Ultimate Guide to Kings College Chapel

Built between 1446 and 1515, during the War of the Roses, the chapel is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic Architecture in the world. The chapel was designed by Henry VI, who wanted it to be a university counterpart to Eton College. However, it actually took five kings to finish the construction of the chapel:

• While construction began during the reign of Henry VI, the workers are said to have laid down their tools as soon as they heard that the King was taken at the beginning of the War of the Roses
• Later on, both Edward IV and Edward V contributed money to the construction, but progress was halted due to the war.
• Finally the death of Richard III brought an end to the War of Roses and put Henry VII onto the throne. It was during his reign that the construction of the chapel was completed.

It features the world’s largest fan vault, constructed between 1512 and 1515. It also features The Adoration of the Magi by Rubens, originally painted in 1634 for the convent of the White Nuns at Louvain in Belgium. During the Civil War, the chapel was used as training ground by Oliver Cromwell’s troops. The Graffiti left by these soldiers is still visible on the north and south walls near the altar.

Entrance is £9 for adults and £6 for children but it’s free if you go to a service. Chapel services are held at 5:30pm Mon-Saturday, and 10:30am and 3:30pm on Sunday.

Opening Hours: 10pm-3am