Ely Cathedral Priory
Ely Cathedral, originally an abbey founded in 672 by St Æthelthryth, is an Anglican cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England. It evolved from an Anglo-Saxon monastery to a prominent Benedictine abbey before being refounded as a cathedral in 1109. Renowned for its monumental Romanesque architecture, it features a unique central Octagon tower and later additions in Decorated Gothic style, making it a significant historical and architectural landmark.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 672 by St Æthelthryth, daughter of the King of East Anglia.
- ›Became a Benedictine abbey by 970, known for its wealth and scholarly output.
- ›Began rebuilding in the Romanesque style in 1083 under Abbot Simeon.
- ›Granted cathedral status in 1109, becoming the seat of the Diocese of Ely.
- ›Notable architectural features include the central Octagon tower and the Galilee Porch.
- ›The cathedral is a major tourist attraction, receiving around 250,000 visitors annually.
Romanesque, Decorated Gothic, Early English Gothic
Central Octagon Tower With Lantern, Galilee Porch, Lady Chapel, West Tower, Presbytery, Chantry Chapels
Ely Abbey
St æThelthryth, Ermenilda of Ely, Abbot Simeon, Abbot Richard, Hervey Le Breton, Bishop Geoffrey Ridel, Bishop Eustace, Bishop Hugh of Northwold, Alan of Walsingham, William Hurley, Bishop John Hotham, Bishop John Alcock, Bishop Nicholas West, Hereward the Wake
- Founding of the Abbey In 672.
- Viking Raids Potentially Leading To Destruction.
- Refoundation Under the Rule of St Benedict In 970.
- Siege of Ely In 1071.
- Beginning of Romanesque Rebuilding In 1083.
- Granting of Cathedral Status In 1109.
- Collapse of the Norman Central Crossing Tower In 1322.
- Construction of the Octagon Tower.
- Reformation Leading To Changes In Dedication and Removal of Images.
- Construction of Chantry Chapels In the Late 15th and Early 16th Centuries.
About Ely Cathedral Priory
Ely Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Ely, stands as a prominent Anglican cathedral in the city of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. Its origins trace back to an abbey founded in 672 by St Æthelthryth, a royal daughter of the Kingdom of East Anglia. Initially a mixed community of men and women, it later underwent a refoundation in 970 under the Rule of St Benedict, growing into one of England's most successful Benedictine abbeys known for its treasures and scholarly output.
The present-day building began its monumental Romanesque construction in 1083. The abbey was granted cathedral status in 1109, becoming the seat of the Diocese of Ely. The cathedral is celebrated for its architectural grandeur, featuring a Romanesque core with significant later additions. Its most striking element is the unique central Octagon tower, a masterpiece of medieval engineering that replaced a collapsed Norman crossing tower in the early 14th century. The galilee porch, lady chapel, and choir were later rebuilt in exuberant Decorated Gothic styles, showcasing a rich evolution of architectural design.
Ely Cathedral is renowned for its scale and stylistic details, earning it the local nickname "the ship of the Fens" due to its commanding presence over the flat surrounding landscape. It continues to be a vital center of Anglican worship, sustaining a daily pattern of services, and is a major tourist destination, attracting approximately 250,000 visitors annually, drawn by its historical significance and architectural splendor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ely Cathedral founded?
The origins of Ely Cathedral can be traced back to an abbey founded in 672 by St Æthelthryth. The earliest parts of the present building date to 1083, with the site being granted cathedral status in 1109.
What is the architectural style of Ely Cathedral?
Ely Cathedral was initially built in a monumental Romanesque style. Later additions, such as the galilee porch, lady chapel, and choir, were rebuilt in an exuberant Decorated Gothic style. Its most distinctive feature is the central octagonal tower.
What is the significance of the Octagon tower at Ely Cathedral?
The central octagonal tower, with its lantern above, is the most distinctive and celebrated feature of Ely Cathedral. It was created after the original Norman central crossing tower collapsed in 1322, and its unique design significantly enlarged the crossing space.
Is Ely Cathedral still an active place of worship?
Yes, Ely Cathedral sustains a daily pattern of morning and evening services and is an active Anglican cathedral.
What is Ely Cathedral known for?
Ely Cathedral is known for its impressive scale and stylistic details, particularly its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its unique Octagon tower, prominent position in the Fens (earning it the nickname 'the ship of the Fens'), and rich history as both an abbey and a cathedral make it a significant landmark.
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