Ely
Ship of the Fens and Hereward the Wake
Ship of the Fens and Hereward the Wake
As you approach Ely by road the beautiful cathedral or the Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity to give it its official name can be seen for miles dominating the low-lying landscape. No wonder it is also known as the Ship of the Fens, this building is truly magnificent, it is built on what was once an island surrounded by an area of marshes lakes and rivers the fens.
The Abbots of Ely grew rich on eels indeed the place name is believed to be derived from the Saxon word for eels eel-ee, together with wildfowling such great wealth was accumulated that the doomsday survey records in 1086 it was the second richest monastery in England.
The island of Ely had been a place of worship before the Normans, Etheldreda daughter of the king of the East Anglia founded a nunnery here this was subsequently sacked by the Danes, rebuilt again this time as a monastery before being demolished to make way for a church.
The present building was started by the Norman Bishop Simeon in 1083, the cathedral originally had a tower, but this collapsed in 1322. The Sacrist Alan of Walsingham designed and rebuilt the collapsed nave crossing in 1322 – 1328 replacing it with the famous and incredible octagon.
Built of oak and weighing 400 tons by 70 ft. across and 94 feet above the floor it is a marvel of medieval architecture, he also designed the choir and lady chapel he lies buried nearby in the nave. The cathedral is also renowned for its beautiful ceiling painted by two artists Henry le Strange and Thomas Gambier.
Looking up at the light of the Octagon and dazzling colours the medieval visitors must have been spellbound; at the south triforium of the cathedral, there is a stained glass museum, which is the only one of its kind in the country.
Another of the cities attraction is the Ely museum, which is a short walk from the cathedral; this is set in the former gaol and has a fascinating collection of items and memorabilia relating to Ely as well as artefacts from the distant past.
The location of Ely in the marches and wetlands made a perfect stronghold for Hereward the wake he fought a guerilla war against the Normans from Ely although eventually he was defeated and ousted.
The city now is a pleasant destination and makes a great day trip from Cambridge; the medieval streets are lined with Georgian houses and tearooms. For the history lover Oliver Cromwell’s house is nearby this charming half-timbered house was his home during his time as in office as the tithe collector there is a museum to him which is well worth spending time in.
Ely has a pleasant river frontage on the Great Ouse which makes for relaxing and tranquil walks here you can see a host of aquatic birds and wildlife. The riverbank also has the jubilee gardens, which hosts musical events throughout summer.
In addition to the river walk there is an historical walk along the Bishops’ way footpath, still in an outdoor mood there is the country park which is free and has great play areas for children.
Activities in Ely
Museums
Oliver Cromwells House - Museum Dedicated to Oliver Cromwell
Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen - Wicken Fen
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