Chapel of St. John’s College, Cambridgedetails

The chapel is ono of the original structures of St. John’s College, the foundation-charter of which is dated April 9, 1511; it forms a part of the east court, or first court, which was completed in 1516, and which then constituted the college. The entire length of the chapel is 120 feet, the breadth 27 feet and it is divided into a chapel and ante-chapel by the organ-gallery, in which an excellent new organ has been set up. The chapel only is shown in our coloured wood-engraving. A new roof has been recently constructed, the timber framework of which is plain, but appropriate and handsome. The stalls are of Gothic tabernacle-work elaborately carved; a new brass eagle-desk is greatly admired; and indeed the fitting up of the chapel is altogether in the best taste. The east window is of elegant design, and the painted glass with which it is filled produces great richness of effect. The altar-piece, painted by Sir Robert Ker Porter, represents John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness; the commanding figure of the preacher and tho deep attention of the hearers are very impressively exhibited. In the ante-chapel are some ancient tombs: that of Archdeacon Ashton, an early benefactor, is much mutilated: he is represented in his robes, with a skeleton beneath him; and the tomb exhibits also the quaint emblem of his name—an ash upon a tun. Choral service is performed on the evenings of Saturday and Sunday, and on the mornings of those Sundays when the sacrament is adminstered. (p. v)