Kings College Chapel

Kings College was founded by King Henry VI in 1441.  It's one of 31 colleges in the Cambridge University system.

And it has a fantastic chapel.  Though "chapel" seems too small a word for this place:

Construction on the chapel was started in 1446, and it took over a century to complete.

"We request that visitors not walk on the grass."

Oops.  Apparently only Senior Members of the College are allowed to walk on the grass.  Ducks also walk on the grass, but they have been dubbed "Honorary Senior Members" so that the college wouldn't have to change its rule.  Not so sure about Coop's status as a Senior Member (or a duck, for that matter).

Inside the chapel:

The dark oak screen in the middle of the photo houses the organ, which was a gift from Henry VIII sometime between 1533 and 1536.

And check out this ceiling.  It's the largest fan vault (the name for this style of Gothic architecture ceiling) in the world.

This painting is "The Adoration of the Magi," painted in 1634 by Rubens.  Above it is the "Great East Window," depicting the passion and crucifixion of Christ.

Cooper reading the Psalms.

The day we visited the chapel, this choir and orchestra was practicing for an upcoming concert.  What a treat to be able to sit and listen to them for a while.  Even Coop was mesmerized.