Exhibition to celebrate 900 years of the Diocese and 800 years of the University of Cambridge

   

On Saturday 16 May, an exhibition opened at St Paul’s to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge and the 900th anniversary of the Diocese of Ely. While the displays covers the origin of the diocese, the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII ascending the throne and the Reformation, particular mention is made about the translation of the Bible into English.

 

St Paul’s is a Victorian church and owes its original building and further development to University members who were the main contributors. By the time the church celebrated its first Jubilee in 1892, no less than ten Professors and their families strongly supported the church. These were headed by Professor Sir George Gabriel Stokes, Lucasian Professor for 50 years and Churchwarden for 34 years.In the 20th century, two world wars had a devastating impact. For WWI over 100 names are on the church war memorial, including the vicar’s only son. This Roll of Honour is also on the memorial boards in the Guildhall and St George’s Chapel,  Ely Cathedral. For WWII, 32 names are listed on the memorial which was restored in 2005 and includes both women and men civilians. The church had its east window bombed out in 1941. On a brighter note a church warden survived WW1 and eventually received Maundy money from the Queen at Ely in 1987.

 

  

 

The church celebrated its 150th anniversary with Canon Michael Farrer in 1992 and then went on to be reordered to provide the Centre at St Paul’s which hosted a Millennium celebration. This went on to include the centenary of Tilly who had been baptised in the church in 1902 and attended the church all her life. The Four University Departments in the parish – Cambridge University Press, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the university Chemistry Department and the Scott Polar Research Institute are all contributing to the Exhibition. Over 30 organisations which the church supports will have information on display. The church school is putting on a major part of the exhibition in keeping with the 'Year of the child 2009'.