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Ely is a beautiful cathedral city that is found in the eastern part of Cambridgeshire. It lies within easy travel distance of Cambridge at only fourteen miles to the northeast. The city proves to be the third smallest in England and the sixth tiniest in the whole of the United Kingdom. Because it is the diocese seat, this small city of just over fifteen thousand people has the honor of being called a city. Travelers will find the city worth their visit, especially if they wish to see among the greatest examples of medieval Cathedral architecture.
History and Architecture
Ely started out as an Abbey under the East Anglian Kingdom's royal St. Ethelreda. This abbey met its end during the Danish invasion in 870. It would be rebuilt a hundred years later. William the Conquer built an impressive castle here after he defeated among the last Anglo Saxon resistors Hereward the Wake, who was based here until his surrender in 1071. The castle was demolished in the 1200's.
The pride and joy of Ely is the wonderful Norman Cathedral that was constructed starting in 1083. The first Norman Cathedral tower fell in the early 1300's and was replaced by the floating central tower that Alan of Walsinham designed. This tower appears to float without any support over the cross of Ely Cathedral.
Oliver Cromwell also called the town home for a few years. He served as area tax collector from 1636. His one time home is still standing and is today used as both a museum and the area Tourist Information Office. Visitors to the town will be interested to stop in at the museum here, since it has been set up with rooms furnished like they were in Cromwell's day.
Attractions and Culture
Ely has a number of attractions to share with travelers. The cathedral is obviously the most impressive, but the city offers others. A number of historical buildings lie along its winding streets that contain numerous shops. The house of Cromwell lies in the cathedral shadows.
Ely sits on the River Great Ouse. Many boating opportunities are offered here. Up the river in Cambridge, the Cambridge University rowing team trains for their yearly Boat Race versus Oxford University.
Ely offers residents and visitors a busy weekly market each Thursday. There is also a lively craft market held on Saturdays. On the third Saturday of the month, the Farmer's Market features produce and other goods.
Ely is graced with a number of other interesting attractions. There is the Ely Museum that displays such worthwhile exhibits as samples of Oliver Cromwell's handwriting. A large modern library is also located here. The tiny city boasts a great range of cafes, restaurants, hotels, and pubs to make sure that visitors are well received.
Accommodation in Ely
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