Cambridge City Crematorium
Cambridge Crematorium occupies a peaceful site, with its beautiful gardens, natural woodland, and tranquil water
areas, all containing an abundance of wildlife. The Crematorium was opened in 1938 as a private concern before being taken
over in 1950 by Cambridge City Council. There are two chapels at the crematorium, the east which was opened in 1938 and the
west in 1991. Adjacent to the crematorium is the Huntingdon Road cemetary.
Facing the crematorium entrance and situated between cloistered areas the traditional east chapel, which
retains many of its original features, can seat approximately 55 people. This chapel is equipped with a Johannes organ as
well as facilities for playing CD and tape music if required, together with induction loop system. The chapel is on a single
level giving easy access for wheelchairs.
The second chapel (west chapel) completed in 1991 has extended the service
provided by the crematorium. It enhances the existing environment — providing seating for 193 people, with 139 in the main
body of the chapel and 54 on the balcony.
For a permanent memorial to the deceased there is the book
of remembrance situated between the columbarium and east chapel. The memorials books are beautifully bound in leather,
richly tooled, and the leaves are of the finest paper. The books have been fashioned by hand in traditional style with the
permanence and artistic excellence of medieval illuminated missals. A page is devoted to each day of the year in order that
inscriptions can be viewed on the appropriate anniversary. The pages to the book of remembrance are turned daily, including
all bank holidays.
The Gardens of Remembrance have been fully landscaped, which provide a secluded and peaceful
environment where cremated remains can be strewn. Ornamental shrubs, rose bushes and trees contribute to make a tranquil area
where people can sit on seats dedicated to the memory of loved ones. The more formal areas contain memorial
vaults for the interment of cremated remains, which are situated under the pergolas and the sunken garden. There is also
a columbarium, which is sited close to the book of remembrance
and the east chapel, where cremated remains rest in inscribed caskets.
Locations & Directions
M11 Approach
If you are approaching the Crematorium from the south, using the M11, leave the M11 at junction 14 , signposted A14 east/Newmarket. Keep in the right hand lane and follow the signs marked A14 west/Huntingdon. Stay in this lane - the road will run parallel with the M11 but will rejoin the road on the inside carriageway. The crematorium is approximately 300 yards from this point and you will soon see another inside lane, which is reddish brown in colour and marked Keep Clear, drop into this lane as soon as possible, it is for crematorium traffic. Reduce your speed as high-sided vehicles parked in a lay-by often obscure the entrance to the site, which is immediately on your left and is easily missed.
A14 (westbound) Approach
If you are approaching the Crematorium from the east, using the A14 westbound, exit at junction 31, the M11 interchange. Keep in the right hand lane and follow the signs for A14 west/Huntingdon. As the road merges with the M11 keep in the inside lane as the crematorium is approximately 300 yards from this junction. There will soon be another inside lane, which is reddish brown in colour, and marked Keep Clear, drop into this lane as soon as possible, as this lane is for crematorium traffic.
Reduce your speed as high-sided vehicles parked in a lay-by often obscure the entrance to the site, which is immediately on your left and is easily missed.
A14 (Huntingdon) Approach
If you are approaching the Crematorium from the Huntingdon area using the A14 eastbound, keep on the A14 but when the road divides at the commencement of the M11 move over to the right hand lane, marked A1307 Cambridge, and in approximately 100 yards take the right hand turn marked Crematorium/Madingley. The road soon comes to a T-junction where it is crossed by two lanes of traffic leaving Cambridge, this is one-way only you must turn right. When you have joined this road the road merges with the A14 westbound/M11. Keep on the inside lane. There will soon be another inside lane that is coloured reddish brown and marked Keep Clear, drop into this lane as soon as possible, as this is for crematorium traffic.
Reduce your speed as high-sided vehicles parked in a lay-by often obscure the entrance to the site, which is immediately on your left and is easily missed.
A428 Approach
If you are approaching the Crematorium from the west, using the A428
you need to leave the A428 at the Madingley turn. Follow the road through the village of Madingley and the signs for the A14/Crematorium.
This road will bring you to the junction of the A14/M11 interchange. Turn left, being very careful of fast moving traffic.
You will soon come to the inside lane coloured reddish brown and marked Keep Clear, drop into this lane as soon as possible
which is for crematorium traffic.
Reduce your speed as high-sided vehicles often obscure the entrance to the site, which
is immediately on your left and is easily missed.
On entering the site follow the signage for parking round to your right,
the east chapel car park is to the right and the west chapel to the left.
Maps
Histon Road Cemetery | Crematorium and Huntingdon Road Cemetery | Newmarket Road Cemetery |
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