer Männerchor ‚Ars Musica‘, from Germany
Saturday 5th July
(no events)
Sunday 6th July Trinity III
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8.00am BCP Holy Communion
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10.00am Choral Eucharist and Children's Church
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5.00pm Choral Evensong (last of term) with valedictions, sung by the combined choirs of Great St Mary's
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.​
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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.​​
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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.