Interested in seeing a true part of England’s rich history? Look no further than King’s College Chapel in Cambridge. This stunning chapel is not only a beautiful piece of architecture, but it also holds significant meaning for both the University and the country.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before planning your visit, including a little bit about the Chapel’s history, what you can expect to see, and how to get the most out of your experience.
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History of the Chapel
King’s College Chapel is one of the most iconic buildings within Cambridge, and perhaps the entire United Kingdom. It’s a breathtaking example of medieval English architecture, not to mention one of the best-kept structures of its kind.
King’s College was founded in 1441, by then-king Henry VI as part of his plans to establish a new college within the University of Cambridge. He compelled landowners within the township to sell him plots by the river and ultimately ended up clearing that space for the commencement of construction in 1446. Henry himself laid the foundation stone on July 25, upon which crews continued construction until opening hostilities of the Wars of the Roses began in 1461. It was at this point that work on the chapel came to a grinding halt for decades.
Very little construction was conducted on the chapel during Edward IV’s reign, but 5 bays were completed and put into use during Richard II’s short rule. Henry VII eventually provided the funding to complete the building, which was finished in 1515.
While the chapel was originally intended to be part of a four-sided courtyard with three other grandiose buildings, those plans were never realised. All that ever materialised was the chapel itself, which is world-renowned for its beauty.
King’s College Chapel has managed to avoid any serious damage over the centuries. It withstood the onslaught of Cromwell’s troops during the English Civil War and later emerged unscathed from both world wars.
The chapel is currently used for daily services, occasional concerts, the televised Christmas Eve service, featuring the college choir and as a venue for University of Cambridge graduation ceremonies. It also functions as a tourist attraction, with hundreds of visitors each day.
Features of the Chapel
King’s College Chapel is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of late Gothic English architecture. It features a dramatic fan-vaulted ceiling, beautiful stained glass windows, and an intricately carved organ.
The Fan Vaulted Ceiling
The chapel’s most iconic feature is its magnificent fan vaulting, which spans the entire length of the building between its north and south walls. The vault is made up of stone ribs that radiate outwards from central columns, creating a series of concentric arches.
The fan vaulted ceiling of the chapel. Image courtesy of www.cambridge-colleges.co.uk
Tudor Choir Stalls
King’s Chapel boasts a large number of beautifully carved choir stalls, which date back to the 16th century.
Rubens’ Adoration of the Magi
One of the most striking features of the chapel is Rubens’ painting Adoration of the Magi, which hangs above the high altar. The painting was created in 1634 and is a true masterpiece.
The Stained Glass Windows
The Chapel is home to some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in all of Europe. They depict biblical scenes and figures, as well as important moments in the history of the college.
It’s said that the glass was all removed during WWII in order to prevent any major damage and the chapel itself, along with most of Cambridge largely escaped damage from bombing during the war.
Carvings and Statues
Throughout the chapel, you’ll find a variety of carved bosses and stone misericords. These carvings depict a range of subjects, from religious iconography to heraldic beasts.
The Organ
The chapel’s organ is one of the largest and most powerful in all of England. It has more than 5,000 pipes and can be heard from all corners of the building. The organ is used during religious services and concerts.
Chapel Exhibition
King’s Chapel has an exhibition on the history of the building, which includes scale models, plans, workman’s tools, and period costumes. The exhibition is located to the left of the altar.
Size of the chapel
King’s College Chapel is one of the largest and most magnificent collegiate chapels in the world, measuring over 289 feet in length and 94 feet in height. It can accommodate up to 2,000 people.
Age
The chapel is over 500 years old, having been completed in 1515. It was built under the orders of King Henry VI, who founded the college in 1441.
Visiting the Chapel – What You Need to Know
King’s College Chapel is a popular tourist attraction for travellers from all over the world. If you’re interested in visiting, there are a few things you should know.
Location
King’s College is located in the centre of Cambridge, on the banks of the River Cam. It’s just a short walk from other popular tourist attractions like Trinity College, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Round Church.
Hours of Operation
The chapel is usually open to the public from 9:30am to 3:15 pm. However, it’s closed on Sundays and during religious services or events. Be sure to check the chapel’s website or call ahead before planning your visit to Cambridge.
Admission
Visits to King’s College Chapel must be pre-booked, and tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance on the day of your visit. While the price of King’s College Chapel tickets can vary, base rates tend to average around £10.
You can include entry into King’s College and its chapel as part of our popular walking tours.
Guided Tours
Guided tours of the chapel are available and are highly recommended. They provide an opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of the building, as well as see some of the chapel’s most important features up close. Tours typically last around 45 minutes.
Special Considerations
The iconic view of the chapel as seen from the opposite bank of the river Cam
King’s College Chapel is an active place of worship, so please be respectful of religious ceremonies and events that may be taking place during your visit. Photography without the use of flash is permitted in the building, except for during chapel services.
No matter what your interests are, King’s College Chapel is sure to impress. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and impressive size, there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cambridge.