The Chapel of St John the Baptist, Duxford

Whilst not strictly a church (it is no longer consecrated), I have included Duxford Chapel because of its interesting history and rustic charm.

It was founded around 1200 by the local Lord of the Manor, Sir William de Colville, and first mentioned in records in 1236.  Now in the care of English Heritage, the chapel was part of a small hospital providing shelter for travellers and care for sick people, one of many such foundations established around this time. It would have been staffed by a Master with at least one other brother.

The chapel was largely rebuilt in the 14th century, when it became a chantry: it is possible that the hospital (like many others in the period) lost some or all of its endowments. Whatever the cause, it remained a chantry until it, like others, was dissolved in 1548 under Edward VI. Thereafter, it was used as a barn for the adjacent Inn, which presumably had also taken over its original role to provide hospitality for travellers.

The chapel has an undivided nave and chancel, and is made of flint and pebble rubble, with dressings of limestone and clunch. The single-light windows on the north side have cusped headings, and shafted jambs inside with moulded caps and bases. The east end of the chapel is best preserved, with the remains of an easter sepulchre, aumbry, piscina and sedilia.

The chapel is normally open during daylight hours: free entry.