The Leper Chapel of St Mary Magdalen was built in the early twelfth century as part of the nearby Leper Hospital. In 1211, King John granted a fair to be held on the feast of Holy Cross, on Stourbridge Common, to support the work of the hospital. It became the largest medieval fair in Europe and some streets near the chapel still bear their original names. The chapel gradually fell into disrepair but was restored in the mid-nineteenth century. Regular worship is still conducted at the chapel and it is also used as a place of prayer and retreat. Further details can be obtained from the Vicar of Holy Cross. It is now owned by the Cambridge Preservation Society.

Entry made February 2001