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

The Corpus Clock, or "Chronophage," is a breathtakingly original and profound public spectacle. Installed on the corner of Corpus Christi College, this dazzling gold-plated disc—crowned by a monstrous, devouring insect—is far more than a timepiece. It is a visceral memento mori for the modern age, a mechanical philosopher that literally consumes each passing minute with a unsettling, jerking motion. To stand before it is to feel time's relentless, predatory nature. For the full experience, visit on the hour to witness its most dramatic performance: a shudder and a chain rattle that echoes its grim theme. My advice is to pair this encounter with a visit to the historic Eagle Pub directly opposite, where the structure of DNA was announced. The juxtaposition is pure Cambridge: on one side of the street, a meditation on time's end; on the other, a celebration of life's code. Don't just glance; allow its chilling genius to provoke a moment of real reflection amidst the city's timeless beauty.

The Corpus clock is very elegant and spectacular monuments which is located at Corpus Christi college Cambridge,England

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.

Superb. I just love this place. Visited this for more than 3 times now. The clock is designed so well and looks so beautiful. It’s surrounded by many attractions like colleges, punting, shops and all. We took lots of pictures here. Only thing you need to take care about is the reflection on clock’s glass while taking pictures, it’s so annoying and you can’t avoid it unless you use another angle. Cleanliness: 4/5 Attractive: 5/5 Parking: we used park and ride method 3/5 Toilet: use any nearby shop 3/5 Must visit.