Cathedral of Ely
Ili Cathedral is the only building in the UK listed as one of the "seven Wonders of the Middle Ages." Visible for miles, the cathedral is often referred to as the "Ship of the Swamps." Or it boasts one of the most amazing engineering achievements of the Middle Ages in the form of a unique (octagonal) Octagon tower. The building was one of the main Saxon churches in England, along with Glastonbury and Canterbury.
The history of the Cathedral or
The almost legendary founder of the attraction was Etheldreda, the wife of the Northumbrian king, who founded a monastery on this site in 673. The monastery of Etheldreda flourished for 200 years until it was destroyed by the Danes. It was recreated as a Benedictine community in 970.
After the Norman invasion, Simeon, a relative of William the Conqueror, was named Abbot of Ili. It was he who began to restore the earlier Saxon cathedral, creating in the process one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in England. Most English cathedrals are modeled after double western towers, while Il Cathedral has only one western tower and a huge octagonal tower.
Legacy of the past
The current building dates back to 1081 and is an example of a combination of different styles of architecture. It was at the beginning of the 12th century that the existing monastery church received the status of a Cathedral or Cathedral, and since then, various additions, changes and restorations have been made to it over the centuries. In 1986, the "Great Restoration" began, which cost more than 12 million pounds, and it was triumphantly completed in 2000. The Ili Cathedral has entered the 21st century in excellent condition and has been beautifully restored, to the delight of numerous visitors.
Modern Cultural Center
The Cathedral's role today is not so far removed from when it was a Benedictine monastery. Following its mission of "Worship, Joy and Care", Ili offers regular daily worship with a special focus on choral music. The cathedral still houses a choir of 22 choristers and 6 laypeople, and therefore the tradition of a choir evening continues every day of the week.
The Cathedral is not only one of the main attractions, but also the cultural center of East Anglia, providing a unique place for art and music, exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances. Recently, the cathedral has become a popular filming location for some epic films, including "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," "The Other Boleyn Girl," and "The King's Speech."
