Ely (pronounced “eelie” after the eels that were formerly harvested here) is a former market town north of Cambridge. It is also home to its famous Cathedral – a fame well deserved! A 15-minute train ride took us to Ely’s station and a stroll of about 20 minutes took us to the Cathedral. We needed no directions – the Cathedral is visible from the station.
The Cathedral’s reputation for grandeur is well earned. It is an imposing presence with a beautifully airy design within. The stained glass windows are ornate and saturated with colour. As I have mentioned in the past, I do love a good stained glass window.
Running the length of the nave is a fascinating painted ceiling. It is the work of two Victorian painters and shows “how all of history, starting with Adam, points to and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.” (Cathedral info brochure) You can decide for yourselves.
In this very old Cathedral is a nod to today. Mary Magdalene Recognizes Jesus (upon his resurrection) is a David Wynne sculpture. The figures are thin as though they have been stripped to the core of their beings. It is the more striking being surrounded by such a glorious medieval structure.
Cambridge is more than fabulous 17th and 18th century colleges and churches. It is also home to the many people who live here permanently and who do not live in lovely semi-detached four-bedroom homes like the one I am staying in. I went in search of less rarefied scenes. These photos show some of what I saw in my limited wander around the city.
One more day in lovely Cambridge, then off to Berlin!
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