Chapel Court

Could a courtyard whisper secrets? Here at Chapel Court in Cambridge, it certainly feels like it could. Chapel Court, tucked between historic buildings, holds a quiet charm. It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing through Sidney Sussex College. But pause. Let the court whisper its story. The name “Chapel Court” gives a clue to its heart. The chapel isn’t immediately obvious from the court. A tall window hints at its presence. Step through the central doorway, turn right, and there it is. An unexpectedly beautiful place of worship unfolds. Chapel Court’s chapel is unique. The rich wood panelling is breathtaking. It’s unlike any other college chapel in Cambridge. A modern wood-carving of St. Francis graces the chapel. A nod to the Franciscan friars who occupied this site before Sidney Sussex College. The chapel’s north-south alignment sparks curiosity. Some speculate it points to Puritan origins. Oliver Cromwell’s association with the college fuels this theory. The truth is more nuanced. Cromwell wasn’t a major figure during the college’s founding. Royalists also called Sidney Sussex home. The chapel has seen dramatic transformations. Nothing remains of the original Franciscan structure. The stones were even pilfered to build Trinity College. The 1600 chapel was replaced in the late 18th century by a design of James Essex. Then T H Lyon lengthened it in 1912. He commissioned Reed of Exeter for the exquisite wood-carving. This carving creates the chapel’s unique atmosphere. The intricate details balance beautifully with the simple wood panels. The wood grain shines. Surprisingly, the organ is relatively small and plain. It almost seems out of place. A stunning painting commands attention. It’s “The Holy Family” by Giovanni Battista Pittoni. The college acquired this Venetian masterpiece in 1783. The remarkable stone floor adds another layer of artistry. It’s easy to overlook amidst the captivating woodwork. Chapel Court and its chapel invite quiet contemplation. They whisper stories of centuries past. Of Franciscan friars, Puritan influences, and artistic brilliance. Take a moment to listen. Let the court share its secrets.