The King was welcomed to the Cambridge Central Mosque during his visit in mid July.
The award-winning Cambridge building was designed by London-based firm Marks Barfield Architects. Julia Barfield (Director of Marks Barfield) and Timothy Winter (Chair of the Trust, Cambridge Central Mosque) accompanied The King during his visit.
The King toured the Mosque’s facilities, showing particular interest in its Community Garden. The Cambridge Central Mosque is often described as Britain’s first ‘eco-mosque’, and The King was shown the sustainability features of the building, which include photovoltaic arrays, air-source heat pumps, a sedum roof, natural ventilation systems, and the use of timber from sustainably-managed forests.
The Mosque considers itself an example of the vital role religious communities can play in the shared human struggle against global heating, and aspects of Muslim teaching on care for God’s creation were discussed during the visit.
The King’s longstanding commitment to architectural excellence was visible in his appreciation of the mosque’s architectural purpose in developing a specifically British idiom of mosque design. Such award-winning features in the mosque include references to the fan-vaulting of the nearby King’s College Chapel, and the cross-hatched Victorian brickwork widely used in the local Romsey area of Cambridge.
During his visit, His Majesty was show the importance of the mosque and other places of worship in reinforcing Cambridge’s position as a magnet for global talent, with many world-leading academics and researchers from around the globe working in the city and playing a key role in strengthening its economy and international reputation.
The King met members of the diverse Muslim community, including the mosque’s imams and trustees, and key individuals who play a role in supporting the flourishing of the city. The religious and ethnic diversity at the University’s Biomedical Campus was particularly noted.
The King was also shown the social service dimension of the mosque community and the active role played by young people. The mosque delivers regular food packs to families experiencing financial hardship in Cambridge, and organises regular health awareness events. During the Covid era, the mosque served as a local centre for NHS vaccinations. Youth activities include volunteer litter-picks in local parks and other public spaces. The Mosque maintains close ties with the Cambridge Council of Mosques, Cambridge Muslim College, and also other religious communities in South Cambridgeshire, and actively promotes interfaith dialogue. The Mosque is also an approved hosted for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
At the end of his visit The King was thanked by the attendees, who prayed for him and were pleased to note his respect for their contribution to British life.
