Ely Cathedral was built in 1083, but Christians have apparently worshipped at the site since 673, when Ethelreda founded a monastry (destroyed in 870). As usual, I’ll leave the detail about the history at a fairly basic level, but I would like to highlight some of the bits I liked.
It is, of course, an imposing building as most are. Inside, I was impressed with the long ceiling painted with saints, the octagonal central vaulted ceiling (built after the original ceiling collapsed in 1322), the ornate organ, and some of the stained glass. The latter includes a memorial to the RAF personnel of the Second World War.
Finally, as at Winchester, there is a candle surrounded by barbed wire, the emblem of political prisoners and the symbol used by Amnesty International. That always has an emotional impact.
It is quite expensive at £8 – though I think that you can swap your ticket for an annual pass – and it won’t take as long to walk around as some (usually free) alternatives, but it is peaceful and pleasant, and probably the main or only reason to visit Ely. It costs extra to visit the tower.
Address: Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
Website: http://www.elycathedral.org
Gyppo travel reviews 