The town of Ely lies just over an hour's journey from home and we made the journey in August, towards the end of the summer holidays. We left mid-morning and went through Thetford forest, where a pleasant place to lunch is the Hare Arms in the village of Stow Bardolph. Just over the road from the pub are these attractive alms houses.
Before the fens were drained Ely was an island and the cathedral was known as the ship of the fens, as it can be seen from miles around and would have given the appearance of sailing in the surrounding water. Here is the bell tower.
The nave ceiling is of is beautifully painted wood, a nineteenth century addition.
The stained glass windows are a significant feature of the cathedral.
The ornate high altar.
The 1931 organ by Harrison & Harrison, refurbished in 2001.
Wooden carvings grace the choir.
The west façade from Palace Green.
St Mary's Cottage (circa 1550).
The octagonal tower.
Magnificent tudor chimneys.
Late summer flower baskets decorate the streets.
We spent the night in Ely, travelling back home the next day.
