The Corpus Clock That Eats Time

Cambridge is home to many fascinating landmarks, but few are as unusual and thought-provoking as the Corpus Clock. Located on the exterior wall of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, in the heart of the city, this extraordinary timepiece is unlike any other.

Officially unveiled in September 2008 by renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, the clock was conceived and funded by John C. Taylor, an inventor and former student of Corpus Christi College.

What makes it so remarkable is the absence of traditional hands and numbers. Instead, its striking design features a golden, insect-like creature known as the Chronophage, which appears to devour time as it passes.

The name Chronophage derives from Greek roots meaning “time eater”, a fitting description of a creature that seems to consume every passing second. Its unusual appearance serves as a powerful reminder that time never stands still.

The most fascinating aspect of the Corpus Clock is not simply its ingenious design, but the message it conveys. In a world where we are constantly rushing from one thing to the next, it invites us to pause, reflect, and consider how we choose to spend our time.

If you ever find yourself exploring Cambridge, take a moment to stop and admire this remarkable creation. After all, sometimes a clock can do much more than tell the time, it can remind us of the value of every moment.