Duxford Chapel

Just off the M11 close to the imperial war museum is the 13c Chapel of St John, Baptist. It is located on one of the crossings over the River Cam of the Icknield Way.

Originally part of a hospital for travellers using the Icknield Way, it was founded by Sir William de Colville.

From its foundation, until 1308, when the property of the Knights Templar in England were confiscated, the Chapel is believed to have belonged to Duxford Preceptory of the Templars. The Chapel fell into disrepair and was given, in 1324, by the Crown, to the Knights Hospitaler. They rebuilt the chapel in 1327 as a chantry for Sir William. The right of appointment of a chantry priest lay with the Bishops of Ely.

The Chantry came to an end in 1557 with the Act of Dissolution of Colleges and Chantries of King Edward VI

Some notable features include a single seat 'Sedilia', a scallop shaped piscina and in the north wall, an Easter Sepulchre - very much a part of English Catholic patrimony.