Little Wilbraham
| Little Wilbraham | |
|---|---|
 St John the Evangelist |
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 Little Wilbraham
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| Little Wilbraham shown within Cambridgeshire | |
| Population | 425 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TL546587 |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CAMBRIDGE |
| Postcode district | CB21 |
| Dialling code | 01223 |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Little Wilbraham is a village in Cambridgeshire, England, 6 miles (10 km) east of Cambridge between the A1303 and the A11. It is in the district of South Cambridgeshire. It is a small village with a population of only 394, increasing to 425 at the 2011 census, and there is little employment within the village. The church of Saint John the Evangelist lies to the east of the village.
Little Wilbraham was an independent village by 1086, known as Little Wilbraham by the 13th century - however also known as 'Little Wilborham' during the early 17th century. No ancient woodland was recorded in 1086, but 13 peasants were. The number of landholders increased to c. 40 by 1279. In 1563 there were only 21 families. Under Charles II, there were c. 40 dwellings and 124 adults. By the 1750s, this stood at 41 families with 183 adults. The total population rose steadily to reach 392 in 1851 and then 412 in 1881 before falling gradually to 266 in 1951. It now stands at 394.
Nowadays, a few small farmhouses and cottages survive from the 17th and early 18th century including White Hall, as timber framed building from around 1600. Since 1800, there has been a divide in habitation in the village. To the east, on a street called Green Street by 1460, lay the rectory and the church whilst to the west, as section called Hawk Street, most of the farmhouses and cottages existed. The Gate, originally the main village public house, recorded from 1783, closed after 1937. The Hole in the Wall, however, is still open today in a 3 bayed, mid 16th century building, enlarged westward in the 18th century.
The main body of St. John's Church in Little Wilbraham dates from the mid 13th century. The first known rector of the church was Walter, son of William, who lived around 1230. Late in the 13th century, the north aisle was added, probably originally as a chapel. On the outside, set into the flint wall, are the remains of the lower half of a crusader cross and this, along with the memory of the Order of the Templars, demonstrates the close links between the village and one of the Military Orders of the Crusading period. The 14th century saw major changes to the church. Early in the 14th century, the square tower was added at the west end, strengthened by supporting abutments or flying arches. On the north side, the wall was reconstructed so the top half of the crusader cross was lost. New windows were built in. Nearing the end of the 14th century, five ornate windows were also added.
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Wikipedia