Ely Cathedral

Ely cathedral contains some of the best stone carving in England and can be seen over many miles of the surrounding fenland.

Built in the Norman architectural style with massive stone supporting walls punched through with large arches. The original Norman tower collapsed in the 14th Century and was replaced by the magnificent “lantern” tower that can be seen today. The square bell tower of Ely Cathedral, seen from the roof of the octagonal Lantern tower. The elaborately painted ceiling at Ely Cathedral that was started by one artist and finished by another. Some differences in style of painted figures can be seen from one end to the other. Ely Cathedral has a massive pipe organ, the ornate small and mid-range pipes are suspended above the choir area. The organist sits behind the pipes in a small space that is accessed from the rear by a small, ornate spiral stair.

The massive organ bass pipes - used for producing very deep bass notes - are situated away from the organ on a higher floor, hidden away from the public. They are impressively huge.# Ely Cathedral Stained Glass There are many examples of fine stained glass at Ely Cathedral. This one in particular appeals as it seems to commemorate some historic holy helter-skelter. The ‘Lantern’ tower as it is known is a large octagonal tower, was built to replace the original stone Norman tower that collapsed in the 14th Century.

Constructed from wood around a framework of massive posts, cut in single pieces from massive trees, the tower has windows all around the top area to let in light. The vertigo inducing view from just below the windows of the Lantern tower at Ely Cathedral where a series of angels are shown on painted wooden panels. The exterior of the top part of the Lantern tower at Ely Cathedral, note the tiny door in the bottom left of the photo. Massive wooden support structures in the interior of Ely Cathedral lantern. The uneven, roughly shaped beams are the most ancient and part of the original build.# Ely Cathedral Carpenters Marks Carpenters marks from the original construction of the Lantern tower at Ely Cathedral.

One of many stone, spiral stairs built into the walls of Ely Cathedral that allow access to the various towers and spaces that have been added over time. Some stairs can be seen to have been blocked further up due to changes in the building layout. The 12th Century ‘Prior’s Door’ at Ely Cathedral that connected to the medieval cloister. Some of the ornate carvings are believed to date from as early as 1135 ad.

Created: 22  July  2019  Edited: 29  November  2023