An area with a fascinating Christian heritage... 

"In Oakington, close to the churchyard, is a private burial ground containing the graves of three vicars who later became known as the Oakington Martyrs.  The site is preserved today as a memorial to non-conformist Protestantism."

"The Reverends Francis Holcroft and Joseph Oddy were 17th century pioneers of the non-conformist movement, and known as the ‘Apostles of Cambridgeshire’. It was by their heroic zeal that various non-conformist churches were established in Cambridgeshire.  Although originating from other villages, they were active in Oakington and buried in the Independent burial ground there along with their colleague from the next generation, the Reverend Henry Osland.  Ejected from their livings, persecuted and imprisoned for propagating their faith during their lives they became known as the ‘Oakington Martyrs’ in death."

Read more on Christian activity in the area at the fascinating Longstanton and District Heritage society post: http://www.ldhs.org/oakington-westwick/village-people/oakington-martyrs/the-burial-ground-of-the-three-martyrs-at-oakington/

Josh Monteiro, 12/11/2017