The Hindu : Front Page : Bells peal for Cambridge

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Sunday, Jan 18, 2009
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Bells peal for Cambridge

Church bells give synchronised salute

— Photo: Pankaja Srinivasan

Octocentenary: At Trinity College, Cambridge.

London: Universities across the world on Saturday celebrated the 800th birth anniversary of Cambridge University, ringing church bells in a synchronised salute to one of the world’s greatest institutions of learning.

In Cambridge itself, the university rolled out a grand celebration, including a spectacular light and bell-ringing show. Four churches in central Cambridge rang a new work for bells specially composed by Clare College alumnus Phil Earis.

The sound of bells celebrating the university’s octocentenary reverberated across the world as churches from the U.S. to Australia joined in to mark the occasion.

A promise kept

In India, bells rang out at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, Sacred Heart Cathedral and St. James’ Church in New Delhi, and St. Mark’s Cathedral in Bangalore, keeping a promise made to Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Alison Richard during a visit to India.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is an alumnus of St. John’s College, Cambridge.

— PHOTO: N. RAM

Amartya Sen, who was Master of Trinity College from 1998 to 2004, at the Master’s Lodge during his tenure. The clock belonged to Sir Isaac Newton, who was himself a Master.

All Church of England bishops were asked to have churches in their diocese ring their bells along with the university and many agreed — even Lincoln College in rival Oxford University.

St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne and Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City both rang their bells.

A bell ringing group in Hong Kong joined in, as churches, college chapels and alumni groups worldwide were invited to participate.

A specially-commissioned piece of light art will be projected on to the Senate House and Old Schools of the university from January 17 to 19 featuring iconic images from Cambridge’s history and stunning illustrations by Quentin Blake.

The light show is produced by light artist Ross Ashton, who said the ideas, concepts and inventions that have flowed from Cambridge have changed the world.

A special feature of the show is the work of illustrator and Downing College alumnus Quentin Blake, who has produced new drawings of two of the university’s most famous alumni — Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. — Indo-Asian News Service

Corrections and Clarifications

The building seen in the accompanying picture in "Bells peal for Cambridge" (Newscape, January 18, 2009) is that of the King's College, Cambridge, and not of the Trinity College, as the caption said. The mistake arose because of the wrong description in the photo files.

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