King's College and Chapel Roof Tour

There are several perks to being a new graduate student at King's College, but none better than the option to have a private tour of the King's College Chapel roof. King's Chapel is one of the most iconic images of Cambridge, undoubtedly what appears when you see a photo that says "Cambridge." The Chapel is over 500 years old, with construction on it beginning in the 1400s. Still in use, the beauty of the Chapel makes it one of the bigger tourist attractions in Europe. During Christmas, the King's Chapel service is watched by an estimated audience of 100 million.

Now that I have said some of the facts, let's get to the photos from the day. I tried to take some pictures on my way to the tour, so I can finally post some of King's College.

King's College across the Cam

The southern part of King's College

Once I arrived to the chapel on such a beautiful day I had to take a few more pictures from outside.

King's College Chapel (left) and the main entrance to King's

It took about 100 steps to reach the top of the chapel roof, where we crawled into a small attic above the ceiling to the chapel (500+ year old ceiling, I might add). I was absolutely amazed to be in such an ancient structure, and an area within it rarely seen. We could see on the walls and stone around us carvings from people over the last 500 years. The earliest date I saw in my quick search was 1600's, but you can see names throughout the 1700s and to the early 1900s carved everywhere in the attic. And no, they wouldn't let me carve "Josh was here, 2011"

North window of King's College Chapel Attic

We moved from the attic to the roof, where I had many photos of both the scenery and the roof itself. Despite being such an old building, it was very safe to be on top (no need to worry, mom).

Northwest Cambridge from King's College Chapel roof.

Northeast Cambridge from King's College Chapel roof.

Facing north on the King's College Chapel roof.

Southern Cambridge and King's College.

Panoramic of King's College Chapel roof, facing south.

Me on top of King's College Chapel.

After our tour concluded we headed downstairs and through a narrow corridor before being reunited with the ground.This was certainly a rare opportunity that I am very glad I took part in. I am also happy to finally put some photos up of King's College and Cambridge, all taken during a surprisingly beautiful day in late October.