Visit to Ely Cathedral

Founded by St Etheldreda in the 7th century, Ely’s early monastic churches were swept away following the Norman Conquest, giving rise to the present cathedral. This was begun under Simeon, a monk whose brother, Walkelin, was bishop of Winchester – a relationship which helps to explain the design adopted in the course of the 1080s. Unlike its model, however, Ely was enhanced with architectural sculpture, hence the reputation enjoyed by its Romanesque portal sculpture. It is also a building whose nave stands as the definitive statement of East Anglian Romanesque. Our initial aim will be the Ely of the late 11th and 12th-centuries – including a diversion to examine the evidence for a stunning late Romanesque monastic infirmary. But there is more to Ely than this, and the afternoon should also allow a time for that magnificent set of early 14th-century works that turned Ely into as much a showcase for the Decorated as for the Romanesque – the octagon, Bishop Hotham’s choir and the dazzlingly inventive Lady Chapel.

Ely Cathedral also houses the Stained Glass Museum in the south nave gallery. This can be visited with a separate admission ticket either before or after our visit (open 10am–5pm)

There is a regular train service between Kings Cross and Ely – fast and slow. Fast trains – about one and a quarter hours.