Public-domain ebook

Ely Cathedral

Name: Ely Cathedral
Author: Anonymous

by Anonymous

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Language: en3,507 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Ely Cathedral

In: Architecture·History - British·History - Religious

Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #20924.

About this book

This work is a nineteenth‑century guide to Ely Cathedral and its surrounding historic sites. The compiler, writing first in 1852 and revising the text through 1880, presents a practical handbook for visitors, offering a concise historical sketch of the monastery’s foundation, a detailed inventory of the cathedral’s architectural features, and notes on the surrounding fenland towns. The opening pages explain the author’s aim to provide “a faithful as well as a convenient and useful companion” to strangers, drawing on earlier authorities such as Bentham and Stewart while acknowledging the assistance of contemporary scholars. The text proceeds from a brief overview of early Christian activity in East Anglia to a chronological account of Saint Etheldreda’s role in establishing the original monastery, then moves into a systematic description of the building’s exterior and interior elements.

The voice is that of a diligent Victorian antiquarian, combining earnest scholarly citation with a modest, instructional tone. Its prose is formal yet accessible, interspersed with occasional poetic passages that celebrate the cathedral’s stonework. Readers who enjoy meticulous architectural surveys, historical travel guides, or studies of medieval English ecclesiastical history will find this volume rewarding, especially those with an interest in the interplay of religious heritage and the fenland landscape.

Who appears in Ely Cathedral

Saint Etheldreda7th‑century queen‑nun in simple linen habit, modest veil, serene expression
Sir G.G. ScottVictorian gentleman in frock coat, waistcoat, cravat, trimmed beard, top‑hat

The opening · free to read

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TO THE ELEVENTH EDITION.

When this Work first appeared as a candidate for public favour in 1852, the Compiler had but faint hopes of its ever attaining a position of usefulness which the sale of the several editions has proved it to have done. His constant aim has been to render it a faithful as well as a convenient and useful companion to strangers and others when examining this interesting Cathedral; and, in order to render each succeeding edition more complete, his study has been to give from time to time the best information in his power upon the improvements which have for many years been in progress. He tenders his best thanks for the kindness of many friends who have afforded him information, and has availed himself of the important remarks of the late Sir G.G. Scott at the Etheldreda Festival in 1873, and of the valuable work of Mr. Stewart to correct as well as to verify and support his own statements, for which his grateful acknowledgments are due. The whole has been revised, and some additions have been made, which he is induced to hope will enhance its value, and render it more worthy of public favor.

April, 1880.

This Hand-book is intended simply as a "guide" for those who visit Ely for the purpose of seeing the Cathedral, the remains of the ancient Monastery, and other objects of similar interest.

The Compiler acknowledges himself greatly indebted for much valuable information to the elaborate works of Mr. Bentham and Mr. Millers; and, although he is conscious that his task has been performed but imperfectly, he still ventures to hope that, in the absence of the larger works above referred to, his little compilation will prove both interesting and useful.