ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE
Cambridge has an amazing array of architectural gems to explore. Here’s our top ten BUILDING PERFECTION
C ambridge’s architectural landscape is a tapestry of historical and modern masterpieces. There are 67 Grade I and 47 Grade II listed buildings in the city – the churches and colleges are remarkable, and the newer builds aren’t all that bad either, with examples by Sir Norman Foster and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Plus, there are several unusual landmarks – the Grade I listed former Theatre Royal, now part of Cambridge Buddhist Centre; Hobson’s Conduit, a watercourse built in 1610-1614; and several examples of domestic residences that illustrate their creators’ varied architectural ambitions. Visitors to the city will stumble across these marvellous buildings wherever they turn and no doubt think we are spoilt; our cityscape is certainly marked by style and innovation. So here’s our top ten – please do share your own favourites by email to letters@cambsedition.co.uk
BUILT 1446–1515
King’s College Chapel
King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST Architect: Reginald Ely Style: Perpendicular English Gothic Commissioned by King Henry VI, the Grade I listed chapel is renowned for its fan-vaulted ceiling and extensive stained-glass windows. The first stone was said to have been laid by Henry VI himself, but the Wars of the Roses interrupted its construction, so it was completed under King Henry VIII. The magnificent wooden screen separating the nave from the choir was a gift from Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, featuring their intertwined initials. Visiting: kings.cam.ac.uk/visit-kings
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 11
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