Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Ely has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Ely.
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Sights in Ely
Ely is a historic city in England’s East Cambridgeshire district, about 80 miles north of London. The city is renowned for its magnificent cathedral, majestic views and fascinating history.
Ely Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in the country. The imposing Gothic structure sits atop a hill overlooking the city, and is visible for miles around. The cathedral is home to an incredible collection of art and architecture, and is well worth a visit.
The city of Ely has a long and fascinating history. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of the East Angles, and was an important settlement in the Viking era. The city’s medieval streets and buildings are a joy to explore, and there are plenty of interesting museums and galleries to enjoy.
Ely is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The city is surrounded by stunning countryside, and there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore. The river Ouse runs through the city, and there are some lovely parks and gardens to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a fascinating and historic city to explore, Ely is well worth a visit. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and you’re sure to have a memorable time.
History of Ely
The small city of Ely is located in eastern England in the county of Cambridgeshire. It sits about sixty miles north of London, on the Great Ouse River which flows into the North Sea. The city has a long and varied history, dating back to the AngloSaxon era.
The earliest known settlement at Ely was a Saxon village called Elge, established sometime before the 7th century. Ely became a town in the 10th century, when it was granted a charter by King Edgar of England. Around this time a Benedictine monastery was also founded in the town.
The town and monastery prospered throughout the medieval period. Ely was particularly known for its production of wax and cloth. In the 12th century the monastery was rebuilt in the Gothic style, and Ely Cathedral became one of the most beautiful and renowned churches in England.
In the 16th century the town suffered greatly during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. The monastery was disbanded and the cathedral fell into ruin. Many of the town’s residents were left without jobs.
The city began to rebuild in the Victorian era. The railway came to Ely in 1847, which brought new industry and prosperity to the town. The cathedral was also restored to its former glory.
Today Ely is a thriving small city, with a population of around 18,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with its magnificent cathedral, charming old buildings, and peaceful river setting.
Vacation in Ely
Ely is a historic cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, about 14 miles northnortheast of Cambridge and about 80 miles by road from London. It is the county town of East Cambridgeshire and was the seat of the Diocese of Ely from 1109 until the Diocese was absorbed into the Diocese of Ely, Norwich and Ely in 1914. There is evidence for settlement in the city since at least the Bronze Age and it continued to be an important trading centre during the Roman and AngloSaxon periods. The city became a bishopric in 1109, and grew prosperous. During the Middle Ages, the revenues from the fens made the bishop one of the richest prelates in England. Ely was a centre for trade even in the times of the Danelaw; it reached the height of its prosperity in the 11th and 12th centuries, when the Abbey of Ely ruled a large estates.
The city is home to Ely Cathedral, one of the great cathedrals of England. With its octagonal Lady Chapel, it is one of the most distinctive and beautiful churches in the country. The building of the cathedral began in 1083, a little over a century after the Norman Conquest, and took more than three centuries to complete. Ely Cathedral is the burial place of several British monarchs, including Oliver Cromwell and Saxon kings.
The city has many medieval buildings, including St Mary’s Church, which has aisles dating from the 12th century. The Ely Museum is housed in a 13thcentury building that was once the Bishop’s Palace. It tells the story of Ely from its earliest beginnings to the present day.
Ely is a popular tourist destination, with people coming to see its cathedral, museums and historic buildings. The city is also a gateway to the fens, with their distinctive landscapes and wildlife. There are many opportunities for walking, cycling and birdwatching in the area.
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