 the RounD Church Building
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Norman
The round part of the church was built in about 1130 by the ‘fraternity of the Holy Sepulchre’. They were evidently influenced by the round church in Jerusalem called the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th ct. Since they were Normans, recently arrived from France in 1066, they used the Norman or Romanesque style: hence the thick pillars and rounded arches.
 Round shape
Most churches in Western Europe are cross-shaped in their floor plan and in England there are only four other round churches like this one. They were all built following the First Crusade in 1097. The round shape is thought to celebrate the resurrection, as Constantine’s church in Jerusalem was built on the site of Jesus’ tomb and resurrection.
Chapel to Church
Initially, the church was a wayfarers’ chapel serving the main Roman road - the via devana - now Bridge street, just outside. It became a normal parish church in the 13th century with a proper chancel and a north aisle. Notice the fine angel roof which was carved in the 15th century.
Repair and Restoration
A heavy gothic tower, built over the round nave in the 15th century, caused a partial collapse in the round ambulatory in 1841. During the extensive Victorian repair and restoration it was replaced by the conical spire you see today. This was a desire to be faithful to the nave’s Norman origin. The south aisle and bell tower were also added and the whole east wall rebuilt.
East Window 
The fine east window replaces the Victorian one destroyed by a wartime bomb in 1942. It portrays a risen Christ triumphant over death and suffering. The cross is depicted as a living tree with leaves which are, appropriately, for ‘the healing of the nations (Revelation 22: 2).
Christian Heritage
In 1994 the overflowing congregation moved to the much larger St Andrew the Great just by Lion Yard, details of whose services are available here. Christian Heritage highlights the influence of Christianity on the story of Cambridge and western culture generally and consider the impact of secularism. For more information click here.
What else?
If you are interested further in this theme, look at the displays, see the video Saints & Scholars in the south aisle or go on one of our guided walks around Cambridge. Before you go, why not check out the bookstall or ask to browse our library.
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