Ely Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely is the mother church of the Diocese of Ely and visitors will experience a living place of worship as well as a compelling tourist attraction.

History & Architecture

St Ethelreda, a Saxon princess, founded a religious community in Ely as early as 673 A.D. The present building dates from 1081 and is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. It is built mainly of limestone from Barnack near Stamford. During the next 100 years as the Norman work continued, subtle changes in architecture can be seen starting with the simple round arches in the Eastern Transepts then developing down the classic Norman nave towards the west end. Once there, examples of the early English style of pointed windows can be seen at the top of the South-West Transept. The transition to the gothic style had begun.

During the early part of the 12th Century the monastic church also achieved Cathedral status. Since the 12th century there have been additions, changes and restorations throughout the centuries, for example:

• In the 13th century the Galilee porch of limestone and Purbeck marble was added to the west front entrance and the Cathedral's east end was extended using the same type of materials.
• In the 14th century the Octagon and its jewel-like lantern replaced the collapsed central Norman Tower. The Lady Chapel, the largest in England, was also built.
• In the 15th century it is probable that the North West Transept collapsed giving the Cathedral its distinctive lopsided appearance.
• In the 16th century, two chantry chapels were built at the east end just before church reformers destroyed statues and carvings, particularly in the Lady Chapel. The monastry was dissolved under Henry VIII in 1539 and in 1541 was refounded as a Cathedral and school.
• In the 17th century the Cathedral was shut for eleven years by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. There is no evidence that he or his followers caused any deliberate damage to the structure or its contents.
• In the 18th century repairs and maintenance work occurred but the Cathedral was generally decaying and in urgent need of thorough restoration.
• In the 19th century under Dean George Peacock a transformation happened. The Victorian work is responsible for bringing back much of the colour to the interior of the building with the painted ceiling, marble floor, and stained glass. A glowing tribute indeed to all those involved.
• In the 20th century further repairs and modernisation occurred and in 1986 the "Great Restoration" began, completed triumphantly by 2000.

The Cathedral therefore began the 21st century with confidence, beautifully restored and with a newly built covered processional way to link the North Choir Aisle to the Lady Chapel. The Lady Chapel itself has recently had underfloor heating and a striking new floor.

For more historical and architectural details please refer to www.cathedral.ely.anglican.org - Guided Tour Section.

Attractions

When visiting do take time to enjoy:

• A time of quiet reflection or join us for a service. Music, prayer and worship are the focus of daily life in the Cathedral. The famous Ely Choir sing every day except Wednesdays during term time.
• The view into the Cathedral from the West Door of the magnificent architecture, painted ceiling, stained glass and marble floor.
• A walk around the labyrinth of black and white tiles just inside the Cathedral. It was created on the floor under the West Tower by Gilbert Scott in the 19th century based on a medieval design.
• A Cathedral ground floor tour with a trained guide.
• The famous Octagon Tower and lantern. The Tower can be climbed with a specialist guide. Details from the Visits and Tours Manager.
• The many sculptures, including several modern works such as the much discussed statue of the Virgin Mary in the Lady Chapel by David Wynne, the impressive "The Way of Life" installation, by Jonathan Clarke and "Christ in Majesty" by Peter Ball which appears to hover on the wall behind the pulpit.
• The carvings of animals and green men in the Cathedral. Children can take part in an Animal Treasure hunt to find creatures as they walk through the building.
• A short walk around the monastic buildings including the exquisite 14th century Prior Crauden's chapel and the Almonry where you can enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
• The Cathedral also houses the unique Stained Glass Museum.

We look forward to seeing you.

Local Interest

Ely is a delightful small city with a pretty riverside area. It is also home to Oliver Cromwell's House and Ely Museum. These all combine to make a visit to Ely Cathedral very special.

• Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill (National Trust)
• Burwell Museum - rural village museum housed in a re-erected 18th century barn
• The historic University city of Cambridge
• The Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey
• Welney - Wildlife and Wetlands Trust
• Wicken Fen National nature Reserve

Concerts & Events

The Cathedral frequently welcomes artists, musicians and choirs. In the summer months there are regular concerts at 1.10pm on a Thursday. For details of concerts and events, contact the Events Manager: Telephone: 01353 660310 or email: j.leebetter@cathedral.ely.anglican.org