The Corpus Clock — Attraction in Cambridge

The Corpus Clock in Cambridge is a fascinating masterpiece of contemporary art that impresses with its uniqueness and engineering skill.

The Corpus Clock was designed and commissioned by the University of Cambridge. The inventor and architect of the clock was a British inventor and professor at Cambridge University, John Kay Taylor. It was named "Corpus Clock" because of its association with corpses and also because it is installed next to the Corpus Christi building.

The Corpus Clock was a gift from the alumni of the University of Cambridge to mark its 800th anniversary in 2008. The design of the clock was created over many years, and it was unveiled during the celebrations.

The physical mechanisms of the clock are amazing. At its heart is the "Clockwork Insect" - a metal protein mechanism that moves across the top of the watch to mark the seconds. On top, its panel is covered with a metal mesh disc with cut-outs to indicate the minutes and hours.

An interesting fact is that Corpus Clock has a gloomy "Chronos" - the god of time - which is a visible part of the clock. Every minute, it chimes as a reminder of the inevitable passage of time. This unconventional idea symbolises the eternal battle against time.

The Corpus Clock has become a popular tourist attraction in Cambridge, impressing visitors with its uniqueness and sophisticated mechanics. It reflects the talent and innovation of British design, intertwined with philosophical meanings. Come to Cambridge and experience the charm of the Corpus Clock, which reflects the eternal...

Visiting the Corpus Clock in Cambridge was an absolutely mesmerizing experience. This unique timepiece, prominently displayed on the exterior of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, is unlike any clock I've ever seen. Its striking design immediately grabs your attention, with its large, golden face that seems to shimmer under the daylight.

What captivated me the most was the metal sculpture of a grasshopper, or "Chronophage" (meaning "time eater"), perched atop the clock. The creature moves with an almost hypnotic rhythm, "devouring" each second as time relentlessly marches on. Its eerie, yet fascinating motion adds a dynamic charm to the clock, making it feel alive and ever-changing.

The intricate details of the Corpus Clock are simply breathtaking. The absence of traditional hands and numerals creates a sense of mystery, while the rippling LED lights indicate the passing minutes with a fluid, almost otherworldly elegance. The craftsmanship and thought behind its creation reflect both artistic brilliance and scientific ingenuity.

Standing there, watching the Chronophage in action, I felt a profound appreciation for the concept of time and how fleeting it can be. It’s not just a clock; it’s an artistic statement that resonates with anyone who pauses to observe.

I wholeheartedly give the Corpus Clock a 5-star rating. It’s a must-see landmark in Cambridge, offering both aesthetic beauty and a thought-provoking message about the...

The Corpus Clock is a striking and unconventional timepiece located at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, England. Unveiled on September 19, 2008, by physicist Stephen Hawking, this clock has captivated visitors with its unique design and thought-provoking symbolism.

🕰️ Design and Functionality

Spanning approximately 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in diameter, the clock’s face is a rippling, 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disc. Instead of traditional hands or numerals, time is displayed through 60 illuminated slits arranged in three concentric rings, representing seconds, minutes, and hours. These slits light up sequentially, creating the illusion of moving hands.

On a top of the clock sits the Chronophage, a mechanical grasshopper-like figure that “eats” time. This creature moves its jaws every second, symbolizing the relentless passage of time. The Chronophage’s movement is linked to the clock’s mechanism, which employs a grasshopper escapement—a design first introduced by John Harrison in the 18th century. However, in the Corpus Clock, this escapement is externalized and exaggerated, serving both a functional and...