The St Andrew the Less Community Project

St Andrew the Less is the 13th-century church on Newmarket Road, not far from the Elizabeth Way Roundabout, set back a little from the street, behind a row of scraggly trees and bushes.  It was once part of Barnwell Priory – built by Augustinian Canons that lived there for the people that had moved to Barnwell to provide for them.  The priory came to an end with the dissolution of the monasteries – much of it being taken apart to build the growing university colleges.  But the church remained, serving as a parish church for centuries more.

However, in recent years the church has fallen on hard times, finally being shut up and deconsecrated during Covid.  Now a small group has got together hoping to restore it for the community once again.  From this abandoned building we hope to create a space for learning, connection, inspiration and support for our neighbourhood and beyond, as well as celebrating its amazing heritage and fascinating history.  As a first step we have made this heritage trail to introduce visitors to this little known part of the city.  https://standrewtheless.org/heritage-trail/

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