Ely Cathedral |
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In 673 St Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria, founded a monastery in the centre of the Fens, on the Isle of Ely where she was Abbess until her death in 679. Some 44 years later, 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 a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture.
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 set 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.Tours are available for the Octagon and the West Tower at an extra charge. Please telephone for times and availability. Numbers limited to 12 per group. Tours cannot be taken in wet weather. Children must be aged 10 or older. Available in Peak season mainly. Tel: 01353 660344 (West Door Admission Desk).
Additional Information:
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
All year, Daily.Summer: 7.00am - 7.00pm. Winter: 7.30am - 6.00pm (Sundays 5.00pm) Principal Services: Sunday: 10.30am Choral Eucharist; 4.00pm Evensong. Weekday: Evensong is sung at 5.30pm Choral evensong all week during School term times. In term time on Wednesdays sung by Ely Cathedral Girls Choir. Access to the Cathedral is limited during service times and on some special weekdays. (Please telephone for details). |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
Adult £5.50; Concession £4.70;Adult (in group of 15+) £5.00 per person; Concession (in group of 15+) £4.50 per person. No charge for children in family groups. Admission free on Sundays except to towers. |
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Directions
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15 miles north of Cambridge on the A10. Coach parties may alight near the West Door - coach park nearby in Barton Road. Several large free car parks in Ely. |
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Ely Cathedral Postcode for SatNav: CB7 4DL |
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Nearby Attractions
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Ely Museum
(< 1 Mile)*
Ely Museum, in the Old Bishop's Gaol, is a bright and friendly local history museum. Displays include original prison cells. |
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Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
(6 Miles)*
Experience a unique fragment of the wilderness which once covered much of East Anglia, Wicken Fen is the oldest nature reserve in the country, celebrating its centenary in 1999. |
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Farmland Museum & Denny Abbey
(8 Miles)*
Discover farming through the ages and learn about the rural history of Cambridgeshire. Visit the English Heritage Grade 1 Abbey, still featuring superb Norman interiors. |
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