I went to Cambridge just because I had been studying it online for years and I wanted to walk the same streets that such greatness came from. But, the very main reason I went was because I wanted the iconic picture of the chapel that is known worldwide. Little did I realize just how ornate the chapel was and just how much symbolism is embedded in the chapel. And it’s still a daily functioning chapel.
So, how do I even begin to tell ya’ll about King’s College Chapel? Well, it’s founder was King Henry VI in 1441. Although King Henry VI planned and founded the chapel, it was not finished until King Henry VIII was in rule 100 years later. King Henry VI was obsessed with religion as well as education, especially scientific research. He was only 19 years old when he founded the chapel.
I’m going to include these facts and the website link I got them from because there is just so much to the chapel and I want to avoid the appearance of plagiarism. This website does a much better job of telling a condensed history of the chapel than I ever could and I really want to do this chapel justice. It’s just magnificent in every way. I especially love the fan design in the vault of the chapel. I have a thing about these great chapel and how they were built especially the vault of the chapels. And oddly enough, I developed my interest in this subject when I read a book by Ken Follett called The Pillars of the Earth written in 1989. My love of architecture was developed at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC but my love for these chapels and how they were built were inspired by this book. The book made me realize just how important the chapels were to the community. And just how much craftsmanship was required to build them.
These facts are taken from the website: https://oxfordsummercourses.com/articles/a-brief-history-of-kings-college-chapel/
- King’s College Chapel is the oldest surviving building within the University of Cambridge’s site.
- The chapel is the largest in the world, composed of 12 bays with covered fan vaulting.
- The beautiful fan vaulting is decorated with ghastly beasts, coats of arms and Tudor motifs.
- The screen between the choir area and the anteChapel features an intricate carving of Henry VIII’s initials wrapped around Anne Boleyn’s.
- For over 400 years, King’s College admitted only Etonians and approved degrees to its students without them needing to be examined.
King’s College Chapel holds many ceremonies. They have a ceremony for new students, and for admitting Fellows. They broadcast Christmas services world wide to millions by radio and they even pre-record Christmas and Easter events for television every year.
I went through and photographed all the bays except the bay that was dedicated to the alumni that lost their lives during WW1 and WW2. There was a sign that was posted that requested photos not be taken in this room and even though I could have gotten away with taking some photos, I did not. This bay was considered sacred space for those lost and I didn’t want to violate that space. I have lots of pictures of this chapel so ya’ll can get a good idea of the grandeur of this place. I really encouraged ya’ll to go to the website I listed and read about this chapel. It’s so worth it.
I also took photos of the grounds around the chapel. When I first visited the area, I thought they just were behind on cutting the grass but that is not the case. The lawn is not cut due to it wildflower growth. In one of the picture you will see the sign that explains this more in depth. The chapel was being worked on while I was there so that is the white wrapping around the top. Pictures of this chapel are absolutely my pride and joy. These are pictures that I only dreamed of for years. Now that dream has come true. Going back through these pictures make me feel like I was right back there. I hope you all enjoy them.
