King’s College

About King’s College Cambridge

King’s College Cambridge is one of the 31 colleges which make up Cambridge University, and one which can be seen during a Cambridge punt tour. It is famous for its chapel which has become symbolic of Cambridge.

A Brief History of King’s College

It was founded “The King’s College of Our Lady Saint and Nicholas in Cambridge” in 1441 by King Henry the Sixth. The college was a finishing school for the top scholars that attended Eton school, another foundation of Henry.

The Chapel has the largest fan vault ceiling in the world. At the time it was designed, it was an architectural marvel. Its beauty and splendour are visible from the river whilst punting in Cambridge. Construction of the Chapel commenced in 1446, however, progress was disrupted because Henry had to divert funds to the War of the Roses and it took another 98 years before the Chapel was completed.

Over the next four hundred years, the college grew. The Gibbs building was added in 1724, this is the neoclassic white building next to the chapel. The frontcourt was completed during the early nineteenth century and the Victorians continued to add and modify buildings visible on King’s Parade.

Some famous people who studied at Kings College

Notable alumni include; M. R. James, Rupert Brooke, Xu Zhimo, Alan Turing and Salman Rushdie. No doubt they went for a punting tour whilst studying here.