Why is Ely called Ely?

The “Isle of Ely” is so called because it was only accessible by boat until the waterlogged Fens were drained in the 17th century. Still susceptible to flooding today, it was these watery surrounds that gave Ely its original name the 'Isle of Eels', a translation of the Anglo Saxon word 'Eilig'.

Is Ely named after eels?

Sometimes places are named after things found locally. Ely got its name from the old Northumbrian word ēlġē, which means 'district of eels' because the marsh land surrounding Ely was filled with eels!

Is Ely the smallest city in England?

Ely is England's second smallest city1, and the main market town in East Cambridgeshire with a population approaching 18,000. Nestled in the Fens approximately 15 miles north of Cambridge, it is famous for its magnificent Norman cathedral known locally as “The Ship of the Fens”.

What famous person lived in Ely?

Oliver Cromwell lived in Ely from 1636 to 1646 after inheriting St Mary's vicarage, a sixteenth-century property—now known as Oliver Cromwell's House— from his mother's brother, Sir Thomas Steward. It is possible to visit this house today.

When did Ely stop being an island?

This inaccessible location became the scene of Hereward the Wake's resistance to William I the Conqueror about 1070. In the 17th century the surrounding fens were drained, and the Isle of Ely is now simply a hill in the midst of a low, flat plain whose rich soils provide highly productive farmlands.

WHY VISIT ELY? | SMALL CITY ON ISLAND IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Why is Ely not a city?

Ely has been called a city for a long time because it has a cathedral. However, the Royal Charter making it a city was only issued in 1974.

Did Oliver Cromwell live in Ely?

Cromwell lived in Ely from 1636 after inheriting property there. His house still stands and is one of the few places where he lived that survives. Oliver Cromwell's House is now open to the public as a visitor attraction, and is also the location of Ely's Tourist Information Centre.

Which queen is buried in Ely Cathedral?

Etheldreda died c680. Some 16 years later, her body was taken from the simple grave she had requested, to be placed in a fine stone coffin in the Abbey Church. Her body was found to be 'incorrupt', without decay, believed to be a sign from God that she was a saint.

What food is Ely famous for?

So famous were the eels of Ely that people came from miles around to sample them. Although no longer fished commercially due to dwindling stocks, there is still an annual Ely Eel Festival.

What films have been filmed at Ely Cathedral?

Previous filming at Ely has included Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Crown, Macbeth, Jupiter Ascending, The King's Speech and most recently Maestro. Adjacent Cathedral buildings and the grounds and parklands have been used to accommodate catering, crew tents, technical support etc., as required.

Is Ely a nice place to live?

However, Ely can be a fantastic place to live, work and study. With a plethora of attractions and good transport links to other parts of Cambridge and the entire UK, Ely is a great location with many residential hubs. When it comes to the cost of living, you can expect average house prices to be around £366,000 in Ely.

Is it worth visiting Ely?

Nestling under the big skies of the Fen countryside, in the shadow of its magnificent cathedral, Ely offers a wealth of attractions and things to do. As the second smallest city in England, it is compact enough to explore on foot, but large enough to fill a full day and more.

Why is Ely Cathedral green?

Why Ely Cathedral's Octagon Tower was lit up in green ahead of Christmas. The Octagon Tower at Ely Cathedral was lit up in green on the longest night of the year in support of the NSPCC. It was among buildings and landmarks across the country supporting the children's charity on December 22 - the winter solstice.

Who destroyed Ely Cathedral?

The monastery at Ely was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Ely suffered less than many other monasteries, but even so, statues were destroyed together with carvings and stained glass. Much of this destruction is in evidence today. St Etheldreda's Shrine was also destroyed.

Why was a cathedral built in Ely?

The cathedral's history dates back to AD 673, when St Etheldreda (c. 636-79), daughter of the East Anglian King Anna, restored an existing church and built a double monastery for men and women in Ely. Twice married, Etheldreda decided to establish the monastery after choosing to take a vow of chastity and become a nun.

Who owns Ely?

Erik and Michelle Robson located a vacant Georgian building on Ely Place, a place which would quickly change the Irish wine-scene. The ELY family boasts over 1200 different wines plus a range of craft beers, premium whiskeys, gins, Cognac, Armagnac, and classic cocktails.

What river is in Ely?

River Great Ouse level at Ely.

Does Ely have a castle?

Ely Castle, also known as Cherry Hill Castle, or historically as the Mount, was an early Norman castle in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. It had a motte-and-bailey design with timber defences, of which only the earthworks survive today.

Why is Ely Cathedral so important?

Ely became a huge centre for the religion, and before the time of William the Conqueror, it had the second richest monastery in England. The cathedral has become a legacy of William I who built it to show his power, and it still dominates over the town. Today the cathedral remains open to the public every day.

Was The Crown filmed in Ely Cathedral?

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

This commanding Cathedral in the historic riverside city of Ely holds over 1,300 years of history. As the production was unable to film in Westminster Abby, Ely Cathedral was the stand-in location for the wedding of Queen Elizabeth (Claire Foy) and Prince Phillip (Matt Smith) in season 1.

Why live in Ely?

Ely is a historic city located in Cambridgeshire, 15 miles north of Cambridge. Renowned for its magnificent cathedral, Ely has picturesque landscapes and a rich heritage, making it a notable location in the East of England. With a population of only 20,000, it's easily one of the smallest cities in the UK.

Does Oliver Cromwell's house still exist?

Visit the former Lord Protector's family home, the only residence still in existence other than Hampton Court. Following a refurbishment, our House now boasts a completely re-vamped Civil War Exhibition with impressive interactive displays and interpretations.

Does the Cromwell family still exist?

There are many people alive today who are directly descended from Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell had nine children, six of whom survived well into adulthood and married. Although Mary's marriage proved childless, in due course the other five had children of their own.