King's College Chapel (Cambridge, United Kingdom)
King’s College Chapel is, as the name implies, the chapel of King’s College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. All the colleges have chapels, but this one is world famous as a crowning example of the English Gothic perpendicular style. Begun in 1441 at the instigation of Henry VI, it was not completed until 1531, by which time the technology and vision came together to create the intricate fan vault, the largest of its kind in the world. The chapel is also famous for its original 16th century stained glass. The physical setting of the chapel, on the lawns of the college beside the Cam, adds to its beauty. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, led by the chapel choir, is broadcast world-wide on Christmas Eve. Entrance fees are £4.50 for adults, £3 for children and concessions. Free entry to local residents and members of the university who can also take in two guests. An audio tour is £2. Main entrance is through the north porch but there is a ramp for wheelchair users at the south porch. Opening hours are complicated and affected by recordings and recitals. The website has a full page of opening hours through the year, so best check first. The Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is open to anyone, but tickets are not sold in advance, it’s first come, first served. This means you have to be in the queue before 9.30am, you are let into the Chapel at 1.30pm and the service begins at 3pm.
Contact
Kings College, CB2 1ST, Telephone: +44 (1223) 331100 | Official site