The Corpus Clock, Cambridge Travel Guide

4.6 (823)

Cambridge street-level sculpture where a mechanical grasshopper consumes time on an unconventional gold clock face without hands or numerals.

The Corpus Clock stands at the junction of Bene't Street and Trumpington Street in central Cambridge. This 1.5-metre gold-plated disc lacks hands and numerals, instead using backlit slits and a rippling surface to mark time. A large mechanical grasshopper sculpture known as the Chronophage moves across the face, appearing to consume seconds. The installation incorporates the world's largest grasshopper escapement and was unveiled by Stephen Hawking in 2008. Visitors pause on the pavement to watch the moving parts and listen to the mechanical sounds.

A brief summary to The Corpus Clock

58 Trumpington St, Cambridge, CB2 1RH, GB
Click to display
Duration: 2 to 30 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Corpus Clock.

Stand on the pavement at the corner to view the Chronophage movement and hear the hourly mechanical sounds.
Visit at night to see the backlit slits and LEDs clearly against the surrounding historic buildings.
Combine the stop with a short walk along King's Parade and Bene't Street for context within the university core.

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Explore The Corpus Clock on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Corpus Clock, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Five to ten minutes on foot from King's College or Market Square along established pedestrian routes.
Cycling

Short ride on Cambridge's cycle-friendly streets with nearby racks available.
Public Transport

Bus stops at Great St Mary's Church are a very short walk away.
Car

Park-and-ride facilities on the city outskirts followed by a bus or walk into the centre.

Discover more about The Corpus Clock

Design and Mechanism

The Corpus Clock displays time through a gold-plated disc with backlit slits rather than conventional hands. A large grasshopper-like sculpture called the Chronophage crawls across the face and appears to eat time. The mechanism includes the world's largest grasshopper escapement and runs irregularly to reflect the unpredictable nature of time. Six patented inventions are incorporated into the design.

History and Commission

Corpus Christi College alumnus John C. Taylor conceived, designed, and funded the clock as a gift to the college. It was built by Huxley Bertram with contributions from sculptors and engineers. The piece pays homage to 18th-century clockmaker John Harrison. It was unveiled on 19 September 2008 on the facade of the Taylor Library, a former 1866 bank building that the college redeveloped after the lease ended in 2005.

Physical Setting

The clock is mounted at street level on the Taylor Library at the corner of Bene't Street and Trumpington Street, facing King's Parade. The compact sculpture sits against Victorian Gothic architecture in the dense historic core of Cambridge, surrounded by college buildings, shops, and pedestrian streets. The gold disc and LEDs remain visible day and night.

Visitor Experience

Most visits last between two and fifteen minutes. People stop on the pavement to observe the Chronophage movement, watch the LED time display, and listen to mechanical chain and coffin sounds that occur hourly. Photography is common. The atmosphere combines the busy street life of tourists, students, and locals with the clock's distinctive mechanical presence.

Access and Surroundings

The site lies within a short walk of King's College, Market Square, and Great St Mary's Church. Walking is the primary approach, with cycling also practical. Nearby bus stops serve the area. Driving and parking are difficult in the congested centre, so park-and-ride facilities are commonly used by those arriving by car. The pavement location offers generally flat access.

Practical Details

No dedicated facilities exist at the clock itself. Nearby city-centre shops, cafes, and public restrooms provide basic services. The installation operates year-round with no closures. Weather does not affect visibility but influences how long visitors remain outdoors.