An Architectural Gem

Ely is a delightful small town in Cambridgeshire, England. Its historic cathedral dates back over 1,300 years; it was built on the highest land in the fens (marshy areas before drainage in the 17th century). This beautiful and welcoming cathedral is famous for its Octagon Tower.  The Octagon was built to replace the stone central tower that collapsed in 1322; it was constructed with timber and cleverly painted to match stone work.

I'm amazed how these magnificent, soaring structures were built centuries ago.

Ely Cathedral allows the use of tripod for a modest 2 GBP fee.  I arrived early to get clear views without interrupting other visitors, especially when using the tripod.

Here are a few selected images.

Portrait perspective of the nave with the famous Octagon towards the upper third of image:

Ely Cathedral (Fujifilm X-E1, 8mm, 3.5s, f/8, ISO 200)

Ely CathedralThe history of the Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England dates back over 1300 years. The cathedral is a remarkable example of Romanesque and Norman architecture. It is famous for its Octagon Tower.

Looking straight up at the Octagon with intersecting transepts:

Ceiling of Ely Cathedral (Fujifilm X-E1, 8mm, 4s, f/11, ISO 200)

Ely CathedralThe history of the Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England dates back over 1300 years. The cathedral is a remarkable example of Romanesque and Norman architecture. It is famous for its Octagon Tower.

A closer view of the painted Octagon ceiling (Fujifilm X-E1, 43mm, 4s, f/11, ISO 200)

Octogon Tower, Ely CathedralThe history of the Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England dates back over 1300 years. The cathedral is a remarkable example of Romanesque and Norman architecture. It is famous for its Octagon Tower: crowned in wood, lead and glass; a masterpiece from medieval times.

The Octagon Tower is worth a visit (additional fee). A guide takes visitors up narrow spiral stone stairs to the view the wooden structures supporting the Octagon.

Here's a view looking down:

Look Down from the Octagon Tower (Fujifilm X-E1, 18mm, 1/30s, f/3.6, ISO 2500)

Ely CathedralView from the Octagon Tower. The history of the Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England dates back over 1300 years. The cathedral is a remarkable example of Romanesque and Norman architecture.

Mirror Reflections of the Victorian-era Painted Ceilings (Fujifilm X-E1, 8mm, 2.6s, f/11, ISO 200)

Ely Cathedral ReflectionsThe history of the Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England dates back over 1300 years. The cathedral is a remarkable example of Romanesque and Norman architecture. It is famous for its Octagon Tower.

I was pleased to spend a morning at this enchanting medieval cathedral.