Stories of Ely Cathedral - Ely & Cambridge

Ely and Cambridge: The Ties That Bind

From its earliest days, Ely’s monastery was a beacon of learning in the heart of the Fens.  Dedicated communities of nuns – and later monks – shared their wisdom and scholarship, and their skilled hands crafted manuscripts in the monastery’s scriptorium.

Once Cambridge University emerged in the early 13th century, it quickly took over as the region’s centre of learning.  Bishops of Ely played a key role in shaping the development of the university, including founding Peterhouse and Jesus College.  

By the Reformation, Cambridge University was the stage for intense intellectual debate during decades of political and religious turmoil.  Many of Ely’s clergy played influential roles in Cambridge life as Fellows, Masters of Colleges and distinguished scholars, and their stories live on at Ely in elegant memorials and the very fabric of the building.

Our Guide will take you on a journey to encounter some of the intriguing characters involved and explore the interplay between Ely and Cambridge’s world-famous University and the ties that continue to bind the two cities today.

Date and time: Thursday 14 May, 2pm.  

Please meet at the west end of the Nave 5 minutes before the tour starts.