Great St Mary's church is just a stone's throw away from Gonville and Caius, the Cambridge College where Professor Hawking was a fellow since 1965. Flowers of tribute are overflowing outside and the college flag has been flying at half-mast since Hawking's death.

More than three thousand people have visited Gonville & Caius College to sign a book of condolence, which the college said will be eventually presented to Hawking's family. An online version of the book also gathered thousands of messages from well-wishers all over the world.

Some of them said their lives were inspired and even changed by Hawking, who once said: "however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at."

Chris Warnes, a visitor who just signed the book placed beside a picture of Hawking in the porters' lodge of the college, said Hawking has taught him never to give up.

"Thanks to Hawking, I will always remain curious about life and remember to look up at the stars," he said.