century saw some extensive renovation, with the roofs being renewed, and the clerestories being repaired. A vestry was added on the north side in 1867, and further restoration was carried out in 1875. Further works have been carried out in the 20th century, with the addition of a chapel in the north aisle, containing an Elizabethan altar table. In 1973 the bell tower was strengthened. There are some pictures and a description of the church at the Cambridgeshire Churches website. The church has a number of 15th-century memorial brasses: two are for former Rectors, John Sleford (d. 1401) and John Blodwell (d. 1462), and the third for an unidentified Knight (c.1480s). None is now in its original position. The village was at one time noted for its large community of Familists, members of an Anabaptist religious sect led by as Christopher Vitell. There is also an extensive history of other non-conformist congregations, from at least 1654. Governance Balsham is part of the South East Cambridgeshire constituency for UK general elections. A safe seat for the Conservative party, held by Lucy Frazer, following the retirement of Sir James Paice. Balsham is in the Linton Electoral Division for County Council elections. Balsham is in the South Cambridgeshire local government district. Balsham Parish Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month (excluding August and December) at the Sports Pavilion. The village is part of a two-seat Ward that also comprises Carlton, Castle Camps, Horseheath, Shudy Camps, West Wickham, West Wratting and Weston Colville. Geography Balsham is a large parish covering . It is located at in south east Cambridgeshire, near the county boundaries with Essex and Suffolk. The village is south east of the city of Cambridge. The larger village of Linton is to the south west, and smaller villages of West Wickham and West Wratting lie to the south east and north east respectively. The village is sited on a ridge which runs from east to west, reaching at its eastern edge. From the village, the ground falls away to open countryside. Economy and landmarks Balsham has a post office/general store and a Coffee Shop (which was, until recently, a butcher's shop, hence the name "The Old Butchers"). The village also has two public houses – The Black Bull and The Bell. Prince's Memorial is a full-sized bandstand opposite the village green. The Icknield Way Path passes through the village on