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Ely

Ely Facts For Kids

Ely is a charming cathedral city in East Cambridgeshire, England, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant community spirit.

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Ely
Ely
Facts for Kids!
Image by Tilman2007, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

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Introduction

Ely is a special place in England! 🌍It’s a cathedral city, which means it has a really big and beautiful church called a cathedral. Ely is found in the East Cambridgeshire district, about 14 miles away from the city of Cambridge. This lovely town has lots of history and charming buildings! The population of Ely is around 20,000 people. It's a great spot to explore nature and history, making it fun for families and kids. Plus, with its rich culture, there's always something exciting happening in this small but vibrant community! 🎉

Images of Ely

1880 map of the Isle of Ely with nearby rivers

1880 map of the Isle of Ely with nearby rivers

East aspect of St Mary's vicarage, a Grade II* listed building.[37] Oliver Cromwell lived here between 1638 and 1646.[38] Since 1990, the building has been open as the Oliver Cromwell's House tourist attraction and as Ely's tourist information centre.[39][ii]Image by Gwendraith at English Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

East aspect of St Mary's vicarage, a Grade II* listed building.[37] Oliver Cromwell lived here between 1638 and 1646.[38] Since 1990, the building has been open as the Oliver Cromwell's House tourist attraction and as Ely's tourist information centre.[39][ii]

Eel Day carnival procession down Fore Hill, 2007Image by Gwendraith at English Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Eel Day carnival procession down Fore Hill, 2007

Earliest known map of Ely[49] by John Speed, 1610.[iii] The cathedral is dedicated to St Peter at this time and a windmill[40] is shown on Mount Hill where the post-conquest motte and bailey Ely Castle once stood. In the 18th century the Reverend James Bentham planted trees on Mount Hill which was named Cherry Hill at least since 1821.[52]

Earliest known map of Ely[49] by John Speed, 1610.[iii] The cathedral is dedicated to St Peter at this time and a windmill[40] is shown on Mount Hill where the post-conquest motte and bailey Ely Castle once stood. In the 18th century the Reverend James Bentham planted trees on Mount Hill which was named Cherry Hill at least since 1821.[52]

The Market Place, Ely, pencil and watercolour by W. W. Collins[71] published 1908[72] showing northeast aspect of Ely Cathedral in the background with the Almonry[73]—now a restaurant and art gallery[74]—in front of that and the 1847 corn exchange building,[41] now demolished, to the right of the picture.

The Market Place, Ely, pencil and watercolour by W. W. Collins[71] published 1908[72] showing northeast aspect of Ely Cathedral in the background with the Almonry[73]—now a restaurant and art gallery[74]—in front of that and the 1847 corn exchange building,[41] now demolished, to the right of the picture.

OpenMap of Ely demonstrating city boundary and environs. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} City/parish boundary Built-up area Countryside Greenfield landImage by The Equalizer, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

OpenMap of Ely demonstrating city boundary and environs. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} City/parish boundary Built-up area Countryside Greenfield land

Sessions House (formerly Shire Hall), Lynn Road: Courthouse, built 1821. Since 2013 the headquarters of City of Ely Council.Image by Richard Kelly, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Sessions House (formerly Shire Hall), Lynn Road: Courthouse, built 1821. Since 2013 the headquarters of City of Ely Council.

A 1648 drainage map showing the Isle of Ely still surrounded by waterJoan Blaeu (1648) Regiones Inundatae

A 1648 drainage map showing the Isle of Ely still surrounded by waterJoan Blaeu (1648) Regiones Inundatae

This cannon was captured during the Crimean War at the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855)[152] and was presented to the people of Ely by Queen Victoria in 1860. It is located on the Palace Green west of Ely Cathedral and northwest of the Bishop's Palace.[153]Image by John McCullough, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

This cannon was captured during the Crimean War at the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855)[152] and was presented to the people of Ely by Queen Victoria in 1860. It is located on the Palace Green west of Ely Cathedral and northwest of the Bishop's Palace.[153]

1880 map of the Isle of Ely with nearby rivers

1880 map of the Isle of Ely with nearby rivers

East aspect of St Mary's vicarage, a Grade II* listed building.[37] Oliver Cromwell lived here between 1638 and 1646.[38] Since 1990, the building has been open as the Oliver Cromwell's House tourist attraction and as Ely's tourist information centre.[39][ii]Image by Gwendraith at English Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

East aspect of St Mary's vicarage, a Grade II* listed building.[37] Oliver Cromwell lived here between 1638 and 1646.[38] Since 1990, the building has been open as the Oliver Cromwell's House tourist attraction and as Ely's tourist information centre.[39][ii]

Earliest known map of Ely[49] by John Speed, 1610.[iii] The cathedral is dedicated to St Peter at this time and a windmill[40] is shown on Mount Hill where the post-conquest motte and bailey Ely Castle once stood. In the 18th century the Reverend James Bentham planted trees on Mount Hill which was named Cherry Hill at least since 1821.[52]

Earliest known map of Ely[49] by John Speed, 1610.[iii] The cathedral is dedicated to St Peter at this time and a windmill[40] is shown on Mount Hill where the post-conquest motte and bailey Ely Castle once stood. In the 18th century the Reverend James Bentham planted trees on Mount Hill which was named Cherry Hill at least since 1821.[52]

The Market Place, Ely, pencil and watercolour by W. W. Collins[71] published 1908[72] showing northeast aspect of Ely Cathedral in the background with the Almonry[73]—now a restaurant and art gallery[74]—in front of that and the 1847 corn exchange building,[41] now demolished, to the right of the picture.

