Gplace > United Kingdom > Cambridgeshire > Cambridge > Emmanuel United Reformed Church

“Historic United Reformed Church dating from 1874–75 on Trumpington Street, Cambridge. Renowned for its striking architecture and long legacy of community worship.”

Emmanuel Church began as a gathering of independent Christians in 1687 under the name “Great Meeting” before relocating to a new church building on Trumpington Street in 1874–1875, designed by architect James Cubitt.

The building is in the Early English Gothic Revival style, featuring a four-story tower with a spire, lancet windows, a rose window, and an interior with a central nave, arched vaults, oak furnishings, and beautiful stained glass from 1905 by Morris & Co., depicting stories of Reformation leaders.

In 2020, Emmanuel Church merged with St Columba’s Church to form “Downing Place United Reformed Church” and ceased using the Trumpington Street building for worship. The original building is now used for lectures and events by Pembroke College.

How to Get There

The church is located on Trumpington Street, just a few minutes’ walk from King’s Parade and Pembroke College. It is easily accessible from Cambridge city centre or by bus from the train station.

Travel Tips

The original church building is no longer used for worship but can be admired from the outside.
Visitors interested in architecture will appreciate its Gothic details and historic character.
The congregation continues at Downing Place URC, just a short walk away.

The Trumpington Street building is now a Grade II listed site and no longer functions as a place of worship. Services and events are now held at Downing Place URC.

Though no longer an active church, Emmanuel URC’s legacy lives on through Downing Place URC.
Its historic building remains a testament to Cambridge’s religious and architectural heritage.