King's College

Inside the chapel

The grandparents' arrival has given us an opportunity (and reason, at last) to start exploring Cambridge's more well-known colleges (there are 31 total). A few of them are spectacular, starting with King's college, which is a very short walk from the house. Henry VI (1421-1471) founded King's College in 1441. The College's buildings were intended to be a magnificent display of the power of royal patronage, and Henry went to great lengths to ensure that King's College Chapel would be unequalled in size and beauty.

I was delighted to learn that as Cambridge residents we get free access to the property. Well worth a visit if you come to see us (and like stained glass. Come to think of it...you can't really escape the stained glass in England, so I believe you just learn to love it). Click on the link for a virtual tour, really spectacular.

We're told you must line up at 3 a.m. to hear King's College's world-famous Choir sing on Christmas day. Not happening. But we hope to catch a rehearsal or an evensong this year. (The Choir owes its existence to King Henry VI, who envisaged the daily singing of services in his magnificent chapel. This remains the Choir's raison d'être, and is an important part of the lives of its 16 choristers, who are educated on generous scholarships at King's College School, and the 14 choral scholars and two organ scholars, who study a variety of subjects in the College.)

Next stops: Trinity and St. Johns Colleges. 

More deep thoughts

 

We're lighting a LOT of candles these days. A LOT.