King's College was founded by Henry VI in 1441. He intended it to serve as the next step on the educational ladder for his new school at Eton, and for the next four centuries scholarships were limited to Old Etonians. Indeed, King's claimed the unusual privilege of allowing its students to graduate without taking examinations!

King's now occupies a lovely riverside location in the centre of Cambridge, but its first site was between the Chapel and Senate House Passage. No sooner had Henry established his college than he purchased new lands where the present Back Lawns and Front Court are now and began building on a much grander scale.

He planned a grand court composed of three residential ranges and a chapel, with a cloister and bell tower on the river side. The chapel was begun in 1446, but the Wars of the Roses intervened and when Henry was deposed in 1461 it was only partly built. Work proceeded sporadically until 1508, when Henry VII granted funds, but the work was not complete until 1544. For a full history and guide to the magnificent Chapel, click here. As for the residential ranges only the east range was begun, and traces can sometimes be seen under the lawn.

The Front Court was redesigned by James Gibbs in 1724, but once again grand plans for King's College were waylaid and only the west range, now called Gibbs' Building, was finished. The rest of the court was only completed in 1828, when William Wilkins added the Gothic Revival library, screen, Gatehouse, and Hall. The range along King's Lane was added by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1873.

The Fellow's Garden is a pleasantly informal Victorian garden open as part of the National Gardens Scheme for one Sunday afternoon in mid-July.

Famous Members of King's College
Sir Francis Walsingham
Sir Robert Walpole
Horace Walpole
Rupert Brooke

Entry:Fee Charged

CHAPEL
The Chapel is generally open to the public but is occasionally closed for recordings, broadcasts, concerts, or other special events. To ensure entry please contact The Tourist Liaison Officer by telephone on +44 1223 331212 or by fax on +44 1223 331315
MORE ON KING"S COLLEGE CHAPEL HERE.

Contact information:
King's College
King's Parade,
Cambridge
CB2 1ST
Tel: +44 1223 331100
Fax: +44 1223 331315
web site

 

Grampian Bluefolds - Aberlour Cottage, Glenlivet Moray Glenlivet Self catering cottage This Cottage, the centre of the steading, offers 1 family room with 1 double & 1 single and 1 twin room and a fully fitted … more >> Sleeps 5 More cottages in Grampian >>

Cornwall The Stable Landrake Self catering cottage The Stable Cottage offers: Open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area. Upstairs has one double room with a four poster bed and shower room Unsuitable for children … more >> Sleeps 2 More cottages in Cornwall >>

Wyboston (Hotel) Wyboston Lakes Whether you want to escape from the pace of modern life with a relaxing weekend break in the countryside, or if you need an overnight stop while visiting family or friends, Wyboston Lakes provides the perfect choice of comfortable accommodation. Why not take advantage of the 18 hole golf course … more >> More hotels in Cambridgeshire >>

Huntingdon (Hotel) Huntingdon Marriott Hotel A Highly regarded 4-star hotel, the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel meets guests' expectations for attentive service, supreme comfort and amenities. The elegantly appointed guest rooms offer high speed internet access and our plush new bedding package, will guarantee an exceptional stay. Located on the outskirts of Huntingdon it is close to … more >> More hotels in Cambridgeshire >>

Cambridge (Hotel) Royal Cambridge Hotel Built in Georgian times, the Royal Cambridge Hotel is located in the centre of the historic city of Cambridge. The famous 'Backs' are only metres away and the colleges, botanical gardens, theatres, museums and shops are conveniently close by. The hotel offers a lounge bar and a restaurant serving table … more >> More hotels in Cambridgeshire >>