The second-oldest building in Cambridge, The Round Church was built around 1130 and is one of only four round churches in the country.
Officially named The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Cambridge, it is thought to be architecturally inspired by the rotunda in the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Since 1994 there have been no regular services at the Round Church – the congregation having outgrown the building.
I am very pleased the Round Church in Cambridge based itself on Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Unless the original Holy Sepulchre building was razed and rebuilt totally differently, I cannot see an architectural connection between the Cambridge and the Jerusalem churches. But I can see a powerful spiritual link that returning crusaders and pilgrims would have cherished.
I think this is what they mean by it being inspired by:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre#/media/File:ChurchOfTheHolySepulcher1885.png
It is a most attractive small building – I had not heard of it before, so thank you, Cherie
We around at the right times to go inside but from photos the architecture looks interesting.
I haven’t seen any churches built like that before. Thanks for sharing.
It was a first for me too.
Quite attractive. Love curves.
I am not quite sure how to answer that one!
Oh I remember this church, but it was shut when I was there.
So I didn’t get the chance to explore it.
Have you been to St Chad’s in Shrewsbury?
It’s kinda “round” too
I have visited and also sung in a choir inside the church, although both were many years ago. I drive past it often but never think of it as being round as the view is from the steeple side:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=st+chad%27s+shrewsbury&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiS-4Tl0cvXAhXFDxoKHXKxDQsQ_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=949#imgrc=051EAkUZ_OYvYM:
Beautiful church.Love the patina.
It is rather unusual.