In 1841, a chapel was built in Burwell as a Baptist mission from Soham. Ten years later, in 1851, twenty-five members established a Baptist church in Burwell. In 2026, we will celebrate our 175th anniversary.
It’s important to remember that Baptists faced significant restrictions in the past. They were not permitted to hold services within five miles of a Church of England church until 1812, conduct weddings before 1836, or attend university until 1871.
In 1851, England was at the peak of the Industrial Revolution, hosting the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. Criminals were regularly transported to Australia, and public executions were common. The British were fighting Russia in the Crimean War in 1853, Big Ben was cast in 1856, and the American Civil War broke out in 1861.
At that time, Burwell was a village on the edge of the Fens, sustained by farming, milling, timber, peat turf cutting, and coprolite mining. There were no streetlights, and the chapel was lit by candles, which also provided the only warmth. The roads were unpaved, and transport was provided by horse drawn vehicles or via the waterways.
The village and the lode gained importance with the opening of the Burwell Chemical Works, and the population grew to 2,040. However, there were still cases of Fen Ague or English Malaria, treated with opium. Most people worked 60 hours a week, and the average life expectancy was 41.
Since then, the church has endured through two world wars, the influenza epidemic of 1918, and a more recent pandemic. If you are interested to read more about our history we have published an updated edition of David Martin’s excellent social history of the church to mark the anniversary. The new edition is available to on Amazon Order Now
In 2026, the church and wider community of Burwell will celebrate 175 years of God’s grace poured out on and through Burwell Baptist Church, and will invite this generation to step into the next chapter with us.
21 March 2026 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
9 May 2026 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
175th Anniversary Community Celebration
13 September 2026 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
175th Anniversary Harvest Service
18 October 2026 10:30 am – 11:30 am
