Cambridge and Its CollegesThompson, A. Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton)
History
Cambridge and Its Colleges
Thompson, A. Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton)
University of Cambridge
The organ, in a gallery north of the sanctuary, is by Father
Smith, and the case is an excellent piece of woodwork. At the west end
is a curious portrait of the foundress, and the chapel has a strong
historical interest as the burying-place of the Cambridge Platonists,
Cudworth, More, and Mede.
Between the Chapel and Hall stands the Master’s Lodge, placed so as to
communicate with both. The Hall has been very well restored, and is
now a good Gothic hall, with an oriel full of excellent portrait glass,
representing all the worthies of the college, from the Lady Margaret
down to Paley in his archdeacon’s apron and Darwin in his doctor’s gown.
Beyond the hall, and facing westwards, is the lovely building of 1642,
which is usually attributed to Inigo Jones. A range of older buildings,
constituting the south side of the court, used to impede the full view
of this beautiful structure; but these were moved back early in the
century, and rebuilt in the hideous taste of the time. However, we are
the gainers by it. Although the work at Clare is, as a whole, a better
specimen of the period, the Christ’s building has the advantage of
perfect uniformity, and is an excellent example of the transition from
Renaissance Gothic to the style of which Wren is the chief exponent. Its
base is pierced by a gateway leading into the famous garden, a classic
resort which is a very competent rival of any garden at Oxford. Of the
new buildings at the north-eastern extremity of the college, it is
unnecessary to say anything; they are moderate, but are hardly worth a
detailed inspection. Their architect was Mr J. J. Stevenson. Within the
last three years Messrs Bodley and Garner have been employed upon the
street front, and, needless to say, have restored it with their usual
conservative skill.
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