THE SUNDAY SNAP

A rare glimpse of Anne Boleyn in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge

In the autumn of 1999 I went up to Cambridge to study history. I studied there for three years and have gone back to visit regularly ever since. Yet for some reason, in almost a quarter of a century, I had never set foot inside King’s College Chapel.

I know, I know, I know. I can’t really explain why. What I can say is that yesterday I made good. And guess what? It’s completely awesome. Here are a couple of pictures from my visit.

First, the view from outside, on King’s Parade:

And here, the interior, looking west from the altar:

And here’s something interesting. The large dark oak screen, which houses the organ, was commissioned by Henry VIII some time between 1533 and 1536. We know that because it has Anne Boleyn’s initials carved into it in several places:

(The R stands for Regina, ie Queen.)

It’s a stunning sight and one that was quite worth the long wait. I might even go back one day.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to another week of posts, threads and podcasts on History, Etc. I hope you are too.

Dan