Kings College - University of Cambridge, England

Cambridge, so picturesque you can describe it as postcard-perfect. The most common image of the city is the chapel of King's College on King's Parade. Its magnificent stature demands your attention, It overwhelms its surroundings. An visitor can easily imagine what characteristics such a place must have within. It should after all be a college fit for a King.

Henry VI vision for King's College

King Henry VI of England had the idea for the college in 1441. He laid the foundation stone of what is called the "King's College of Our Lady and St. Nicholas" in full, later that year. He envisioned a chapel with courts, rooms and halls, as would befit a king.

A year before, he had founded Eton College, a public school for boys. His intent was that King’s College would be Etonian's university. Their next step on the road to wealth and government. He endowed it heavily with plenty of "privileges".

An Old Court was built, but very little of it now survives. He wanted a grand court built, so he bought up the land now called Front Lawn and Back Lawn in 1443, but history got in his way.

Demise of Henry Vi, but not of the College

During the War of the Roses, 1455 to 1485, Henry VI was deposed by Edward IV. He then regained the throne in 1470. He was overthrown again later and murdered in 1471. His successor was again Edward IV.

The unfinished college of Cambridge

Henry VI was a politically weak king but, was considered saintly for his personal behaviour. He could have been a model for future kings. His reputation would be important, if the college were ever to be finished.

Yet, wars have the nasty habit of concentrating attention and draining funds. Everything had to be surrendered to their awful power. This included the completing of King's College.

Building of the Chapel

The chapel would be the heart of King's college. Work started on it in 1446. It had got to 60 feet of the chapel’s east wall and 8 feet of the west wall. After 1461, construction almost stopped.

Edward IV ignored the college but, Richard III oversaw the completion of the chapel’s first six bays. This permitted services to be held. Richard III's overthrow in 1485 marked another pause in the building work. At last, in 1508, Henry VII guaranteed funds from his will. His son, Henry VIII, would build upon until the chapel was finished in 1544.

Return of the grand vision

The college would have to wait until the XVIIIth Century for the first pieces of Henry VI's grand vision. The Gibbs Building standing between the Front Court and the Back Lawn was completed in 1724. Another century would pass until William Wilkins completed the court’s new buildings in 1828. If Henry VI's ghost was watching, he was probably smiling. The Keynes' Building, named after the famed economist, Maynard Keynes, was opened in 1967.

What to look for

Much of the spectacular beauty of the chapel is associated with Henry VIII, who put in the stained glass windows. The north and south sides of the chapel each have 12 windows, although the east and west have one large massive window. Their colours and designs need to be seen. During World War II, they were carefully stored away to prevent any possible damage. Look out for the 'Adoration of the Magi' by Rubens.

Concerts inside the chapel are a requirement for any visitor. I, the writer of this peice, attended one and was blown away.

As with most colleges, King's has a garden. Its current shape was finalized during the XIXth Century. Cows can be seen grazing or "doing" the lawn here.

Official Site of King's College