King’s College Chapel is a stunning 15th-century masterpiece of late Gothic architecture and a proud emblem of King’s College in the University of Cambridge. Poet William Wordsworth is among the many famous names to pay tribute to the church’s beauty. Examine the windows of the church, which are considered among the finest in the world due to their intricate details.
The first foundation stone was laid in 1446 under orders from King Henry VI. However, it took more than a century to complete, as the War of the Roses and Henry IV’s death stalled the construction. The chapel was finally completed in 1547.
Take a tour of the religious site to fully appreciate its timeless artifacts. Admire the rood screen, a wooden structure that divides the nave and the altar. Henry VIII had the early Renaissance piece constructed in 1532 to celebrate his marriage to Anne Boleyn. Get a closer look at the 17th-century Adoration of the Magi painting, by Belgian artist Peter Paul Rubens.
After leaving the serene environs of the church, be sure to take a look around the chapel. The chapel’s elegant lawn was the inspiration for the Pink Floyd song Brain Damage. Stop by the King’s College shop to peruse intriguing gifts and other products relating to the chapel.
Attend a choir concert and appreciate the excellent acoustics in the spacious nave. If your visit doesn’t coincide with a performance, watch the famous Christmas Eve service on television instead. The service is broadcast annually to millions around the world.
There is a fee to enter the church, with discounts for children, students and seniors. Purchase tickets from the King’s College Visitor Centre. The chapel opens daily from morning until late afternoon, although exact times vary depending on the day.
King’s College Chapel is just east of the River Cam, in the centre of Cambridge. It lies beside the Senate House and the Old Schools in the heart of King’s College. Walk from nearby attractions, such as the Church of St. Mary the Great and the Cambridge Corn Exchange.
