King's College was founded in 1441 by Henry VI. The chapel is the oldest and most famous structure on the college grounds. In fact, most other buildings in the Great Court were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries - in the the Tudor-Gothic style, so they closely match the look of the chapel. Prior to their construction, older buildings from adjacent Clare College were used for King's College.
The chapel is extraordinary, though, so it's easy to see how the other college buildings were not immediately prioritized. It was built from 1446 to 1515, funded by Henry VI, Henry VII and Henry VIII. It has the largest stone fan vaulted roof anywhere, which is supported by tall buttresses on the north and south walls. The span (width) is 40 ft, which well-surpasses the next largest span of similar fan-vault construction.
Between the buttresses are 24 massive stained glass windows, created in the 16th century. These windows contain the most 16th century stained glass anywhere. It is amazing that they have survived 500 years. All the panels were removed and stored safely during WWII. The east window is also 16th century, and the west window is 19th century (as is most stained glass in English cathedrals).
The wood choir screen, with 16th century carving, was also magnificent. A liked looking for the royal initials (H R) carved all over it. The side chapels also had exhibits with lots of information on the chapel's history, financing and construction.
King's College main gate
King's College chapel, east side
King's College chapel, south side
Inside King's College chapel
Stone fan vault ceiling
One of the side windows
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