More than 5,500 messages have been submitted to the online and paper condolence books for Professor Stephen Hawking, showing the global reach of his appeal. Professor Hawking, who died on 14 March this year aged 76, was a Fellow at Gonville & Caius for over 50 years.

Professor Hawking enjoyed an international reputation for his research on cosmology and the universe. His 1988 book A Brief History of Time sold over 25 million copies and was translated into around 40 languages. Beloved around Caius and his department, his death also resonated with admirers from around the world. A book of condolence was opened and visitors flocked to the College chapel to leave their good wishes, creating queues that led across Caius Court. In the days that followed, the book was moved to the Porters' Lodge as guests continued to leave written tributes. 

The College recognised that not everyone who wanted to leave a message could attend in person. An online condolence book was opened on the Caius website and, along with the paper version, continued to provide a focus for reflections on Professor Hawking's life and influence for weeks afterwards, peaking around the time of his funeral on 31 March. Tributes were submitted in diverse languages, a significant portion in Mandarin - reflecting the great interest in Professor Hawking's work in China.

A common theme was Professor Hawking’s influence on those working in science, some crediting him with inspiring their initial interest in the subject. He also connected with well-wishers working in other fields, who praised his ability to present his ideas in an accessible way. Comparisons were made with Einstein, and the cosmologist's famed sense of humour was mentioned multiple times.

Children as young as eight left a message, while parents talked about reading A Brief History of Time to their families. Entries were posted from Australia, China and the US, but some of the submissions came from closer to home as Caians sent in their memories of Professor Hawking around the College. The books will be bound in leather and presented to his family, and a copy will be stored in the College archive. The paper book is now closed, but comments can be left on this online form and will be displayed on this page following moderation. A selection of messages can be read below.

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I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of the great astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. Thirty years ago he awoke my - at the time dormant - interest in astrophysics. His work made it possible for me to understand the universe - as much as that is possible, for which I am truly and deeply grateful to him. Slobodan Rivosechi, Croatia

Our paths crossed many times outside Harvey Court. Professor Hawking would be heading towards college and I would be going to Sidgwick. However, the most indelible memory I have is of Caius May Ball 1993. On the dance floor next to me, Professor Hawking was twirling and swirling, dancing with abandon, and I kept looking on in awe. An incredible and inspiring life. RIP. Priya Shah (Caius 1991-1994)  

In the summer of 1984 I went to Munich with Stephen and the family, as his nurse. More than anything else it was fun! I remember nearly leaving Stephen in a cable car, on the Zugspitze - he liked his adventures - dawdling through the galleries of the Neue Pinakothek with an officious officer trying to close the gallery - Stephen wouldn't be hurried - reading an early draft of A Brief History and discussing theology and cosmology and carrying him out of a plane with the captain. "Poor chap, I suppose travel is all he has left." he said. "No" I replied, "he has just delivered a series of lectures on theoretical physics." My condolences to all the family. Robert, Lucy and Tim, you know you had a good dad. Peter Comont

I can't quite describe the feeling I had the first time I saw you in hall. It was just one of the many magical moments Cambridge gifted me and I'm sure you have featured in thousands if not millions of moments like those for others. On behalf of us all thank you. I hope you rest in beautiful peace and thanks for the free glass of wine. Rebecca Davies, Gonville and Caius (2014-2017)

Although I was born in China, a country thousands of miles far away from Cambridge, I read your astounding story from books at a very early age. At that time, I myself did not even realise the story, like a seed, was already unconsciously buried in my heart, and after two decades it has been in full blossom, following your steps to conduct research at Cambridge. Your persistence and courage always sheds light on my road to seeking the truth in science, no matter how dark ahead. Chaochao Lu, St John's College, University of Cambridge