Cambridge Easter egg
Henry VIII's chair leg at Trinity College, Cambridge
Look up at the Great Gate of Trinity College.
The story
Trinity College's Great Gate faces Trinity Street. In a niche above the arch stands Henry VIII, who founded the college in 1546.
His raised right hand should hold a royal sceptre. Look closely and you'll see a plain wooden chair leg instead.
Students swapped the sceptre for the chair leg as a prank. Stories differ on who did it and when. The college liked the joke and left it there.
Thousands of people walk under the gate every day without looking up. Now you won't be one of them.
Look out for
The statue in the niche above the Great Gate on Trinity Street. Check his raised right hand.
Questions
Why is Henry VIII holding a chair leg?
Do I need a ticket to see it?
Where to find it
Great Gate, Trinity College, Trinity Street, Cambridge
Free to see from the street, at any time.
Good to know
Cross to the far side of Trinity Street for the best view. You can see the statue from the pavement for free, at any time.
Nearby with your City Pass
- King's College Chapel, entry to the Chapel and college grounds
More Easter eggs nearby
- Newton's apple tree, a minute's walk
- The original 'Big Ben' chimes, about 2 minutes' walk
- The Bridge of Sighs, about 3 minutes' walk
Let the app find them for you
The City Pass app tells you when you walk past an Easter egg. £50 for the day, with entry to 9 places included.