The clock was unveiled to the public in 2008 and still gathers crowds who are drawn to its uniqueness
Cambridge is full of many weird and wonderful things. One that can’t be missed is a large gold clock with a grasshopper on top, on the corner junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street.
This is the Corpus Clock, one of the city’s most unique landmarks. Crowds always gather around the clock to admire this striking time piece. It was created by Dr John C Taylor, who studied natural sciences at Cambridge University. It was officially unveiled to the public by Professor Stephen Hawking in September 2008.
What makes the clock unusual is the large grasshopper on top of it, also known as Chronophage or time eater. The large insect on top is an example of the grasshopper escapement mechanism invented in the 1700s by John Harrison, who also invented the marine chronometer that meant sailors could work out longitude.
The clock mouth opens at 30 seconds past each minute, but then closes when the minute is over. Then, when it strikes on the hour, it doesn’t chime like people may think. Instead, its chains rustle and a hammer hits a wooden coffin. Unlike a normal clock, the Corpus Clock has no hands or digital numbers. Instead, it has Vernier slits cut into its face.
In 2023, the clock was vandalised when the glass protecting it was smashed with a hammer. After it was damaged, the landmark was left out of action for nearly two months. However, it made its triumphant return in June of that year. Since then, crowds continue to gather every day to admire this unusual piece.




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