Ely Cathedral |
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Ely Cathedral is widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Europe and was recently voted in The Times as one of the 'top 20 must see buildings in the UK'.
Known as 'The Ship of the Fens' the history of the Cathedral dates back to 673 when St. Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria, founded a monastery on the Isle of Ely where she was Abbess until her death in 679.
In 1081, work on the present building was begun, under the guidance of Abbott Simeon. It was completed in 1189 and the Cathedral now stands as one of the most remarkable examples of both Norman and Romanesque architecture.
History is abundant in this Cathedral and includes tales of King Cnut, Hereward the Wake, William the Conqueror and Oliver Cromwell to name a few.
The Breathtaking Octagon
Undoubtedly, the most outstanding feature of the Cathedral is the Octagon, built to replace the Norman tower which collapsed in 1322.
The scale, engineering skill and sheer beauty are breathtaking and we can only marvel at the vision of Alan of Walsingham in designing such a piece of architecture.
The 14th Century Lady Chapel with its intricate stone carvings, is the largest in England. And there is the Prior's Door, the painted Nave ceiling, Bishop West's Chantry Chapel and St Ovin's Cross - the only piece of stonework of Saxon origin in the Cathedral.
The Monastic Buildings
The Cathedral is positioned within the walls of the Benedictine Monastery, and a walk round the College will reveal that Ely has the largest collection of medieval domestic architecture in England.
The Porta was the original entrance to the Monastery and Prior Crauden's Chapel is situated nearby. Powchers Hall, the Old Barn, The Almonry and all the other Medieval buildings still stand to remind us of a community who lived and worshipped together, and of the skill and craftsmanship of those who built them over 600 years ago.
Tower Tours
Tower tours are available for both the Octagon and the West Tower at an extra charge. Numbers limited to 12 per group. Tours cannot be taken in wet weather. Children must be aged 10 or older. Available most week-ends and daily during the peak season. Tel: 01353 667735
Highlights
- Ground Floor Tours by experienced Cathedral Guide
- Tower Tours
- Monastic Building Tours
- Brass Rubbing
- The Museum of Stained Glass houses the only national collection
- Tea rooms and Restaurant
- Cathedral Gift Shop
- Wheelchair access by both the West Door and the South Door
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Directions |
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15 miles north of Cambridge on the A10. |
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Ely Cathedral Postcode for SatNav: CB7 4DL
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Contact
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Days Out near Ely Cathedral
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Ely Museum (<1 Mile)*
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Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (6 Miles)*
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Farmland Museum & Denny Abbey (8 Miles)*
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Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill (11 Miles)*
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National Horseracing Museum & Tours (12 Miles)*
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Newmarket Racecourses (12 Miles)*
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Raptor Foundation (13 Miles)*
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Museum of Cambridge (14 Miles)*
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Fitzwilliam Museum (14 Miles)*
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West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village & Country Park (16 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Ely Cathedral
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Ely (<1 Mile)*
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Ely (<1 Mile)*
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West Row (8 Miles)*
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Eriswell (11 Miles)*
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March (13 Miles)*
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Cambridge (14 Miles)*
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Downham Market (15 Miles)*
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Elveden (17 Miles)*
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Hilton (17 Miles)*
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West Stow (18 Miles)*
Also near Ely Cathedral |
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