The Parker Library

Parker Library image

Our closest neighbour is The Parker Library in Corpus Christi College.

The Parker Library is famous for its important collection of medieval and renaissance manuscripts and early printed books. It is one of the most significant surviving renaissance libraries in Europe. The collection was largely established by Matthew Parker (1504 - 1575) (Archbishop of Canterbury and Master of Corpus Christi College) in the late sixteenth century. It includes such magnificent books as the sixth-century St Augustine Gospels, the earliest copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the Bury Bible.

St Botolph’s is delighted to be able to display facsimiles of two jewels of the collection, the Peterborough Bestiary and the Corpus Apocalypse. These are in the display case in the North Aisle.

Peterborough Bestiary image

A bestiary is a book of real and imagined animals used as a framework for moral teaching. The Peterborough Bestiary is among the most richly decorated examples with over a hundred miniatures set on glowing golden backgrounds within coloured Gothic ornamental frames. The Bestiary was written and illustrated in about 1300 to 1310, just before the present St Botolph’s building was constructed.

Corpus Apocalypse image

An apocalypse is a medieval manuscript usually based on the biblical text of the Book of Revelation and describing the battle between good and evil. The Corpus Apocalypse is one of the finest fourteenth-century illustrated examples, dating from around 1330. It is lavishly illustrated with many brightly coloured miniatures.

St Botolph’s is very grateful to Corpus Christi for enabling this display and in funding the banners which provide more information on the early history of the church in England. More information about the Library and its treasures can be found here

Hello and welcome to St Botolph's. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

Welcome to St Botolph's

The following information is specifically for those planning a first visit, so that you know beforehand what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

Our services are at St Botolph's church in the centre of Cambridge (details below). On Sundays these always start at 11.00am. We suggest planning to arrive 10-15 minutes early, especially if driving as parking spaces are in short supply in central Cambridge, and to find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by a sides person who will help you find somewhere to sit and will give you a hymn book and a prayer book, or a service sheet.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the service and we hope very much that you will stay for a chat. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Plan your journey:

Open Google Maps

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access. Please let the sides person know on your arrival and they will help you. Please note access to the toilet requires a step.

The service

Our Sunday service begins at 11am and follows the Book of Common Prayer. On the first, second, fourth and fifth Sundays we have a Sung Eucharist. On the third Sunday we have Choral Mattins with a said service of Holy Communion at 8am. There will be organ music before the service and the bell will ring for about five minutes before the service starts. All services will have a sermon from the Rector or a visiting preacher. These usually last for around 10-15 minutes. The choir plays a part in all services, leading hymns and sung elements of the service. The service ends with an organ voluntary. Many people sit and listen to this for five minutes or so. Others will start to congregate around the tea and coffee table for a chat.

What about children?

We welcome children of all ages and no one should be embarrassed if young ones cry or older ones wander around. We do not have a Sunday School so children remain in the service with their parents. There is a carpeted area in the side chapel which is available for parents and small children who want to step away from the main church for a while.

Getting in touch

Helping with services and the life of the church

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make our services run smoothly, please let us know. We are always looking for help with anything from flowers, to refreshments, to opening the church for visitors during the week and a hundred and one other tasks that keep the life of the community.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


The Rev'd Jonathan Collis, Rector		Sarah Eastwood, Churchwarden

We hope that you will feel at home at St Botolph's.

Best Wishes,
All at St Botolph's