The largest Oxbridge college, Trinity was founded by Henry VIII just weeks before he died. His Statue on the Great Gate clutches a chair leg, which he has held for more than 100 years, since students swapped it for the original sceptre. *
*From the Pitkin City guide to Cambridge
He he.. Are you sure that’s not a rolling pin?!
On closer inspection it looks very much like a chair leg
What was wrong with the sceptre?
Nothing James, students like to play pranks, it is what they are best at
majestic architecture well framed Cherie… i like the coat of arms in the second shot….peter:)
Many of the buildings in Cambridge have fine coats of arms.
Varsity Magazine tells a different tale about the chair leg, https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/2757 which would suggest it was not there when I was there 1977-80 (I never noticed either way)
HaHa, perhaps we will never know. Your version sounds quite plausible
I am sure they could narrow down the options with a little historical photo research, for it is a highly photographed site. A photo from the fifties might quash the window-cleaner’s claim. I suspect the college authorities may know the truth perfectly well, but enjoy a mystery.
Mysteries are fun much like student pranks
I like the angle of light in this; it brings out all the details.
The sun was particularly good for highlighting the details in the stone.