All Saints' Church, Cambridge

2013-06-26

Victorian decorative genius

All Saints’ stands opposite the gates of Jesus College in the heart of Cambridge, its pale stone spire a prominent city landmark.

It was built in the 1860s to the plans of the famous 19th-century architect G.F. Bodley, and is a triumph of Victorian art and design. The simple wooden door opens into a dramatic blast of colour and pattern.

Light gleams through stained-glass windows, designed by leading Arts and Crafts artists, including William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones and Ford Madox Brown.

What's more, almost every surface has painted, stencilled or gilded decoration. Pomegranates burst with seeds; flowers run riot over the walls.

There is a glorious painting of Christ, Mary and St John, with throngs of angels. The north aisle features three fine windows by C.E. Kempe and Co (1891-1923) together with glass by Douglas Strachan.

Fittings designed by Bodley include the alabaster font, the pulpit and the oak aisle screen.

Discover more about the wallpaintings in this church