King's College Chapel, Cambridge

An ancient church building with its roots in the 11th Century, years of fascinating history and now a vibrant cafe and community centre with a contemporary feel. How did all that happen?

Trinity College Chapel dates from the mid 16th century. The chapel was begun in 1554-55 by order of Queen Mary and was completed in 1567 by Elizabeth I. The architectural style is Tudor Gothic, with perpendicular lines and pinnacles. The chapel is famous for its choir, composed of about thirty choral students and two organ students, all graduates of the College. In addition to singing the liturgy in the chapel, the choir has an extensive programme of performances and recordings.

This archetypal medieval church is set in the heart of the village. It abuts a clearly later square tower (1633) topped by a good spire and on the south side a chapel, refashioned in 1621, juts into the churchyard.