Ely Cathedral is a beautiful Christian temple located on the English Isle of Ely. It was founded by the Saxon princess Etheldreda. The name Ely is said to derive from ‘island of eels’ when eels were commonly caught and used in the local cuisine. 

Before the cathedral was built, there was a church at the same place and it was operating as a central hub of the Anglo-Saxon resistance. The church is dated to 7th century and was part of an abbey founded by Etheldreda – the daughter of one of the kings of Northumbria.

Ely Cathedral, as we know it today, was built by the later ruling the region Normans. It has typical Norman architecture. The most impressive feature of Ely Cathedral is its central octagonal tower rising above the entire nave. The nave was completed in 1189.

The octagon was built over the period 1322-1346. It was truly remarkable and it is still considered a triumph of the architecture and the engineering achievements from that time. It was constructed under the strict supervision of the monk and architect - Alan of Walsingham. It was him who added the Lady Chapel to the main building as well.

Vote:
Rating 5 from 1 voted Ely Cathedral