The Corpus Clock

A unique and fascinating landmark in Cambridge. The Corpus Clock was unveiled in 2008 by Stephen Hawking and created by John C. Taylor, a former student of Corpus Christi College. The clock is known as the Chronophage – the “time eater.” Instead of hands, it shows the time with blue LEDs. On top sits a large mechanical grasshopper that “devours” each second as it passes. There are no numbers on the face, and the movement is deliberately uneven, to remind us that the flow of time feels subjective. In fact, the clock shows the exact time only once every five minutes. Both artistic and philosophical, it is a striking reminder that time is precious, fleeting, and unstoppable. Definitely worth seeing in person when in Cambridge.

The Corpus Clock is an intriguing and unusual piece of public art located right on the corner of one of Cambridge’s busiest intersections. The craftsmanship is fascinating — especially the way the grasshopper-like Chronophage “eats time.” It’s a brilliant fusion of art, science, and engineering, and worth seeing if you’re nearby. That said, the spot is quite cramped and always busy, so it’s hard to stop and take photos without being in the way. Still, a quick look as you pass by is well worth it.

The Corpus Clock is free, and that’s the right price. It’s a striking design, but the real show is the beast above the clock. It blinks, crawls, and adds a touch of unease. At night, the glow makes it more impressive. Worth a quick stop, though it’s more spectacle than depth. 3.5/5

A super unique and fascinating clock, that moves at different paces (the grasshopper that is), as a comet in the passage of time (so we were told by our guide). Almost mesmerizing to watch!

The Corpus Clock is a striking and unconventional timepiece located at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, England. Unveiled on September 19, 2008, by physicist Stephen Hawking, this clock has captivated visitors with its unique design and thought-provoking symbolism. 🕰️ Design and Functionality Spanning approximately 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in diameter, the clock’s face is a rippling, 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disc. Instead of traditional hands or numerals, time is displayed through 60 illuminated slits arranged in three concentric rings, representing seconds, minutes, and hours. These slits light up sequentially, creating the illusion of moving hands. On a top of the clock sits the Chronophage, a mechanical grasshopper-like figure that “eats” time. This creature moves its jaws every second, symbolizing the relentless passage of time. The Chronophage’s movement is linked to the clock’s mechanism, which employs a grasshopper escapement—a design first introduced by John Harrison in the 18th century. However, in the Corpus Clock, this escapement is externalized and exaggerated, serving both a functional and artistic purpose.

I know it's only a clock, but it's a very special clock. One which is mysterious, hypnotic and captivating, all at once. If you're in Cambridge and haven't seen it before, make sure you check it out. It's even more magical when it's dark, as you get to see these awesome blue lights 😀.

We took a train from Liverpool station in London to Cambridge to start our Cambridge day trip. This was our first stop. There is a very informative article by Dr Ewan St. John Smith entitled "Secrets of the Corpus Clock" on the Corpus Christi College site. We also visited the Mathematical Bridge nearby, which has a long history.

The Corpus Clock was unveiled in 2008 by physicist Stephen Hawking. It was conceived and funded by Dr. John C. Taylor, a Cambridge alumnus, inventor, and horologist best known for inventing the thermostat in electric kettles. He spent over £1 million of his own money and five years to create the clock. The clock is mounted on the outside of the Taylor Library, facing King's Parade. It’s a mechanical clock with no hands or numbers. Instead, time is displayed through blue LED lights that show the hours, minutes, and seconds around a 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disc. The Chronophage is a sculpted mechanical insect that "walks" around the clock face as time passes. Its legs move, it blinks, and occasionally it opens its mouth and appears to "eat" time, symbolizing the relentless nature of time and mortality.