Ely Cathedral
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Before the drainage of the Fens, Ely was an island in the midst of the marshland. In the seventh century St Ethelreda, queen of Northumbria, founded an abbey here, later occupied by the Benedictines. The present building was begun by Simeon, the first Norman abbot, in 1083, and by 1109, when the bishopric of Ely was founded, the eastern part was complete. The western half was completed in 1180-90. In 1322 the Norman crossing tower collapsed. Unlike other churches where this happened - as it did not infrequently - the cathedral was not given a new spire but a unique stone octagon surmounted by an octagonal timber lantern. The new structure, completed in 1342, is of remarkable harmony and beauty.
Things to See
Address:
Stained Glass Museum / Ely Cathedral, South Triforium, Ely CB7 4DL, England
Hours:
May 1 to September 30: 7am-7pm
October 1 to March 31: 7:30am-6pm; Sun: 7:30am-5pm
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service
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