The Market Place, Ely, pencil and watercolour by W. W. Collins[71] published 1908[72] showing northeast aspect of Ely Cathedral in the background with the Almonry[73]—now a restaurant and art gallery[74]—in front of that and the 1847 corn exchange building,[41] now demolished, to the right of the picture.

OpenMap of Ely demonstrating city boundary and environs. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} City/parish boundary Built-up area Countryside Greenfield landImage by The Equalizer, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

OpenMap of Ely demonstrating city boundary and environs. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} City/parish boundary Built-up area Countryside Greenfield land

Sessions House (formerly Shire Hall), Lynn Road: Courthouse, built 1821. Since 2013 the headquarters of City of Ely Council.Image by Richard Kelly, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Sessions House (formerly Shire Hall), Lynn Road: Courthouse, built 1821. Since 2013 the headquarters of City of Ely Council.

A 1648 drainage map showing the Isle of Ely still surrounded by waterJoan Blaeu (1648) Regiones Inundatae

A 1648 drainage map showing the Isle of Ely still surrounded by waterJoan Blaeu (1648) Regiones Inundatae

Eel Day carnival procession down Fore Hill, 2007Image by Gwendraith at English Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Eel Day carnival procession down Fore Hill, 2007

This cannon was captured during the Crimean War at the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855)[152] and was presented to the people of Ely by Queen Victoria in 1860. It is located on the Palace Green west of Ely Cathedral and northwest of the Bishop's Palace.[153]Image by John McCullough, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

This cannon was captured during the Crimean War at the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855)[152] and was presented to the people of Ely by Queen Victoria in 1860. It is located on the Palace Green west of Ely Cathedral and northwest of the Bishop's Palace.[153]

Economy

Ely’s economy is diverse and exciting! 🏬Many people work in shops, schools, and local businesses. The town also attracts tourists because of its beautiful cathedral and historic sites. Visitors love to explore and spend money at cafes and restaurants. Additionally, there is farming in the surrounding countryside, which helps provide fresh produce to restaurants and shops. 🍏Overall, Ely has a strong economy thanks to both locals and tourists, helping the town grow and thrive!

History

Ely has a fascinating history! It was founded many years ago, around the 7th century. The famous Ely Cathedral was built in 1083 and is one of the oldest cathedrals in England. 🏰The town was once an island surrounded by water, which made it hard for invaders to reach! In the 1100s, the people of Ely started building strong walls to protect themselves. Did you know that a famous lady named Hereward the Wake led a rebellion against the Normans here? 📜So much action has happened in Ely over the centuries!

Education

Ely offers bright learning opportunities for kids! There are several schools in the area, including primary and secondary schools. 🏫Some of these schools focus on special subjects like arts or science, helping kids learn in fun ways. Ely also has a rich library filled with exciting books to spark imagination! 📚Kids can join clubs, learn new skills, and make friends while studying. Education is highly valued here, and the community encourages everyone to read, explore, and discover amazing things!

Geography

Ely is located in the eastern part of England, in the county of Cambridgeshire. 🌳It’s around 80 miles from the big city of London and 14 miles from Cambridge. The town actually sits on a hill, which was named "Isle of Ely" because it was surrounded by waters. The River Ouse flows nearby, providing lovely views and nature walks. In this area, you can find beautiful parks and countryside, making it great for outdoor adventures. 🚴‍♂️ Much of the land is flat, perfect for riding bikes or walking with friends!

Transport

Getting around Ely is easy and fun! 🚍The town has a train station that connects it to other places in England, like London and Cambridge. Kids love taking the train because it’s quick and saves lots of energy for playing! 🚆Additionally, there are bus services to visit nearby towns and attractions. Many people also walk or ride bikes along the flat paths and trails. Ely is a friendly place for all types of transportation, making it easier for everyone to explore this charming city!

Demographics

Ely is a lively town with around 20,000 residents, which means many families live here! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Most people in Ely are friendly. The town welcomes people from different backgrounds, creating a wonderful mix of cultures. There are many different age groups, from babies to older folks, making it a nice place for everyone! 🎈The townspeople enjoy activities together, and there are also schools, parks, and community events that help share special moments with one another!

Culture And Arts

Ely has a rich culture and lots of artistic activities! 🎨The town hosts various events throughout the year, including art fairs and music festivals. These events allow families to come together and enjoy local talents. The Ely Cathedral is also a masterpiece, featuring stunning architectural designs. 🎶In addition, there are local theater productions that both kids and grown-ups can enjoy. Throughout the year, the people of Ely celebrate their history and creativity in many fun and exciting ways!

Local Government

Ely is governed by a local council that helps take care of the community! 👩‍⚖️ The council consists of elected members who make decisions about schools, parks, and public services in the area. This council also listens to what the residents want and works to improve the town. 💼They organize events and community projects, ensuring that everyone feels a part of Ely. Local government plays an important role in keeping the town clean, safe, and fun, making it a great place to live!

Notable Landmarks

Ely is home to many remarkable landmarks! 🌟The most famous one is Ely Cathedral, with its stunning architecture and tall towers. People from all over come to admire it! Other notable sites include the historic Ely Museum, which showcases life in the town over the years. 😍Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Oliver Cromwell’s House, where a famous British leader once lived! These landmarks help tell the story of Ely and its amazing past. Each place has a secret to share with visitors!

Events And Festivals

Ely loves to celebrate! 🎉Throughout the year, the town hosts exciting events and festivals. One of the most popular events is the Ely City Carnival, where families enjoy parades, games, and delicious treats. 🎊There is also the Ely Folk Festival, featuring amazing music performances! 🎶Kids can join in the fun with crafts and activities. During Christmas, the Ely Christmas Market fills the streets with holiday cheer! These events bring everyone together, creating joyful memories in this wonderful community!

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