Ely is England's second smallest city dominated by its Norman cathedral. Ely cathedral has the largest collection of Medieval domestic ecclesiastical buildings still in use in this country and evidence of this can be seen on the right hand side of the High Street in this view.

This is at the South East end of the High Street where it continues into Forehill with the Market Place on the left.

View full size

This was our first close view of the cathedral from within the city. We had parked in the Barton Road car park and walked out into Silver Street, round past the Tourist Information Centre in St. Mary's Street, and along the obvious path through the greensward towards the cathedral.

It was a very impressive sight with its decorative stonework. This is where the main entrance door is situated and can be seen at the base of the tower. The overall length of the cathedral is 540 feet.

View full size

More cathedral views

The obviously buttressed medieval building running alongside The Gallery was originally the Monastic Servants Quarters and is now part of King's School.

View full size

We walked past here on our way to the cathedral. This is a medieval building, dating from the 13th Century, which was Oliver Cromwell's home from 1636 for 11 years and is now the Tourist Information Centre.

It is possible to look round the house for a small charge.

View full size

Another view of the house

There are a number of boatyards here where motor cruisers and narrow boats may be hired for holidays on the river. There are also short conducted cruises available to see the city from the river.

The obvious white building on the left is The Cutter Inn which, I understand, offers a wide range of good food in its restaurant although we haven't sampled it.

View full size