St Andrew’s Chesterton
History of St Andrew's Chesterton
Chesterton Church, R Farren 1881
A church has existed at this site since at least Norman times. A detailed history is available here:
St Andrew Chesterton
The church has famous 15th century wall painting called ‘The Doom Painting’.
St Andrew Chesterton
St Andrew Chesterton
It is also famous for its association with Olaudah Equiano, a slave from Nigeria who eventually bought his freedom and came to England where he wrote about his experiences.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaudah_Equiano
There is an interesting memorial to his daughter, Anna Maria Vassa who died in 1797 aged four just by the entrance to the church.
In 1789 Equiano wrote to the Cambridge Chronicle under the name Gustavus Vassa thanking the university and town of Cambridge for their kindness and hospitality:
Camb Chron 30/07/1789 – Olaudah Equiano
1868
St Andrew Chesterton
1876
Death of Benjamin Jolley, known as Charon the Ferryman
1888
In October the Rev P R Allnutt, possibly the curate, moved on to Comberton. He was presented with this book signed by the whole parish!
Rev P R Allnutt presentation book, 1888 (MoC)
1912
Further land at the church site was consecrated.
19.7.1912 Bishop of Ely consecrates additional land
19.7.1912 Bishop of Ely consecrates additional land
1914-1918
St Andrew Chesterton
St Andrew Chesterton
St Andrew Chesterton
1915
St Andrew Chesterton
1918
St Andrew’s Chesterton
1919
1930s
The base of a village cross was discovered during the demolition of cottages in Water Street. It was taken to the church for safe keeping.
Base of Chesterton village cross.
1939 – 1945
St Andrew Chesterton
1948
St Andrew’s Chesterton
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