King's College Chapel, Cambridge

Lore & Background

Henry VI planned a university counterpart to Eton College. Barnard Flower completed four windows; Galyon Hone and three partners are responsible for the east window and 16 others. It is an example of early Renaissance architecture. During the English Civil War, Parliamentarian troops used the chapel as a training ground, but the building was largely untouched; some sources suggest Oliver Cromwell ordered its protection. During the Second World War, most stained glass was placed in storage, and the chapel again avoided damage. The installation involved lowering the Sanctuary floor, during which human remains in intact lead coffins with brass plaques were discovered, dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. The Rubens was given plain shutters to lend it independence of form, designed by architect Sir Martyn Beckett.

Reader's Guide

King's College Chapel is significant as a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and for housing the world's largest fan vault. Its construction spanned the Wars of the Roses and involved multiple English kings, reflecting the political and religious changes of the period. The Chapel remains an active place of worship and is home to the world-famous King's College Choir, whose broadcasts of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve are a global tradition. The Chapel is widely used as a symbol of Cambridge, appearing in the logo of Cambridge City Council. Its legacy includes surviving the English Civil War and Second World War with minimal damage, and its acoustics are noted for excellence.

Did You Know?

• During the English Civil War, Parliamentarian troops used the chapel as a training ground, but it was largely untouched; some sources suggest Oliver Cromwell ordered its protection.