A Cambridgeshire gem
The landmark city of Ely is steeped in history, charm and appeal characterised by its remarkable heritage. This prestigious address is home to Ely Cathedral, said to be one of the finest examples of 12th century Norman architecture in Europe, and the only UK building listed among the ‘Seven Wonders of the Medieval World’. Ely has been recognised as a place of worship, welcome and education for more than a millennium with connections to many historic figures and notable residents such as Oliver Cromwell.
As one of the smallest cities in England, Ely was granted city status by Royal Charter in 1974, while its rich and varied history reaches back to associations with King Canute, William the Conqueror and St Etheldreda, who laid the foundations in AD 673 for the cathedral’s current site. Once a county in its own right, the Isle of Ely is a long-established destination for regal guests, rural workers and international visitors, situated with Cambridge and London to its south, leading northeast to Norwich, southeast to Ipswich and northwest to Peterborough.
Idyllic countryside setting
Uniquely located in expansive countryside with the River Great Ouse meandering around its cathedral city, the area has an abundance of natural beauty with sweeping landscapes, picturesque waterways and spectacular skies. A jewel in the Cambridgeshire crown, Ely Cathedral is known regionally as the Ship of the Fens, which can be seen for miles around as it rises above the skyline to provide a dramatic backdrop silhouetting the city’s charming streets and well-preserved architecture. Neighbouring Cambridge and Newmarket, and within easy reach of the Suffolk and Norfolk coastline, this enchanting city has flourished throughout centuries to become the sought-after place of space that it is today.
Ely is evolving
As an independent community, Ely is a friendly and dynamic place to live. Together with its new bypass, rail gateway, leisure complex and school adding to the area’s already excellent facilities, Ely uniquely combines timeless traditions and vibrant lifestyles with international business links.
Educational Excellence
Schooling is a key element of family life and Ely presents an excellent choice of schools and colleges for all ages and academic levels, with Cambridge’s internationally renowned universities are just on the doorstep.