Ely Cathedral | Page 2

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.

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TO THE FIRST EDITION.
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.
May, 1852.
[Illustration]

CONTENTS.
Introduction Page 1
Historical Summary 14
The See of Ely 17
List of Abbots, Bishops, &c. 19
Officers of the Diocese 22
Dean and Chapter 23
List of Priors and Deans 24
List of Clergy and Officers 26

The Cathedral--West Front 27
Galilee or Portico 30
Interior of the Tower 31
South-west Transept, Baptistry, &c. 34
Nave 35
Nave Aisles 40
Transept 45
Octagon 49
Choir 58
North Aisle of Choir 77
Retro-Choir 80
South Aisle of Choir 81
Lady Chapel, or Trinity Church 88
Upper parts of the Church 91
Exterior 91
Dimensions of the Cathedral 99
The Monastic Buildings, &c. 101
Prior Crauden's Chapel 105
The Bishop's Palace 110
St. Mary's Church 112

The Grange 115
St. John's Hospital 115
Appendix I. The Cathedral Organ 117
II. Statement of Restorations, &c. 120

THE MINSTER.
Copied, by permission, from "Good Words."
Stone upon stone! Each in its place, For strength and for grace, Rises
stone upon stone!
Like a cluster of rods, Bound with leaf-garlands tender, The great
massive pillars Rise stately and slender; Rise and bend and embrace
Until each owns a brother, As down the long aisles They stand linked
to each other; While a rod of each cluster Rises higher and higher
Breaking up in the shadow, Like clouds that aspire. While here in the
midst, 'Neath the great central tower, The strength and the unity Mingle
in power, And the mystery greatens: Nowhere in the place Can the eye
see the whole, Or the sun light the space. And here the gloom gathers,
And deepens to dense, While yonder the white light Breaks sharp and
intense.
Unity! Mystery! Majesty! Grace! Stone upon stone, And each stone in
its place.
[Illustration]

+Introduction.+
The introductory chapter of a book is often passed over without the
careful perusal it very frequently deserves, when, perhaps, its purpose
is to promote a better understanding of the subject contained in the

main portion of the work. In the present instance our object is to give
our readers an outline--a very brief one it is true--of the history and
foundation of the monastery at Ely twelve centuries ago, which led to
the subsequent erection of one of the noblest Cathedrals in the kingdom,
in order to enable them to understand more fully some of the remarks
in our description of this grand edifice as we now see it. To those who
desire a more elaborate detail or fuller description than we can offer in
our limited space, we would recommend a reference to The History and
Antiquities of Ely Cathedral, by the Rev. James Bentham; or a more
recent work, The Architectural History of Ely Cathedral, by the Rev.
D.J. Stewart, M.A., formerly Minor Canon of Ely.
Christianity was first introduced into East Anglia about the end of the
sixth century, by Redwald, the grandson of Uffa, founder of that
kingdom; but it appears that little progress was made in his time,
although Ethelbert, king of Kent, is said to have founded a monastery at
Ely about A.D. 604. Eorpwald, and after him, Sigebert, sons of
Redwald, greatly promoted the cause of Christianity, and it was during
the reign of Sigebert that the truths