Ely Cathedral

Today a trip to Ely to do something we often do between Christmas and the New Year; visit a cathedral.

It is a remarkable building.  When it was built it was on an island  some 4km by 7km and the land around was not drained until some 500 years later.  No wonder it was called the "Ship of the Fens".

The Octagon Tower (blip 3, 4 & 8) replaced a tower which collapsed when the Lady Chapel was built, so this tower replaced it, originally made of wood - each beam weighing 10 tons and shipped by river.  They changed the course of the river so that it was closer to the Cathedral.

Davide Wynne, the sculptor, has two pieces - Mary Magdelene and Jesus in the South Transept (blip 5) and Mary in the Lady Chapel (blip 6).  Both caused quite a stir - particularly Mary, who is portrayed as a blond in a blue dress.  Some critics called her a disco dancer and others Charlie Dimmock of gardening fame.

It was a lovely day and climbing up the Octagon Tower on to the roof.  Very narrow circular staircase, but worth it.

Where next?  Maybe Durham in the Summer with the two cathedrals in Liverpool for next December