St Mary the Virgin Fen Ditton

St Mary the Virgin, Fen Ditton

St Mary the Virgin Church, situated near the banks of the River Cam just outside Cambridge, is a cherished landmark for both locals and visitors. Its proximity to the river makes it a notable point of interest for walkers on the towpath and rowers navigating the Cam. The church's weather vane and the riverside scene depicted in its West Window celebrate the Cam's rich rowing heritage. (achurchnearyou.com)

The church's history traces back to at least the 13th century, with the north aisle dating from around 1300 and the chancel from the 14th century. The nave arcades, clerestory, south aisle, and south porch were added in the 15th century. In 1881, the church underwent significant restoration by J.L. Pearson, and further work was completed in 1888-1889. The west tower was rebuilt to reproduce early 13th-century details. (historicengland.org.uk)

Architecturally, the church is constructed with walls of flint and limestone, incorporating some reused medieval stone with Barnack limestone and clunch dressings. The roofs are covered with lead. The tower comprises three stages with a plain parapet and a moulded plinth, featuring a small, lead-covered spirlet. The south aisle and porch have plain parapets and grotesque gargoyles. The porch is centrally positioned, partly rebuilt with a tall 19th-century, two-centre arched opening with attached shafts and moulded capitals and bases. (historicengland.org.uk)

Inside, the church features a nave roof of four bays with braced king posts, moulded tie beams with curved braces to wall posts, and a chancel roof with scissor-braced trusses. The font, dating from the late 14th century, has an octagonal bowl with quatrefoil panels. Stained glass in the south aisle east window was created by Kempe in 1898, and the east window by Clayton and Bell in 1881. (historicengland.org.uk)

The church is part of a united benefice with the neighbouring parishes of St Peter's, Horningsea, and All Saints', Teversham. The Revd Canon Nick Moir was licensed as the Rector in 2022. The parish covers not only the village itself but also a significant portion of the adjacent outskirts of the City of Cambridge, including areas such as Fison Road, Thorpe Way, Jack Warren Green, Howard Road, Dudley Road, Ditton Walk, and the Marleigh development off the Newmarket Road. (achurchnearyou.com)

Services are held at 10:30 am each Sunday, except the last Sunday of the month when the congregation joins with the sister churches in Teversham or Horningsea. There are regular midweek study evenings and a coffee morning on alternate Wednesdays. The church also hosts a children's area and is accessible to those with mobility challenges. (achurchnearyou.com)

For those interested in exploring the church's history further, the British History Online provides detailed information on the church's history and architecture. (capturingcambridge.org)

Overall, St Mary the Virgin Church stands as a testament to the rich history and community spirit of Fen Ditton, offering a serene and welcoming environment for all who visit.