Welcome to Clare College Chapel.
The Chapel is a place of worship, beauty and peace at the heart of the College, where all are welcomed and valued
History of the Chapel
According to instructions left by our Foundress, the Lady Elizabeth de Clare, the Chapel (as with the whole College) is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Annunciation scene at the east end of the Chapel, painted by Giovanni Battista Cipriani (1727-85), recalls the moment when the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to give birth to Jesus.
The simple light-filled elegance of the Chapel building, completed in 1769 to a design by the architect (and Master of Caius) Sir James Burrough, lends a poise and intimacy to our services, and creates an oasis of stillness and reflection for those of any faith or none.
The elegant style and uncluttered layout of the Chapel remains largely unchanged since the eighteenth century. More recent stained glass at the west end of the Chapel commemorates, among others, Richard de Badew (the original founder of the college) and Bishop Hugh Latimer (a martyr during the reign of Mary Tudor).
The breathtaking Antechapel contains memorials to members of the College who gave their lives in the two World Wars, including Hamo Sassoon (brother of the war poet Siegfried).
Who's who
Find out more about the Chapel team. If you have any questions you can email the Chapel Office or call 01223 333206.
The Dean
Our worship and reflection in Chapel is an integrated and lively part of Clare life, seeking to serve our whole community, and to knit it together in kindness, joy and mutual flourishing. Clare students of diverse experiences and beliefs value Chapel as somewhere that they can find a warm welcome, peace and friendship. I look forward very much to welcoming you in person.
Image credits: Chris Boland, Andrew Staples
