Christopher Wren

Christopher Wren (1632-1723) was an English architect who also worked as an astronomer, mathematician and physicist. Among his London buildings is St Paul's Cathedral, which was completed in 1710. Cambridge has three of his buildings, two chapels and a library.

Pembroke College

The chapel of Pembroke College is the first building known to have been designed by Wren. His uncle Matthew Wren, Bishop of Ely, offered to pay for it. Matthew had been a fellow of Pembroke and was held prisoner under Cromwell for eighteen years; once released, he kept a promise by giving the commission to his nephew. Wren drew up the design in the winter of 1662 or 1663, and the chapel was finished in 1665.

Emmanuel College

In 1677 Emmanuel College commissioned a new chapel from Wren, one of the three Cambridge buildings he designed. When it opened, the college's old chapel became the library.

Wren Library

The Wren Library belongs to Trinity College. Wren designed it in 1676, and it was completed in 1695.

Visiting

The Wren Library is open to the public with limited hours and no admission charge. Emmanuel's own page says its grounds and chapel are usually open to the public daily between 0900 and 1800. Pembroke's chapel is covered on the college page.