St Andrew
Woodwalton is the ancient and beautiful church glimpsed each day by hundreds of commuters on the East Coast Mainline in Cambridgeshire. It is also featured on the front cover of Andrew Barr's book The Nation's Favourite Churches.
However despite strong local support - through The Friends of St Andrew's, Wood Walton - sadly, the church is not always open to visitors (except as part of Heritage Open Days in September). The church is frequently closed for repairs, but it may be possible to visit it by special arrangement. Please ring the office for more details.
Why is the church closed to visitors?
St Andrew's is one of the most acute of all the conservation challenges faced by the Friends. The church has been moving for a century or more and it was this coupled with its remoteness which led to its abandonment thirty years ago. We have repaired the exterior since then and have been monitoring the internal movement before resorting to a full scale programme of conservation.
We have applied to English Heritage for grant aid but have a lot more to do to ensure this church is repaired and restored for future generations.
Fabric and Fittings
The tower dates largely from the reconstruction of 1860 by Mr Eaton of Tichmarsh but substantial areas of the shell and much of the interior are medieval. The architect in 1860 was Edward Browning of Stamford.
A particularly striking feature of the interior is the disparity between the south arcade which is Early English in date and the north arcade which is distinctively Perpendicular in its use of shields on the capitals.
The contents include a collection of early stone coffin lids and fine Neo-Classical monuments in the chancel. A stained glass window is also on loan to the Stained Glass Museum at Ely.
Visitor Info
It may be possible to visit it by special arrangement. Please ring the office for more details.
Keyholder
Church frequently closed for repairs - call the office to check current situation.
Local News
Local Friends group: Friends of Woodwalton
Location
Woodwalton is the ancient and beautiful church glimpsed each day by hundreds of commuters on the East Coast Mainline in Cambridgeshire.
OS Reference: TL 209 822
Find on Google Maps
Friends of Woodwalton
We are greatly indebted to the local group of Friends of Woodwalton for all their hard work and commitment - amongst other things they tidy the church, organise events and even fundraise for the fabric. We are also very grateful to them for opening the church during Heritage Open Days.