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King’s College Chapel (10/24/22)

Last week we called to reserve a couple spots for today to do a self-guided tour of the King’s College Grounds and Chapel. We should note that during the time when students are in session access to the 31 colleges associated with Cambridge University is generally limited or not open to the public.

The tour cost 10£ online for each of us, and if space was available, 11£ at the door. The college and chapel was about a 25 minute walk from the house.

King’s College has been in existence for over 550 years and was established by King Henry VI, who also established Eton College. Both colleges were originally intended to admit a maximum of 70 scholars from poor backgrounds. The chapel, which was the only building we could enter, took over a century to complete. Below are pics from our tour.

Looking back towards the Gate House, where we entered the college grounds.
The view upon entrance onto the King’s College grounds from King’s Parade, the green Front Court and the Gibb’s Building.
On top of the fountain is a statue of Henry VI, the “boy king.”
One side of the chapel.
There must be refurbishments underway,
as there was scaffolding on one end of the chapel and on the roof.
E.M Forster, “A Passage to India,” “Howard’s End” is a King’s alumnus.
A view of the chapel with the amazing ceiling and dark wooden choir screen. A pamphlet said the ceiling or “fan vaulting” is the “undoubted glory of the building.” The chapel is almost 300’ long and 80’ high.
Beautiful stained glass windows.
A painting by Carlo Maratha in the Whichcote Chapel off of the main chapel.
Stained glass in the Whichcote Chapel
The painting Deposition of Christ by Girolamo Siciolante de Sermonte
Zooming in on the fan vaulting.
The choir area of the chapel
Stalls in the choir area
The choir screen and pipe organ.
Another shot of the choir area, do you see Beth?
A view of the back of the chapel
The River Cam right behind the chapel.

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