Leper Chapel, Cambridge, Medieval church chapel in east Cambridge, England
The Leper Chapel is a medieval church building located near Newmarket Road at Barnwell Junction in east Cambridge. It displays Romanesque architecture with original stonework from 1125 still visible in its eastern wall.
In 1199, King John granted permission for a three-day fair to be held near the chapel, which grew into medieval Europe's largest fair. This Stourbridge Fair brought enormous wealth and power to the site for centuries.
The chapel was built as a place of worship and refuge for people with leprosy in medieval times. Today it remains a gathering place where locals and visitors come together for cultural events and performances.
The exterior of the chapel is accessible year-round and can be viewed at any time, while the interior is open only during special events. Checking local event calendars or arranging group visits in advance is recommended for access to the interior.
The priest who served here held one of England's most financially rewarding church positions during the Middle Ages, benefiting from the fair's tremendous wealth. This exceptional arrangement made the role one of the most sought-after clerical positions of its era.
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