After the cathedral's main tower collapsed in 1322, they decided to build an enormous octagonal lantern in its place. Now known as the Ely Octagon, it is one of the most spectacular spaces ever built in an English church.
The lantern is supported on eight large stone piers formed out of the first pairs of piers of the nave, transepts, and rebuilt choir. Above this, the superstructure is made of timber, although it was carved and painted to look like stone. The timber–work was done by William Hurley, the king’s own carpenter.
Tags: Cambridgeshire Ely Ely Cathedral cathedrals churches Ely Octagon stained glass windows
© All Rights Reserved
In 1322 the central tower collapsed, and was eventually replaced by an octagon topped by a lantern. It is built in wood covered in lead, and the internal height is 142 feet (43m).
Tags: Ely Cathedral Ely cathedrals churches Cambridgeshire
© All Rights Reserved
This stunning Norman cathedral dates from the early 12th century. It is on the site of a much earlier monstery founded by St Etheldreda in 673AD. Destroyed by the Danes, it was refounded as a Benedictine community in 970AD.
Tags: Ely Cathedral Ely cathedrals churches Cambridgeshire
© All Rights Reserved
The cannon on the green outside Ely Cathedral was captured from the Russians in Sebastopol and given to Ely City by Queen Victoria in 1860 after the Crimean War. Her gift was in recognition of the successful formation of the Ely Rifle Volunteers.
This beautiful Norman cathedral, which is quite unlike any other in England, dates from the early 12th century. It is on the site of a much earlier monastery founded by St Etheldreda in 673AD. Destroyed by the Danes, it was refounded as a Benedictine community in 970AD. The Normans then commenced building the cathedral from the 1070s onwards.
Tags: Cambridgeshire Ely Ely Cathedral Russian cannon Crimean War
© All Rights Reserved
One of the finest cathedrals in England, a church has stood on this site for over 1,400 years. St Etheldreda founded a monastery on this site in 673 AD. The present building dates from the late 11th century.
Tags: Cambridgeshire churches cathedrals Ely Ely Cathedral
© All Rights Reserved