Queue of people sign book of condolence at Stephen Hawking’s former college

A book of condolence at Stephen Hawking’s former college in Cambridge has been signed by people from around the world.

The flag was flying at half-mast at Gonville and Caius College in honour of the professor, who was a fellow of the college for more than 50 years.

A queue of people wanting to pay their respects stretched outside the chapel, where a book of condolence has been opened.

Stephanie De Kremer, 23, who studied natural sciences at Cambridge University, brought a bouquet of flowers and queued to sign the book of condolence.

“A lot of my friends who read mathematics went to lectures with Professor Stephen Hawking, and he was always really involved with the university even quite late on,” she said.

“The reason I came is it’s just a really sucky situation, he’s one of those people you just think will be around forever like the Queen, and because I live here I just thought I could just come with some flowers, pay my respects.

“He’s one of the best people to really ever come out from Cambridge, we’re really proud of him and we’re very sad to see this day come.”

“Sadly I heard this news today and I wanted to come to his college to write something because he was such an inspiration for me,” he said. “I came from far, far away because of him.

“I was encouraged to pursue a science career because of him, since I was a kid.

“I’m glad I’m here in Cambridge, but at the same time I’m sad because he’s gone.”

Floral tributes were also laid outside the college, and a tribute to him was displayed on a noticeboard near the porter’s lodge.

It said: “Gonville and Caius College mourns the passing of Professor Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist and Fellow of the College for over 50 years.

“His contribution to science, and to Caius, will never be forgotten.”