1668 Emmanuel College Chapel

Emmanuel Chapel was designed in 1663 by Christopher Wren, 3 years after Pembroke Chapel. Wren's model was delivered in 1667, and the Chapel built 1668-74.

[Thumbnail image of Emmanuel College Chapel, South side]
Emmanuel College Chapel, South side

It is considerably more Baroque than the classical Pembroke Chapel. Attached giant columns emphasise the central part of the facade, and bring forward the part of the entablature that supports the clock. The clock breaks the pediment, and forms a base for a large lantern. In fact the whole facade is well forward of the West end of the Chapel proper.

Between the facade and the Chapel is an open porch, above which is the Master's gallery. The porch and gallery extend along two colonnaded wings. The colonnades have semi-circular arches on square piers. The arches continue from one colonnade to the other, the rhythm being altered in the central part to accommodate the pilasters and columns of the facade, and a broader central entrance with a flattened arch.

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