Ely Cathedral

Ely is situated 38 miles from Spaldwick (to the north east), and the journey takes about 50 minutes by car. Ely Cathedral is an amazing building, which needs to be visited to be truly appreciated. It attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a huge cathedral for a relatively small city of about 14,000 inhabitants.

Before Ely Cathedral became a cathedral, it was a monastery. Work on the present Cathedral began in the eleventh century, and the monastic church became a cathedral in 1109.

The Octagon with the lantern above are unique features of Ely Cathedral. The Octagon was built following the collapse of the previous Norman tower in 1322, and took six years to build. The lantern tower took 14 years to build and is a masterpiece of medieval engineering and craftsmanship.

Ely Cathedral hosts many events throughout the year, and has a world renowned boy’s choir, which dates back to the mid-16th century. In September 2006, the Ely Cathedral Girls’ Choir was formed.

More information on Ely Cathedral can be obtained from the Ely Cathedral website:

Official Ely Cathedral website

 

You may be interested in visiting our other featured locations:

Cambridge

Peterborough Cathedral

Houghton Mill

London

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Wimpole Hall and Estate

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill

Ickworth House