Coordinates: 52°07′59″N 0°01′01″W / 52.133°N 0.017°W
| Orwell | |
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  Orwell
Orwell shown within Cambridgeshire |
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| Population | 1,080 (2001)[1] |
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| OS grid reference | |
| Shire county | Cambridgeshire |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| List of places: UK • England • Cambridgeshire | |
Orwell is a small rural village outside Cambridge in South Cambridgeshire, England. Orwell is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Ordeuuella, (Ord Wella, in Old English) meaning "spring by a pointed hill".
This refers to a hill behind St. Andrews Church at the top of which there is an old excavation site for Clunch, a traditional building material. It is now overgrown with wild flowers and is grazed by rare breeds of sheep. "The Clunch Pit" provides spectacular views into three different counties, as the pit places you a couple hundred feet above the village below. It also contains two caves.
The village is often a hub for the smaller villages around and plays host to events all year round.
The Prime Meridian passes the eastern edge of Orwell.
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew’s was founded sometime about 1150 AD, however, little of this early church remains. The tower, which was built in 1250, is decorated with dog tooth carving and blind arcading - unfortunately the tower has been in the wars over its 850 years, so the arcading has disappeared from the north wall, and much of the tower is patched with brick. The simple nave was rebuilt in the early 14th century, whilst the chancel, built by a bequest from the Rector, Richard Anlaby, is overpowering for the size of the nave. The south aisle dates from the 14th century, whilst the north was re-built using brick in 1883.
The simple misericords date from the early 15th century. These misericords are all simple V shapes, with a small decoration at the base.
It is worth noting that during the 19th century restoration a crucifixion sculpture, dating from about 1300, was discovered, this now resides at the east end of the south aisle, and although Mary is missing from it, Christ is shown in his agony on a simple crucifix made from a tree, with St John watching on.
The chancel vault was replaced during the 19th century, and the bosses, showing the arms of several county families, and painted in distemper, were recreated from a manuscript housed at Wimpole Hall.
References
External links
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