Stories of Ely Cathedral - 19th Century Victorian Restoration

Step back 150 years and the major restoration programme and reorganisation of the Cathedral is nearly complete!

Begun by Dean George Peacock when he was installed as Dean in 1839 and facilitated by the architect George Gilbert Scott from the time of his appointment in 1847, Ely’s is the most comprehensive restoration of any British Cathedral attempted to date. The building was re-imagined from top to bottom, inside and out in an effort to repair the damage wrought by the Reformation and remove centuries of accretion that obscured a medieval masterpiece.

Your guide will take you back to 1871 in order to appreciate the Cathedral as it would have appeared to a visitor at that time. You will be guided through the building, hearing of the Victorian restoration and bringing to life the personalities of the 19th century individuals from the Dean, the clergy, the architect, the painters, the carpenters, the metal smiths who all contributed to creating Ely Cathedral as we know it today.

Dates & Times: Tuesday 29th April, 2pm & Sunday 4 May, 2pm.

Please meet inside the West Entrance (main door), 10 minutes prior to the tour start time.

Additional Information: Please note that this tour takes place within the cathedral.