The tiny Cambridgeshire village with only 65 homes that was nearly wiped off the map

A massive lightning storm destroyed most of the village in the 14th century

There are many different villages and towns all nestled within Cambridgeshire, some big and some small. There are some places though that could be easily missed. One place that people probably drive past without realising is Lolworth.

Lolworth is a tiny village south of the A14. It is so small that it only has 65 houses and two farms. Lolworth Parish Council describes the village as a “hidden gem in the Cambridgeshire countryside”. Although people live happily there today, there have been times in its history that the village has almost disappeared.

In September 1393, there was a large lightning storm, causing a fire that burnt down most of the village’s homes and crops. It is thought that the fire also destroyed part of All Saints Church, with its side aisles lost and never rebuilt.

Lolworth was left desolate after the fire. The field next to All Saint’s Church is called Burnt Close, paying homage to the fire that nearly wiped Lolworth off the map.

The village eventually built itself up again. Today, it is a peaceful place to live, and is perfect for anyone wanting a quieter life in the countryside.

Although it is small in size, it is “rich in community spirit”, according to the Parish Council. Robinson Hall, previously a village school, serves as an important place for the community to gather together.

And although the village has no pub, there is the village club which offers residents a social place to meet. To get into Lolworth, it may seem quite complicated. This is because the village has no through-road, and has to be accessed via the A1307.