All Saints’ church:
All Saint’s church is situated on a high point of the village and is a Grade I listed building. The original building burnt down in June 1349 at the height of the Black Death epidemic. The re-built church is reputed to be an excellent example of 14th Century Perpendicular Architecture. Traces of the former church can still be seen within the walls. Research suggests that All Saints’ church was probably built on the oldest Christian site within Longstanton. The Old English cross stump has traces of moulded edges that may indicate that it is of Anglo-Saxon origin. Prior to a church being built Christian worship may have taken place, outdoors, at the old cross. Although not in its original position, the old cross was likely to have been originally erected nearby as All Saints’ church was built on the highest point in the parish.
Unfortunately, we have recently been advised that unless the old stump undergoes immediate conservation – it will be beyond repair.
Early this century the future of this church was in doubt when the Nave roof collapsed. It took 5 years, and the establishment of The Friends of All Saints’ Church, Longstanton before this church was re-opened on the 30th September, 2007.
Above photographs: From Mary Reader Collection showing the Dedication of the Women’s Branch of the British Legion at All Saint’s church, Longstanton. Date Unknown.
Photographs from Michael Goodchild Collection. Dr Michael Goodchild was the youngest son of Rev. John Goodchild and his wife Lilian Clark Goodchild (an artist). Rev. Goodchild was Rector and Vicar of Longstanton from 1936 until his death in 1944. The Goodchild family took many photographs of Longstanton during their time in the village. In addition Lilian painted a number of pictures of village scenes. Michael has kindly donated these images to LDHS and has been most supportive of the society and our work.
Photographs of All Saint’s church 2005 -2007 – Hilary Stroude Collection.
