Ely Cathedral Broderers

Ely Cathedral Broderers

The Ely Cathedral Broderers are a small but skilled and dedicated team of volunteers who design and create new textile pieces, mainly for the Cathedral, as well as restore and conserve existing Ecclesiastical Textiles. Re-founded as a group prior to the Covid Pandemic, they meet fortnightly to continue working on various projects. See below notable examples of the textiles still within the Cathedral’s possession as well as some of the work the broderers have done over the years. 

St Etheldreda’s Banner 

The banner was specially worked to mark the jubilee of the Church Congress in 1910. It was worked by a Miss Yams, together with other ladies from the diocese. The central figure represents St Etheldreda. Over the figure of St Etheldreda are the arms of the bishop at the time, Dr Chase. The three crowns shown are the arms of the diocese and the three keys of the Dean and Chapter. Below are the arms of the University and town of Cambridge where the meetings of the Church Congress were held. A variation of the ‘Ely knot’ (which can also be found on our Medieval Cope) appears on this piece together with fine examples of the ‘or nue’ goldwork technique.

St Etheldreda’s Chapel Altar Frontal

This piece dates from the 18th Century and is thought to be of European origin – possibly French. The main body of the frontal is made of silk with raised metal thread embroidery. The centre piece is a representation of St Teresa depicted with a long dart entering her heart and is painted on silk. The painting is extremely delicate and is worked in couched metal thread over the painting.

Please note: the image below is of a different altar frontal.

Wall hangings in St Dunstan’s Chapel

These two large painted and embroidered 18th century panels of the Blessed Sacrament are of possible Spanish origin.  

The St Etheldreda Panels in St Catherine’s Chapel

During 2022 schools and home educated children from across the Diocese of Ely were invited to design panels depicting key events in the life of St Etheldreda. Twelve of these designs were selected to form a set of hanging applique panels in St Catherine’s Chapel. The panels were then hand stitched by the Broderers using the children’s designs. Each panel shows a key moment in the life the Cathedral’s founder and patron saint, St Etheldreda. This project was supported by generous sponsorship from the Cook family in loving memory of Rita and John McDermott and the Tann family. The panels are a temporary display within the Cathedral. 

On display at various times throughout the year

The White Altar Frontal

The white ‘festival’ high altar frontal was designed and given to Ely Cathedral at Christmas in 1897 by Bishop Alwyne Compton (Bishop of Ely 1886-1905).  He had designed it to match Gilbert Scott’s reredos, and the inspiration for the design came from a 13th Century vestment preserved in Rheims Cathedral.

Our archives note that:
‘The frontal was worked by the Sisters of St Mary’s Home, Wantage. The gold material and fringe and pearls came from Moscow. The words “Deo Gratias” are reference to the frontal being given as a thank-offering for the miraculous escape of a large party assembled in the Gallery at the Old Palace, in January 1896, when the floor gave way.  Between the words are three small helmets, taken from the Compton arms’.  

The frontal was restored in 2011- 2013, new silk was woven by a mill in Sudbury who were able to copy the design and nine NADFAS Heritage volunteers set to work, lifting the embroidery from the old silk and reapplying it to the new.

Other vestments of particular interest not on display

Medieval Cope

The cope dates from 1470 and is made of green silk velvet and embroidered in gold and silk threads. It is listed in the Cathedral’s inventory as one of the few items the Cathedral was permitted to keep following the reformation. The lily style design which is repeated all over the cope is known as the Ely knot. The Orphrey (border) appears to be of a later date and is embroidered with images of Saints. In May - October 2026, the cope went on display at the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich (UEA) during an exhibition entitled: Living by the Rule: Contemporary meets Medieval.

Gold Silk Damask, fiddle back chasuble

Italian and dated 1739
Set in the small back panel is the Latin inscription:
“F V FATTO DI CARITA” L’ANNO 1739
‘For the Love of God this was made’ 1739

The set includes maniple, stole, burse and veil which have been restored with modern materials. This set is still used in Ely today.

Summary of Liturgical Colour usage

White or Gold: (joy, purity) Festivals eg: Christmas, Easter etc.
Red: (blood, fire) Feasts of Martyrs, Pentecost etc.
Violet/Purple: (penance) Advent and Lent.
Red or Black: Good Friday. Black is also used for All Souls and Funerals.
Green: (life, growth) Ordinary time.
Rose Pink: Gaudete Sunday in Advent, Laetare Sunday in Lent.

See below various stoles (a long, narrow band of cloth worn by ordained clergy) that the Broderers finished making in 2026.

If you are potentially interested in joining the group as a volunteer, contact our Volunteer and Operations Manager, Joseph Patkai on: 01353 660361 or e-mail: volunteering@elycathedral.org
Kindly note that:
•    Basic sewing skills are essential.
•    Knowledge of embroidery techniques such as goldwork, canvas work, silk shading etc, are required.

We recommend an initial visit to meet the team and see for yourself the work they do.

*With grateful thanks to all those who kindly supplied much of the information for this webpage.