Q&A about Ely Cathedral

How long is the Cathedral?
537ft (165m)

How many steps up the West Tower?
288

How high is the West Tower?
215ft (66m)

How wide is the Nave and Aisles?
78ft (24m)

How long is the Nave?
248ft (75m)

How high is the Nave ceiling?
105ft (32m)

How high is the Octagon?
170ft (52m)

How wide is the Octagon?
74ft (23m)

How high is the Octagon Lantern Tower from floor to central roof boss?
142ft (43m)

What is the Total area covered of Ely Cathedral?
46,000 sq.ft (4273 sq.m)

How did Ely Cathedral begin?
Ely Cathedral began as a monastery in AD 673 founded by St Etheldreda.
The Danes destroyed it and Abbot Simeon rebuilt it in 1081.
The central tower fell in 1322.
Alan of Walsingham rebuilt it in the design of the Octagon.

How many visitors per year?
250,000

What is a Cathedral?
Cathedral comes from the latin name cathedra meaning Bishops seat.
This Cathedral is the only one in the Diocese of Ely, which covers Cambridge and the surrounding area.