Trinity College Great Gate
The Great Gate is the main entrance to Trinity College on Trinity Street, Cambridge. Begun in 1490 as the gateway to King's Hall and finished in 1535, it is best known for the statue of Henry VIII, Trinity's founder, whose sceptre was swapped for a chair leg by students in the 19th century.
Photos
Trevor W
History
The gate predates Trinity itself: it was built as the entrance to King's Hall, one of the colleges Henry VIII merged to found Trinity in 1546. Construction began in 1490 and was completed in 1535. Today it forms part of the Porters' Lodge and leads into Great Court, scene of the Great Court Run, the student race round the court at midday that only three people are believed to have completed in time.
What to look for
Look up at the statue of Henry VIII in the niche above the arch. Instead of a sceptre he holds a wooden chair leg, the result of a student prank in the 19th century that the college has allowed to stand. The stone gatehouse with its corner turrets is one of the most photographed fronts in Cambridge.
Visiting
You can see the gate from Trinity Street at any time. Entry into the college beyond depends on Trinity's own visitor arrangements, which change through the academic year, so check before planning to go inside. Newton's apple tree grows on the lawn right beside the gate, and the Round Church is a short walk north. The gate is at its most photogenic in the morning, before the pavement on Trinity Street gets busy.
Highlights
- Begun 1490, completed 1535
- Henry VIII statue holding a chair leg
- Main entrance to Great Court
- Free to view from Trinity Street
Good to know
- The gate is visible from the street at all times.
- College entry depends on Trinity's visitor arrangements; check before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org