Ely

Ely is a lovely cathedral city in Cambridgeshire. The cathedral is the big draw card here. It's very hard to photograph because it is sooo big.

 Building started in 1063 on the site of an abbey which was built in 673 AD and destroyed by Danish invaders in 870 AD. Building of the cathedral continued until 1539 and was restored between 1845 and 1870.
It is HUGE and quite beautiful.

 We thought we'd have a look around and were talked into doing a tour with a guide and that included climbing 170 tiny spiralling steps to the top of the tower, through 2 hobbit doors and onto the roof for the view. So pleased we did. Our guide Doug was most informative with a good sense of humour and the views were stunning, both inside and out.

Through the Hobbit Door

On the Roof

 The panels pictured below, open, so one has a view of the lower level of the church and other angelic figures!

The inside of the Cathedral

There is so much to tell you about Ely Cathedral, sadly, I can't do it justice here. It's just a wonderful, wonderful place to visit. Inspiring.....                              

                                       

We had a great house in Ely, very close to the centre of the town with a lovely garden. It was close to the river and we were spoilt for choice with places to quench our thirst.

Our Garden

 There are also lots of grassy areas in Ely to sit and watch the passing parade.

We were joined by our London friends Michael and Hilary and spent time looking at the various sites including The Cathedral, Oliver Cromwell's House and a day trip to Cambridge.
Oliver Cromwell's house was really interesting and full of history as you would imagine and we enjoyed being part of it.

I reckon John's pork pies look every bit as good as they made back then.

We had a fabulous farewell dinner at the Old Fire Engine House. This restaurant serves local recipes with local produce and was amazing. It's the only eating house I have ever been offered seconds, just in case we hadn't had enough! We were served by a canny Scotswoman from north of Aberdeen, Isobel, and she is as funny as a fit. We laughed from start to finish. After the fab meal we retired to the lounge for coffee and a nip of Laphroig. I think her hand slipped when she was pouring though.

John and Isobel

Happy days and nights

 We ended up in the kitchen, met the cooks, and Isobel with a glass in one hand and a cigarette in the other told us why Australia shouldn't become a republic.
Needless to say we were the last to leave.....again.