The 'hidden gem' market held on the site of a lost Cambridge church

Cambridge's city centre is a lively place, busy with students, tourists, and people going about their business. One little spot where you can take a step away from the crowds is in a little market just off St John's Street.

Most people who have ventured through the city centre will have passed the market at All Saints Garden – many will have been in for a browse. But perhaps only a few people know that the market is on the site of a Cambridge church lost to time.

A memorial cross in the middle of the space tells part of the story of the long-lost church, which was demolished in 1865. It was known as All Saints in the Jewry, because the area was once part of Cambridge's medieval Jewish Quarter, according to a blog by Cambridge University's Faculty of Divinity.

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Cambridge had a thriving Jewish community until 1275, when all Jews were banished from the city. In 1290, King Edward I of England issued an edict forcing all Jews to be expelled from the country and their property confiscated, with many leaving for France and Belgium, according to Cambridge Traditional Jewish Congregation.

It isn't clear exactly when the church was built at the location of today's market, but its history dates back to the 11th century, according to Capturing Cambridge. Historic England says the original church's tower was built on arches over the street, astride the pavement, and there are historic photographs showing the lost church.

The medieval church was rebuilt a few times, but by the middle of the 19th century, the church was too small for its congregation. It was decided that the church should be moved to nearby Jesus Lane and some features transferred to the new church. The original church was demolished in 1865.

That new church, also called All Saints' Church, is also known as The Painted Church for its beautiful hand-painted walls. It "is one of the best preserved Anglo-Catholic interiors in England", according to Historic England.

But back to All Saints Garden. The market now held there on Saturdays and occasional weekdays has been described as a 'hidden gem' by TripAdvisor reviewers, many of whom praise the hand-crafted goods on sale, as well as the coffee.

So next time you pass by, why not step into the churchyard for a moment? You can think about how the story of the market there covers nearly 1,000 years of Cambridge's history – or you can simply pick up a coffee.