Ely Cathedral: Wonder of the medieval world
Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire is widely acknowledged as 'one of the wonders of the Medieval world'.
Rising majestically above the flatlands of Cambridgeshire, Ely Cathedral stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance, spiritual significance, and historical legacy.
It’s one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in England.
There has been a church here since the 7th century, when St. Etheldreda, a Saxon queen, founded a cathedral on an island rising out of the surrounding marshes of the Fenland.
Work on the present Cathedral began in the 11th century under the leadership of Abbot Simeon, and the monastic church became a cathedral in 1109 with the Diocese of Ely.
The Norman tower collapsed in the early 14th century, and it is then that Alan of Walsingham steps into the limelight of history.
He designed a central tower that seems to float unsupported above the crossing of Ely Cathedral like a cloud.
The "lantern tower" is actually formed by a series of massive oak beams which rise to a height of 63 feet.
The tower is supported by diagonal oak beams resting upon stone pillars.
These pillars support a total weight of some 400 tons of wood and lead.
The beams of Alan of Walsingham's creation were carefully restored by Sir Gilbert Scott in the Victorian period, and Scott added restrained restoration work to the interior.
Much of the stained glass (pictured further below) at Ely is Victorian also.
The stained glass windows, bathed in ethereal light, narrate biblical stories and historical events with unparalleled artistry.
Each panel is a vibrant mosaic of colors, depicting scenes that transport visitors through time and spirituality.
In 2002, excavations at the cathedral took place, and the findings were remarkable.
The dig revealed large quantities of clay items, including jugs, and bowls that would have been used in everyday Norman life.
Farming and hunting tools were also found, including those made of bronze, which archaeologists suggest date from the transition from Viking to Norman settlement after 1066.
In addition, significant amounts of clay, which was often used to cover the surface of the Motte, were found in the excavations.
Today, the cathedral welcomes visitors from around the globe, offering guided tours, exhibitions, and educational programs that delve into its history and architectural design.
Ascending to the Octagon Tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, rewarding those who make the climb with a glimpse of the world from an elevated perspective.
The cathedral precincts also house a vibrant gift shop and a welcoming café, allowing visitors to extend their experience by taking home souvenirs or enjoying refreshments in the cathedral grounds.
One recent review on TripAdvisor says: “Beautiful cathedral from the moment you walk in and see the painted ceiling.
”Fascinating history with lots of interesting points easily found using the leaflet although I will return to have a tour as I'm sure there's more to learn.
”Also recommend the stained glass museum accessed from the cathedral where you can get more great views looking down into the nave as well as enjoying and learning about the stained glass.”
Another person added: “Really enjoyed visiting the cathedral. Such a beautiful building with a lot of history.
”It really is magnificent.”
”We booked on tour of the west tower whilst there and climbed 288 steps to get to the top of the tower which we were 215ft high.
”Stunning views and we had fantastic weather for it. Our Tour guide was very informative and friendly.”
Most recently, the cathedral was used as a filming location for the popular Netflix series, The Crown.
The landmark has been the backdrop to other popular productions too, such as Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, Macbeth, Jupiter Ascending and The King's Speech.
If you’d like to visit, the address is: Minster Place, Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, CB7 4DL.
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