The Corpus Clock is one of Cambridge’s most unusual and captivating landmarks, blending cutting-edge engineering, imaginative art, and a deep philosophical message about the nature of time. Located on the corner of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street, at the front of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, it attracts thousands of visitors each year who pause to marvel at its strange beauty and unique way of telling the time. At first glance, it is unlike any clock you have ever seen — there are no traditional hands or numbers, but instead, a large golden disc dominated by a fearsome, mechanical creature known as the “Chronophage” (time-eater).
Since its unveiling in 2008, the Corpus Clock has sparked fascination, debate, and even a little confusion. But behind its striking design lies an intricate story of innovation, symbolism, and a reminder that time is both precious and fleeting.
Origins and Creation
The Corpus Clock was conceived and funded by Dr. John C. Taylor, a British inventor and entrepreneur best known for creating over 150 patents, including thermostatic controls for electric kettles. Taylor is himself an alumnus of Corpus Christi College and wanted to leave a gift to his alma mater that would combine his love of engineering, design, and horology (the study and measurement of time).
After five years of design and development, the clock was officially unveiled on 19 September 2008 by none other than Professor Stephen Hawking. The ceremony drew large crowds, and the clock quickly became one of the most photographed attractions in Cambridge.
Taylor’s vision for the clock was not to create a mere decorative timepiece, but to produce something that would provoke thought about the nature of time, mortality, and how humans relate to the passing hours. It was meant to be both a masterpiece of mechanical innovation and a philosophical statement.
Design and Structure
The most striking feature of the Corpus Clock is its face — a 1.5-metre-wide concave disc plated in 24-carat gold. Rather than using traditional hands, the clock displays time through a series of blue LED lights shining through slits in the disc. The lights move in three concentric rings: the outer ring for seconds, the middle for minutes, and the inner for hours. These lights are controlled by a specially engineered mechanism hidden behind the clock face, and their movement is deliberately irregular — they seem to speed up and slow down before settling into place. This is meant to reflect the unpredictable, subjective way we often experience time.
But the element that truly captures attention is the Chronophage, a large, sculpted metal creature that sits at the top of the clock. The word “Chronophage” comes from the Greek words “chronos” (time) and “phagein” (to eat), and it perfectly describes the creature’s purpose — to devour each passing second. Resembling a fearsome, grasshopper-like insect, the Chronophage’s legs move in a manner reminiscent of a clock escapement mechanism, its mouth opening and closing as though swallowing time itself. Its eyes blink in a disturbingly organic way, and every 60 seconds, it snaps its mouth shut as the minute is “eaten.”
The use of the grasshopper imagery is a clever nod to horological history. In the 18th century, English clockmaker John Harrison invented the “grasshopper escapement” — a type of clock mechanism that increased accuracy. Taylor’s Chronophage pays homage to this invention but transforms the grasshopper into a more unsettling, predatory figure.
Engineering Excellence
The Corpus Clock is as much a feat of engineering as it is a work of art. It took a team of skilled craftsmen, engineers, and metallurgists to bring Taylor’s vision to life. The clock mechanism is largely hidden from view, giving the illusion that the Chronophage controls time directly. The entire structure is powered by an electric motor but operates through mechanical gearing, blending modern and traditional clock-making techniques.
One of its most unusual features is the way it occasionally runs slightly fast or slow before correcting itself. This “chronometric irregularity” is intentional — Taylor wanted the clock to reflect the way humans experience time as elastic rather than perfectly regular. Despite these deliberate quirks, the Corpus Clock is highly accurate over the long term.
Philosophical Symbolism
Beyond its engineering brilliance, the Corpus Clock carries a layered philosophical message. The Chronophage represents the relentless march of time, devouring each moment whether we like it or not. It’s a visual reminder of mortality — a concept that Dr. Taylor himself emphasised during the unveiling. His view was that clocks traditionally comfort us by presenting time in a regular, reassuring way, but the reality is that time is unstoppable and unforgiving.
The irregular motion of the lights symbolises the subjective nature of time. Moments of joy seem to pass in an instant, while moments of stress or boredom drag on endlessly. Yet no matter how we perceive it, the Chronophage keeps swallowing seconds, indifferent to our feelings.
Taylor has said that he wanted people to “stop and think about time” when they see the clock. The Latin inscription beneath the clock reads Mundus transit et concupiscentia eius, which translates to “The world passes away, and the lust thereof” — a quotation from the First Epistle of John in the New Testament. This reinforces the theme of impermanence and the transient nature of life.
Public Reception
Since its unveiling, the Corpus Clock has received mixed but passionate reactions. Many people are captivated by its artistry and the almost hypnotic movement of the Chronophage. Tourists frequently gather outside the Taylor Library to take photos or watch the creature in action, especially on the hour when the display is particularly engaging.
However, some have found it unsettling or even disturbing. The Chronophage’s predatory, insect-like design can be eerie, especially when viewed at night. Others have criticised it for being difficult to read, especially for those accustomed to traditional clock faces. But even these criticisms align with Taylor’s intention — the clock was never meant to be an easy, comforting object, but one that challenges and engages the viewer.
Impact on Cambridge and Beyond
The Corpus Clock has quickly become an iconic feature of Cambridge, drawing both tourists and locals. It has been featured in international media, discussed in art and engineering circles, and praised as an example of public art that combines science, craftsmanship, and philosophical depth.
It has also inspired other works and exhibitions. The concept of the Chronophage was so striking that Dr. Taylor later commissioned additional Chronophage clocks, including the “Memento Mori” Chronophage (a death mask design) and the “Dragon Chronophage,” both of which have been exhibited internationally.
The clock has become a meeting point for tours and a talking point in lectures about horology, public art, and even theology. It stands as a testament to the enduring human fascination with time — how we measure it, how we perceive it, and how we respond to its inevitable passing.
Visiting the Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock is located in a prime spot in Cambridge, outside the Taylor Library of Corpus Christi College, and can be viewed at any time of day without charge. Many visitors find it especially compelling at night when the blue LED lights glow against the dark, and the golden surface reflects the surrounding streetlights.
Since it is situated at a busy crossroads in the historic centre of Cambridge, it’s easy to combine a visit with other local attractions, such as King’s College Chapel, the Fitzwilliam Museum, or a punt along the River Cam. But even in a city full of historic and architectural wonders, the Corpus Clock stands out for its sheer originality.
Conclusion
The Corpus Clock is far more than just a timepiece. It is a conversation starter, a piece of kinetic sculpture, a nod to horological history, and a philosophical reflection on the nature of existence. Its bold design challenges traditional ideas of what a clock should be, reminding us that time is not merely something to be measured, but something that shapes — and ultimately limits — our lives.
By blending art, engineering, and existential reflection, Dr. John C. Taylor created a gift for Cambridge that will continue to fascinate, inspire, and provoke thought for generations to come. Whether you view the Chronophage as a whimsical creature or a grim reminder of mortality, there is no denying that the Corpus Clock leaves a lasting impression. In the heart of one of the world’s most historic university cities, it serves as a golden, glimmering reminder that while time may be devoured second by second, the moments we truly notice can last forever.
