Ely, England

Introduction

Today, I am reporting on the quaint town of Ely (pop 15,000) which is located in the Fens, 17 miles north of Cambridge.

Information on Ely  

This town was founded in the 7th century by Etheldreda, a Northumbrian Queen and later became famous as site of the last (unsuccessful) stand by Hereward the Wake against William the Conqueror in the 11th century.

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, England

The name is generally believed to originated from the Old English Elig, which translates as 'Eel Island' or 'district of Eels'.

Benefiting from its relatively remote location Ely has retained a good number of medieval and Tudor buildings.

Main attraction is the 14th century Cathedral, a gothic design by local monk Alan de Walsingham. The building features an octagonal tower which stands prominently on the local landscape.

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, England

Centre of Ely

Centre of Ely, Cambridgeshire

Other places of interest include:

  • Pubs and restaurants on the River Ouse which lazily winds close to the town.
River Ouse, Ely

River Ouse, Ely, England

  • A stained glass museum.
  • Local history museum.
  • A house once owned by Oliver Cromwell, a prominent figure in English history (civil war) which doubles as the Tourist Information Centre.
Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely

Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely, Cambridgeshire

  • A nature reserve at nearby Wicken.

The town benefits from road and rail connections. Distance from London is 80 miles.

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