X-Nico

7 unusual facts about Ely Cathedral


Æthelwine, Ealdorman of East Anglia

Although Byrhtferth and Ramsey Abbey remembered Æthelwine favourably, calling him Dei amicus (friend to God), the monks of nearby Ely saw him as an enemy who had seized their lands.

Ely Eel Day

The celebrations start with a parade which begins from Cross Green outside Ely Cathedral and proceeds through the city to the Jubilee Gardens, passing by the Market Square and along the River Great Ouse at Ely's Waterside.

John Ferrabosco

John Ferrabosco (baptised 1626 – died 1682) was organist of Ely Cathedral from 1662 until his death in 1682.

Mark Bonney

Mark Philip John Bonney is an Anglican priest: the Dean of Ely.

Patrick Russill

He has also been an organ consultant, most importantly (with Nicholas Thistlethwaite) for the rebuilding of the Harrison and Harrison organ at Ely Cathedral (1999-2001).

Sarah Coakley

In 2011 she is was appointed an honorary canon of Ely Cathedral where she assists with the morning office and Eucharist.

William Brito

Another manor may have been involved, as Henry, Brito's son, had a long running dispute with the cathedral chapter of Ely Cathedral from 1149 to 1153 over a manor which both sides claimed.


Augustine Lindsell

To Clare Hall Library he bequeathed all his Greek manuscripts and some Greek books; to Sir Robert Cotton he left a manuscript history of Ely Cathedral in Latin.

James Rattee

In the choir of Ely Cathedral he carried out the designs of George Gilbert Scott, and the oak screen, stalls, organ-case, and restored tomb of Bishop William de Luda or Louth (d. 1298) were exquisitely wrought.

Michael George Glazebrook

Michael George Glazebrook was a Headmaster of Clifton College, later a Canon of Ely, and is reputed to have once held the world record for the high jump.


see also